Category: Entrée

Entrée

The Will of God

The Manna Chef

How many times have you asked the question, “God, what is Your will for my life?”  Even those Sisters who are certain of their calling have probably asked at some point in their lives.  It occurred to me recently that we have a way of making things so much more complicated than they need to be.  Life itself can be complicated, so why in world would we add to the chaos? 

Well, today I want to share with you the answer to that very question, “Lord, what is Your will for my life?”  It’s not some deeply spiritual and mysterious answer, either.  God gave us a simple answer in His Word, and I am convinced that everything we need will spring forth from His instruction.  The answer is found in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NKJV):

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

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The Real Reward

The Manna Chef

You know how sometimes you can read a very familiar Scripture and get a brand-new revelation?  Well, I have something to share with you today!  I was reading Genesis 15:1, and the Lord blew my mind!

After these things, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram.  I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.”  (Genesis 15:1 NKJV)

What comes to mind when you see the word reward?  We often associate reward with something we receive as a token of gratitude or some type of recognition for an achievement.  Other times, we may see reward and think of a prize. 

When we think of reward as it relates to Scripture, we often think of Hebrews 11:6.

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.  (Hebrews 11:6 NKJV)

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It May Be Friday…

The Manna Chef

How many of you are in the midst of a challenging season in your life?  Lately, it seems like there is so much going on around us on a daily basis.  It really is important to be very intentional about how you choose to spend your time because there are so many distractions around us all the time. 

When I experience a difficult day, I stop everything so I can reset internally.  Sometimes it even means turning out the lights for a bit to shut out all distractions.  I have to quiet my thoughts and pray and breathe deeply.  Other times, I may turn on music to help me refocus, because, let’s face it, Sisters, these days life just feels stressful.

You may even find yourself in the midst of a storm or test right now—family issues, job-related stress, health concerns, relationship difficulties—sometimes life just feels hard. 

Notice, I keep saying “feels,” because I need you to know these turbulent times are temporary.  I know it seems like every time you turn on the television, you hear about the latest tragedy, mass shooting, plane crash, political corruption, or food recall; it feels like it never ends.  It may be difficult to keep a positive attitude in the midst of all of the bad news.  But Sisters, hold on!!  No matter how things look or feel, please know that God is still in control!  You just may be experiencing your Friday right now.  Let me explain what I mean. 

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Expectations

The Manna Chef

Sisters, who is measuring your success?  Many times, we are so focused on achievement and our perceived status that we lose sight of the real prize:  Jesus Christ and His limitless grace, mercy, and favor!  Our focus should be on living a life that is pleasing to God, not on how many material things we can acquire so we can appear successful to other people. 

And let me clear here, I certainly am not saying that you should not live well; I want you to live full:  full from the life that God promised you as you do what He put you here to do.  Jesus promised to give us life and life more abundantly.  We just need to focus on abundance in the Spirit, and He will do the rest.  Remember Matthew 6:33 (NKJV) reminds us to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”   

I recently spoke to someone who shared that she was disappointed because she wasn’t where she “was supposed to be at this point in her life.”  How many of you have ever felt like that?  I wondered, “Who’s measurement was she trying to live up to?”  She was looking at where her friends were in their lives and referring to a list that she made when she was younger.

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Our Daily Bread

The Manna Chef

Sisters, you have the power to choose every day where you will focus your attention.  Will you focus all of your time and energy on social media?  The constant stories about government corruption?  Stories about nonstop tragedies?  The rising price of milk, eggs, and gas?  Is your television on the news channel twenty-four hours a day?  It’s hard to even focus when you are constantly being bombarded with bad news all day long.  Or maybe you are focused on that special someone, your family, or even your place of employment. 

We can often become distracted by the circumstances around us, especially when the news is distressing.  That’s why we need to be sustained daily.  In spite of everything going on, God promised to keep us in perfect peace when we keep our minds on Him.  (Isaiah 26:3) 

Take a moment to answer these few questions:

  • Who sustains you?
  • What do you seek from God every single day?
  • What have you been focusing on today?
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