You are invited

"For God is the King of all the earth; Sing praises with understanding." Psalm 47:7 NKJV We had a wonderful time today during worship as we focused on praising with understanding. So often we just sing words or "go through the motions." Psalm 47:7 said to praise God with the understanding. From experience, this can bring much growth as you journey with Christ.

Today we read the parable of the great banquet. We read Luke 14:15-24. In this parable Jesus tells a story of a man giving a great supper and invited many. The servant (that's you and me) was sent out to call those who were invited. But the ones invited all had excuses. Then he sent the servant to invite those in the street and the disabled. When there was still room, he was sent to invite those in the highways and hedges. Notice that everyone was invited. It was left up to them whether or not to come. This was the RSVP that was needed for the invitation. Have you responded to the invitation?

In the next verses of Luke we find that to come to the feast means that we must first count the cost. "Whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be my disciple." Luke 14:27

Chicken and Potato Pancakes

Yes, you read that right!! I made chicken and potato pancakes! Everyone was skeptical, but now it is a favorite. They are easy to make too, which is my favorite thing about recipes.

Chicken and potato pancakes

2 cups instant pancake mix

2 cups milk

2 cups shredded cooked chicken

1 1/2 cups shredded colby, mont.jack cheese

1 cup refrigerated shredded hash browns

2 T butter

1/2 t salt

1/4 t pepper

Country Gravy Mix (prepared)

1. Whisk together pancake mix and milk. Stir in chicken, cheeses, hash browns, butter, salt, and pepper. Stir just until blended.

2. Pour about 1/4 cup batter for each cake on a 350 degree lightly greased non stick skillet. Cook until edges done, then cook other side.

3. Serve with Country Gravy.

Note: I make 2 recipes that feeds 3 adults, 3 hungry teenage boys, 5 little girls, and a lot of leftovers for me during the week!

**Note: I can't take credit for this recipe. I found it in Sara's "Southern Living" January 2009 magazine.

February 15, 2009

"No guts, no glory"

Today, we began by studying the story of Gideon in the book of Judges. Gideon was not the typical leader who was confident and strong. Although he acknowledged the angel of the Lord and even obeyed by tearing down the altar of Baal, he did this at night in the cover of darkness. Then twice he put out a fleece, sure that God didn't really mean that he would help deliver the Israealites from the hand of the Midianites. Thankfully, God is so gracious that He does give Gideon the evidence he needed to be sure. God uses the little people to accomplish His will to bring the glory to God. If another giant had defeated Goliath, rather than David, it wouldn't have made such an impression. If Christ had come in the form of a warrior ready for battle, would he have captured your heart? God knows what He is doing. He will call us out of our comfort zones to fight battles. Be ready to obey, knowing this. There's no reason to lay out fleece. This is how He receives glory. No guts, no glory.