Joke of the Day

Just Borrowed Your Car

fter shopping for most of the day, a couple returns to find their car has been stolen. They go to the police station to make a full report. Then, a detective drives them back to the parking lot to see if any evidence can be found at the scene of the crime. To their amazement, the car has been returned.
      
      There is an envelope on the windshield with a note of apology and two tickets to a music concert. The note reads, "I apologize for taking your car, but my wife was having a baby and I had to hot-wire your ignition to rush her to the hospital. Please forgive the inconvenience. Here are two tickets for tonight's concert of Garth Brooks, the country-and-western music star."
      
      Their faith in humanity restored, the couple attend the concert and return home late. They find their house has been robbed. Valuable goods have been taken from thoughout the house, from basement to attic. And, there is a note on the door reading, "Well, you still have your car. I have to put my newly born kid through college somehow, don't I?"

Quote of the day

Letting go of earthly possessions enables us to take hold of heavenly treasure.

Christian Poem

Whatever we possess on earth

We have to leave behind;

But everything we give to God

In heaven we will find.--Sper

daily devotional

“Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we’re at our worst.”  Luke 6:35, The Message
God has proven himself as a faithful father. Now it falls to us to be trusting children. Let God give you what your family doesn’t. Let him fill the void others have left. Rely upon him for your affirmation and encouragement.

Word of the Day

Fueled by the Spirit

Acts 2:1-4

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

Thoughts for Today:

What an incredible experience that must have been -- to actually see tongues of flame resting on each of them as they were filled with the Holy Spirit. Many of us feel that access to that kind of power is no longer available. In fact we can sometimes feel our faith becoming dry and lifeless, as if the energy we once had for service has left us. Yet the Holy Spirit is available to you today as He has always been, waiting for you to ask for His presence and power. This example has been given to us throughout the Bible -- in both the Old and New Testaments.

One story that comes to mind, involves the Old Testament prophet, Ezekiel (37:1-14) who was given a vision in which the Lord instructed him to prophesy to a valley full of bones.

"So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I was prophesying, there was a noise, a rattling sound, and the bones came together, bone to bone. I looked, and tendons and flesh appeared on them and skin covered them, but there was no breath in them."

The bones came together, but there was no life -- they rattled together. The same is true for us when we try to work for the Lord in our own power without the Holy Spirit's power or enabling -- there's no life in us either. Verse 9 continues,

"Then he said to me, "Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe into these slain, that they may live.' "So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet a vast army."

The Bible often uses the words "wind" or "breath" to indicate the presence of the Holy Spirit. It is this breath of God, His Holy Spirit that comes upon us and into us -- powers and empowers us for service. The key to our receiving this power is obedience. In verse 10, Ezekiel says, "So I prophesied as he commanded me." In other words, he obeyed. In Acts 1:12, the Apostles returned to Jerusalem and waited in the upper room as Jesus had commanded (Acts 1:4). They were obedient as well.

If you are feeling spiritually dry, or maybe you're just going through the motions of Christian life without any significant purpose or direction, then it's time to ask God through His Spirit to reveal to you in what area of your life you need to obey. Ask God's Holy Spirit to fill you as you are obedient and empowered to humbly serve Him.

Luke 21:27

Luke 16:13

Luke 10:27

Luke 8:48

Christian Poem

Once for all, O sinner, receive it;

Once for all, O brother, believe it;

Cling to the cross, the burden will fall,

Christ hath redeemed us once and for all.--Bliss

Quote of the day

In a skeptical world you can trust God's reliable Word.

Joke of the Day

The Taxman

he local bar was so sure that its bartender was the strongest man around that they offered a standing $1000 bet.
      
      The bartender would squeeze a lemon until all the juice ran into a glass, and hand the lemon to a patron. Anyone who could squeeze one more drop of juice out would win the money.
      
      Many people had tried over time (weightlifters, longshoremen, etc.), but nobody could do it.
      
      One day this scrawny little man came in, wearing thick glasses and a polyester suit, and said in a tiny, squeaky voice, "I'd like to try the bet."
      
      After the laughter had died down, the bartender said OK, grabbed a lemon, and squeezed away. Then he handed the wrinkled remains of the rind to the little man.
      
      But the crowd's laughter turned to total silence as the man clenched his fist around the lemon and six drops fell into the glass.
      
      As the crowd cheered, the bartender paid the $1000, and asked the little man, "What do you do for a living? Are you a lumberjack, a weightlifter, or what?"
      
      The man replied, "I work for the IRS."

Recipe of the day

Grilled Sea Scallops with Tomato-Black Olive Vinaigrette and Potatoes

Scallops:

• 16 sea scallops (about 12 ounces), preferably diver-caught
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar , or to taste
• 1 clove garlic , finely chopped
• 3 to 4 large ripe tomatoes , seeded and chopped
• 3/4 cup (about 4 ounces) oil-cured black olives , pitted and chopped
• 1 bunch basil , roughly chopped

Potatoes:

• 4 large waxy potatoes (preferably Yukon Gold)
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions

To make scallops: Rinse and pat dry; place in a bowl. Season with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Set aside.

In a mixing bowl, combine vinegar, 2 tablespoons olive oil and garlic. Stir in tomatoes, olives and basil. Season to taste with 1/2 teaspoon salt and remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Set aside. Preheat gas grill to medium-high, or prepare a charcoal grill for direct grilling over medium-high heat.

To make potatoes: Cut into slices, about 1/3-inch thick. Steam on stove top until barely tender, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a bowl, allow to cool slightly and toss with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Place potatoes on grill and cook 3 to 4 minutes per side, until browned. Remove to a serving platter and keep warm in a low oven.

Place scallops on grill fitted with an oiled, small-mesh grill rack and cook 1 minute per side, until edges are lightly browned. Divide scallops among 4 individual serving plates. Top with equal portions tomato-olive vinaigrette; serve with potatoes on the side.

daily devotional

“Happy are they whose sins are forgiven, whose wrongs are pardoned.”  Romans 4:7

To qualify for bankruptcy, you have to admit you are broke . . .

And to go to heaven, you have to admit you are hellbound.

That’s a tough one . . . Not easy for a decent guy to admit he’s a sinner. Hard for a pretty good girl to confess spiritual destitution . . . If we are saved it is because God rescued us and not because we learned to swim.

Luke 6:21

Luke 12:8

Luke 18:8

Luke 18:25-27

Joke of the Day

Just One Wish

hree guys are convicted of a very serious crime, and they're all sentenced to twenty years in solitary confinement. They're each allowed one thing to bring into the cell with them.
      
      The first guy asks for a big stack of books. The second guy asks for his wife. And the third guy asks for two hundred cartons of cigarettes.
      
      At the end of the twenty years, they open up the first guy's cell. He comes out and says, "I studied so hard. I'm so bright now, I could be a lawyer. It was terrific."
      
      They open up the second guy's door. He comes out with his wife, and they've got five new kids. He says. "It was the greatest thing of my life. My wife and I have never been so close. I have a beautiuful new family. I love it."
      
      They open up the third guy's door, and he's slapping at his pockets, going "Anybody got a match?"

Christian Poem

When satan launches his attack,

We must take heart and pray;

If we submit ourselves to God,

He'll be our strength and stay.--Sper

Quote of the day

God provides the armor, but we must put it on.

Recipe of the day

Watermelon Agua Fresca Smoothie

• 3 cups diced seeded watermelon , chilled
• 1 cup frozen strawberries
• 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
• Pinch of sea salt
• Agave nectar (optional)

Directions

Combine the watermelon, strawberries, lemon juice, and salt in a blender. Blend until smooth. Sweeten with agave nectar, if you like.

daily devotional

“Love is patient and kind.”  1 Corinthians 13:4

Agape love cares for others because God has cared for us. Agape love goes beyond sentiment and good wishes. Because God loved first, agape love responds. Because God was gracious, agape love forgives the mistake when the offense is high. Agape offers patience when stress is abundant and extends kindness when kindness is rare. Why? Because God offered us both.

Sermon of the week

DRAWN BY POWER

 
“Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: 
therefore God hath blessed thee for ever,” Psalm 45:2.   
 
 
If you see the context in which our verse is written, you will notice in verse 1 
that it is speaking of the king: “My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of 
the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready 
writer.”
 
 
This speaking of the king is a prophetic insight that the psalmist had of the 
Lord Jesus Christ in His kingly position, and it points to that blessed 
condescension of that King in verse 2: “Thou art fairer than the children of 
men: grace is poured into thy lips.” He is seeing the overwhelming beauty in the 
grace and tender love that comes forth from the King of kings.
 
Many of the Old Testament writers spoke of the blessedness of our lovely Saviour 
in a prophetic way as we see from Song of Solomon 5:16: “His mouth is most 
sweet: yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, 
O daughters of Jerusalem.”
 
We see such a beautiful parallel between this verse and our text. The writers 
see such preciousness and such beauty in the words of the King of kings and in 
His loving condescension.  
 
 
The love of God for His people is eternal, and that has been the source of 
drawing His people to Him from eternity. I want you to turn with me to Jeremiah 
31:3: “The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee 
with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.”
 
The Old Testament writers saw and understood what had been from the beginning. 
This was not a new exposition. It is an eternal love, and they see the 
blessedness in that eternal love of God. The word therefore shows that because 
of this everlasting love, He has drawn us with lovingkindness. It does not say 
that He has driven us. The Lord does not use the law as a whip to drive us to 
Christ. He draws us with the blessed revelation of that love. He does not drive 
us to Christ out of a slavish fear. 
 
 
The gospel has a drawing love. The love of God draws us to repentance. This is 
what gives us a different attitude. I saw a man one time who whip-broke a horse, 
and he could crack a whip one time in the corral and a horse out in the pasture 
would come running to him and stand there trembling. That is not how the Lord 
draws His people to Him. The Lord draws us with the everlasting love of Christ.
 
Our blessed Saviour tells us how sinners are drawn to Him in John 12:31: “Now is 
the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.” The 
prince of this world will no longer sit as king on the throne of your heart. The 
Saviour is showing us how He will accomplish this.  
 
 
Continuing in verses 32 and 33 we read: “And I, if I be lifted up from the 
earth, will draw all men unto me. This he said, signifying what death he should 
die.”
 
Much more is to be understood here than just that we see His human body hanging 
on a tree. What death did He die? We read the answer in Romans 6:10: “For in 
that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.” 
If we start to see the love that was in the ignominious death of our dear 
Saviour and how He died unto sin, then sin becomes exceedingly sinful. This is 
what has to be lifted up before our eyes—that tender love of God, of how He gave 
His Son, and that tender love of the Son, how He hung on the cross. It was not 
the nails that hung Him there. It was His love.
 
These gracious lips of our Saviour are what makes Him “fairer than the children 
of men” to those who hunger and thirst after righteousness. He is pleading with 
His church. He is pleading with His lovely bride. He is telling them of His 
love. He is showing them how He was lifted up from the earth, and how He was 
hung there from a motive of love. This is what causes us to hunger and thirst 
after righteousness. You and I will never have enmity against sin by the whip of 
the law. We will only see the sinfulness of sin and have that hunger and thirst 
after righteousness as our eyes are opened to see the love of God. Amen.
 
Jesus is tenderly calling thee home—
Calling today, calling today;
Why from the sunshine of love wilt thou roam 
Farther and farther away?
 
Jesus is calling the weary to rest--
Calling today, calling today;
Bring Him thy burden and thou shalt be blest;
He will not turn thee away.
Fanny J. Crosby, 1883
 ----------------------

1st Peter 4:8

John 4:14 & 7:39

Lamentations 3:41

Joshua 24:15

Recipe of the day

Blueberry Brain Boost Smoothie

• 1 cup fresh-pressed apple juice
• 1 fresh ripe banana
• 1 1/2 cups frozen blueberries
• 1/2 cup frozen raspberries
• 1/4 cup raw walnuts , preferably soaked and drained

Directions

Combine the apple juice and banana in a blender. Add the blueberries, raspberries, and walnuts. Blend until smooth.

Joke of the Day

Jesus is Watching

burglar got into a house one night. Shining his flashlight on the floor in the dark, he heard a voice saying, "Jesus is watching you."
      
      He looked around nervously, shook his head, and kept looking for valuables. He again heard, "Jesus is watching you."
      
      This time, he shone his light all over, and it rested on a parrot.
      
      He asked, "Did you say that?"
      
      The parrot admitted that it had. "I'm just trying to warn you, that's all."
      
      The burglar said, "Warn me, huh? Who are you? What's your name?"
      
      "Moses."
      
      "Well, what kind of stupid people would name a parrot 'Moses'?"
      
      The bird answered, "I don't know; I guess the same folks who would name a Rottweiler 'Jesus'."

Christian Poem

O Lord, may my heart be loyal to you
In all that I say and all that I do;
When a trusted person is not a true friend,
I know that on You I can always depend.--Hess

Quote of the day

Loyalty is the test of true love.

Word of the Day

“Because he delights in me, he saved me.”  Psalm 18:19
You thought he saved you because of your good works or good attitude or good looks. Sorry. If that were the case, your salvation would be lost when your voice went south or your works got weak. There are many reasons God saves you: to bring glory to himself, the appease his justice, to demonstrate his sovereignty. But one of the sweetest reasons God saved you is because he is fond of you.

daily devotional

Waiting on the Spirit

Acts 1:23-26

So they proposed two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they prayed, "Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs." Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.

Thoughts for Today:

In Acts 1: 4-5 Jesus tells the disciples to remain in Jerusalem and wait for the Holy Spirit. He goes on to tell them they will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them, and they will be His witnesses to the ends of the earth.

While the disciples were waiting on the Spirit, Peter stood up and suggested the 12th Apostle position should be filled. Personally, I think this was a mistake on his part. "Wait a minute," you say, "Didn't you just point out the positive attributes of Peter's leadership?" Yes I did, however, I believe God intended the 12th Apostle to be Paul. Matthias (the one chosen by the Apostles) is never mentioned again. Yet we all know the tremendous influence of Paul in the New Testament.

Think about how comical this must appear from the Lord's perspective. The apostles (led by Peter) decide the 12th position is empty and therefore it needs to be filled (appropriately reasoned). The only problem is - it is they who chose the two men; cast lots; then declare it must be the Lord's will. Clearly, the Lord had a different man in mind that wasn't offered as an option. How often are we guilty of asking the Lord, "Should I go here or there?" What if the Lord's intent for my life is neither of those two choices? So what's my point? My main point is: When the Lord tells you to wait, you should wait on all decisions, not just the major ones. My secondary point is: No matter how badly we mess up when we're trying to "help" the Lord, He is always in control.

John 7:37,38

John 1:15-18

John 20:29

John 14:18

Joke of the Day

Adam and Eve's Religion

      Teacher: "Who were the first human beings?"
      
      Christian Student: "Adam and Eve."
      
      Teacher: "And what religion was this Adam and Eve?"
      
      Student: "Communist, of course."
      
      Teacher: "And how do you know that they were Communist?"
      
      Student: "Easy, they had no roof over their heads, no clothes to wear, and only one apple between them, yet they still called it paradise!"

Recipe of the day

Barbecued Shrimp

• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
• 1/4 cup fish stock or water
• 4 Tbsp. minced garlic , about 8 cloves
• 1 Tbsp. white vinegar
• 1 tsp. olive oil
• 3 Tbsp. light brown sugar
• 1 Tbsp. chili powder
• 2 tsp. dry mustard powder
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 pound medium shrimp , peeled and deveined
• 12 metal or wood skewers

Directions

Note: If using wood skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before use to prevent burning.

Combine all ingredients, except shrimp and skewers, in a medium saucepan and bring the mixture to a boil for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Cool to room temperature. Put the shrimp in a container and pour the sauce over them. Cover and refrigerate for 3 1/2 hours or up to overnight, turning shrimp once halfway through. When ready to cook, drain the shrimp, reserving sauce. Return sauce to a small pot and heat until boiling. Remove from the heat; cool to room temperature. Place 3 or 4 shrimp on each skewer.

Heat a charcoal grill or grill pan over medium heat. Cook the skewered shrimp about 2 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and firm to the touch. Serve hot with reserved sauce for dipping.

Christian Poem

Give Him each perplexing problem,

All your needs to Him make known;

Bring to Him your daily burdens--

Never carry them alone!--Adams

Quote of the day

A false life belies a true faith.

daily devotional

How to Lead

Acts 1:12-22

Then they returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day's walk from the city. When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) and said, "Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through the mouth of David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus. He was one of our number and shared in this ministry." (With the reward he got for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. Everyone in Jeru! salem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) "For," said Peter, "it is written in the book of Psalms, 'May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it,' and, 'May another take his place of leadership.' Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from John's baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection."

Thoughts for Today:

Peter was chosen by Jesus to lead -- so he led ("In those days, Peter stood up among the believers."). Pay attention to how Peter led: He went back to meeting together; back to prayer; back to Scripture; back to a focus on Jesus; and back to reflecting the pattern and example of Jesus. Quality leadership always starts with a return to basics (core values), before innovation and creativity can be applied effectively (even before problems get addressed or plans are made). Why? Because the "next step" becomes apparent when the focus is on the Lord and not the situation. Notice I didn't say solution. Peter didn't have all the problems worked out -- they must have been overwhelming. Most people look to leaders to fix all the problems. For example, what was Peter going to do about the persecution by the Jews? Form a militia? Peter didn't address that or any of a few hundred other issues. Instead he focused on fellowship and worship; praying together; studying ! Scripture to gain insight into current events (that's what we're doing right now); and looking at the pattern and example of Jesus. The net result was a clear "next step" -- and that was to fill the empty 12th apostle spot -- simple and effective leadership.

You might say, what what about all the other issues that needed to be addressed? All that other stuff didn't seem to matter much, because this decision was the only one that got recorded for us to look at two thousand years later. I would say Peter listened to the Lord, prioritized, and dealt with the right issue at the right time. The same is true for us in our own lives. Things are coming at us fast and hard -- pressing us for decisions. What do we do?

John 12:35

John 12:26

John 10:28

John 10:27

Joke of the Day

Why God Created Animals

newly discovered chapter in the Book of Genesis has provided the answer to "Where do pets come from?" Adam said, "Lord, when I was in the garden, you walked with me everyday. Now I do not see you anymore. I am lonesome here and it is difficult for me to remember how much you love me."
      
      And God said, "No problem! I will create a companion for you that will be with you forever and who will be a reflection of my love for you, so that you will love me even when you cannot see me. Regardless of how selfish or childish or unlovable you may be, this new companion will accept you as you are and will love you as I do, in spite of yourself."
      
      And God created a new animal to be a companion for Adam. And it was a good animal. And God was pleased. And the new animal was pleased to be with Adam and he wagged his tail. And Adam said, "Lord, I have already named all the animals in the Kingdom and I cannot think of a name for this new animal."
      
      And God said, "No problem! Because I have created this new animal to be a reflection of my love for you, his name will be a reflection of my own name, and you will call him DOG."
      
      And Dog lived with Adam and was a companion to him and loved him. And Adam was comforted. And God was pleased. And Dog was content and wagged his tail.
      
      After a while, it came to pass that Adam's guardian angel came to the Lord and said, "Lord, Adam has become filled with pride. He struts and preens like a peacock and he believes he is worthy of adoration. Dog has indeed taught him that he is loved, but perhaps too well."
      
      And the Lord said, "No problem! I will create for him a companion who will be with him forever and who will see him as he is. The companion will remind him of his limitations, so he will know that he is not always worthy of adoration."
      
      And God created CAT to be a companion to Adam. And Cat would not obey Adam. And when Adam gazed into Cat's eyes, he was reminded that he was not the supreme being. And Adam learned humility.
      
      And God was pleased.
      And Adam was greatly improved.
      And Dog was happy.
      And the Cat didn't give a hoot one way or the other.

Recipe of the day

Citrus Collards with Raisins Redux

• 1 Tbsp. and 1/2 tsp. sea salt
• 2 large bunches collard greens , ribs removed, cut into strips, rinsed and drained, about 12 cups
• 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic , minced
• 2/3 cup raisins
• 1/3 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (from 1 orange)

Directions

In a large pot over high heat, bring 3 quarts (12 cups) water to a boil and add 1 tablespoon salt. Add the collards and cook, uncovered, for 8 to 10 minutes, until softened. Meanwhile, prepare a large bowl of ice water.

Remove the collards from heat, drain, and plunge into the bowl of cold water to stop cooking and set the color. Drain, gently pressing the greens against the colander.

In a medium-size sauté pan, combine olive oil and garlic. Sauté for 1 minute on medium heat. Add the collards, raisins, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Sauté for 3 minutes, stirring frequently.

Add the orange juice and cook for an additional 15 seconds. Do not overcook (collards should remain bright green). Season with additional salt to taste if needed and serve immediately.

Christian Poem

When love and kindness rule our lives,

And we are seen as one,

The fragrance of our unity

Has no comparison.--Sper

Quote of the day

Christians who get along with each other spread the sweet aroma of Jesus.

Word of the Day

Taken Before Their Very Eyes

Acts 1:9-11

After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. "Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."

Thoughts for Today:

A few years ago a woman was killed in a car accident, leaving motherless two small children. It happened in the middle of the afternoon, they're not quite sure how. She lost control of the car and it crossed into on-coming traffic. She was the only fatality. The parents/grandparents are Christians but have never recovered from this loss. You see it was the second child they lost. Their son had died a few years earlier. Their words that ring in my head are these, "This just shouldn't happen. This is not what a loving God would intend. This is not the natural order of things. A parent should never outlive their children."

The disciples must have been feeling this way as well. Jesus was with them; He was taken away (crucified); He returned and spent 40 more days with them; then "poof" He was taken from them again. What were they to think? Everything they thought about how things should be or were going to be was shattered again. They must have been incredibly confused.

So what did they do? They stood there staring into the sky trying to make sense of something they were incapable of understanding. Two thousand years later we still don't understand the full significance of that event, despite the fact we have the remaining New Testament to explain it (as well as countless Bible scholars). So how could they possibly understand it in the middle of the experience?

There are times when I stand still (as the apostles were standing), looking into the sky in amazement or shock -- amazed at a miracle, or shocked by some tragic event. Then God sends someone to me (as in these verses) who says to me, "Why do you stand here looking into the sky?" It's time to get moving, it's time to get doing. So where do we go, what do we do? The answer is the last thing Jesus told you to do. For the disciples that was go to Jerusalem and wait there for the Holy Spirit. I can't answer that question for you. When I'm in shock, I can barely answer it for me: What was the last thing Jesus told me to do? But I do know -- that is what I will do. That's why this book is so appropriately named "Acts." It's what the apostles and others who knew Jesus, did with this knowledge -- they did what Jesus told them to do -- and their lives and the world was transformed.

John 10:27,28

John 11:25,26

John 15:11

Judges 11:36

Recipe of the day

Savory Triple-Corn Grits

• 1/2 cup raw cashews
• 1 1/4 tsp. fine sea salt , divided, plus more for seasoning
• 2 large ears fresh sweet corn , kernels scraped
• 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion , diced
• 1 tsp. ground cumin
• 2 cloves garlic , minced
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup stone-ground grits
• Freshly ground white pepper

Directions

Note: Stone-ground grits are available at AnsonMills.com.

Soak cashews in water overnight; drain. In a blender, combine cashews, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 cup water; blend until smooth. Set aside.

Bring a small pot of salted water to a boil. Turn off heat, add corn kernels, and let sit for 1 minute. Drain and set aside.

In a medium sauté pan over medium heat, warm the oil; add onion, cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 7 minutes. Add garlic and cook until softened, about 2 minutes more. Set aside half of onion mixture in a small bowl. Add reserved corn to pan and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Set aside.

In a bowl, mix cornmeal and grits well. In a medium saucepan, combine 3 cups water and 1/2 teaspoon salt and bring to a boil. Slowly whisk in cornmeal and grits until no lumps remain, return to a boil, then quickly reduce heat to low. Simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent grits from sticking to bottom of pan, until grits have absorbed most of the liquid and are thickening, about 3 minutes. Stir in 1 cup water and simmer 10 minutes more, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir in creamed cashews and corn-onion mixture. Cover and simmer, stirring frequently, until grits are soft and fluffy, about 30 minutes.

Season with salt and white pepper to taste. Garnish with onion mixture.

Joke of the Day

The Oldest Profession

doctor, a civil engineer, and a computer scientist were arguing about what was the oldest profession in the world. The doctor remarked, 'Well, in the Bible it says that God created Eve from a rib taken from Adam. This clearly required surgery, so I can rightly claim that mine is the oldest profession in the world.'
      
      The civil engineer interrupted and said, 'But even earlier in the book of Genesis, it states that God created the order of the heavens and the earth from out of the chaos. This was the first and certainly the most spectacular application of civil engineering. Therefore, fair doctor, you are wrong; mine is the oldest profession in the world.'
      
      The computer scientist leaned back in his chair, smiled and said confidently, 'Ah, but who do you think created the chaos?'

Christian Poem

Don't judge too quickly what you see;

Treat lightly first impression;

Misunderstandings multiply

Without right information.--Sper

Quote of the day

A snap judgement has a way of becoming unfastened.

Daily Devotion

Acts 1:8

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

Thoughts for Today:

When Jesus said, "You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth," we tend to think this means we need to go out and speak to everyone about Jesus. Although I firmly believe we need to get out and preach the good news, I think it is an interesting choice of words: "You will be my witnesses" -- in other words, your life, as much as your words, is witness to the world about Jesus.

This is a heady concept: That what I do -- how I live -- matters as much, or more than my words. It is one of the reasons so many people are turned off to Christianity. They don't want to be like us. They don't see any benefit in being a Christian. They don't see any difference between Christians and everyone else.

John 8:58

John 8:31

John 5:24

1st Chronicles 16:33

Recipe of the day

Geechigirl Crab Cakes

• 1 pound fresh lump crabmeat
• 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
• 1 clove garlic , finely chopped
• 1 large egg , lightly beaten
• 1/2 lemon , juiced
• 1 Tbsp. mayonnaise
• 1 scallion , chopped
• 1 tsp. dried dill
• 1/8 tsp. crushed red pepper
• 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 1/4 cup bread crumbs
• 6 Tbsp. olive oil

Directions

Mix all the ingredients, except olive oil, together. Form into patties about 3/4-inch thick and 2 inches in diameter. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm 3 tablespoons oil. Add half the patties. Sear until golden, 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Repeat with remaining oil and patties. Serve hot.

Joke of the Day

A Childs Point Of View

he story of Adam and Eve was being carefully explained in the children's Sunday School class. Following the story, the children were asked to draw some picture that would illustrate the story.
      
      Little Bobby was most interested and drew a picture of a car with three people in it. In the front seat, behind the wheel was a man and in the back seat, a man and a woman.
      
      The teacher was at a loss to understand how this illustrated the lesson of Adam and Eve.
      
      But little Bobby was prompt with his explanation. "Why, this is God driving Adam and Eve out of the garden!"

Poem of the day

How glorious to think ahead

Of blessings yet to be,

Of help from God while life shall last--

Then joys eternally!--Branon

Quote of the day

God's work of creating is done; our work of praising has only begun.

Word of the Day

Acts 1:1-7

[Luke the author of Acts writing] In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." So when they met together, they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority."

Thoughts for Today:

Jesus had spent a lot of time with these men, yet they were still confused. They were confused about His life, His ways, His death, His resurrection, His promises, and His kingdom.

I think this is indicated by the disciple's last question of the physical Jesus, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" They didn't fully understand Jesus' message and his purpose. They took His words and translated them into what they thought He "should" be saying or doing according to their interpretation of Bible prophecy. They thought Jesus was talking about a physical kingdom.

Sometimes I think the Lord must be incredibly frustrated with me as well, when I don't "understand." When I take His words or action and change them into what I think He "should" be saying or doing. How did Jesus respond? "It is not for you to know " These words need to be underlined and highlighted in all of our Bibles. When you start to get insistent with the Lord, when you get demanding, or when you think you know better -- remember these words: "It is not for you to know!" I don't need to know everything -- the complete master plan, before I do my part. I think that is why a lot of the time we sit on the sideline and don't do what Jesus instructed. We are confused and don't understand why. The Bible doesn't promise understanding before, during, or even after a project (I'm not talking about understanding Scripture, but understanding the purposes God has for the things He commands). What kind of faith would it take if you always knew the outcome of something before you st! arted?