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

It's On!

Today begins our 2011 Daniel Fast. For some its a new endeavorer, and for others it is almost like a spiritual holiday where we experience a time of consecration, purification, refreshing and preparation for the remainder of the year.

This year we as we enter into the most exciting "holiday" for New Life Temple Church, I invite you to join us here as we share words of encouragement and menu ideas.

If you are able to, please do your best to attend the prayer services. These services will help to prepare our heart and mind as a family/body for what we are believing God to do Sunday, 16 January. The results of that service will not be depend on Bishop Perry, but upon each of us making the sacrifice to come together humbly in a spirit of unity and seek God's face. In the end I believe that if we do that He will hear us and heal "our land".

On the natural side:

The Daniel Fast is a great time to do a physical body cleansing. For a whole year (and for many-all your life) we have filled our body with toxins. As we are "fasting" from those pleasurable foods that are more often bad for us, why not consider adding a detoxing program with that. Visit your community health store (family owned or national chain) and talk to one of their staff persons about doing a 7-14 day cleansing. And if you really want to do some good for your body consider doing a 21-30 day cleanse. Warning- for those of you with special medical conditions, please consult your doctor on the best program for you.

Many blessings to each of you as we move forward to a great moment.

See you tomorrow for some recipe ideas!

Mel

40 Days of Purpose - week 3

Fellowship is probably one of the most rewarding things in a believer can experience with in the church family, but often one of the hardest things to keep alive within the church family.

Every human being craves fellowship. We long to belong to...not just take part in. So why do we fight so hard against the very thing we crave, long for, and enjoy? All of the ugly flaws of human nature get in the way. And unfortunately, those flaws follow us in into our relationships with our spiritual family.

But I love how Rick Warren reminds us that we must LOVE our spiritual family even in those most unlovable moments...one day we too will need love. But we have to keep a key factor in mind, we must do our best never to let our hurts, disappointments, frustrations, and all those painful moments fester into a painful sore. Instead we must deal with the issue, resting on the mercy and grace that has been given to us, and stepping forward to protect the fellowship and unity with our family.

It is impossible to enjoy fellowship alone. But is possible to be alone even in the midst of fellowship. Just because we are surrounded by family does not mean we have entered into fellowship. Step out of the box...its the only way to enjoy few0lloship.