Category: Entrée

Entrée

“Who Did It?”

The Manna Chef

Anyone who knew my mother would respond, “God did it!”  That was her life mantra—a reminder that God will do the impossible for His children because He is in control of all things at all times.  She knew how to shift the environment and usher in praise and worship.  Our Father is beyond good to us, and He is always moving on our behalf.

As we approach the ending of another year, I want to encourage you to maintain an attitude of gratitude for all that the Lord has done for you.  He has provided everything you needed throughout the year, so why not take a moment to say, “Thank You, Lord!”?

Those of you who know me personally know that I no longer complete a list of New Year resolutions.  I used to have such an expansive to-do list, and it was ridiculous.  No one person could accomplish that list.  Interestingly, I did not consult the Lord before writing the list.  I just decided that I was going to accomplish everything on it.  Then, at the end of the following year, I would be discouraged because I could not complete the list that I created.  And then, God led me to Proverbs 19:21 (NLT):

You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.

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Entrée

What Do You Really Want from God?

The Manna Chef

Sisters, what do you really want from God today?  Many times, we settle for less than what He promised because we think we have to settle.  But today, I want to remind you that you can actually go right to God and ask for what you need.  John 5:1-9 gives us a glimpse of what it is like to settle.  

Chapter 5 begins with a feast of the Jews taking place, and Jesus went to Jerusalem.  There was a pool in Jerusalem called Bethesda, which means “House of Mercy.”  This was a pool that physically manifested mercy.  Many sick people gathered at the pool: blind, lame, and paralyzed. They were waiting for the water to move.  An angel went down at certain times and stirred up the water, and whoever entered the water immediately after the water was stirred was made whole of whatever disease the person was suffering from. 

The Bible speaks of three conditions: blind, disabled, and paralyzed.  These are not only physical ailments that plague the people of God.  Today, many of us are spiritually blind.  We have ignored the Spirit of God so long that we operate with blinders on.  We only see with our natural eyes, and we have become desensitized to the Spirit of God.  Others have allowed sin to disable them, to handicap growth.  Sin brings death.  That’s all there is to it.  It will render your life disabled.  And still others are paralyzed.  They have reached the moment in their lives when they are stuck; they simply cannot move forward.  Life has beaten them up so much that they are spiritually being swallowed up, unable to move and do anything about it.  Lord, please help Your daughters!

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Something About That Name

The Manna Chef

Today, Sisters, I want you to try something.  Before you make any decisions, ask Jesus to give you clarity and direction, even if you think you have the day figured out.  I know many of you are master planners, already armed with your massive to-do list for the day, but just try it.  As a matter of fact, I want you to call on Jesus all day long.  And yes, I mean that literally.  Call on the name of Jesus all day long.

Before you leave the house, talk to Jesus.  Seal your prayers in the name of Jesus.  Plead the blood of Jesus over your mind, your heart, your family, and your home.  And then ask Him to direct your steps today and follow His lead.

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Entrée

Protecting My Peace

The Manna Chef

You may have heard a Sister say that she is “protecting her peace.”  That comment usually follows some drastic measure that she has taken.  Or maybe it’s a phrase she uses to help her set boundaries (which is necessary in our everyday lives).  “Protecting my peace” is also a popular phrase used in therapy.  But today, Sisters, I want to give you another way to view peace.  Peace is not a weakness or vulnerability that requires your protection.  You don’t need to protect peace.  Peace is protection.  You need to pursue peace.  You should seek peace to help you establish healthy boundaries.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV)

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Surrender…The Heart of Worship

The Manna Chef

Worship is loving God for who He is, not just for what He does for us.  1 John 4:19 reminds us that “we love God because He first loved us.”  God loved us before we were even conceived!  He showed his love for us when He allowed Jesus to come to earth and experience life the way we do.  And then, God sacrificed His Son just for us!  Romans 5:8 says, “God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.”  God loved us before we even accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior.  Jesus didn’t wait for us to “get life right.”  He loved us so much that He became the most perfect sacrifice. 

How many of you know that love is an action word?  Our worship to our Heavenly Father should actually demonstrate love, and it should be active; at the heart of that worship is surrender.  Surrendering to the Lord’s will should be our response to His amazing love and mercy.

But what does it mean to surrender?  First of all, surrendering means admitting our limitations.  Romans 7:18a says, “And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature.”  We have to realize that without God we cannot do anything.  We have to relinquish that desire to always be in control.  As a matter of fact, the desire to control is the oldest temptation.  When the serpent deceived Eve, he appealed to her desire to be in control.

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