Joy is not just the spin-off of obedience to God, but part of obedience. It seems as though people are willing to let joy be a byproduct of our relationship to God, but not an essential part of it. People are uncomfortable saying that we are duty-bound to pursue joy. They say things like, 'Don't pursue joy, pursue obedience.' But Christian Hedonism responds, 'That's like saying, ';Don't eat apples; eat fruit.'' Because joy is an act of obedience. We are commanded to rejoice in God. If obedience is doing what God commands, then joy is not merely the spin-off of obedience, it is obedience. The Bible tells us over and over to pursue our joy (Psm. 32:11; 37:4; 67:4; Lk. 10:20; Phil. 4:4).

John Piper

CATEGORY	CUISINE	TAG	YIELD
Grains	Mexican	Breads, Muffins & r	1	Servings

INGREDIENTS

3		1-pint canning jars
2	qt	Cucumbers — sliced
1 1/2	c	Sugar
1	c	Cider vinegar
2	tb	Salt
1	tb	Mustard seed
1 1/2	ts	Celery seed
1/8	ts	Red pepper flakes

INSTRUCTIONS

* About 16 four to five-inch cucumbers are needed to yield 2 quarts sliced
cucumbers.
1. Wash and drain the cucumbers; cut into 1/4-inch slices. 2. Use a large
heavy kettle or sauce pan. Combine the sugar, vinegar, salt, mustard,
celery seed and red pepper flakes. Place over medium heat and stir until
the sugar is dissolved. Increase heat and bring to a boil. Add the
cucumbers and simmer for 5 minutes. 3. Immediately pack the pickles into
sterilized and drained jars; seal tightly.
Yield: about 3 pints
Recipe By     : Jo Anne Merrill
From: Western Mexican Cookbook
File ftp://ftp.idiscover.co.uk/pub/food/mealmaster/recipes/mmdja006.zip

A Message from our Provider:

“God is in control, and therefore in everything I can give thanks – not because of the situation but because of the One who directs and rules over it. #Kay Arthur”