We Love God!

God: "I looked for someone to take a stand for me, and stand in the gap" (Ezekiel 22:30)

Isn’t it strange how a $100 'looks' so big when you take it to church, but so small when you take it to the mall. Isn’t it strange how long it takes to serve God for an hour, but how quickly a team plays 60 minutes of basketball. Isn’t it strange how long a couple of hours spent at church are, but how short they are when watching a movie. Isn’t it strange how we can't think of anything to say when we pray, but don't have difficulty thinking of things to talk about to a friend. Isn’t it strange how we get thrilled when a baseball game goes into extra innings, but we complain when a sermon is longer than the regular time. Isn’t it strange how hard it is to read a chapter in the Bible, but how easy it is to read 100 pages of a bestselling novel. Isn’t it strange how people want to get a front seat at any game or concert, but scramble to get a back seat at church services. Isn’t it strange how we need 2 or 3 weeks advance notice to fit a church event into our schedule, but can adjust our schedule for other events at the last moment. Isn’t it strange how hard it is for people to learn a simple gospel well enough to tell others, but how simple it is for the same people to understand and repeat gossip. Isn’t it strange how everyone wants to go to heaven provided they do not have to believe, or to think, or to say, or do anything. Isn’t it strange how you can send a thousand ';jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire, but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Isn’t it strange how we set our clocks to arise at 4:00am or 5:00am to be at the job by 7:30, yet when Sunday comes we can't get to church for 11:00am to praise the one who gave us the jobs! Isn’t it strange how we call God our Father and Jesus our brother, but find it hard to introduce them to our family. Isn’t it strange how small our sins seem, but how big 'their' sins are. Isn’t it strange how we demand justice for others, but expect mercy from God. Isn’t it strange how we are so quick to take directions from a total stranger when we are lost, but are hesitant to take God's direction for our lives. Isn’t it strange how so many churchgoers sing 'Standing on the Promises' but all they do is sit on the premises. Isn’t it strange how people want God to answer their prayers, but refuse to listen to His counsel. Isn’t it strange how we sing about heaven, but live only for today. Isn’t it strange how people think they are going to Heaven, but don't think there is a Hell. Isn’t it strange how it is okay to blame God for evil and suffering in the world, but it is not necessary to thank Him for what is good and pleasant. Isn’t it strange how when something goes wrong, we cry, 'Lord, why me?' but when something goes right, we think, 'Hey, it must be me!'

Unknown Author

The mentality behind the fruit of the Spirit is the mentality of faith depending upon grace. People who bear the fruit of the Spirit know they are worthy only of condemnation. They know that the only pay they can earn is the wrath of God. Therefore, they have turned away from self-reliance and look only to mercy in Christ who “loved us and gave Himself for us” (Gal. 2:20). They do not expect anyone to be their debtor because of their worth. Any satisfaction will be a free gift of grace. They bank on the mercy of God and entrust themselves to his Spirit for help. And out of that mentality of faith depending on grace grows not “works” but “fruit”: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness...

John Piper

We Love God!

God: "I looked for someone to take a stand for me, and stand in the gap" (Ezekiel 22:30)

Honey Mustard Sandwich Spread with Sweet Basil

January 23, 2023

CATEGORY	CUISINE	TAG	YIELD
			1	Servings

INGREDIENTS

1	c	Whole fresh basil leaves; loosely packed
		Or 1-1/2 Tbsp. dried basil
1/4	c	Honey
1/4	c	Non-fat mayonnaise
2	tb	Dijon mustard
1		Clove garlic; minced
		Salt and pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

In food processor or blender, combine basil, honey, mayonnaise, mustard and
garlic. Process until smooth. Season with salt and pepper; chill. Spread
can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.  Makes 3/4 cup of spread for 4
sandwiches.
Nutrients Per Serving: 89 calories 0.5 g fat (5% calories from fat) 0 mg
cholesterol 0.75 g protein 21 g carbohydrates 0.14 g dietary fiber 369 mg
sodium
Source:  electronic Gourmet Guide  http://www.2way.com/food/foodday/ Food
Day:  September 18, 1996
Posted to Digest eat-lf.v096.n159
Date: Thu, 19 Sep 1996 18:20:01 -0600
From: "Robin Goldberg Isaacs" <isaacs@rmi.net>

A Message from our Provider:

“If God is your Copilot – swap seats!”