Can I find "GRACE" in Christmas Music

I'm sitting at my desk listening to some of my favorite music in my iTunes library, Christmas music. I'll admit, I listen to it all year long whenever I feel the mood come on. I should also admit that at this moment I'm not listening to the nice religious Christmas music...Ella is bellowing out "Good Morning Blues". Please don't hold that against me.

However, as I was listening to Ella sing, (I do have sacred music in the lineup, that I listened to earlier) the message topic for the past few Sundays came to mind - "GRACE". Our Bishop has been preaching on Grace since November 20, and other of our ministers have tried piggyback on the topic. I have to say, what better time to speak on such a topic than during the holidays, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

The story of Grace is best understood through the "Christmas story". And if I may add, when people use "X" instead of "Christ" it feels like they have played into the intention of the devil to totally X God's love out of the greatest story ever told. Without CHRIST in Christmas, GRACE becomes silent...we could even say absent.

So when I hear my Christmas music, whether secular or sacred, I can't help but know that without Christ there would never be a Christmas. Without Christ, grace would be the hardest thing to comprehend. It just would never add up in our minds. How would we relate Grace? What proof would we have that it exist?

If it were not for Christ, the fat dud in the red suit would never get any play time, the snow man would never grace Christmas cards, and that little famous reindeer would have never made it to our tvs each year. While Santa is supposed to be the guy who gives gifts every year, teaching our kids that they never have to thank their parents, it is Christ's life that has given the gift that keeps on giving. Thank God for His grace!

So even while Ella sings Merry Christmas to me, I can hear a more beautiful song playing...a song about God's grace.

Assistant Pastor, Mel Perry

Celebrating A Time of Thanksgiving

Most of us can all ready taste the Thanksgiving feast that will be spread across our American tables this Thursday. In fact some people have already began to plan out the menu - on what day they will cook this or that, the best place to pick up this item, what china set they will use this year, and the list goes on and on.

But how much time will be spent in true thanksgiving unto God who has made all of this possible? Will we speed through grace because our mouth is watering from the smell of the dressing and greens? Will we be able to forgo, just for one day, spending our prayer time "asking God for" and decide that today I want to "thank God for"?

I remember my days in private school. I loved the last day of school before the Thanksgiving holiday. Of course we would have our little Thanksgiving party, which meant no class work for the day. But there was something special about hearing stories about the Pilgrims. Being a very mentally visual kid, I would allow my mind to paint a moving picture of what life must have been like for both the Native Americans and the Pilgrims as the later struggled to survive in their new home and the former tried to learn how to live with these new inhabitants and all of their "baggage".

In all of the death, cold, hunger, diseases, and only God know what else, they all came together for a time to celebrate God's provision in their lives. In all of the hardship, they found a way to be THANKFUL.

This week as we prepare for Thanksgiving Day, let us remember it's not what we have or don't have, it's about God's goodness throughout our lives. For some, Thanksgiving is about getting their grub on and Black Friday shopping. But as believers, it should be about celebrating God's mercy and grace over the course of another year.

So if you open your eyes on Thursday, November 24, make being Thankful your top priority of the day.

Have a blessed and safe Thanksgiving week!


Pastor Mel 

Whatever it takes

We are just a few days away from the beginning of a new holiday season. I'm sure many people have already began to make mental preparations for next Thursday's Thanksgiving dinner. And some may already be making plans for Black Friday.

Speaking of Black Friday, several retailers have made some major changes so that they can ensure to dig deep into the pockets of the consumer. If you haven't heard the big news, here it is - Black Friday this year begins at midnight for most of our favorite stores. That's right, you don't have to wake up at 3am to stand at the end of the line. You get to set up your spot at 3pm after dinner with your portable tv and watch the football game while waiting for the doors to open at the strike of midnight.

It's amazing how the retailers will do whatever it takes to get our money! It's doubly amazing how we get excited about giving them our money...money that could probably be used for better purposes. WHATEVER IT TAKES!


What about the church? Are we willing to do whatever it takes to reach souls for the Kingdom of God? Will we find joy in the inconvenience in order to snatch souls out of the flames of hell? I have to wonder how many shoppers will see waiting in line for 6 or more hours to buy a toy as inconvenient? A toy that will soon be forgotten about hours after the excitement on Christmas day.

As we enter the Thanksgiving/Christmas season, let's remember the true reasons of our celebration. Let us make it our joy to share with others the Greatest Story ever told. Let us do our part in changing lives for the Kingdom.

Mel - Assistant Pastor

Looking Ahead

I truly pray that this time of prayer and fasting has been enriching to your spirit. Many churches go through a time of consecration in the new year. For some it's a ritual they would rather skip over, some a way to kick start their healthy year resolution that they will soon forsake. But I believe that for many it is truly a time to present themselves to God as an offering to be sacrificed for His glory and purpose.

Though this year's fast was only 14 days, I believe the corporate prayer added weight in truly bring a local assembly together to seek God collectively that we may also reap individually. While the numbers may have been disappointing at times, the realization is that everyone will not go after God. Even in scriptures we see where there was often a person or a group of people who were content in the status quo or refused to follow the simple plan of God in order to enjoy the corporate blessing. But the season of waiting on others to join in the "work" so that we can enjoy the harvest is over. In this season, those who wait will miss out, but those who yield to God will reap a great harvest.

I'm waiting to see what shall unfold for us...the foundation has been laid. As we continue, we can't stop and expect to see the completion, I believe that the end result will blow our minds and overwhelm our hearts. So let's keep the harvest in sight, our hands to the plow and our ears to the lips of God. What He has for us is out of this world.

WHAT SHALL WE EAT

Healthy Pasta

• 12 ounces (4 cups) multigrain penne
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 10 ounces button mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 3 small zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Cook the pasta.

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 4 minutes.

Stir in the garlic, zucchini, red pepper, and vinegar and cook until tender, 3 to 4 minutes more.

Add the cooked pasta and toss to combine. Divide among individual bowls.

MEAL IDEAS:

1. Grilled veggie (your favorite) soft tacos. Add black beans for protein, avocados or guacamole for healthy fat, and lettuce for added crunchiness.

2. Sweet potato fries. Julian a couple sweet potatoes, spray with olive oil pam or brush with olive oil and cook them in the oven until tender but slightly crisp.

3. Taco salad - make chips with corn tortillas. Top with green leave lettuce corn (grilled for more flavor), grilled portabella mushrooms, black beans, tomatoes, avocados, cilantro, and oil and lime juice for dressing. Season if needed.

Even though the fast has come to an end, let's try to maintain healthy eating. After Daniel and his 3 companions prove that eating natural, as God had instructed them, was better for the body. Junk food may be fun, but let it not become our norm.

Until next year...

Blessings!!!

Mel

It's Not the End, But the Beginning

As we near the close of the beginning of what God desires to do for us, we must be wise to know that the enemy will do his best to distract us. We should not be surprised when he sends oppositions from the outside, disagreements and offenses from the inside, doubt and fear and the list goes on. But we must hold strong to what we have received and what we are believing God to do. Our faith, commitment, faithfulness and love is what is going to help us to witness live in the promise that God has for us in 2011. Let's grab a hold of His hand and not look back!

THE VICTORY IS OURS FOR GOD'S GLORY!

Blessings!!!

Mel

ON TO THE FOOD:

Sweet Potato Tacos

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups canned kidney beans, drained
• 2 cups water
• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 4 teaspoons prepared mustard
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
• 4 cups cooked and mashed sweet potatoes
• 12 corn tortilla, warmed

• (After the fast 8 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese

Heat oil in a medium skillet, and saute onion and garlic until soft. Stir in beans, and mash. Gradually stir in water, and heat until warm. Remove from heat, and stir in the chili powder, cumin, mustard, cayenne pepper. Divide bean mixture and mashed sweet potatoes evenly between the warm corn tortillas.

MUSHROOM BARLY SOUP

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 3/4 cup diced carrots
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 3/4 cup barley
• season to taste (Natures Season or pepper and sea salt)

Heat the oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery and garlic; cook and stir until onions are tender and transparent. Stir in mushrooms and continue to cook for a few minutes. Pour in the chicken broth and add barley. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer until barley is tender, about 50 minutes. Season before serving.

SIMI- GREEK PASTA

• 2 (14.5 ounce) cans Italian-style diced tomatoes
• 1 (19 ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 10 ounces fresh spinach, washed and chopped
• 8 ounces penne wheat pasta

Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling water (add a table spoon of olive oil to water for tender pasta). Meanwhile, combine tomatoes and beans in a large non-stick skillet. Bring to a boil over medium high heat. Reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes.

Add spinach to the sauce; cook for 2 minutes or until spinach wilts, stirring constantly.

Serve sauce over pasta. After the fast try sprinkle with feta.

Words of Wisdom

Proverbs 3:1- 10 - 1My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, 2 for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity. 3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your pathsstraight. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. 8 This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. 9 Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; 10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.

TODAY'S RECIPE:

Corn Soup

6 ears corn (cut off the cob)
6 medium-large red potatoes (chopped in 1/2 inch pieces)
6 carrots (finely chopped)
1 medium-large onion (finely chopped)
2 green peppers (finely chopped)
2 bay leaves
3 teaspoons thyme
2 teaspoons marjoram
3 teaspoons cumin
2 teaspoons sea salt
2 teaspoons pepper
3 32oz. boxes of vegetable broth
Water, as necessary

Put vegetables and spices in a large soup pot. Cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally for 15 minutes. Add broth and maintain a light boil. Cook 45 minutes to 1 hour. Remove from heat. Blend 3/4 of the soup mixture in a blender in batches. Put blended soup in a large bowl or container until the blending process is complete. Pour the blended soup back into the pot. Add water to thin and obtain the desired consistency. Heat through and serve.

Blessings!!!

Mel

God's Will Is Always Perfect

Even though our fast is nearly over, the purpose of the fast is not. And it will take more prayer and fasting from us to see that purpose come to pass and continue in our live. The purpose...God's will to be fulfilled. Our lives are to be lived out fulfilling God's will.

The only will that God will accept is His. Why? Because His is the only one that is perfect and acceptable. Our will may have good intentions, but it is not perfect or acceptable. While there are people who have incorrectly created a second will of God called the permissive will, God has not.

First, we must remember God never contradicts Himself. So if He had a permissive will it would go contrary to His perfect will. Secondly, the permissive is fancier way of saying "my will". In order to be in the "permissive" will I must first step out of the perfect will and do my will. Then when my will does not work God accepts my will and make it His will and we continue on like nothing happened. But then we are back at the first point, God does not contradict Himself. If my will is not His will, then my will contradicts His. God never gives me permission to contradict His will. So the erroneous believe of a permissive will is in fact a lie the enemy wants us to believe so that we miss out on the benefits of God's wonderful perfect and acceptable will. Thirdly, in order to once again be in the will of God I must forsake my will and return to His perfect and acceptable will.

It is His grace that allows me to leave my will and come back to the will he had planned for me. But God never bows to my will and allow mine to trump His.

Throughout this year we must continue to rehearse God's will in our lives. There are going to be distractions that will try to lead us away from His. But if we keep in mind that the God's will is perfect and acceptable, leaning not to our own strength but His, we shall endure until His will is completed in our lives.

On To The Food...

Cilantro Grilled Vegetables

1/2 cup of Olive Oil (or melted butter substitute)

4 Garlic cloves shopped

1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1 package (4 count) of ears of corn

6 Roma tomatoes, each cut into 4 wedges

3 medium zucchini, cut into 2-inch diagonal slices

Natures Season (salt and cracked pepper after the fast)

Directions:

Combine oil, garlic, and cilantro in a bowl. Heat oven on 400F. Layer 2 sheets of foil (24 inches each) on a baking sheet and arrange corn, tomatoes, and zucchini in center. Season veggies. Pour oil mixture over over veggies and toss lightly to coat. Wrap veggies in foil to create a bag. Grill veggies for 20 minutes.

Until tomorrow...

May God bless you richly,

Mel

When Our "sacrifice" Is Not Really A Sacrifice

I'm sure you have heard people say, and may have even said it yourself, "let's sacrifice and come to service...". I can say I've been guilty of that plenty of times. But the other day in prayer I had one of those revelatory moments that sort of slaps you in the face.

Me coming to church, spending time in prayer, giving my time to do ministry is not a SACRIFICE. As a matter of fact it, is one of the most arrogant statements a Christian can make. How dare I say, "I'm going to sacrifice and come give God a few minutes of my." I can't be serious. Me coming, for example to prayer, is a necessity. My life depends on it. My salvation depends on the time I spend with God. Taking of the need for my soul is not a sacrifice but a dire need!

Jesus showed us what sacrifice is when He gave His life for our redemption. A sacrifice is what I give God - me. I give me to God as a sacrifice so that He can burn away the stuff that keeps me from being effective in His work. The sacrifice is the selfish will I surrender to Him so that I can learn His. But me "pressing my way" to do what benefits me can in no way be compared to a sacrifice. Maybe we can say a denial to self.

I've never heard anyone say, "I'm going to sacrifice and take care of my body so that I can enjoy a wonderful and fruitful life" or "I'm going to sacrifice and take this great paying job that is perfect so that me and my family can enjoy a very comfortable life with wonderful paid vacations and luxurious international hotels." If we hear someone say that we would think they were a snob trying to rub it in our face. Now imagine how we sound to God. "God I'm going to sacrifice and spend time with you so I can get clarity in my life, enjoy healing in my mind, spirit and body. I would rather stay home and complain about how confused I am. Gosh my body hurts so bad, I really should stay in instead of being in fellowship with my brothers and sisters who will cover me in prayer. Well, let me sacrifice and leave my pity party." Ok, I want to just roll on the floor with laughter right now. But we have all had that one or something similar.

Here is a little FYI for you and me, when we "sacrifice and come to church, spend time with God or whatever else we complain about we are not doing God a favor. We are doing us a favor. Plan to make this year a year were you do yourself a favor and go God where God is.

ON TO THE FOOD:

I hope you have enjoyed the recipes that have been shared during this Daniel's Fast. If you have one you would like to share, please feel free to email it to us at global_relations@newlifetemplechurch.com

Mashed White Beans with Spinach and Olives

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion (diced)
4 cloves garlic (chopped)
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 cup vegetable broth
2 (19 ounce) cans white beans (drained and rinsed)
4 sprigs thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dry)
2 sprigs rosemary (or 1/2 teaspoon dry)
2 sprigs oregano (or 1/2 teaspoon dry)
1 bay leaf
salt (sea salt if you use salt) and pepper to taste
1/2 cup vegetable broth
1/4 cup kalamata olives (pitted and coarsely chopped)
1 (8 ounce) package fresh spinach (rinsed and coarsely chopped)
1/2 lemon (juice)

Directions:
1. Heat the oil in a pan.
2. Add the onion and saute until lightly golden brown, about 10-12 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and pepper flakes and saute until fragrant, about a minute.
4. Add the broth, beans, herbs, salt and pepper and simmer. covered, until the beans start to break down, about 20 minutes.
5. Remove the herbs and mash half of the beans.
6. Add as much broth as needed to get the beans to your desired consistency.
7. Mix in the olives and the spinach.
8. Cook until the spinach just wilts, remove from heat and hit it with a splash of lemon juice.

Veggie Sandwich

1 small onion

1 big tomato

1 large portobello mushroom

seasoning of choice (Mrs. Dash, sea salt, Nature's Seasoning...)

4 slices of Ezekiel Bread (which ever flavor you like)

Extra Virgin Olive Oil or PAM Olive Oil Spray

Cut onions into 1 inch rings, tomatoes and portobello. Place onions and portobellos in a hot greased skillet (cast iron or grill is best), season and cook until they start to become tender or your desired preference. Remove from skillet and add tomatoes. Cook on both sides for about 45 seconds each side. Brush oil on bread and grill in skillet for about 35 seconds. Top your bread with your grilled veggies and enjoy with some nice tea like lemon ginger.

Remember we would love to hear from you. So if you have a recipe idea please share it with us. Or if there is a dish that has been mentioned on here and you have tried it, let us know how it turned out.

Until next time...

Blessings!!!

Mel

For Best Results

Well it's day 3 of our 2011 Daniel's Fast...are you excited yet!

At this moment an old song by James Cleveland comes to mind. In the James Cleveland fashion he told a story before the song. Culminating phrase that brought about the "jumps and screams" was "for best results...". If you want the best results when baking a cake you have to "follow the directions."

As we come to the midway point of the first week of the fast, don't just settle for a result. But hunger and thirst for THE BEST RESULT. It hit me this morning, fasting is not the same as consecrating. Fasting is doing without food. People fast for reasons other than "faith based reasons". But to consecrate is to dedicate our whole man as a sacrifice unto God. For best results on this fast each person must be willing to spend time with God - in prayer and in His word. We have to allow our mind and spirit to be drenched by Him.

Remember the enemy is going to send people, moments, things to distract you during this fast. He wants us to get angry, frustrated about things we can't control, focus on the negative or deny ourselves the fellowship with our church family. He's going to do his best make us to busy to spend time with God. He's going to tell us a little tv is ok, when in fact we know it will be hours. But for BEST RESULTS we must be willing to get to the place where God is moving. So let's find that place and stay there until we see the end results that God is waiting for us to witness.

Are You Ready To Eat?

Well, here are todays recipes. Who knows maybe you will want to keep them in your lunch/dinner rotation after the fast. Hope you enjoy.

Greek Vegetable Stew

from 2010 Daniel Fast list

2 tablespoons oil
2 onions, chopped
1 pound green string beans, broken in half
1 package frozen or fresh spinach
4 cups water
6 zucchini, chunked
4 yellow squash, chunked
2 cups celery leaves
4 tomatoes, quartered
1 teaspoon salt (kosher or Natures season)
8 slices lemon
1 tablespoon dried oregano
3 tablespoons fresh basil
2 cloves chopped garlic
2 tablespoons lemon juice

Lightly brown onions in a hot dry skillet in 2 Tablespoons oil. Add oregano & garlic. Cook 1 minute. Add 4 cups water and tomatoes. Cook 10 minutes. Add remaining ingredients. Cook covered for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve with a lemon slice in each bowl.

Eight servings.

Tex-Mex Lettuce Wraps

2 avocados

3 tomatoes chopped

1/2 jalapeno diced (optional)

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1 can of black beans

1 small can of sweet corn

2 tsp fresh lime juice

6-8 large lettuce leaves (try butter lettuce for a nice sweet taste)

In a medium bowl mash avocados. Add other ingredients and mix well. Spread mixture onto lettuce leaves.

If you have a recipe you have tried and would like to share with us, please email global_relations@newlifetemplechurch.com. If you want to share a word of encouragement with us, please feel free to do just that. Until Thursday my friend...

Stay blessed!

Mel

It can be done when we come together

Well, one could say that the Daniel Fast is well on its way. And I pray that even though this is the second day, you are experiencing a refreshing in your spirit.

The first evening pray was good. There was a nice showing of members who came out to take part in the service and prepare the "house" for great happenings in 2011. I know that we have said that we want to set the foundation for the healing service on Sunday, 16 January. But what if God wants to start doing things now. What if He is just seeing if we really want Him to do what He so longs to do for our church every time we come together.

Today a lady came to the church in desperate need of prayer. She said that she was 52 years old and had been using drugs since she was 15 years old. And then she said, "I'm just tired..." Wow! this is exactly what we are believing God to do, send the tired, wounded and hurting to be HEALED! But are we ready?

After praying for the lady, she told me that what she was sharing with me was the first time she had shared this, I assumed with church "folks". She said she had hid this from people, yet she was struggling to be free even though she had the gift of speaking in tongues (I wont even go there). Several times I invited her to our evening prayers because I believe that God wants to start healing now. I believe God can began the work if we come together expecting Him to do it! I'm truly believing God that this lady will return with a testimony saying that God has destroyed the strong hold that has held her in bondage for 37 years. This is a moment for the woman with the "issue of blood" to be made hold.

Today's recipe:

Well, I would like to share two recipe that I came across. Of course I've made adjustments to bring it inline with the foods allowed on our fast. For the original copy of these or other recipes visit daniel-fast.com

Stir Fry Vegetables with Brown Rice

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon sesame oil 4cups greens, chopped (kale,

3 green onions, finely chopped 3 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced

4 cups fresh broccoli, chopped 1⁄2 pound fresh green beans, chopped

2 carrots, peeled and sliced on diagonal

2 cloves garlic, minced

Preparation:

bok choy, spinach, collards, etc)

1 can sliced water chestnuts, drained

3 cups cooked brown rice

2 balsamic vinegar

11⁄2 cupspeas(if frozen run under water to thaw)

1⁄2 cup toasted sliced almonds

1.Heat a deep skillet or wok over medium heat for about 1 minute. Add oil and heat for 1 minute.

2.Add green onions and ginger. Sauté for 5 minutes. 3.Add broccoli, green beans, carrots, and garlic. Stir fry for 8-10 minutes. 4.Add greens and toss for about 2 minutes or until greens are wilted. 5.Stir in water chestnuts, brown rice, balsamic vinegar, peas and almonds. 6.Serve as complete meal.

Yield: four servings

Tip: Serve this dish as a complete main dish along with a side of sliced fruit such as oranges, pineapple or mango. This is also a great recipe to double and then use the leftovers for lunch. Merely heat in the microwave or eat at room temperature.

Bean Curry and Rice

This is an easy recipe and you can adjust the spices to your liking. You might also consider adding mushroom, carrots or other vegetables.

Ingredients:

1can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed (15 ounce) 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed (8 ounce)

1/2 cup raisins salt and pepper to taste

8 cups cooked brown rice 2 tablespoons olive oil

1 large white onion, chopped 1/2 cup dry lentils

2 cloves garlic, minced 3 tablespoons curry powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 pinch cayenne pepper

1 can crushed tomatoes (28ounce)

Preparation:

1. Prepare the brown rice according to package directions so you have enough for

8 servings.

2. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat, and cook the onion until tender.

3. Mix in the lentils and garlic, and season with curry powder, cumin, and

cayenne pepper. Cook and stir 2 minutes.

4. Stir in the tomatoes, garbanzo beans, kidney beans, and raisins. Season with

salt and pepper.

5. Reduce heat to low, and simmer at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

Yield: eight servings

Until tomorrow...

God's blessings be up on you!

Mel