HAVE YOU EVER BEEN ALONE WITH GOD?

When He was alone, the twelve … asked of Him … Mark 4:10.

 

When God gets us alone by affliction, heartbreak, or temptation, by disappointment, sickness, or by thwarted affection, by a broken friendship, or by a new friendship—when He gets us absolutely alone, and we are dumbfounded and cannot ask one question, then He begins to expound. Watch Jesus Christ’s training of the twelve. It was the disciples, not the crowd outside, who were perplexed. They constantly asked Him questions, and He constantly expounded things to them; but they only understood after they had received the Holy Spirit (see John 14:26).

 

If you are going on with God, the only thing that is clear to you, and the only thing God intends to be clear, is the way He deals with your own soul. Your brother’s sorrows and perplexities are an absolute confusion to you. We imagine we understand where the other person is until God gives us a dose of the plague of our own hearts. There are whole tracts of stubbornness and ignorance to be revealed by the Holy Spirit in each one of us, and it can only be done when Jesus gets us alone. Are we alone with Him now, or are we taken up with little fussy notions, fussy comradeships in God’s service, fussy ideas about our bodies? Jesus can expound nothing until we get through all the noisy questions of the head and are alone with Him. Oswald Chambers - My Utmost For His Highest

 

DAY 20- FFYSG:

 

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” Ephesians 6:10 (NIV)

 

Our God Is AWESOME!! Look at God you are on the 20th Day of this 21-Day Daniel Fast. Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, God has given you power, courage, and authority to overcome every obstacle you may face in life. During the 21-Day Daniel Fast, God’s power has been exhibited in your ability to endure this fast!! That means you are well equipped to do the good work that God has purposed for you to do. Continue to be courageous, step out and be who God has designed you to be. Use the seeds of wisdom God has deposited in your spirit during this 21-Day Daniel Fast, to live an abundant, healthy and prayer centered life.

 

Black bean soup is a great alternative to a meat-based meal. Beans are a powerhouse staple packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins. Try this protein as you renew your mind and spirit!

 

Spicy Black Bean Soup with Lime and Cilantro

 

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1 jalapeno pepper, seeded minced (optional)

1 large red onion, diced

1 large tomato, seeded and diced

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 tablespoon cumin

1 bay leaf

½ teaspoon chipotle powder

2 teaspoons fresh oregano

2 (15-ounce) cans of black beans, drained and rinsed

2 (14-ounce) cans of sodium-free vegetable broth

1 lime cut into wedges

1 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro

 

Heat olive oil in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Add garlic, jalapeno (optional), and onion. Sauté till tender, about 5 minutes. Add tomato, and continue cooking for another 5 minutes or until the onion is soft. Serve over brown rice or the whole grain pasta of your choice! Enjoy! (serves 6-8)

 

Serving Through Grace,

 

Revs. Drs. Richard & Ellen McEachern