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)
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.
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
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