Monthly Archives: November 2022

2022, James, Questions, Weekly Planner Reading

Chapter 3

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James 3 

So far I have read about 8 verses. James is penning this to Israel in Diaspora. That means the Messianic Jews dispersed from Jerusalem to parts all around.  Yeshua-loving, believing Jews that left Jerusalem due to life-threatening persecution. 

And by chapter 3 of his letter, he begins with this: Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, since you know that we will be judged more severely. 2 For we all stumble in many ways; if someone does not stumble in what he says, he is a mature man who can bridle his whole body.

I am thinking some of his audience were thinking of becoming teachers of Scripture. He cautioned them.
Teachers use their tongues (today teachers also use keyboards). 

James then goes into an extended exhortation about the importance of the tongue AND the impossibility of controlling it. He gives examples like big ships can be guided by a small rudder; horses can be turned this way and that by a simple bit; one spark of fire can burn an entire forest, but the tongue. 
Oh, the tongue can burn down a life in a flash. and who can stop it? 
7 For people have tamed and continue to tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures; 8 but the tongue no one can tame — it is an unstable and evil thing, full of death-dealing poison! source 

Reading on, what does he say? 

 9 With it we bless Adonai, the Father; and with it we curse people, who were made in the image of God. 10 Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing! Brothers, it isn’t right for things to be this way.  source 

I think I shall not expound on that but I am glad James did.

He explains only man does this. All the rest of creation produces fruit and actions as it was created. Read the verses and see what he means. 

Chapter 3. It’s plain. It’s direct. It’s undeniable. AND it is disobeyed every day! Brothers, it isn’t right for things to be this way.

 I think we cannot pray too much for each other to obey Chapter 3. 

Love, Kathie

gratitude

2022, A Quick Hello, Recipes

Cranberries

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It’s Saturday afternoon and I have a messy kitchen waiting on me; a small roast that is warming to be seared and placed in a dutch oven; no bread in the house, meaning I need to mill some wheat berries and get some kneading on.

Truth. I really just wanted to say hello to my Friends.

It has rained this early November day; so far we have no need for heat or cooling in the house. From the den, I hear football being played; add that to conversations spilling around in my head not likely to become a dialogue with anyone and you have a fair idea of the goings on at Thompson Manor today.  Right. Not that exciting. But, at least you heard from me. laughing

How about a recipe?   Brussels Sprout & Cranberry Salad Recipe - The Biblical Nutritonist  Doesn’t that look delicious?
Ingredients:

  • 1 Pound Brussels Sprouts
  • 2/3 Cup Fresh Cranberries
  • 1/3 Cup Feta Cheese
  • 1/3 Cup Pecans
  • 1 tablespoon Maple Syrup (Omit on Daniel Fast)
  • 1 tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar
  • Olive Oil
  • Salt & Pepper

Instructions

  • Destem and cut brussels sprouts in half
  • Heat skillet with a drizzling olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add brussels sprouts to skillet and season with salt and pepper. Add cranberries.
  • Cook sprouts and cranberries for 8-10 minutes until berries begin to burst and sprouts become tender.
  • Add balsamic vinegar and maple syrup. Stir to coat and remove from heat.
  • Toss sprouts, cranberries and pecans in a large bowl. Top with crumbled feta cheese and enjoy!

I hope you enjoy it.
As we begin this season of celebrations — I hope we examine Scripture, seek The LORD and that ALL our celebrations will honor The LIGHT of the world.

Love, Kathie 

1 Peter, James, Questions, Weekly Planner Reading

Seas and Pirates

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Thus far I have read a few verses from James 1. 

This is not my first reading of James as I have notes written on the page. Over the word temptations in verse 2 I have written the word pirates. 
I don’t know what prompted me to write it or even when I did; but, today it has given me many thoughts. 

Pirates — temptations. 
In times like these, I think I’d like to engage a zoom app on this screen to see and hear what you have to say about it. 

Pirates and temptations. How could these be related? 

I started by defining pirates at BibliaTodo Dictionary.
This is what I found:

An armed ship or vessel which sails without a legal commission, for the purpose of plundering other vessels on the high seas

A robber on the high seas; one who by open violence takes the property of another on the high seas; especially, one who makes it his business to cruise for robbery or plunder; a freebooter on the seas; also, one who steals in a harbor.

I wish I could know what thoughts are forming for you, but since I don’t, I’ll give you mine. 

Temptations. Where do they come from? I am reminded of a verse of Scripture that tells me GOD tempts no one but there is one who does. How about that?! Those verses are right here in James 1! 

13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 

Yikes! Our own flesh will tempt us and as if that is not enough there is the evil one too. 1 Peter 5:8 has something to say about that. 

Could temptations be like pirates? Navigating around in our seas seeking to steal from us? Things like trust, hope, strength, joy, patience, all the fruits of the Spirit? What else might temptations (pirates) seek to steal from us? 
I think when we set sail on a course without permission or guidance from Holy Spirit we shall surely meet pirates and when we do we better turn that ship around and head for JESUS — like NOW. 

Do you have pirates bearing down on you? Are your seas rough, chopping, or perhaps you have a calm – for now?
This we know pirates don’t give up until they are slain . . . the thing is we can’t rid our seas of the many pirates let loose in this world. So what are we to do? 
Actually, the rest of James 1 tells us what to do. 
I hope you will read it.

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Love, Kathie