Holy Tuesday, Jesus Teaches in Parables

Posted on April 16, 2019April 14, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Tuesday the disciples walked back by the fig tree from yesterday that Jesus cursed. It was now withered and dead. Jesus used that to teach them about faith, true faith. A person or nation that does not produce fruit for God (do His work) will wither and die all the way down to its roots. The tree had leaves so by first sight it looked like it was producing. A closer look revealed no fruit. Then Jesus cursed it so it withered and died.

Are you producing fruit? Are you leading people to God? Helping them find salvation? Does the light of Jesus shine through you? Are you loving, kind, selfless, good, joyful, and have the fruits of the spirit? Don’t wither away. Grow tall and produce fruit. Increase in your faith. Flourish in your love for Jesus. You will be amazed at the things that will happen when you believe and have faith!

“Seeing a fig tree by the road, He went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then He said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” Immediately the tree withered.” Mt. 21:19

“Jesus replied, ‘Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” Mt. 21:21-22

They returned to the Temple and the religious leaders were upset at Jesus for establishing himself as a spiritual authority. He had a large following now. Jesus evaded the traps the leaders set for Him with their questions. He scolded them in Matt. 23 and compared them to tombs – beautiful on the outside but filled on the inside with dead people.

Jesus took His disciples to the Mount of Olives and told them parables about end times and His return. Those who wait for the Master’s coming—the wise and faithful servant (Matthew 24:45-51), the five wise virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), and the good servant who uses his resources wisely (Matthew 25:14-30) are a few of the ones.

Do you remember any of these parables from Sunday School or Vacation Bible School? The point is to have faith and be ready for Jesus. He is coming back just like He promised. When? Well, that is not for us to know. We are just supposed to be ready at a moment’s notice.

Can You Imagine the First Palm Sunday?

Posted on April 14, 2019April 13, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Today is Palm Sunday. This celebrates the day Jesus triumphantly enters the city of Jerusalem. It marks one week before Easter. Here in Southern Indiana Palm Sunday can be a beautiful day or it can be snowing. It is very unpredictable. What isn’t unpredictable and remains unchanged is the Palm Sunday message. “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the king of Israel!” John 12:12-13.

Scripture tells us that Jesus rode into the city on a young donkey. The streets were lined with people who threw clothes and palms or small branches, in front of him as a sign of homage and respect. This was what people did for kings. They were treating Jesus like royalty. Using palm branches symbolized peace and victory. Jesus was coming in peace, triumphantly. The crowd of people shouted “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.”

Can you imagine what it was like to be in that crowd? Jesus had come to save the lost, to secure their eternal life and salvation. He was the Messiah, long awaited. Hearts must have been beating wildly at the anticipation of seeing Him. Thought we’re surely running all over wondering what to do – stand, bow, wave, kneel. Did tears fill many eyes? My eyes get glassy thinking about it.

How amazing it must have been to see Jesus. He was the one that raised the dead back to life and healed the sick. He was the teacher everyone spoke of so highly. Jesus changed lives. Jesus was God’s Son. What would we have done in that crowd? Can you imagine?

It makes me think of Heaven and what I will do when I see Jesus. Like the Mercy Me song:

I can only imagine what it will be like
When I walk, by Your side
I can only imagine what my eyes will see
When Your face is before me
I can only imagine, I can only imagine
Surrounded by Your glory
What will my heart feel
Will I dance for you Jesus
Or in awe of You be still
Will I stand in Your presence
Or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah
Will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine, I can only imagine
I can only imagine when that day comes
When I find myself standing in the Son
I can only imagine when all I would do is forever
Forever worship You
I can only imagine, I can only imagine

What will you do when you see Jesus? Can you imagine seeing Him face to face?

Reforesting Faith by Matthew Sleeth

Posted on March 21, 2019March 20, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

“Reforesting Faith, What trees teach us about the nature of God and His love for us, is a most interesting book on faith, walking with God, and trees of the Bible. Author Matthew Sleeth has written a 224 page Christian Living book divided into three parts.

The first part is “Laying the Groundwork”. It has three chapters followed by “Seeds of Faith” which has six. The last section is “Fruit of the Tree” with four chapters. The book finishes with an Epilogue, “Why I wrote this book”, and notes. I was disappointed there were no study or discussion questions .

This is a refreshing look at book nature, trees, and God’s love. It was the first selection from author Sleeth that I have read and I really enjoyed his style. He has an easy way of making his point as if in a conversation. The words moved steadily and effortlessly without a hitch across the pages.

Scripture was not sprinkled but given in a heavy handed dose throughout this God glorifying gem. The author had done research on every chapter and it shows. This book is well planned, well organized, and well written.

It gave me things to ponder. Did I realize all of these references were in the Bible which I have read numerous times? Well, no. I missed a lot. I thought of so many people I wanted to share this book with while savoring the nuggets of information it taught.

Both men and women will enjoy this wonderful book. Nature enthusiasts especially will appreciate it. I highly recommend it. It gets a 5 out of 5 rating from me for the writing, because I have never read anything like it, and it is a book that will help strengthen one’s Walk with God.

An advance reader copy (ARC) was provided by the publisher but I was under no obligation to write a review. This is my honest opinion.

About the Book

The Bible talks about trees more than any living creation other than people. Perhaps you’ve missed the forest…and the trees.

In this groundbreaking walk through Scripture, former physician and carpenter Dr. Matthew Sleeth makes the convincing case why trees are essential to every Christian’s understanding of God.

Yet we’ve mostly missed how God has chosen to tell His story–and ours–through the lens of trees. There’s a tree on the first page of Genesis and the last page of Revelation. The Bible refers to itself as a Tree of Life (Proverbs 3:18).
Every major Biblical character has a tree associated with them. Jesus himself says he is the true vine (John 15:1). A tree was used to kill Jesus–and a tree is the only thing the Messiah ever harmed.

This is no accident. When we subtract trees from Scripture, we miss lessons of faith necessary for our growth.

This is the rare book that connects those who love the Creator with creation, and those who love creation with the Creator. It offers inspirational yet practical ways to express our love for God–and our neighbors–by planting spiritual trees and physical trees in the world.

Join Dr. Sleeth as he navigates the Bible’s trail of trees to explore the wonders of life, death, and rebirth. You’ll be amazed at how science is just beginning to catch up to the truths described in Scripture thousands of years ago. Once you discover the hidden language of trees, your walk through the woods–and through Scripture–will never be the same.

About the Author

MATTHEW SLEETH, MD, a former emergency room physician and chief of the hospital medical staff, resigned from his position to teach, preach, and write about the biblical call to be good stewards of the earth. A highly sought-after speaker, Dr. Sleeth has spoken at more than 1,000 churches, campuses, and events, including serving as the monthly guest preacher at The Washington National Cathedral for a year. Recognized by Newsweek as one of the nation’s most influential evangelical leaders, Dr. Sleeth is a graduate of George Washington University School of Medicine and has two postdoctoral fellowships. He is the executive director of Blessed Earth and author of Serving God, Saving the Planet; 24/6; the introduction to The Green Bible, as well as numerous creation care books and articles. Dr. Sleeth lives in Lexington, KY, with Nancy, his wife of nearly 40 years.

St. Patrick’s Day Musings and Recipe

Posted on March 17, 2019March 17, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Well, top of the mornin’ to ya and Happy St. Patty’s Day! ‘‘Tis the day everyone claims to be at least a wee bit Irish, What about you? Are you really of Irish decent or just Irish today?

A sea of green will be flowing everywhere today because most everyone wears green clothes, Irish or not, on this day. It is the day many foods turn green on purpose. Even the river in Chicago turns green. This is also the one day of the year that we all put a “Mc” or “O” in front of our surname and become Irish. Yes, it’s St. Patrick’s Day!

St. Patrick was a soul saver. A soldier for the Lord. That is what we are really celebrating. He used a three leaf clover to teach people about the trinity. St. Patrick turned thousands of hearts, minds, and souls to the one true God. Now, doesn’t that sound like cause to celebrate! I think so, too.

It isn’t about having things green and being Irish. No fictional little leprechauns with rainbows and pots of gold were there. This is about celebrating the vast number of Druids, pagans that were saved and became Christians.

Irish are supposed to be lucky among a lot of other things. You’ve heard of the “luck of the Irish,” right? Hmm, I am not sure about that. Well, I guess you could say the ones that met St. Patrick were lucky, or could you? Was it luck that drew them to St. Patrick or something else? Perhaps the Holy Spirit.

Do you believe in luck? Do you think there is gold at the end of the rainbow? Personally, I don’t really believe much in luck or leprechauns. Maybe if I keep losing when playing a game I say I have bad luck, but outside of that I don’t put belief in luck. My faith and trust are in Jesus. He is the one that guides and directs me just like He did St. Patrick.

My saved loved ones will be there. There will be no more sickness, no more death, no more tears. My Savior, Jesus, is there. Our Almighty God, my Maker, is there. Talk about hitting the jackpot or pot of gold! That is everything I could ever want. Wow, no riches can compare to that. None. So what about you? Where is your pot of gold?

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matt. 6:19-21.

Traditional Irish St. Patrick’s Day Dish

Irish Colcannon, an Irish Treasured Dish

1 lb. potatoes peeled white or unpeeled red potatoes
½ lb. bacon (cut into small 1-inch squares)
1 T. Kosher salt
6 cups thinly sliced cabbage (approximately a head)
6 T. butter (four for the cabbage and two for the potatoes)
½ cup whipping cream (or milk)
Fresh parsley chopped finely-a few sprigs will do
A large onion, chopped
5 or 6 scallions or a clump (handful) of chives
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Wash potatoes and peel if you’re using thick skinned.
Cut the potatoes in quarters and place in a large pot of boiling water.
Add the Kosher salt. Boil for approximately 25 minutes.
Stick one of the potatoes with a fork to see if they’re cooked. They should be tender and easy to penetrate with the prongs.

Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat.
When they’re finished cooking, add 4 T. butter.
Add the cabbage and onions.
Sauté the cabbage mixture until almost done, with the onions translucent and cabbage a bit crispy. Some people prefer to cook the mixture until everything is soft. It just depends on whether you like a bit of crunch or not. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

Drain the potatoes and add the butter and cream or milk, mashing it to silky smoothness—unless you left the skins on, then almost silky smoothness.

Add the onion, cabbage mixture and salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot. Enjoy this Irish classic dish.

If I Won the Lottery, I Would . . .

Posted on November 25, 2018November 24, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Many people buy lottery tickets. Are you one of them? It is easy to get caught up in the excitement and frenzy when its numbers get high. My friends and I play what my hubby calls the “What if” game. What if we won the lottery? What would we each do?

To begin with we would first need to buy a ticket. Just like their add says, you can’t win if you don’t play. As much fun as winning would be I don’t think donating my money would make me happy. So for our game, I need to pretend I would buy a ticket.

A7132DCD-439D-4F4C-9D7F-BDEC7868E3E0

We all decided a lot of the money would be put to good use. We would help family and friends in need. I see you nodding. You would do the same. Charities and churches would get donations, too. We weren’t all selfless. We would keep some for ourselves.

Some wanted to travel the world and others wanted nice homes. One friend wanted a mountain home, beach home, and another near family. We all wanted different things but decided we wanted the luxury of not working and having enough money to do whatever we wanted. Notice I said whatever we wanted and not what we needed.

0D3BE46E-1329-4766-A19C-50A376DE4110

What would winning the lottery do to our spiritual life? Would we continue to attend church each weekend or would we be too busy traveling? If things were always going our way, would we talk to our Heavenly Father as much as we do now? Our daily prayer time might not be as important if we had most all of the things we thought we wanted. Would we still want more? With all of our extra time where would God fit in?

Money used correctly does help a lot of people. Wanting and obsessing over money tears marriages and families apart. It can destroy a person. Scripture tells us in Timothy 6:10 “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”

33699FE8-597E-4EBA-AB40-E075F2DDCB57

It is cliche but true. Money cannot buy everything. Think about all the true blessings in your life. They are priceless. You didn’t purchase them and they most likely cannot be replaced with money.

Be aware of what you have that cannot be bought. Take inventory of your own personal lottery winnings. Are you kind? Would people say you have integrity and morals? Do people trust you? Are you loved? You, my friend have won!

B0B5815E-4E2B-4F19-B7C1-8461D53D4AE8

Other life lottery blessings would be a loving, supporting family. Friends that are always there for you and a circle of prayer warriors to intercede on your behalf are irreplaceable. Money cannot buy any of these.

I agree the “What if I won the Lottery” game is fun, but is it really something Abba wants for our life? We are His children and parents know from experience it is not always good to allow children to receive everything they want. For instance what happens when kids have too much candy, too little sleep, or play unattended?

Our Heavenly Father knows what is best for us and what would happen if we won the lottery. What do you think would happen? Would we still be the same people and be as close to Him? If not, I say keep the money and just give me Jesus.

EBFAE8EB-87B4-48BE-82D9-5FEC96C97D6E

Giveaway and Book Tour The Unannounced Christmas Visitor

Posted on November 19, 2018November 19, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Review:

I really enjoyed this short novel. It might not have had hundreds of pages but it was packed with powerful messages that stayed with me. This contemporary Christian fiction is an eye-opening book that I would recommend to everyone.

The author has done an exemplary job of capturing society’s views on multiple issues. It offers food for thought and insight into many issues. Homelessness is explored as well as motives for going to church. Giving graciously and joyfully is addressed. Serving others is discussed. His story is God glorifying. Shouldn’t every book that is classified as “Christian” bring glory to God?

The characters are relatable and believable. Grace and Matthew, the children, are adorable. Enoch, the angel, was riveting and I wanted to keep “listening” to him speak. The author did such a good job with this book. I could not put it down.

Scripture is not sprinkled throughout this book, but rather it is heavily dropped in all the way. It took me from page one to become invested. This is a story that should move and change everyone who reads it. I hope to see it on the Hallmark Channel at Christmas on day.

It get a huge recommendation from me. Everyone should read it. I rated it 5+ out of 5 stars but wanted to go higher. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but all opinions and the review are my own honest opinion.
7F6BB251-A72B-4F7E-861E-C81FD49B70E4

About the Book

Book: The Unannounced Christmas Visitor

Author: Patrick Higgins

Genre: Christian fiction/Christmas

Release Date: November 18, 2014

What if angels really did come from the most unlikely of places? That’s exactly what happens in this heartwarming story, set in a homeless community in Anywhere USA. Sent to Planet Earth by his Maker, disguised as a homeless person, Enoch was on a mission: to rescue a man whose life was slowly but steadily spiraling out of control

Inspired by Hebrews 13:2, “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it,” this story will stir your soul like never before, guaranteed! 2016 IPA (INTERNATIONAL PUBLISHER AWARDS) GOLD MEDAL AWARD WINNER.

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author

Patrick Higgins is the author of “The Pelican Trees”, “Coffee In Manila”, the award-winning “The Unannounced Christmas Visitor”, and the award-winning prophetic end times series, “Chaos In The Blink Of An Eye.”

Guest Post from Patrick

Why I wrote the book: Inspired by Hebrews 13:2, “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it,” this story will stir your soul like never before, guaranteed!

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 10

Lighthouse Academy, November 10

The Power of Words, November 11

Christian Centered book Reviews, November 11

Genesis 5020, November 12

Bogging With Carol, November 12

God’s Little Bookworm, November 13

Christian Author, J.E. Grace, November 13

Girls in White Dresses, November 14

Moments, November 14

Mary Hake, November 15

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 15

For the Love of Literature, November 15

Inklings and notions, November 16

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, November 16

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, November 17

Bibliophile Reviews, November 17

Vicky Sluiter, November 18

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 18

Godly Book Reviews, November 19

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, November 19

Luv’N Lambert Life, November 20

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 20

Texas Book-aholic, November 21

Janices book reviews, November 21

Carpe Diem, November 22

Bigreadersite, November 22

amandainpa, November 23

A Baker’s Perspective, November 23

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Patrick is giving away a $50 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d5c7/the-unannounced-christmas-visitor-tour-giveaway

I Wish I Had or I’m Glad I Did

Posted on August 22, 2018August 21, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

I wish I had…. How many times have we all started a sentence with those four little words? I wish I had gone to see her. Perhaps, I wish I had said or even had not said that. The list of “I wish” is endless unfortunately.

A few days ago a friend died. It was unexpected for most everyone. I listened to mourners and read tributes from so many people. The majority of people started theirs with “I wish”. “I wish I had called him instead of texted that morning.” “I wish I had told him I loved him the last time I saw him.” “I wish I had taken more time to talk when he called.”

Cliche as it might sound, maybe it is time to give up the wishes and regrets. It is time to live life doing those things. There is a song that talks about “Live Like You are Dying”. What if we lived like our family and friends were instead? Would we treat them differently? Yes, I certainly would.

My words would be much more thoughtful and kind. I would definitely consider others’ feelings and needs. All of the things I wanted to say would get said. There are things I have learned thatI would share. It would be a priority to discuss Jesus and salvation. How will I know if I don’t ask?

Do they know that in times of sorrow, Jesus is my comfort. He is my strength. In Psalm 46:1, the Bible tells us “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” This is so true. I cannot make it a day without Him. He shelters and strengthens me. I draw my peace from Him.

John 14:27 gives us Jesus’ assurance that “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” This is the “peace that passes understanding” that we sang about in Sunday school. A pure peace is given to us by Jesus when things are in chaos.

Scripture says “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” That is my goal. To make certain my family and friends have one of those mansions. It has already been bought and paid for by Jesus. All I can do is give them the good news and pray they accept the keys.

No more wishing for me. It is time for action. Live each day purposefully. Say the “I love you” and “thank you”. Make the phone call. Take the time. Go to lunch. Share the love. Talk about Jesus. Say goodbye to “I wish I had” and hello to “I’m glad I did.”

What are your I wish sentences that turn into regrets instead of sweet memories? How about doing something now instead being disappointed later?

Vacations are Nice, but I Yearn for Home

Posted on August 2, 2018August 1, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Have you been on vacation this year? Most people take an annual vacation and often more than one. Some people have a favorite spot to visit each year while others enjoy seeing new places. Me, I like both. Seeing new places is great. The sights, experiences, and tastes of somewhere I have never before been is an exciting adventure. A new treasure could be awaiting me there.

8DBDAE5E-7D68-4BE4-B4EB-D6ECC0F14F63

My favorite getaway is a cabin high in the Smokey Mountains with my family for the week. I could handle that vacation at least once a year and probably more. The majesty of God’s beautiful mountains take my breath away each time we drive to Gatlinburg. Like a child I become excited when I see a chipmunk, raccoon, or bear off of the cabin’s deck while having coffee in the morning.

After vacation, there’s no place like home

Vacation, an extended period of recreation spent away from home or in traveling, is nice for a time, but after it is over it is nice to be home. Like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz emotionally repeats “there’s no place like home” and I agree. No matter how good vacation has been, we are always happy to be home when it is over.

2F10F102-6CF2-47EB-AFBA-ABA437527C60

My maternal grandmother often would tell me “you know, this old world is not our home.” That was confusing to a child, but the older I got the more she explained. Finally I understood. Mammaw was talking about Heaven. She would tell me her soul longed for “home” and to be with loved ones there. When she spoke of Heaven it was beautiful and biblical.

“In Heaven there will be no sickness or pain, no tears, and affliction. We will be whole with perfect bodies.” She would laugh when I asked what we would do all day for eternity. “Probably the same things we do now only better” she would brightly say and break out in song “This world is not my home, I’m just a passing through. My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue….”

4EFB9B8E-A7BE-4B73-94E4-3E83AEA21269

What about you? Do you ever feel like you are waiting to go home? This world, like a vacation, is nice for a while, but your heart is yearning for someplace better. It is homesick. I know I am. Vacations are wonderful. This world is a nice place, too, but Heaven is our home. Our Father is there. Jesus is there. Our family should be, too. We have a home there.

Gather your treasures and pack for your trip home. What will you take? There aren’t a lot of things allowed. The main thing on your list should be loved ones. Make sure you have shared Jesus and His salvation with your family and friends. You will want to see them after your vacation or theirs.

A056FB6F-D8EF-4A4D-B610-F2296840AF28

“For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.” Hebrews 13:14

“In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14:2-3

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Let’s Talk About it. . .

Posted on March 17, 2018March 17, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Well, top of the mornin’ to ya and Happy St. Patty’s Day! ‘‘Tis the day everyone claims to be at least a wee bit Irish, What about you? Are you really of Irish decent or just Irish today?

When I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior, He was the Way or rainbow to my riches. I followed Him. My gold happens to be where Jesus prepared a place for me at the end of my earthly life – in Heaven. That is where my heart is, too. In Heaven the Bible says there will be beautiful streets of gold. My saved loved ones will be there. There will be no more sickness, no more death, no more tears. My Savior, Jesus, is there. Our Almighty God, my Maker, is there. Talk about hitting the jackpot or pot of gold! That is everything I could ever want. Wow, no riches can compare to that. None. So what about you? Where is your pot of gold?

Traditional Irish St. Patrick’s Day Dish

Irish Colcannon, an Irish Treasured Dish

Drain the potatoes and add the butter and cream or milk, mashing it to silky smoothness—unless you left the skins on, then almost silky smoothness.

Add the onion, cabbage mixture and salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot. Enjoy this Irish classic dish.