Author Archives: Nannette

About Nannette

Wife to The Sweetheart, Mom to the Fantastic Six, Nana to six of the cutest littles on the planet, Author, The Daniel Fast, A Devotional. UPCI ministers.

Let’s stop ignoring the Elephant in the room

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Andrew Murray (1828-1917) was a pastor and an author from the villages of South Africa where his father had begun the work many years earlier.

When he was 78 years old, Murray finally resigned from the position of pastor and for the next eleven years he gave his life to writing manuscripts, hurriedly finishing one and beginning another. He said that he felt as if he was a hen about to hatch an egg; he just could not rest until he released that burden, the message that the Lord had given him.

It is said that when he was in quite of bit of pain from a previous back injury, he was resting to try and regain his strength when he was told there was a woman that had a real need and desired an answer to her problem. Andrew Murray gave her the paper he had been writing on and said, “Give her this advice I’m writing down for myself. It may be that she’ll find it helpful.”

This is what he wrote:

In time of trouble, say, “First, he brought me here. It is by his will I am in this strait place; in that I will rest.”

Next, “He will keep me here in his love, and give me grace in this trial to behave as his child.”

Then say, “He will make the trial a blessing, teaching me lessons he intends me to bestow.”

And last, say, “In his good time he can bring me out again. How and when, he knows.”

Therefore, say, “I am here by God’s appointment, in his keeping, under his training, and for his time.”
–Andrew Murray

Trials.

Hardships.

Persecutions.

Senseless attacks on innocent civilians.

Executions in the name of a false god.

People that are willing to take their own lives while killing as many as possible before they die.

This is the type of enemy we are facing today. We can no longer look at this war as something going on across the pond. The refugee crisis is real. The refugee crisis is now our problem, not just Europe’s. There are many, many innocent people who have fled the violence in their own country, seeking safety for their families. But inside that Trojan horse the enemy has also infiltrated and found a way to blend in and our problems have just begun.

It isn’t just Paris, we hurt for all lives who are being affected by terrorism! Maybe the tragedy in Paris feels closer to home, not literally of course but that doesn’t mean we are not affected or burdened for all of the other senseless acts of terrorism in other countries. Paris is not more important by any means but maybe Paris will help us to wake up and realize we cannot ignore it any longer.

[Tweet “Intimidated by political correctness, we are afraid to point to the elephant in the room!”]

We know what is happening but the obvious is so ludicrous that our minds cannot comprehend the reality: our own government is now allowing our nation to be infiltrated with Islamic extremists who are bent on destroying each and every one of us and mercy is not in their vocabulary. ISIS also attacks and tortures fellow Sunni and Shi’a Muslims who do not adhere to the extremes of their religion! No one is exempt to this terrorist agenda, everyone is an infidel.

We have read our Bibles, we know these are the last days, the very last days, and Jesus warned us of what would come upon us. And yet it always seemed to be in another lifetime, we just weren’t quite sure how it would all play out.

But now we know.

We have met the enemy and he hates with a hatred that shocks and intimidates us. As Christians, people who are taught to love and include, how do we react and what should our focus be?

Perhaps if Andrew Murray were here today he would respond similarly as he did to the woman so many decades ago, with a little modification:

In time of trouble, say, “First, he brought me here. It is by his will I am in this strait place; in that I will rest.

It is true that God doesn’t go seeking for things to put upon us as His people. But we live in a real sin-filled world and just as Jesus was persecuted, the disciples were persecuted and thousands upon thousands of Christians down through the ages were persecuted, we will likely not be exempt! The good news is that our God is with us, in that we can rest. We will not walk alone.

He will keep me here in his love, and give me grace in this trial to behave as His child.

Do you believe that? He will give us GRACE to stand in the evil day. And not just stand but to BEHAVE as HIS CHILD. We may not be spared the taunts, accusations and violence that may be right around the corner but we also do not respond with the same. We do not flood social media with hatred but we also do not hide our head in the sand and hope it goes away. We spend time in prayer so that the Holy Spirit is able to work through us and guide us with His wisdom.

He will make the trial a blessing, teaching me lessons he intends me to bestow.

We have found that to be true, if we have lived for God any length of time. If we had never had a trial we would never know that He could step in and perform miracles or give us the peace and comfort we need to get through any given situation.

How can He turn persecution into a blessing? In the 11th chapter of 1 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul listed some of the suffering he had endured, read that here.

But then he tells us that he was also given a thorn in the flesh that he asked the Lord to remove from Him…but He did not. So he continues, “…And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” 1 Corinthians 12:8-10.

When I am weak, then I am strong.

Stephen, the disciple, gave his very life while calling on the name of the Lord. They literally beat him to death with stones and yet they could not help but notice his countenance while he lay there dying. (You can read his inspiring story here!)

Even while being stoned to death, he was not forsaken, he saw the Lord and had the strength to ask for forgiveness for his persecutors! Being full of the Holy Spirit brings supernatural strength from the heavens!

In his good time he can bring me out again. How and when, he knows.

Yes, He can, yes He does. But if He doesn’t? Just as Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego said, “If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” Daniel 3:17-18.

Even if He does not deliver, we will stand, knowing that He will carry us over to the other side. We will not deny the name of Jesus, we will not serve other gods!

Naturally, we pray the scripture in Revelation, “Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus.” (words we never thought we would pray!) But if He doesn’t take us out of here before we face such unimaginable times, we know if we have the power of the Holy Ghost, which is Christ IN us, we can hold on and stand in the evil day.

As Andrew Murray encouraged Christians in another lifetime, we can take those words and apply them to our situation today, leaning on the Word of God as our anchor and strength.

Let’s stop ignoring the Elephant in the room

We cannot fret about being politically correct and worried that someone is going to be offended somewhere. They will. Jesus surely was not politically correct! He ruffled feathers everywhere He went and in these last days He will be with those that stand for truth and righteousness. We know we cannot stop the end from coming or the ugly that accompanies it but it is our job to BE the Church and reach with love for as many as we possibly can before the Lord returns for His bride.

There are no accidents with God. He didn’t choose the apostles and disciples to be here for this endtime but He chose YOU and ME to carry His message to a lost and dying world. We are to show the love of God, and share the Good News that Jesus saves, in everything we do! And remember He will be with us to the end. No matter what.

As you move that elephant out of the way, remind yourself:

“I am here by God’s appointment, in his keeping, under his training, and for his time.”

Have you shared your copy of The Daniel Fast Devotional?! Many go on the Daniel Fast at the beginning of a New Year but it is also good for ANY FAST at ANY TIME. Isn’t now a good time to grow closer to God through prayer and fasting? Click here to get your paperback or Kindle copy on Amazon today!

Sharing with Living Proverbs 31, mama moments monday, Making your home sing, Amaze Me Monday, Words with Winter, Good Morning Mondays, Modest Monday, Soul Survival

Best chicken and wild rice soup ever!

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(Hope in the Healing uses affiliate links and ads to help support this site. Read my full disclosure here.)

I have this friend. She is bubbly, beautiful and shows the love of Jesus every single day. She is a wife, mother, grandmother and pastor’s wife to a wonderful congregation somewhere in the Midwest (smile). Kim Buerky can also flat-out cook! At one gathering in their home, she made this chicken and wild rice soup and I have asked her to share it with me several times only because I lost it the first time, was overseas the second time and thought I was going to have to call her again but finally found it.

There are several different versions on the internet of this Northwoods Wild Chicken and Rice Soup. The one identical to Kim’s was originally published as Northwoods Wild Rice Soup in Taste of Home Christmas Annual 2011. Some call for ham and others even have bacon, but trust me, this is one soup that doesn’t need either!

When it gets colder outside, the leaves begin to fall and the wind is crazy like it was today, I want soup. I’ve already made chili and tortilla soup and just woke up this morning thinking of Kim’s soup. It’s easy to make, not too many steps and you will be enjoying this comforting, creamy and delicious concoction in no time!

Best chicken and wild rice soup ever!

What you will need:

1/4 c. butter

1 medium onion, chopped

8 oz. fresh, sliced mushrooms (not from a jar, people!)

1 medium carrot, chopped or grated

1/4 c. flour

1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper

2 cups of chicken broth

1 can (12 oz.) evaporated milk

1 cup cooked wild rice

1 cup cooked, chopped or shredded chicken

4 oz cream cheese

Melt butter and add onion, mushrooms and carrots.

Cook and stir over medium heat until carrots are tender. Stir in flour, salt and pepper then add chicken broth all at once. Stir until bubbly. Add evaporated milk, the rice, chicken and cream cheese. Continue to cook over low heat until the cheese is melted.

This recipe makes four servings but I always double it. Hey, who doesn’t like leftovers when it is this good?!

Nutritional Facts: 1 cup equals 320 calories, 20 g fat (12 g saturated fat), 80 mg cholesterol, 482 mg sodium, 20 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 16 g protein.

Winter is on the way…what are some comfort foods that you like to make during colder weather?

If you allowed your family to vote for their favorite meal, what would it be?

Gathering around the family table to share a meal is one of the most important parts of the day. Granted, it is not always feasible but it should be something that we work toward. Have a blessed day and go make this soup!

Sharing with Home Matters, Family Fun Friday, Modest Monday

Leaning. When the foundation makes all the difference.

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Leaning. When the foundation makes all the difference.

It is not the beauty of a building you should look at; it’s the construction of the foundation that will stand the test of time. ~David Allan Coe

The Italians were known (and are known) for their magnificent architecture. In the first century the Romans brought us the unmistakable Colosseum in Rome, the Pantheon and countless other treasures. They were constructed so well that many are still standing in some form or another for us to marvel at and enjoy.

It is amazing to think how they were able to build such splendid structures with the primitive equipment that they had at the time (compared to today’s standards). Fast forward to the eleventh century and the Torre Pendente di Pisa, or the Leaning Tower of Pisa, as we know it today. This wonder, a 14,500 ton leaning tower in the Tuscany region, was originally designed to be a bell tower and the first two floors stood upright for five years! Once they had completed the third floor in, 1178, it started to lean. The problem seemed to be the fact that the tower was built on dense clay (some say sand and seashells) which was just not strong enough to hold it up straight.

Over the next several hundred years, it became obvious that it wasn’t just leaning, the tower was falling at a rate of one to two millimeters per year and today is more than five meters off perpendicular. They tried to compensate by making the story’s shorter on the uphill side but that didn’t work either, it leaned all the more.

When it began to sink and lean, they halted the construction project for 100 years hoping that the soil would settle and give the strength to hold the enormous weight of the tower. It was added on to several times over the next several hundred years, they would begin then stop, build a little more, then stop either due to war or the leaning of the tower itself. Finally, in 1964, a leaden counterweight was added to save the tower and in 1990 it was closed again for its final upgrade to safety. It reopened to the public in 2001 as a national treasure and international wonder. (My brother-in-law, Duffe Elkins, was just in Italy and took this great picture of the Leaning Tower!)

“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock.But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand.When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.” Matthew 7:24-27 NLT.

Leaning. When the foundation makes all the difference.

We know we can’t build a new home on a foundation of sand. It will sink! But what about our day-to-day lives?

“By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established.” Proverbs 24:3.

The Sermon on the Mount begins in Matthew 5 and the final parable is given in the seventh chapter with the story about two men and two houses. Jesus told the crowd that had gathered that their words meant little but their actions would tell all. He even went so far as to say that some would stand before Him in the Judgment and begin to list all the things that they did “in His name” but He would say that He never knew them.

There was no relationship.

I am not normally a fan of The Message translation of the Bible, I look at it more as a lighthearted story with the language used. But today it is appropriate to read this rendition, it will almost make you chuckle!

“Knowing the correct password—saying ‘Master, Master,’ for instance—isn’t going to get you anywhere with me. What is required is serious obedience—doing what my Father wills. I can see it now—at the Final Judgment thousands strutting up to me and saying, ‘Master, we preached the Message, we bashed the demons, our God-sponsored projects had everyone talking.’ And do you know what I am going to say? ‘You missed the boat. All you did was use me to make yourselves important. You don’t impress me one bit. You’re out of here.’” Matthew 7:24-27 The Message.

Did you see that line? “All you did was USE ME to make yourselves important.” Their foundation would fold and crumble in the end because there was no Rock, nothing to hold on to, no relationship to build upon!

It is about DOING the will of the Father, following His instruction and making everything we do point to Him, not to ourselves. When our foundation is Jesus, when our entire world revolves around pleasing Him, then everything else lines up and is in order, we have built on the Rock, the Solid Rock, Christ Jesus being the Chief Cornerstone.

“Therefore thus says the Lord God, “Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: ‘Whoever believes will not be in haste.’” Isaiah 28:16 ESV.

[Tweet “Building your life on anything other than Christ Jesus is foolishness.”]

You will have nothing to hold on to when the storms come and your life will be shattered. But if He is first, if you KNOW Him, then no matter what comes your way, whether it is persecution, famine, cancer, financial disaster, death of a loved one, it doesn’t matter the WHAT as long as you know in WHOM you have believed and in WHOM you have put your trust.

“For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 3:11.

And one more plug for The Message storybook today. Read the story of two men and two houses one more time: “These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on. If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock. Rain poured down, the river flooded, a tornado hit—but nothing moved that house. It was fixed to the rock.

But if you just use my words in Bible studies and don’t work them into your life, you are like a stupid carpenter who built his house on the sandy beach. When a storm rolled in and the waves came up, it collapsed like a house of cards.”

Don’t be like the stupid carpenter in this story. These words aren’t just for home improvement, they are foundational! Words to build a life on!

[Tweet “Don’t use the words of Jesus to make yourself look good, impress others or climb a social ladder.”]

Build your life on them and then, no matter the size of the storm, your house will stand.

Author Archives: Nannette

About Nannette