Ezra 7 - Recognizing God's Hand at Work

About 60 years after the rededication of the temple, we are finally truly introduced to Ezra as he returns to Jerusalem from Babylon in this chapter.    His geneology shows that he can trace his priestly lineage through the last high priest before the captivity and some well know priests like Zadok, all the way back to Aaron.  He is repeatedly described as a teacher of the Law, whom the Hand of the Lord was upon.  In fact, according to vs 10, it indicated that God's Hand was on him "for Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel."  This verse shows the natural progression of STUDY->OBSERVE/OBEY->TEACH.

The decree of King Artaxerxes, allowing any Israelite in his realm to return, providing gold, silver, and freewill offerings, and treasury money for supplies and sacrifices, and granting civil authority, truly showed that it was God "Who has put it into the king’s heart to bring honor to the house of the Lord in Jerusalem in this way and Who has extended His good favor to me before the king and his advisers and all the king’s powerful officials"  (vs 27,28).  In response, Ezra praised God!


This passage confirms what God has been teaching me, that in order to teach effectively, we must allow the study of His Word to touch our own lives first, and that we must live it out.  This passage also shows that we need to be able to recognize God at work and praise Him for it; and because we see Him at work, it should motivate us to do His work as well.

More Cooking

I made the variation of the beef and triple-mushroom hot pot dish I had seen on a cooking show awhile back.    I heated up some broth as base, added three types of mushroom (this time I added oyster, enoki, and shitake mushrooms), green onion, soy-sauce marinated beef, shredded daikon radish, and spinach.    This was served with udon noodles, like a noodle soup.

Overall, the beef definitely needed more time to simmer, so that it would become soft.   And, it might help to sear the meat first to seal the flavors.  But other than that, the soup was very flavorful and tasty.   It turns out that the spinach went well with it; and the daikon, not as much.

Since some other variations may need to be made with this dish, I tried just the mushrooms, and added tofu, and some chinese canned mixed vegetables and gluten.   Though, without the beef, it has less deep flavor; but, it really felt like a much lighter dish and may even be preferable.

I also came across another recipe on the internet that might be interesting to try.  It was a coca-cola chicken (and my friend said that she recently learned a variation that used cider instead of coca-cola).     Basically, it is just marinating the chicken in soy sauce.  Pan fry the chicken till they are brown on both sides.  Pour in the coca-cola and simmer until the liquid is reduced.   Sounds easy, and probably would be pretty good.

I bought almond milk this week.   The vanilla flavor makes having cereal taste more like a dessert; along with the thicker creamier texture.  It may be because I've been so used to non-fat milk, that this seems so rich; but, according to the carton, there are a lot of health benefits.  I used it with banana oatmeal and it complemented well with the cinnamon and nutmeg.   It kind of reminded me of  a banana and cream dish.  I also used the almond milk when making my sausage macaroni and cheese potluck dish.  I prepared the Kraft Macaroni and Cheese (2 pkgs) according to directions, just using the almond milk instead of regular; and I also added some sliced browned smoked sausages (pkg of 8 hot dog-sized links).   Then, I put them all in a baking dish and topped with grated cheese; and baked till melted.   This is kind of a "comfort food"-type dish that went over fairly well and still tasted pretty good when cooled off; and the vanilla flavor from the almond milk made it interestingly different slightly.

For a Chinese fish fillet dish, it did not work well with the cornstarch and panko - when pan frying, it came out looking like a gooey paste.  Although, taste-wise, it was not bad, with the green onion, ginger, garlic, and soy sauce.

A simple pasta almost Asian-fusion pasta dish was made by heating up pasta (any kind should work) with sesame oil, soy sauce, and green onion; then sprinkled with some Japanese mixture of sesame seed and sea weed.  Maybe adding in some tofu would be good as well.

Memorial Day Weekend '12

It was a busy weekend, but, I am so grateful to have had the much-needed time off from work.  I am also glad that we as a nation set a day aside to remember and to honor those who have given their lives for our country.   Of the prayers, messages, articles, etc related to Memorial Day, the one that was the most touching this weekend was when the brass quintet at a concert played a medley of the theme songs from all the military branches; and the war veterans among the audience would stand when the theme from the branch in which they served was played.  It was clear that this group of people were deeply patriotic and loved our country, and made me proud to be among those who had served. 

There were several things that I observed and learned through visiting this person my friend an I went to see.   He had served many years in music ministry with his wife; and I saw that they were one of those couples who truly became ONE.   So, when she passed away a couple of years ago, part of him was really lost; and there were moments that I could see him be reminded of her, and his eyes would water up, and his facial features would display how much he missed her.  There are some other couples in my church who are like that, who serve as models of what marriage should look like, according to God's design.  Even when he was making music on the keyboard and my friend on the violin, like they had often done in the past; it was so clear how much we missed his wife, who would typically be on the other keyboard.  They had been so in tune with each other, that when they played the pieces, it truly was like a "dance" between them.  Still, I feel grateful to have been there to listen to the beautiful music - I felt like it was in the presence of musical masters.  Also, that senior village center was Christian-run; and it was clear what a difference it made.  The people were friendly, prayer was a big part of everything from meals to the concert.   It would be neat if there were a place like that near me for when I may need it in the future.

I started off the weekend with all good intentions to do yardwork; but, as I woke up, it was raining.   Yet, that gave me the opportunity to do full house cleaning, which was needed as well.    It felt good to finish that; and the next day, I was then able to tackle the yardwork.   Of course, I was not able to do as much as I would have liked to; but, it is a good feeling to see what I was able to clear out.   It's never-ending work, for I'm sure that when I finally get around to "finishing", it'll just be time to start again from the beginning.

I did get a chance to set up the timer to work with my courtyard light.  It looks nice lit up at night; and it does offer some added "protection".   I had another encounter with "gifts" being left; but, I really am hoping that it is just the neighborhood cat.

My friend played violin for the prelude being accompanied on the piano by my other friend at Church on Sunday.  It truly was beautiful; and I am amazed by their musical gifts.   I'm glad they were able to bless those who were able to listen, as they offered their music to the LORD.

Just a few other minor things to note... there were a few items that came up in class that I need to do some research in.   I know that I always like to be totally prepared and be able to answer any questions that come up; but, this is a reminder that there is still so much I do not know (and some I just don't remember).   Keeps me humble.    On another note, I am grateful that I had a good interactions with the music director; and the other person with the b-b image ran across the church driveway just to talk to me.   These help alleviate the sting of the "thorn".   God is good.

Elder Selection

Once again, it is time to go through the Elder Selection process.   I'm humbled by the seriousness of responsibility and have learned to appreciate the feelings of "inadequacy"; for it keeps me focused on God for His wisdom and guidance.   It will not be a simple process, for we are once again blessed with several qualified and godly men who are willing to be put forth as candidates.   I do pray that the Spirit may fill not only all the men who are to be elders; but also the selection committee members, that we may be able to discern clearly those whom God has chosen.

In the various areas in which I have been serving in, it is this one that has stretched me the most.   I have grown through being around these godly people and leaders in my church; and I have seen God work in ways that I had not previously experienced.  It has given me insight into and a much better understanding of Leadership.   It has also helped me personally in my own walk - just today, I felt as if I needed to prepare myself for battle, exercising extra precautions and holding to a higher level of discipline.  I did not want anything to get in the way or to distract me from being able to clearly listen to the Holy Spirit's leading.   I feel so privileged to be able to be a part of this whole process.

Through prayerful discussion, the selection committee chose four men to be confirmed by the members of the congregation.   I was a little disappointed that it was not unanimous, since the last two (for elders and for committee members) were.   However, we did approach it seeking God's will; and I trust that those He has chosen were selected.  And, it was a blessing that all the men we had to choose from were qualified to serve.

The Church

In this series, my pastor went through five events in the 50 day period after the resurrection that reshaped  humanity:  1) post-resurrection appearances of Christ for 40 days; 2) Great Commission; 3) Ascension; 4) arrival of Holy Spirit at Pentecost; and 5) birth of a movement called the Church.   Sunday's sermon was on the fifth event.  The Church was first mentioned by Jesus in Matthew 16:18b "On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it."   But, it was in Acts 2:41-47, after the Pentecost, that the Church was birthed.


The main message of the Church is not to make people feel good; instead, it is centered on CHRIST - that we need a Savior and the gift of salvation is offered through Him.  The Holy Spirit was given on Pentecost, because it is the power for the harvesting of souls (Pentecost is 7 weeks of the celebration of the Feast of Weeks or Harvest (49 days) + Passover (1 day) = 50 days).   The Church is to be the movement of God in this world.


Biblical descriptions of the Church are:  flock of God (1 Peter 5:2-4), household of God (1 Tim 3:15), kingdom of God (Phil 3:20), body of Christ (1 Corinth 12:12-27), bride of Christ (Eph 5:22-32), support and pillar of Truth (1 Tim 3:15), chosen people, royal priesthood, & holy nation (1 Peter 2:9), and holy temple (Eph 2:21-22).  As the bride of Christ, we are the most loved because we have an intimate covenant relationship with Him.


The primary ministries of the Church given in Acts 2:42 are:  

• Apostolic teaching (of the truth in God's Word) - "Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit" (2 Peter 1:20-21)
• Community - fellowship - Koinonia (Koinos = common) and what we all share in common is Christ
• Worship - the breaking of bread helps us not to forget the death of Christ for our sins
• Prayer - this is a PRIORITY, and it is best if we have a "holy dissatisfaction" of our prayer life that we may constantly seek to improve.  In yesterday's devotional, a quote said "Prayer is the highest use to which speech can be put."  And, my pastor quoted Corrie Ten Boom who said "Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire?"

The practical manifestations of the Church are miracles, compassion (we can never outgive God), decentralization, celebration, and favorable reputation (Acts 2:43-47).   And the evidence that a Church is on mission is that God will add to the numbers (vs 47), for church growth is "automatic" when we are doing God's work.

Mexican Menu Recipes

For an upcoming dinner, I've been considering recipes for a Mexican menu...

Today, I came across a Mexican Bean salad that seems pretty simple to make.   It's just mixing together canned corn and black beans with cilantro, red onion, bell peppers, and lime juice; then seasoned with salt and pepper.

Another recipe I came across is for a Mexican salad.  It was made by just mixing together bell peppers with tomatoes and cabbage, some lime juice and sugar, white onion and cilantro.

Since I actually prefer cooked vegetables, I'm leaning towards a Mexican roasted vegetable dish instead.  It calls for mixing zucchini with bell peppers and some oil, then seasoned with onion, garlic, taco seasoning, and cumin.  Then baking it all.   It probably would work well pan roasted as well.

It occurred to me as I was looking through all my blog entries, that they span a fairly wide variety of areas.  I'm also reminded that this is intended to be like a journal of what God is teaching me and doing in my life.  So, it brings up the question of whether entries like this one on recipes really belongs.  After thinking about it, I would say "Yes".   For one, I'm usually thinking of recipes and food, in the context to get-togethers, which would fall under the umbrella of "fellowship" within the Church.  Food is even included among the list of characteristics and responsibilities of the Proverbs 31 woman.  So, this is just another component of the well-balanced Christian life.

Ezra 6 - Rededication

God continued to watch over the rebuilding of the Temple, for not only did King Darius find and support the decree issued by King Cyrus; but he also offered provisions for sacrifices as well as curses for anyone defying the edict.  Then, when the Temple was completed, it was REDEDICATED to God in joy, with sin offerings according to the Law.  Then at Passover, they were able to observe the feast, along with the purification and cleansing.  And, they recognized that it was because of God that they were able to complete their work on the House of God.  This is important, for when it can often be easy to miss God "working behind the scenes."

This passage shows the God causes all things to work out when it is according to His Plan.  He had power and authority over King Darius; and even offered protection against the enemies who had stopped the work in Chp 3.   In the section on the REDEDICATION and the Passover celebration, it was clear that purification, cleansing, and sin offering were an important part of it all.   This is a reminder, that our God is a HOLY GOD.

Prayers

Once again, God speaks to me in my area of focus this year - PRAYER.   The IFL letter today talked about "The Prayers of Charles R. Swindoll" book they have made available, and the following quote from Chuck really stood out:
"The longer I live, the more I'm convinced we were addressing the wrong question. What we want to do is not nearly as important as who we want to be. Doing is about the tangible—salaries, prestige, achievements. Being is about the intangible—character, integrity, identity. It's about the kind of people we are.

I've come to the conclusion that, spiritually speaking, one of the easiest things to do, ironically, stems from one of the hardest things to be. Sounds confusing, but it isn't. I'm talking about prayer.

Prayer is easy to do, because it involves something that happens every day: talking. But prayer that matters to God stems from our being men and women of prayer. Paul's command, "Pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17), requires an attitude of prayer—not a chatterbox personality. What's more, Peter explains that when it comes to prayer, being comes before doing: "Be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer" (1 Peter 4:7)....Becoming consistent in prayer won't happen overnight, but that's the difference between doing and being. Doing can be recorded in a yearbook and is usually forgotten. Being is recorded in a "life-book" and is forever on display. "

That's actually a good way to say what I've been trying to focus on this year.... I do want to learn to BE a person of prayer, rather than just DOing it.

Ezra 5 - Restarting

It was the Word of God through the prophets Haggai and Zechariah which motivated the Jews in Judah and Jerusalem to once again RESTART the rebuilding of the Temple.  The enemies had stopped the the rebuilding through their persistent resistance and opposition, but according to the Book of Haggai, the Jews allowed it to stop for so long (~16 years) because they turned their focus upon their own homes and forgot that the House of the Lord still lay in ruins.  Yet, they did listen to the prophets and followed the example of their leaders to RESTART.

This time, they still encountered some challenges.   Tattenai, the Trans-Euphrates governor, and some of his Persian associates questioned them and wrote to King Darius to see if the work should be stopped; "But the eye of their God was watching over the elders of the Jews, and they were not stopped until a report could go to Darius and his written reply be received." (vs 5)    Even the letter that was written was more factually based and less critical than those from the enemies in the previous chapter; and tended towards a more favorable outcome since King Cyrus did indeed issue a decree for the house of God in Jerusalem to be rebuilt.  And, in the letter, it showed that the Jews submitted primarily to God's authority for rebuilding and recognized that it was their sin which caused the first Temple to be destroyed.

To me, this passage shows that God is at work when we are fulfilling His Plans.   It is also a reminder to be motivated by the Word of God, to be diligent when restarting, even after opposition, and to focus on God's perspective and Plans.  It is also a warning to not let distractions get in the way and to persist despite challenges.

Atlas

Sometimes I feel like Atlas, with the weight of the world on my shoulders, and no one to help me carry it.  Yet, when I think about it, I know it's not true.   I've been fortunate that the weights I've had to carry have not been impossibly burdensome; and I know that God is always with me to help me through.  I am not alone, and there is nothing that I am not able to handle with God's power within me.  I just have to remember that, when I am feeling overwhelmed.

I am reminded of the devotional passage from yesterday:  "I lie awake thinking of You, meditating on You through the night.  Because You are my Helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of Your wings.  I cling to You; Your strong Right Hand holds me securely."  (Psalm 63:6-8)  In times of trouble and we are filled with sleepless nights, these verses are a good reminder to meditate on Him and His Word, rather than to be anxious about our difficulties.

Power

"When we rely on the Holy Spirit, we get what God can do."

My pastor preached on the empowering of Believers at Pentecost by the Holy Spirit from the Acts 2 passage.  The Paracletos, or counselor/comforter, dwells IN us and Acts 1:8 gives the purpose - to empower believers to be His witnesses.

I truly need the power of the Holy Spirit in my life, especially now, as I am going through a major trial.  I feel under attack, though it is unclear from whom, though there are several possible guesses.  I pray for His protection, wisdom, and peace.  I pray also that the Holy Spirit may fill me for my areas of service.

Minor Key

A phrase I read today resonated with me.   One of the characters in a story talked about life seeming like it was written in minor key, played out in a sad mournful symphony.  Though I am blessed and I am grateful for all that the Lord has given to me and done for me; in many ways, I do feel like my life is written in minor key, played in the deep poignant sounds of the cello.   Yet, in that mournfulness there is great beauty.   I have always loved the sound of the cello; and typically, I even like to hear pieces in a minor key, rather than in the brighter major key.   I will live out my life faithfully, even if it is written in minor key, as long as the Composer and the Conductor is God.

Serving Singly

"Leaving the next day, we reached Caesarea and stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the Seven. He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied."   (Acts 21:8-9)


As a single, I knew that from the Biblical perspective, I am in good company.   The apostle Paul was single, as was the prophet Jeremiah, and of course, our Lord Jesus Christ Himself.    During the study in the Book of Acts, I remember reading Acts 21:9 about Philip's daughters being unmarried.   Yet, the significance of that only recently sunk in.  Of the many things Luke could've written about Philip's daughters besides their gift of prophesy, the only other thing he said about them was that they were unmarried.  Why would that be?   It brings to mind what Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 7:34 "An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord’s affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit."  The description in Acts seems to emphasize that the daughters were able to use their gift to serve the Lord effectively because they were single.

Ezra 4 - Resistance and Restraint

All was going well with the REBUILDING, and the Israelites had started worshipping, praising God, giving Thanksgiving, and observing all the sacred festivals in accordance with the Law.   And then, they encountered RESISTANCE and ultimately RESTRAINT from their enemies, the peoples of the land (many of them Samaritans).    This opposition continued through the reign of the Persian kings starting from Cyrus all the way through Cambyses, Smerdis,  Darius I, Xerxes I (Ahasuerus), and Artaxerxes II.   And "the work on the house of God in Jerusalem came to a standstill" for 15 years.

This shows us that for RESISTANCE/RESTRAINT:

• It can come when things are going well
• Typically, the "Enemy" is behind it
• It can cause a setback (in this case, it was 15 years)
• However, we have hope that God will ultimately prevail and His Plans and Work will continue

No matter what, there are three P's to remember:

• PERSPECTIVE - keep our eyes on the Purpose and Plan
• PURITY - don't compromise
• PREPARATION - be prepared for any backlash from opposition

What happened in this passage does align with the reality of what we often face in life.   When things are going well in our spiritual lives, that is typically when Satan will attack.  Sometimes we will suffer a setback; but, we should be encouraged that ultimately God will prevail.  It is so true, that we should always keep our eyes on God, not compromise in any areas (even if it seems that it would be "nicer" to allow the adversaries to "help"), and be prepared for anything, especially opposition.

Chinese Creamed Corn Soup

Chinese Creamed Corn Soup is a really simple but tasty soup to make.  Just mix together a can of creamed corn with some chicken broth.  Slowly adding a beaten egg (like for egg drop) gives some texture; and green onions will give some color.   (I tried adding some ginger; but, it was a little strong and didn't mix so well with the other flavors)