Mid-Week Motivation
Starting Your Day Out Right!
Scripture, Short Devotion
“Never worship any of the gods worshiped by the people around you. ” Deuteronomy 6:14 (God’s Word)
This was a major theme in the Old Testament as God handed down His instructions to the ancient Israelites. You would think it simple to avoid idol worship in that day. Literal images of gold were erected by the gentiles. They bowed to the wind and the rain. They bowed to animals and worshiped them in a physical way with sacrifices and songs of praise. One would wonder how a people that God led with miraculous signs would turn to the hollowness of idolatry.
Let’s just be honest though, we do it too, don’t we? Despite the incredible gifts He’s given us, we still rely on our own strength to get through difficult situations. He’s never left us, nor forsaken us but we place our trust in laws or people or beauty products instead. We settle for entertainment that feeds our sinful nature rather than praying without ceasing. We drink (or eat) or snort our problems away instead of falling at the feet of Jesus. We bend our morals to the whims of the people around us, all in the name of “tolerance” and “political correctness” rather than standing firm on “as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!”
So I ask you, who or what are we really worshipping? Is it the Almighty God of Abraham and Isaac? Or are we bowing to the many gods of the world? We’re no different from the ancient Israelites – our idols aren’t as obvious, but they still rob God of our devotion.
Is Your House in Order?
Cleaning, parenting, marriage, organization tips, etc.
A lot of couples today are going to extremes with parenting. One extreme is that “it’s all about the kids” and the other extreme is that “it’s not about the kids at all…It’s about what makes me happy.” Neither extreme is ideal. If you have kids they deserve a spot on your priority list. That spot falls right after your relationship with your spouse. So, the pecking order we have is: God, Spouse and then Kids.
I’m not an expert in the field of parenting but I do have some experience with it. I have four living children and I think that qualifies me to at least a bit of knowledge on the topic. I’ve found that when it comes to communication with children, there is one major thing we should keep in mind. It’s so simple it is almost comical.
“Children are people too.”
Just think about that the next time your toddler throws a spontaneous fit in the middle of the grocery store. You know you’ve felt like doing that yourself – the only difference is that your toddler isn’t mature enough to wait till he gets out to the car to scream.
Afternoon Pick Me Up
Writing inspiration
Our lives are full of mental pictures that tell our story. This month we’re using photos to inspire our writing. Here’s your next assignment. Enjoy!
What’s For Dinner?
Quick dinners, crock pots, etc.
Taco Chili
- 1 1/2 to 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 pkg (1 1/4 oz) taco seasoning mix
- 2 cans (14.5 oz ea.) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 can (15 to 16 oz) pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 oz) chili beans in sauce
- 1 cup frozen whole kernel corn
- shredded cheese (mozzarella, Monterey Jack or Cheddar)
- tortilla chips, slightly crushed
In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion, one-half at a time, till meat is browned and onion is tender. Drain off fat. Transfer to a 3 1/2- to 5-quart Crockpot. Stir in dry taco seasoning mix, diced tomatoes, diced tomatoes with green chilies, pinto beans, chili beans in chili sauce, and corn. Cover; cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours. Sprinkle each serving with some cheese and chips.
Makes 8 servings.
Note: We do a version of this in our freezer cooking sessions and we like to top ours with sour cream and cheese and then keep the chips whole to use in scooping out the chili.
A Restful Night’s Sleep
Scripture for a restful sleep
“I am the LORD, that is My name; I will not give My glory to another, Nor My praise to graven images.” Isaiah 42:8(NAS)
Is He your Lord? Spend some time this evening thinking about God’s glorious name. Before you sleep, give your praise to Him and Him alone. He is more than we can ever imagine, let Him know you are awe-struck by His glory.
