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What I Deserve

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“If God gave me everything I deserve, I’d have nothing left but bruises.”

Two words in this quote make me really uncomfortable. “Deserve,” and “Bruises.”

Deserve? My choices do not change God, but they do make it easier or harder for God to reach me. Some choices throw up a poisonous fog of confusion around my mind. Others take me to places where God’s voice is nearly drowned out by discordant sounds. Still others plug my ears against His pleadings or shut my eyes from His tears.

Some of my choices and actions cause God personal pain. Some lead me to actions which harm people I love, defeat the cause of righteousness, and throw mud in the eyes of angels.

“If God gave me everything I deserve, I’d have nothing left but bruises.”

Deserve? If I allowed those choices and actions in any human relationship I would be eligible for prosecution by the Sheriff. I would earn banishment from pleasant society, and become fodder for supermarket tabloids. I would deserve 49 bruising lashes.

Bruises? My brother used to beat on me and I on him. I was bigger. We both knew the bruises of jealousy, of anger, of pride, and of fear. When Mom and Dad came home we also developed an intimacy with the bruises of discipline. Dad was bigger, and we were deserving.

“If God gave me everything I deserve, I’d have nothing left but bruises.”

One other thing bothers me about the quote. It paints God as “biggest,” an abusive policeman who is ready to beat me into submission. The life of Jesus doesn’t match that picture. My actions do not cause Him to reach for His whip. However, they do increase His joy or deepen His pain. Regardless, His part in our relationship is the same, unchanged by my choices.

He loves me. He wants me. He trusts me. He accepts me. He reaches out to draw me closer. He is eager to clean me, scrub away the effects of my destructive choices and transform me into one who looks like, lives like, and loves like Him.

Bruises? Yes, I deserve them. But, rather than allow blue and purple patches to bloom on my skin, He has taken the punishment on Himself, leaving me with the clean pure skin of an innocent child. His child.

“For He was bruised for our transgressions…and by His wounds we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5).
Dick Duerksen writes from the Pacific Northwest

Read more at the source: What I Deserve

Article excerpt posted on en.intercer.net from Spiritual applications.

I’m Frustrated

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Dear God: I’m fat and I’m frustrated — but I guess not quite enough to do anything about it. I cringe every time I hear on the news that Americans are getting fatter and fatter and I hope the picture shows someone a whole lot bigger than me. Truth is, it doesn’t matter. I’m unhealthy and my eating has taken on a life of its own. Sure I don’t steal or kill or cheat. I’m rarely unkind and am really working on not gossiping. I’m saving my money and am very generous to those in need. But I’m slowly killing myself while cherishing the sin of gluttony.

An awful word, but you’re specific in Proverbs 23:21: “For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty.” That could be poverty of spirit, or money or lost health. None of which are what I want for my life. Fill my emptiness with your spirit. May only good, healthy food pass my lips and in appropriate proportions. Make me hungry for you and your word. 

In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Dixie Dee Whited writes from the Eastern U.S.

Read more at the source: I’m Frustrated

Article excerpt posted on en.intercer.net from Online prayers.

When All Is Said and Done

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When the music fades into the past,
When my days of life are through,
What will be remembered of where I’ve come,
When all is said and done.

Will they say I loved my family,
That I was a faithful friend,
That I lived to tell of God’s own Son,
When all is said and done.

How I longed to see the hour,
When I would hear that trumpet sound
And rise to see my Savior’s face,
See Him smile and say” Well done.”

You can forget my name and the songs I’ve sung,
Every rhyme and every tune,
But remember the truth of Jesus’ love,
When all is said and done.

When all is said and done.

Music and Lyrics by Geoff Moore. © All rights reserved.

Read more at the source: When All Is Said and Done

Article excerpt posted on en.intercer.net from Spiritual applications.

Dump Cake

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Yet another simple dessert recipe that literally can be made by “dumping”.

1 20-oz can crushed pineapple, undrained
1 20-oz can cherry pie filling
1 pkg yellow cake mix
2 C chopped walnuts
1/2 C margarine

Dump crushed pineapple and cherry pie filling into a 9″ x 13″ cake pan. Pour dry cake mix over fruit. Cover with walnuts (or pecans). Melt margarine and pour evenly over walnuts. Bake at 350° F for 55 minutes. Cool.

Servings: 15

Submitted by Debby Shabo Wade 
Recipe by Alice Willsey

Recipes are freely shared by members and friends of AnswersForMe © 2007. Recipes are either original with the submitee, or have been approved for public use. Visit recipe archives

Read more at the source: Dump Cake

Article excerpt posted on en.intercer.net from Vegetarian recipes.

Tamale Pie

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This version of tamale pie uses eggs and milk, making it a little richer.

1/2 C canola oil
1 med onion, chopped
1 16-oz can tomatoes, drained and chopped
1 C whole kernel corn (frozen or canned)
1 tsp salt
1 C skim milk
1 1/2 C yellow cornmeal
1 16-oz can sliced black olives, drained
3 eggs (or 3/4 C egg substitute)
2 tsp chili powder

In a large kettle over medium-high heat, saute onion in oil until tender. Add all other ingredients in order, stirring well. This mixture will thicken but tends to scorch easily, so stir constantly until thickened. Pour into a well-greased bread or loaf pan. Bake at 375° F for 35 to 45 minutes or until top is golden brown.

Serving Suggestions: This loaf can be turned out onto a platter and garnished with parsley.

Servings: 10

Submitted by Debby Shabo Wade

Recipes are freely shared by members and friends of AnswersForMe © 2013. Recipes are either original with the submitee, or have been approved for public use. Visit recipe archives

Read more at the source: Tamale Pie

Article excerpt posted on en.intercer.net from Vegetarian recipes.

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