Qualifications
* I founded the earth and established the heavens, (See Proverbs 3:19)
* I formed man from the dust of the ground, (See Genesis 2:7)
* I breathed into man the breath of life, (See Genesis 2:7)
* I redeemed man from the curse of the law, (See Galatians 3:13)
* The blessings of the Abrahamic Covenant comes upon your life through me, (See Galatians 3:14)

Occupational Background
* I’ve only had one employer, (See Luke 2:49).
* I’ve never been tardy, absent, disobedient, slothful or disrespectful.
* My employer has nothing but rave reviews for me, (See Matthew 3:15-17)

Skills Work Experiences
* Some of my skills and work experiences include: empowering the poor to be poor no more, healing the brokenhearted, setting the captives free, healing the sick, restoring sight to the blind and setting at liberty them that are bruised, (See Luke 4:18).
* I am a Wonderful Counselor, (See Isaiah 9:6). People who listen to me shall dwell safely and shall not fear evil, (See Proverbs 1:33).
* Most importantly, I have the authority, ability and power to cleanse you of your sins, (See I John 1:7-9)

Educational Background
* I encompass the entire breadth and length of knowledge, wisdom and     understanding, (See Proverbs 2:6).
* In me are hid all of the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, (See Colossians 2:3).
* My Word is so powerful; it has been described as being a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path, (See Psalms 119:105).
* I can even tell you all of the secrets of your heart, (See Psalms 44:21).

Major Accomplishments  
I was an active participant in the greatest Summit Meeting of all times, (See Genesis 1:26).
* I laid down my life so that you may live, (See II Corinthians 5:15).
* I defeated the archenemy of God and mankind and made a show of them openly, (See Colossians 2:15).
* I’ve miraculously fed the poor, healed the sick and raised the dead!
* There are many more major accomplishments, too many to mention here.
You can read them on my website, which is located at: www dot – the BIBLE. You don’t need an Internet connection or computer to access my website.

References
* Believers and followers worldwide will testify to my divine healing, salvation, deliverance, miracles, restoration and supernatural guidance.  In Summation Now that you’ve read my resume, I’m confident that I’m the only candidate uniquely qualified to fill this vital position in your heart.
In summation, I will properly direct your paths, (See Proverbs 3:5-6), and lead you into everlasting life, (See John 6:47). When can I start?
Time is of the essence, (See Hebrews 3:15)

This soup is surprisingly quick and easy to make and full of vitamins and
antioxidants, especially beta-carotene which helps to protect the cells in the
body from free radical damage and strengthen the immune system. It is the
perfect soup for the autumn season as many types of squash are available this
time of year.

Ingredients

Makes about 6 servings

1 large sweet onion, diced
4 small or 3 large cloves of garlic,
minced
1 small butternut squash, peeled, seeded and diced (about 4 cups)
1
sweet potato or yam, peeled and diced (about 2 cups)
3 medium carrots, peeled
and diced (about 1 1/2 cups)
2 parsnips, peeled and diced (about 1 cup)
1
teaspoon poultry seasoning
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/4 teaspoon
ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground
ginger
1 quart (32 ounces) low-sodium vegetable stock
1 1/2 cup
unsweetened nondairy milk (soy, almond or rice)
1-2 teaspoons sea salt (or to
taste)
Freshly ground black pepper

Optional garnishes: Minced fresh
chives, croutons made from raisin toast and/or a dash of freshly grated cinnamon
or nutmeg.

Directions

In a large Dutch oven, sauté onion in 2 tablespoons of water over medium heat
until slightly golden, soft and translucent. Add more water, 2 tablespoons at a
time to prevent sticking. Add garlic and cook for another minute. Do not let
garlic brown.

Add squash, sweet potato, carrots, parsnips, poultry seasoning, pumpkin pie
spice, cinnamon, allspice, ground ginger and vegetable stock, increase heat to
high and cover. When pot begins to boil, reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 20
minutes or until vegetables are tender.

Puree soup in batches in a blender or with an immersion blender.

Stir in nondairy milk, sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, warming
through and adjusting seasonings to taste. If you prefer bisque a little
thinner, simply thin out with a little water.

Garnish with options above and serve.

Nutrition Information | Per
serving (1/6 recipe):

calories: 156; fat: 1.2 g; saturated fat: 0.2 g;
calories from fat: 6.4%; cholesterol: 0 mg; protein: 4.7 g; carbohydrates: 35 g;
sugar: 14.1 g; fiber: 5.7 g; sodium: 566 mg; calcium: 172 mg; iron: 2.1 mg;
vitamin C: 30 mg; beta-carotene: 11761 mcg; vitamin E: 2.5 mg

Recipe by Food for Life instructor, Emily
Webber

Ingredients

Makes about 6 servings

4 cups water
1 cup dry short-grain brown rice
1 cup dry hulled or pearl barley
1 teaspoon salt

Directions

Bring water to a boil, then add rice, barley, and salt. Reduce heat to a simmer, then cover and cook until grains are tender and all the water is absorbed, about 45 minutes.

Nutrition Information | Per serving (1 cup):

calories: 261; fat: 1.4 g; saturated fat: 0.3 g; calories from fat: 4.9%; cholesterol: 0 mg; protein: 6.8 g; carbohydrates: 56 g; sugar: 0.9 g; fiber: 9.9 g; sodium: 403 mg; calcium: 24 mg; iron: 1.5 mg; vitamin C: 0 mg; beta-carotene: 5 mcg; vitamin E: 0 mg

The disciples were given the Great Commission by Jesus in Mark 16:15-16:

And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.

Christ told his disciples to go into all the world and preach the gospel and have a concern for all people. Jesus wants all to be saved.

The disciples clung to the commission that Jesus just gave them. In the Book of Acts 1:4-8, when the Holy Spirit comes on people, the people have power. If we call ourselves Christians and we do not have power in our lives, then we are missing the boat. Jesus said these things to His disciples because He loved them and wanted them to experience power in their lives.

Did the disciples experience the outpouring of the Holy Spirit? Yes, they did. On the day of Pentecost, the Christian believers received the Holy Spirit power and Jesus was being coronated in the Sanctuary in heaven.

We may not feel comfortable with receiving the Holy Spirit. We may have fear. God doesn’t want us to be fearful. He wants us to have power in our lives and be a powerful Christian witness so that we can go with the Great Commission of spreading the Gospel.

Acts 9:31
Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.

The disciples had power through the Holy Spirit and the Christian church began growing rapidly. What does it mean to be edified? The disciples were willing to recognize their sinful, helpless, hopeless life. They realized without Jesus they were nothing. The disciples were willing to walk in the fear of the Lord.

What does it mean to walk in the fear of the Lord? People may think do I have to be afraid? No, it means to Love, Honor, and Respect the Lord! The disciples were so passionate about Him, that their hearts were fully surrendered to Christ. The disciples honored God by the way they lived. They were not afraid of what others might think of them. It is easy to go to church and believe what everyone at church believes. When we are out in the community, we should not worry about the reaction from people that are not Christians. We should not be ashamed or scared to advance the Gospel.

We should stand up for who we are in our workplace, with our friends, our relatives. Are we worried about what others may think about us? Do the relatives think I lost my mind?

Pastor Korter remembers when he was a child his father was a police officer in New Orleans. His father had to make a choice do I do what is right or what is expected of him. His father knew he had to do what is right, and stand for the Lord Jesus. He did not worry about what others thought of him. Policemen and firemen are in a select group of people. And if you are not in their group, you are an outsider. Pastor Korter’s father was required to go to training on Sabbath. His father decided that Jesus came first and did not go to training exercises on Sabbath. He chose to stand up for Jesus and the Ten Commandments.

The disciples experienced walked in the fear of the Lord-honoring, loving, and respecting Jesus so they did not care what others said or did. The result was the disciples walked in the comfort of the Holy Spirit. Jesus will walk with you and give you power and strength. We should do the same-put Jesus first and we also will have the Holy Spirit and Jesus with us.

When we stand for Jesus, He will take care of all our needs. We may get our wants mixed up with our needs. Jesus has stated He will take care of our needs. Is Jesus the most important thing in our lives? When we live this way with Jesus first, we are a powerful witness to others.

Here are some statistics from the times of the disciples. The Roman Empire population was between 180 and 200 million. The percentage of Christians to the world population was too small to calculate. There would have been one Christian to every 1.5 – 2 million people. Today we have 1 Adventist Christian to every 422 people in the world. The task of the disciples was much more immense than ours is today.

The disciples did not have technology, satellite television, publishing house, world wide education system, world wide hospital system or social media. There was no Facebook, Twitter, or the Internet. But the early church during the time of the disciples grew between 15-20 thousand in just 8 weeks. Do you see how nothing is impossible with God?

The New Testament church began and grew so fast that a Roman writer said you Christians are everywhere. Every part of Roman society had believers. They served in the Roman military, in the Senate, in the schools, and in every aspect of Roman society. Ninety years later in 200 AD, Tertulian was a powerful Roman lawyer. He became a Christian. He wrote a letter to the Roman emperor. He boasted that almost all of the citizens of all the cities are now Christians.

In Acts 10, when Cornelius was converted, the door opened to tens of thousands to be converted to Christianity. The churches were edified and they multiplied.

Genuine revival builds up and edifies Christ. It leads to evangelistic outreach. There is no genuine revival without a corresponding evangelistic outreach. Revival without witnessing is either self-righteous or spiritual complacency.

Jesus said in the Book of Revelation. The last church was the church of Laodicea. Jesus said I would rather you be hot or cold but you are lukewarm. God is calling for you today to be a church on fire for Jesus, on fire for the Gospel. When we go outside these doors is when we need to be passionate to share Jesus with others and witness to people.

Acts of the Apostles, page 593.

The Church Triumphant

More than eighteen centuries have passed since the apostles rested from their labors, but the history of their toils and sacrifices for Christ’s sake is still among the most precious treasures of the church. This history, written under the direction of the Holy Spirit, was recorded in order that by it the followers of Christ in every age might be impelled to greater zeal and earnestness in the cause of the Saviour.

The commission that Christ gave to the disciples, they fulfilled. As these messengers of the cross went forth to proclaim the gospel, there was such a revelation of the glory of God as had never before been witnessed by mortal man. By the co-operation of the divine Spirit, the apostles did a work that shook the world. To every nation was the gospel carried in a single generation.

Jesus came on time. The Holy Spirit came on time, The Latter Rain is coming on time. We can take His Great Commission and cooperate with Him. The Christian church went from 120 members to millions without the resources we have today.

Great Controversy page 611

The angel who unites in the proclamation of the third angel’s message is to lighten the whole earth with his glory. A work of world-wide extent and unwonted power is here foretold. The advent movement of 1840-44 was a glorious manifestation of the power of God; the first angel’s message was carried to every missionary station in the world, and in some countries there was the greatest religious interest which has been witnessed in any land since the Reformation of the sixteenth century; but these are to be exceeded by the mighty movement under the last warning of the third angel.

The work will be similar to that of the Day of Pentecost. As the “former rain” was given, in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at the opening of the gospel, to cause
the upspringing of the precious seed, so the “latter rain” will be given at its close for the ripening of the harvest. “Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord: His going forth is prepared as the morning; and He shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.”

When Napoleon took his armies into Egypt in 1799, he said: “Soldiers 40 centuries have passed and God is looking down today”. If God is looking down on you today from heaven, is there anything in your life that you need to get rid of? Are you going to be ready when Jesus comes?

Say to the Lord this morning: “Lord, I want to receive the outpouring of the Holy Spirit like the disciples received at Pentecost. I want to experience being a partner with you. Come into my heart now and hear my confession and repentance. Take my heart now Jesus”.

This was the sermon given on Sabbath, 1 October 2011 at Bellingham, Washington Seventh-day Adventist church by Pastor Brandon Korter.

There is now a group of people organizing the same thing here in America . If you would like to participate: Every evening at 9:00 PM Eastern Time (8:00 PM Central) (7:00 PM Mountain) (6:00 PM Pacific), stop whatever you are doing and spend one minute praying for the safety of the United States, our troops, our citizens, and for a return to a Godly nation.      If you know anyone else who would like to participate, please pass this along.    Our prayers are the most powerful asset we have.    Please forward this to your praying friends.  

Can we put off our relationship with God to the last minute? Look in Matthew 25 and you will see a powerful parable about being prepared.

Matthew 25:1-6
The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins
 1 “Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.
6 “And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’

Do we believe that there is a cry that will go out? There are 21 of Jesus parables in Matthew and 14 of them refer to the Kingdom of God or the church. Jesus is very concerned about the spiritual condition of His people. Jesus is addressing His people-His church.

Notice in this parable Jesus is speaking about the ten virgins waiting for Jesus soon return. In the Bible, a woman represents the church. Jesus is speaking directly to the church. The number 10 is the smallest number of men to comprise a synagogue.

Notice in verse 2 how 5 of the virgins were wise and 5 were foolish. Jesus doesn’t make a distinction between the loyal or disloyal, the obedient or disobedient. Jesus points out that all 10 virgins go out to meet the bridegroom.

All of the virgins were asleep. Are we asleep to the Godless culture around us? God’s people are a people with a message-a people with a mission to share-to share a message of light to a community of darkness.

The message of the Seventh-Day Adventist church is to share Jesus with a dying world. All of the 10 virgins are part of the church. Half of the virgins missed out on the opportunity to spend eternity with Jesus because they were foolish.

In the ancient world, lamps could only hold a certain amount of oil. The lamps all looked the same. Lamps were designed so they could be held in their hands. You could use the lamp in your house or while out walking to see someone. The lamps could only hold so much oil. Wise people not only had the oil in their lamps but also took a small flask of extra oil so they could replenish their lamps when they went out.

The foolish virgins had oil, but they did not have enough oil to add when their oil was used up. The oil represents the Holy Spirit. When the foolish virgins ran out of oil, the bridegroom came. Jesus did not allow the foolish virgins in because they did not have the Holy Spirit.

In the New Testament, oil is used as healing and represents the healing power of the Holy Spirit healing us from our sins. The foolish virgins depended on oil that they had acquired in the past. They made a fatal mistake. They had oil but it was not enough oil. They cried: “Our lamps are going out!” They were not ready for that special day when the bridegroom came.

Are we depending on a religious or spiritual experience once upon a time, or has our experience now slipped away? Are we living in the past? Are we depending on an experience with God that is in the past tense? The foolish virgins did not have enough oil with them. They trusted in their past experience.

Are we in the church in 2011 trusting in our past experience? The foolish virgins neglected to nourish their souls. They are not hypocrites. They have not fully surrendered to the Holy Spirit. The foolish virgins were not developing their relationship with Jesus.

Ezekiel 33:30-32
“As for you, son of man, the children of your people are talking about you beside the walls and in the doors of the houses; and they speak to one another, everyone saying to his brother, ‘Please come and hear what the word is that comes from the LORD.’ 31 So they come to you as people do, they sit before you as My people, and they hear your words, but they do not do them; for with their mouth they show much love, but their hearts pursue their own gain. 32 Indeed you are to them as a very lovely song of one who has a pleasant voice and can play well on an instrument; for they hear your words, but they do not do them.

The foolish virgins have a casual knowledge of the church and are not fully prepared. Jesus wants us to get to know him personally. Jesus said perilous times are coming. We need a relationship with the Lord to strengthen us now.

The foolish virgins had the Word of God in their heart. The foolish virgins were informed but not transformed. They were instructed but not changed. Doctrinal correctness does not save. Has the truth that we believe and share with others transformed our lives? The foolish virgins wanted what the wise virgins had. There is plenty supply of God’s love for the entire world.

No one can be spiritual for us. We have to study God’s word and pray to the Father as part of our being wise.

Gospel Workers Page 274
It is not human, but divine power, that works transformation of character. Those who plant and those who water do not cause the growth of the seed; they work under God, as His appointed agencies, co-operating with Him in His work.

A third evil angel said there is no worry.

Do you have struggles now? Jesus is passionate about every single one of us. All of us today are the 10 virgins. We have a choice to be wise virgins or foolish virgins. Is the oil in our lamps running low today? Are we depending on a recipe we made 30 years ago?

Preparation is God calling for people in this last generation. God shares compassionately. When we seek the Lord and acknowledge Him, He calls us to be a wise virgin and not be lost. Jesus is asking us to be a wise virgin. If you are ready, raise up your hand and make sure you are ready for eternal life.

Jesus wants us to have a Joy with Him in heaven. Are you going to be prepared? Will you partner with Jesus?

This sermon was given by Pastor Korter on Sabbath, 17 September 2011 at Bellingham Seventh-day Adventist church.

Prayer is not a privilege. Prayer is an absolute necessity in this life. We need prayer to make it to heaven. How serious are we about getting to heaven? Do you know very many people that say they don’t want to go to heaven?

In New York City, people were interviewed out on the street and asked the question: “Do you want to go to heaven?” When the survey was done not one person said they don’t want to go to heaven. Are we willing to do what is necessary to be there? That is where the reality of our Christian life is revealed.

Jesus is interceding right now in the Most Holy Place. He is interceding right now for people. He is doing ministry on your behalf and my behalf. He is filled with passionate love for you. He loves all mankind. Are we willing to have that kind of love for Jesus? Are we willing to open up and walk with Jesus?

Are we deliberate in seeking Jesus to walk with Him everyday? Jesus understands how hard it is to live in this world. We are here struggling and Jesus is watching what goes on here. Jesus walked on this earth, interacted with people on this earth and ministered to people here. He reached out to the downtrodden and lower classes and healed the sick.

Jesus was tempted here and overcame. The same way He overcame is available for us. He left His Word in the Bible for us to follow. Jesus has the solution to life’s challenges. He has the power and he wants to give it to us so that we can be winners.

John 16:7-10
Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. 8 And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 of sin, because they do not believe in Me; 10 of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more.

General MacArthur stood on the beach in the Philippines during World War II and said to the people: “I will return”. Jesus gave us what we need to be saved and He is coming back to get those that believe in Him.

Daniel 1:8-12
But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. 9 Now God had brought Daniel into the favor and goodwill of the chief of the eunuchs. 10 And the chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel, “I fear my lord the king, who has appointed your food and drink. For why should he see your faces looking worse than the young men who are your age? Then you would endanger my head before the king.”
11 So Daniel said to the steward whom the chief of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 12 “Please test your servants for ten days, and let them give us vegetables to eat and water to drink.

Daniel made a deliberate choice to not defile himself. He did not take the King’s wine or meats. Daniel was convicted by the Holy Spirit.

John 5:32
There is another who bears witness of Me, and I know that the witness which He witnesses of Me is true.

When the Holy Spirit witnesses us, does He see a true follower of Christ? If there is something going on in our lives that makes us feel uncomfortable, the reason is the Holy Spirit is convicting us every day. He is pleading with us.

There are many Christians today without Joy in their lives? Why is there no Joy in the Christian life? When the convicting power of the Holy Spirit comes, Jesus says He will convict people of sin. Our society doesn’t like being convicted of sin. The devil is waiting to say Jesus is unfair. Jesus wants to save all. He doesn’t want one person to be lost. There are people out in the world saying hell is created for people. Hell is created so the devil and his evil angels can be destroyed at the second coming of Christ.

People will not be in heaven if they reject over and over again the spirit of God. God is patient however accepting the Holy Spirit is very important for people because we never know when we will die.

Pastor Korter visited a man who had not been in church for a few months. The man said the reason he has not been in church is he is looking for people that are genuine in their Christian life. That hurts. People are looking for genuine Christianity. People that are full of Christ’ love is what people are seeking.

God is doing something here in Whatcom County. If you will be willing to give in to the Lord Jesus, you will have a peace and comfort and love that is unimaginable. Are we willing to sacrifice for Jesus? Lay down our personal interests and be involved in the ministry of this church reaching out to the local community is what Jesus is asking us. Jesus said seek first the Kingdom of Heaven and all of our other desires will be fulfilled.

When the Holy Spirit genuinely comes in, we will be willing to sacrifice for Jesus. Turn to Acts 26:18

To open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.

When we sacrifice to the Lord and do the work of ministry for Him, he will bless us. There are people who need the Lord Jesus. The first place to start is your own life. Say Lord, I need Jesus, I am helpless without Him. Great things are happening here in Whatcom County. Don’t fight the Holy Spirit.

Pastor Korter heard about a group of 36 children trapped in a classroom that was on fire in Chicago. Flames and smoke had filled the stairway and 36 little faces were glued to the windows. Mark Spencer who lived 2 blocks down the street came running to the school and he shouted to the children: “Break the windows and jump out”. He called to them: “Jump and I will catch you”. He had 35 children jump out into his arms except Mike.

Mike turned and looked at the flames. All of the children were yelling: “Jump Mike!” Mark Spencer yelled: “Jump son!” All of the children were saved except little Mike because Mike would not jump. Mark Spencer was there yelling at his son to jump into his safe and loving arms, and Mike would not jump. The fire department found Mike’s burned body the next morning.

Jesus is pleading with us to jump into his arms. He wants to take us and comfort and protect us. If you will jump into the arms of Jesus, you will make it to the city of God. There are many people here this morning from different backgrounds. There are lost people that need to jump into the arms of Jesus.

If you are willing to partner with the Lord and be convicted by His Holy Spirit, would you please stand.

Ingredients

Makes 8 servings

1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons water
8 ounces white button mushrooms, sliced
1 3/4 cups cooked or canned garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
3/4 cup rolled oats
2 cups cooked quinoa
1 cup frozen green peas
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, or 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme, or both
10 sundried tomatoes, soaked in water for 1 hour, drained, and chopped
1/2 cup chopped red onion (about 1/2 onion)
Salt
Ground pepper

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Lightly coat an 8-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray or olive oil.

Put 1 tablespoon of the water and the mushrooms in a large skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, over medium-high heat for 6 to 8 minutes. Add 2 more tablespoons of the water, 1 tablespoon at a time, as it evaporates. Transfer the mushrooms to a large bowl and set aside.

Put the beans, oats, and remaining 1/2 cup water in a food processor and pulse until almost smooth. Combine the bean mixture, quinoa, peas, parsley, tomatoes, onion, and salt and pepper to taste with the mushrooms in the large bowl and stir well. Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan and gently press down. Bake for an hour to an hour and 25 minutes, or until firm and golden brown. Remove from the oven and cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tip: Leftover slices are delectable in sandwiches or stuffed into whole wheat pita bread.

Nutrition Information | Per serving (1/8 recipe):

calories: 172; fat: 2.6 g; saturated fat: 0.3 g; calories from fat: 12.7%; cholesterol: 0 mg; protein: 8.2 g; carbohydrates: 30.4 g; sugar: 3.7 g; fiber: 6.2 g; sodium: 215 mg; calcium: 46 mg; iron: 3.1 mg; vitamin C: 10 mg; beta-carotene: 458 mcg; vitamin E: 0.5 mg

Recipe by Ellen Jaffe Jones from Eat Vegan on $4 a Day

Ingredients

Makes 4 to 6 servings

1 medium onion, diced
2 small tomatoes, diced
1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
1 1/2 teaspoons turmeric
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon cayenne
Fine sea salt (optional)
2-3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 3/4” cubes
7 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
1 cup brown or red lentils

Directions

Heat two tablespoons
of the broth over medium heat in a large, deep pot. Add the onion and
cook, stirring frequently, for two minutes or until the onion starts to
soften. Stir in the tomatoes and ginger and cook for three minutes. Stir
in the turmeric, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cayenne, and a small pinch
of salt, if using. Cook and stir for two minutes, then taste for
seasonings; try to use only enough salt to heighten the flavors.

Add the sweet potatoes, broth, and lentils.
Stir well, and bring to a boil over high heat. When the mixture comes
to a boil, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 40 minutes or until
the lentils and sweet potatoes are soft.

Nutrition Information | Per serving (1/4 recipe):

calories: 256; fat: 1 g; saturated fat: 0.2
g; calories from fat: 3%; cholesterol: 0 mg; protein: 13.9 g;
carbohydrates: 50.7 g; sugar: 11.9 g; fiber: 10.9 g; sodium: 275 mg;
calcium: 78 mg; iron: 6.1 mg; vitamin C: 23 mg; beta-carotene: 7699 mcg;
vitamin E: 1.2 mg

Recipe adapted from Alicia Silverstone‘s The Kind Diet

And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. 25 But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality.

Put your strength, energy, time and heart into your work as it shows your honesty. Even if you are an employee, work hard for your employer and realize you are serving the Lord. Your character that manifests itself in the workplace, with your family and community has more to do with your success in God’s plan than a large back account.

The kind of person you are says volumes about your character. Who makes a powerful witness for Jesus Christ?

Our nation is in a financial crisis right now. Whether we recognize it or not we are stewards. God put us here to work and be productive and be a strong Christian witness. When we seek to find Biblical principles of life management, we are following the best character of the universe.

We may not become wealthy according to the world’s standards. If we follow God’s principles, we will be blessed. Life is more than earning a living. Work is not about just providing an income. As Christians, we are faced with giving a response to the Great Commission of spreading the Gospel of Christ.

Mark 16:15
And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.

When we work, we are witnessing for Christ. Your job is your mission field. Biblical principles of management are found throughout the Bible and in particular in the book of Proverbs.

Proverbs 3:5-10
Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
      And lean not on your own understanding;
       6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
      And He shall direct your paths.
       7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
      Fear the LORD and depart from evil.
       8 It will be health to your flesh,
      And strength to your bones.
       9 Honor the LORD with your possessions,
      And with the first fruits of all your increase;
       10 So your barns will be filled with plenty,
      And your vats will overflow with new wine.
      
Lean not on your own understanding. Do not be wise in your own eyes, or proud or arrogant. Pride and arrogance destroy the person and all people around them. Pride destroys institutions and nations. Just look at King Nebuchadnezzar in Babylon.

If at all possible, raise a child up on one income and let one parent work and one take care of the child. The children will benefit from not being in day care. The extra income from a two income family increases the families tax burden and once you pay tithe on the additional income, there is not that much more net income in the household.