Saturday, March 4, 2017
Friday, March 3, 2017
Gluten Free Blondies recipe
1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 3/4 cup almond flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped pecans
Preheat the oven to 350F. Lightly grease a 9x13 baking pan.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugars. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix on high until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Add the almond flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix to fully incorporate. Stir in the chocolate chips and pecans.
Pour the dough into the greased baking dish. Smooth into an even layer. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden. Allow to cool for 15 minutes before cutting.
-I got this recipe from Meaningful Eats, and it is the best gluten free blondies recipe ever! Follow the link to find more of her amazing recipes.
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 3/4 cup almond flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped pecans
Preheat the oven to 350F. Lightly grease a 9x13 baking pan.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugars. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix on high until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Add the almond flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix to fully incorporate. Stir in the chocolate chips and pecans.
Pour the dough into the greased baking dish. Smooth into an even layer. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden. Allow to cool for 15 minutes before cutting.
-I got this recipe from Meaningful Eats, and it is the best gluten free blondies recipe ever! Follow the link to find more of her amazing recipes.
Thursday, March 2, 2017
Finding Peace in a Troubled World (video sermon)
Know God; Know Peace. No God; No Peace. A great truth in the Bible is that there is no peace without God.
Isaiah 57:21- There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.
Isaiah 26:3- Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
The Arabs and Muslims who trace their heritage back to Ishmael have no peace. Because God said it would be so. Genesis 16:12- And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.
The religion often referred to as the religion of peace is anything but peaceful.
But, the Christian is suppose to live peaceably. Romans 12:18- If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
This doesn't mean to keep your mouth shut against the wickedness of this world. This doesn't mean to not tell others that they are sinners. This doesn't mean to accept the evils of this world as normal. It means don't go out seeking a fight when a situation can be approached in a gently, godly manner.
So, how do we find peace in a world filled with rioting, fighting, hate, envy, backbiting, lying, etc?
Well, first Christ made possible peace between the Sinner and God. At the negotiating table, if you're saved, you and God both agreed that you were guilty. You both agreed that Christ was the only payment that could suffice the wages of sin. You find peace in salvation because Christ ensures the relationship.
We can also find peace in our mind. If you keep your thoughts on God, on things that are pleasing to God, then we can find peace in our minds. Not only will this affect our minds, but it will also affect our hearts. We won't be full of worry or the cares that deal with things of this world. This doesn't mean we won't have troubles, but we will find peace in the midst of troubles.
Christians can find peace by trusting God. God said that He will supply all our need- not our greed. If we accept what God has given us, and learn to be content trusting that He knows what is best, we will find peace. Much of our peace goes out the window because of discontent with what God has given us, or with what we perceive God hasn't allowed us to have.
Peace can be found in accepting our lot in life. God has decreed certain things for your life- who your parents are, where you were born, etc. There are certain things that we can't change. If we accept that God knows best, then we will find a peace in walking in the grace that God provides to us through the trial.
Everything you do- from the way you walk and talk to the shows that you watch and the music you listen to- have an effect on your life. Our lives will have times of sorrow as well as times of joy, but we can have peace through each. There may be disfunction in the world around you, but you can still have peace!
How? By reading the Scriptures! We know that in the last days perilous times shall come. We can see the list of end times signs coming true before our eyes. But, the promises that are found in the Bible helps us to have peace in spite of these things. We know it's coming, and we know how the book ends. So, we can peace by reminding ourselves of these precious truths.
If you live a wicked life, if you have wicked thoughts, if you harbor discontent in your heart, or get your focus in what's happening in the world then you will have no peace. It's only by putting your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and walking in His ways and keeping the precious promises of Scripture in your sight that you will ever find peace in this present evil world!
Isaiah 57:21- There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.
Isaiah 26:3- Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
The Arabs and Muslims who trace their heritage back to Ishmael have no peace. Because God said it would be so. Genesis 16:12- And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.
The religion often referred to as the religion of peace is anything but peaceful.
But, the Christian is suppose to live peaceably. Romans 12:18- If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
This doesn't mean to keep your mouth shut against the wickedness of this world. This doesn't mean to not tell others that they are sinners. This doesn't mean to accept the evils of this world as normal. It means don't go out seeking a fight when a situation can be approached in a gently, godly manner.
So, how do we find peace in a world filled with rioting, fighting, hate, envy, backbiting, lying, etc?
Well, first Christ made possible peace between the Sinner and God. At the negotiating table, if you're saved, you and God both agreed that you were guilty. You both agreed that Christ was the only payment that could suffice the wages of sin. You find peace in salvation because Christ ensures the relationship.
We can also find peace in our mind. If you keep your thoughts on God, on things that are pleasing to God, then we can find peace in our minds. Not only will this affect our minds, but it will also affect our hearts. We won't be full of worry or the cares that deal with things of this world. This doesn't mean we won't have troubles, but we will find peace in the midst of troubles.
Christians can find peace by trusting God. God said that He will supply all our need- not our greed. If we accept what God has given us, and learn to be content trusting that He knows what is best, we will find peace. Much of our peace goes out the window because of discontent with what God has given us, or with what we perceive God hasn't allowed us to have.
Peace can be found in accepting our lot in life. God has decreed certain things for your life- who your parents are, where you were born, etc. There are certain things that we can't change. If we accept that God knows best, then we will find a peace in walking in the grace that God provides to us through the trial.
Everything you do- from the way you walk and talk to the shows that you watch and the music you listen to- have an effect on your life. Our lives will have times of sorrow as well as times of joy, but we can have peace through each. There may be disfunction in the world around you, but you can still have peace!
How? By reading the Scriptures! We know that in the last days perilous times shall come. We can see the list of end times signs coming true before our eyes. But, the promises that are found in the Bible helps us to have peace in spite of these things. We know it's coming, and we know how the book ends. So, we can peace by reminding ourselves of these precious truths.
If you live a wicked life, if you have wicked thoughts, if you harbor discontent in your heart, or get your focus in what's happening in the world then you will have no peace. It's only by putting your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and walking in His ways and keeping the precious promises of Scripture in your sight that you will ever find peace in this present evil world!
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
Why Do We Have The Book of Job?
Shortly after the flood, the Bible tells us a story about the time the devil and God argued over a man.
Job 1:1-2- There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.
You see, the devil didn't stop entering before the Lord God Almighty's throne when he became Satan. He was the ruler of the kingdoms of the World, but he still came before God every so often.
Job 1:6-7- Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.
What do you suppose they talked about? The devil probably had to give an account of his doings. But, he also liked to accuse humanity of their wickedness before God.
Job 1:8-11- And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.
God asked Satan what he thought about Job. Job tried to do right, and God had greatly blessed him because of it.
Satan told God that the only reason that Job feared God and did right was because God had blessed him. So, God decided to use Job to prove the devil wrong!
Job 1:12-And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.
God told Satan that he could take away all the blessings that had been bestowed upon Job, only Satan couldn't physically hurt Job.
So, the devil went down and in one day killed all Job's children and took all his wealth.
Job 1:20-22- Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.
God knew that Job would stand firm. Even though he was of a sorrowful heart, he still worshipped the Lord God Almighty!
Job 2:1-2- Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the LORD. And the LORD said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.
God, again, had a meeting in heaven. Satan came to this meeting, and God wanted to know what he thought about Job passing the test.
Job 2:3- And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.
God told Satan that Job was still doing right, even though all his riches were gone.
But, Satan had another argument.
Job 2:4-6- And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life. But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face. And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life.
Satan said that if Job were in physical pain that he wouldn't worship God. So, the Lord decided to allow the devil to prove his point.
Satan was given permission to hurt Job, only he couldn't kill him.
Job 2:7-8- So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown. And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself withal; and he sat down among the ashes.
Poor Job! He didn't know what was going on. All he knew was that God had allowed him to lose his children, his riches, and now his health. He sat down in the ashes that were left from his wealth and tried to scrape away the nastiness from his wounds.
But, the devil wasn't done. He was going to try to provoke Job into cursing God.
Job 2:9-10- Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die. But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.
Job's wife told him to curse God and die. If he were dead, he wouldn't be in pain anymore. But, Job knew that cursing the Lord God Almighty was wrong. Even though he didn't understand why God allowed these things to happen. He was still going to trust Him.
Wow! I bet the devil wasn't expecting that answer!
Job had some friends that came to see him. Three good friends, and another man who is mentioned later on in the book of Job.
Job 2:11-13- Now when Job's three friends heard of all this evil that was come upon him, they came every one from his own place; Eliphaz the Temanite, and Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite: for they had made an appointment together to come to mourn with him and to comfort him. And when they lifted up their eyes afar off, and knew him not, they lifted up their voice, and wept; and they rent every one his mantle, and sprinkled dust upon their heads toward heaven. So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spake a word unto him: for they saw that his grief was very great.
As Job's friends, and this one acquaintance, came near they were astonished by what they saw. They saw a man who was grotesque sitting covered in sores and ashes. They didn't even recognize him!
The rent their clothes and sat down with him mourning. But, they were silent because, I guess, they just didn't know what to say!
Job 3:1-2,11 - After this opened Job his mouth, and cursed his day. And Job spake, and said, Why died I not from the womb? why did I not give up the ghost when I came out of the belly?
After days of pain, Job finally spoke. He knew not to curse God, so instead he cursed his own life; He wished that he had never been born.
Satan saw that Job was breaking. He decided to take it one step further and add mental anguish to Job's life.
Job 4:1, 7-8- Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said, Remember, I pray thee, who ever perished, being innocent? or where were the righteous cut off? Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same.
Job's friends started to accuse him of doing evil things. They said that was why God allowed this to happen to him.
But, the time in which Job lived was different from our time now. God had always blessed those who lived right. The only time anyone was ever cursed by God was when they had done wrong. So, Job's friends just knew that he had done something!
Job 5:6-7,27 -Although affliction cometh not forth of the dust, neither doth trouble spring out of the ground; Yet man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward. Lo this, we have searched it, so it is; hear it, and know thou it for thy good.
For a long time, Job argued with his friends that his works were righteous. He said that he did nothing to deserve this.
Job 32:1- So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.
After much debate, Job's three friends fell silent. They saw that they were getting no where because Job was righteous in his own eyes.
This is when the fourth man finally spoke up!
Job 32:2-3- Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God. Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job.
Elihu had sat listening to the conversation of these men. He was angry that Job justified himself. And, he was also mad at the other men for not answering correctly.
Job 32:6-7, 11-12; 33:1, 8-9, 12; 34:10, 12; 35:2; 37:14- And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young, and ye are very old; wherefore I was afraid, and durst not shew you mine opinion. I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom. Behold, I waited for your words; I gave ear to your reasons, whilst ye searched out what to say. Yea, I attended unto you, and, behold, there was none of you that convinced Job, or that answered his words: Wherefore, Job, I pray thee, hear my speeches, and hearken to all my words. Surely thou hast spoken in mine hearing, and I have heard the voice of thy words, saying, I am clean without transgression, I am innocent; neither is there iniquity in me. Behold, in this thou art not just: I will answer thee, that God is greater than man. Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding: far be it from God, that he should do wickedness; and from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity. Yea, surely God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert judgment. Thinkest thou this to be right, that thou saidst, My righteousness is more than God's? Hearken unto this, O Job: stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God.
Elihu argued that God was just no matter what His reasons. And, he told Job that he was wrong in not accepting that.
We don't know what Job thought about Elihu's opinion, because Job never got the chance to answer.
Job 38:1-4, 12, 33-34; 40:1-2- Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said, Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge? Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me.Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding.Hast thou commanded the morning since thy days; and caused the dayspring to know his place; Knowest thou the ordinances of heaven? canst thou set the dominion thereof in the earth? Canst thou lift up thy voice to the clouds, that abundance of waters may cover thee? Moreover the LORD answered Job, and said, Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him? he that reproveth God, let him answer it.
God told Job to answer for himself. Then he asked Job a few questions. Was Job there when God created the earth? Did Job tell the sun to rise? Was Job in control of the stars? Could Job make it rain? Answer me!
What would you do if all of a sudden God sent a tornado and started talking to you from it? Just imagine how scared you would be!
Job 40:3-4- Then Job answered the LORD, and said, Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth.
Job said that he was unworthy to answer God!
But, God wasn't going to accept Job's silence after listening to all the arguments between him and these other four men.
Job 40:6-8- Then answered the LORD unto Job out of the whirlwind, and said, Gird up thy loins now like a man: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me. Wilt thou also disannul my judgment? wilt thou condemn me, that thou mayest be righteous?
God continued to tell Job about all that He could do, and did do. And, do you know what Job said?
Job 42:1-2, 5-6- Then Job answered the LORD, and said, I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee. I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.
Job said, "I'm sorry! Please, forgive me!"
And, guess what? God forgave him!!
But, God wasn't done just yet.
You see, Job wasn't the only one who had misspoken. Job's three friends were also guilty.
Job 42:7-8- And it was so, that after the LORD had spoken these words unto Job, the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath. Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job.
Job's three friends had accused him of doing wrong. Job hadn't sinned! The only thing Job was guilty of was accusing God, and that was after his friends accused him of wrongdoing.
God told them to apologize to Job and offer a sacrifice. They would be forgiven when Job prayed for them.
Job 42:10- And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.
God waited for Job to forgive his friends. Once he prayed for them, God gave Job his children and his wealth back. In fact, God doubled Job's riches!
Job 42:12a, 16-17- So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: After this lived Job an hundred and forty years, and saw his sons, and his sons' sons, even four generations. So Job died, being old and full of days.
God gave Job a long and happy life. He was able to see his great grand children!
Why would God include this story in the Bible?????
Revelation 12:10- And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
God told us this story because Satan still goes before God and accuses us of our sins! He wants us to be punished for all the wrongdoing that we commit.
Isn't that terrible!
But, don't worry! We serve a wonderful Savior, and He has given us something far better than even Job had! If you have asked the Lord Jesus Christ to save you, you have an advocate that's on your side standing before God all the time!
Romans 8:28, 34- And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
Hebrews 7:25- Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
The whole time the devil is telling God how bad you are, the Lord Jesus Christ is right there reminding God that He paid for our sins!
And, just like Job we can be forgiven by God if only we ask!
I John 1:9- If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
John 3:16- For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
I'm a "whosoever" that believed on the Lord Jesus Christ! And, when the devil accuses me before God, Christ is right there interceding on my behalf!
Job 1:1-2- There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.
You see, the devil didn't stop entering before the Lord God Almighty's throne when he became Satan. He was the ruler of the kingdoms of the World, but he still came before God every so often.
Job 1:6-7- Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.
What do you suppose they talked about? The devil probably had to give an account of his doings. But, he also liked to accuse humanity of their wickedness before God.
Job 1:8-11- And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.
God asked Satan what he thought about Job. Job tried to do right, and God had greatly blessed him because of it.
Satan told God that the only reason that Job feared God and did right was because God had blessed him. So, God decided to use Job to prove the devil wrong!
Job 1:12-And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.
God told Satan that he could take away all the blessings that had been bestowed upon Job, only Satan couldn't physically hurt Job.
So, the devil went down and in one day killed all Job's children and took all his wealth.
Job 1:20-22- Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.
God knew that Job would stand firm. Even though he was of a sorrowful heart, he still worshipped the Lord God Almighty!
Job 2:1-2- Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the LORD. And the LORD said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.
God, again, had a meeting in heaven. Satan came to this meeting, and God wanted to know what he thought about Job passing the test.
Job 2:3- And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.
God told Satan that Job was still doing right, even though all his riches were gone.
But, Satan had another argument.
Job 2:4-6- And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life. But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face. And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life.
Satan said that if Job were in physical pain that he wouldn't worship God. So, the Lord decided to allow the devil to prove his point.
Satan was given permission to hurt Job, only he couldn't kill him.
Job 2:7-8- So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown. And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself withal; and he sat down among the ashes.
Poor Job! He didn't know what was going on. All he knew was that God had allowed him to lose his children, his riches, and now his health. He sat down in the ashes that were left from his wealth and tried to scrape away the nastiness from his wounds.
But, the devil wasn't done. He was going to try to provoke Job into cursing God.
Job 2:9-10- Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die. But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.
Job's wife told him to curse God and die. If he were dead, he wouldn't be in pain anymore. But, Job knew that cursing the Lord God Almighty was wrong. Even though he didn't understand why God allowed these things to happen. He was still going to trust Him.
Wow! I bet the devil wasn't expecting that answer!
Job had some friends that came to see him. Three good friends, and another man who is mentioned later on in the book of Job.
Job 2:11-13- Now when Job's three friends heard of all this evil that was come upon him, they came every one from his own place; Eliphaz the Temanite, and Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite: for they had made an appointment together to come to mourn with him and to comfort him. And when they lifted up their eyes afar off, and knew him not, they lifted up their voice, and wept; and they rent every one his mantle, and sprinkled dust upon their heads toward heaven. So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spake a word unto him: for they saw that his grief was very great.
As Job's friends, and this one acquaintance, came near they were astonished by what they saw. They saw a man who was grotesque sitting covered in sores and ashes. They didn't even recognize him!
The rent their clothes and sat down with him mourning. But, they were silent because, I guess, they just didn't know what to say!
Job 3:1-2,11 - After this opened Job his mouth, and cursed his day. And Job spake, and said, Why died I not from the womb? why did I not give up the ghost when I came out of the belly?
After days of pain, Job finally spoke. He knew not to curse God, so instead he cursed his own life; He wished that he had never been born.
Satan saw that Job was breaking. He decided to take it one step further and add mental anguish to Job's life.
Job 4:1, 7-8- Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said, Remember, I pray thee, who ever perished, being innocent? or where were the righteous cut off? Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same.
Job's friends started to accuse him of doing evil things. They said that was why God allowed this to happen to him.
But, the time in which Job lived was different from our time now. God had always blessed those who lived right. The only time anyone was ever cursed by God was when they had done wrong. So, Job's friends just knew that he had done something!
Job 5:6-7,27 -Although affliction cometh not forth of the dust, neither doth trouble spring out of the ground; Yet man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward. Lo this, we have searched it, so it is; hear it, and know thou it for thy good.
For a long time, Job argued with his friends that his works were righteous. He said that he did nothing to deserve this.
Job 32:1- So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.
After much debate, Job's three friends fell silent. They saw that they were getting no where because Job was righteous in his own eyes.
This is when the fourth man finally spoke up!
Job 32:2-3- Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God. Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job.
Elihu had sat listening to the conversation of these men. He was angry that Job justified himself. And, he was also mad at the other men for not answering correctly.
Job 32:6-7, 11-12; 33:1, 8-9, 12; 34:10, 12; 35:2; 37:14- And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young, and ye are very old; wherefore I was afraid, and durst not shew you mine opinion. I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom. Behold, I waited for your words; I gave ear to your reasons, whilst ye searched out what to say. Yea, I attended unto you, and, behold, there was none of you that convinced Job, or that answered his words: Wherefore, Job, I pray thee, hear my speeches, and hearken to all my words. Surely thou hast spoken in mine hearing, and I have heard the voice of thy words, saying, I am clean without transgression, I am innocent; neither is there iniquity in me. Behold, in this thou art not just: I will answer thee, that God is greater than man. Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding: far be it from God, that he should do wickedness; and from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity. Yea, surely God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert judgment. Thinkest thou this to be right, that thou saidst, My righteousness is more than God's? Hearken unto this, O Job: stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God.
Elihu argued that God was just no matter what His reasons. And, he told Job that he was wrong in not accepting that.
We don't know what Job thought about Elihu's opinion, because Job never got the chance to answer.
Job 38:1-4, 12, 33-34; 40:1-2- Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said, Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge? Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me.Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding.Hast thou commanded the morning since thy days; and caused the dayspring to know his place; Knowest thou the ordinances of heaven? canst thou set the dominion thereof in the earth? Canst thou lift up thy voice to the clouds, that abundance of waters may cover thee? Moreover the LORD answered Job, and said, Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him? he that reproveth God, let him answer it.
God told Job to answer for himself. Then he asked Job a few questions. Was Job there when God created the earth? Did Job tell the sun to rise? Was Job in control of the stars? Could Job make it rain? Answer me!
What would you do if all of a sudden God sent a tornado and started talking to you from it? Just imagine how scared you would be!
Job 40:3-4- Then Job answered the LORD, and said, Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth.
Job said that he was unworthy to answer God!
But, God wasn't going to accept Job's silence after listening to all the arguments between him and these other four men.
Job 40:6-8- Then answered the LORD unto Job out of the whirlwind, and said, Gird up thy loins now like a man: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me. Wilt thou also disannul my judgment? wilt thou condemn me, that thou mayest be righteous?
God continued to tell Job about all that He could do, and did do. And, do you know what Job said?
Job 42:1-2, 5-6- Then Job answered the LORD, and said, I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee. I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.
Job said, "I'm sorry! Please, forgive me!"
And, guess what? God forgave him!!
But, God wasn't done just yet.
You see, Job wasn't the only one who had misspoken. Job's three friends were also guilty.
Job 42:7-8- And it was so, that after the LORD had spoken these words unto Job, the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath. Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job.
Job's three friends had accused him of doing wrong. Job hadn't sinned! The only thing Job was guilty of was accusing God, and that was after his friends accused him of wrongdoing.
God told them to apologize to Job and offer a sacrifice. They would be forgiven when Job prayed for them.
Job 42:10- And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.
God waited for Job to forgive his friends. Once he prayed for them, God gave Job his children and his wealth back. In fact, God doubled Job's riches!
Job 42:12a, 16-17- So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: After this lived Job an hundred and forty years, and saw his sons, and his sons' sons, even four generations. So Job died, being old and full of days.
God gave Job a long and happy life. He was able to see his great grand children!
Why would God include this story in the Bible?????
Revelation 12:10- And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
God told us this story because Satan still goes before God and accuses us of our sins! He wants us to be punished for all the wrongdoing that we commit.
Isn't that terrible!
But, don't worry! We serve a wonderful Savior, and He has given us something far better than even Job had! If you have asked the Lord Jesus Christ to save you, you have an advocate that's on your side standing before God all the time!
Romans 8:28, 34- And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
Hebrews 7:25- Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
The whole time the devil is telling God how bad you are, the Lord Jesus Christ is right there reminding God that He paid for our sins!
And, just like Job we can be forgiven by God if only we ask!
I John 1:9- If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
John 3:16- For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
I'm a "whosoever" that believed on the Lord Jesus Christ! And, when the devil accuses me before God, Christ is right there interceding on my behalf!
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
My Thoughts On CalExit
So, there's been a lot of speculation on California seceding from the United States. Could it happen? How would it happen? Etc.
It all kinda reminds me of that teenager living at home who doesn't want to obey their parent's rules anymore. They get this grand idea that moving out and having their own place would be a non-stop party, or a bed of roses.
A teenager moving out needs enough money for a down payment and the first month's rent, along with any utility deposits. They're going to need furniture, kitchen wares, appliances, and other household supplies- can they afford to buy that? What about the cost of insurance- home, health, auto? What if there's an emergency? Or their car breaks down? Etc.
They think that striking out on their own would be a great adventure! But, I wonder if, like that deluded teenager, they've actually thought about what the changes would be?
I'll give you some of what others have said, and then conclude with my own questions for these "pioneers".
Did you know that there was a time where for 25 days in 1846 there was a California secession? The Historical secession of 1846 according to wikipedia:
How about the next attempt as secession by the Southern states? Again, it started a war- the Civil War. Could this be the beginning of the next war between the states on American soil?
There have been many people who have written on this topic, and much speculation has been had over it. Should it be secession or should they split the state in two, dividing the more liberal coastal area from the more conservative parts?
In the article California Shouldn't Secede From The US by National Review, they suggest splitting the state into two.
However, there is a movement that has been gathering signatures for a secession- Yes California.
Carl Cannon at The Orange County Register brought up a few good points. He touches on who would be citizens of this new country, and whether they would have dual citizenship with the United States. He comments on the ripple effect it would have in politics. He, also, brings up their water predicament:
So, are you ready for my questions?
My questions your Government and International relations-
What type of government would they have? President? Prime Minister? Democracy? Republic?
Who would design your flag? Your national anthem? Would you have a pledge to your flag?
How about laws? What would they be? Who would write them? Would there be a constitution? What laws would be kept and what would be tossed? Elections or appointment?
How about their relations with other countries? Would they send out Ambassadors? Build embassies? Who would they chose as allies?
How would you maintain your border? Would you build a wall?
How many refugees would they take in and how would you cover the increased cost?
My questions about your military-
Where will you get your defense from? The National Guard is a local thing, but it's not equipped or trained for a nuclear attack or a hostile invasion- with Russia and North Korea so close, and the threat of war with America gone because you are now an independent country. So, who will join? Will there be a draft, or forced service requirements?
Will you have many branches of service- Army, Navy, Air Force? Who will train, arm, etc? How about CIA, FBI, NSA?
And police? How would this change things for them? Could they carry guns? What would they be willing to do or be able to do without the ability to call in a National Guard?
What if there's a disaster? Would they have their own FEMA ready?
My questions about Citizenship-
Who would qualify as a citizen? How would people leave or move and join? Visas? Green Cards? Dual citizenship? Would people who become citizens of California lose their American Citizenship?
What about people who cross the border illegally? Would they get citizenship?
What would you do about the homeless? Or the US veterans? Would they be welcome to stay? Would they still get benefits for being in the Military?
How about the prisoners in the Federal prisons? Would they be citizens? Would California commute their sentences? How about extradition laws?
My questions about Federally Run Places and Businesses-
What would happen to the things that the federal government maintains- parks, military bases, etc. Would California have to buy these from the US? Who would maintain or pay to convert them?
The Postal Service? You'd have to create your own stamps. Run the service. UPS? FedEx? Shipping anywhere outside of California would be considered international shipment, so what would the rates become?
My questions about Trades and the Economy-
How would this effect the economy? Yes, they grow a lot of the country's food, produce much of our technology, and pretty much rule in the entertainment arena. But, what happens when there's import/export taxes or other fees on these products?
What if people stop buying as freely as they are now because of the cost increase?
My questions about Education-
Where would the money come from to maintain the public school system?
Would you create new Textbooks with California state history as the nations new history? Who would write them? And, where would they be published? Who would pay for this to happen and the distribution of it all?
Would college become free? What about people with federal scholarships? Would they have to leave and go to another college? Would you have your own grants and scholarships?
My questions about Health Care-
Are there enough local doctors, nurses, and specialists? Would they want to stay?
Would everyone get on Medicaid? Or would they make up another type of Health Insurance?How would the health care insurance work for both the patients and the costs of the hospital facilities? How would insurance work for visitors? How about when people go to the hospital, but leave this new country without payment for the procedures done?
My questions about Funding, Taxes, and Money-
Would keeping the taxes owed to the United States in this new country counter the loss of the almost $4 Billion in Federal money they receive yearly?
What happens to people who owe back taxes to the United States government? What would the yearly tax brackets be? What would the corporate taxes be?
And, how about currency? In the United States it is illegal for states to print money. So, they would have to come up with their own monetary system, along with how to print it, disperse it, etc.
And that brings into question the loans that people have. Would house loans have to be bought out by the new country? Or, would they allow international loans?
Just so many questions!
There is now an emergency that they want federal assistance with. There is a dam around the spillway for Lake Oroville that is crumbling. There's talk that California's government knew about the failing dam and ignored it in favor of taking care of other matters.
How were they going to take care of this matter after the secession?
The big problem with all the talk is that people are damaging relationships that will be needed at some time. If we aren't careful, we will follow this example in our personal lives and will find ourselves out on a limb when the proverbial dam of our ignorant bliss erodes and the waters of reality come crashing through our lives!
It all kinda reminds me of that teenager living at home who doesn't want to obey their parent's rules anymore. They get this grand idea that moving out and having their own place would be a non-stop party, or a bed of roses.
A teenager moving out needs enough money for a down payment and the first month's rent, along with any utility deposits. They're going to need furniture, kitchen wares, appliances, and other household supplies- can they afford to buy that? What about the cost of insurance- home, health, auto? What if there's an emergency? Or their car breaks down? Etc.
They think that striking out on their own would be a great adventure! But, I wonder if, like that deluded teenager, they've actually thought about what the changes would be?
I'll give you some of what others have said, and then conclude with my own questions for these "pioneers".
Did you know that there was a time where for 25 days in 1846 there was a California secession? The Historical secession of 1846 according to wikipedia:
The California Republic was an unrecognized breakaway state that, for twenty-five days in 1846, militarily controlled the area to the north of the San Francisco Bay in the present-day state of California.This historical secession was not from America, but from Mexico, and it started a war.
In June 1846, a number of American immigrants in Alta California rebelled against the Mexican department's government. The immigrants had not been allowed to buy or rent land and had been threatened with expulsion from California because they had entered without official permission. Mexican officials were concerned about a coming war with the United States coupled with the growing influx of Americans into California. The rebellion was soon overtaken by the beginning of the Mexican–American War.
How about the next attempt as secession by the Southern states? Again, it started a war- the Civil War. Could this be the beginning of the next war between the states on American soil?
There have been many people who have written on this topic, and much speculation has been had over it. Should it be secession or should they split the state in two, dividing the more liberal coastal area from the more conservative parts?
In the article California Shouldn't Secede From The US by National Review, they suggest splitting the state into two.
Let the sprawling, diverse state divide up into two or more states to ease tensions between farmers and coastal types, defuse the war of ideology between Left and Right, and allow more policy experimentation, Efforts to divide California into more manageable and homogeneous parts are as old as the Bear Flag that was raised over the state capitol at statehood in 1850. When I was a legislative staffer in Sacramento in 1980, a state assemblyman named Stan Statham had a serious proposal that attracted bipartisan support. He recognized that California’s people (now 40 million) would be better served if its competing constituencies had more in common.And, a 2011 article by the Los Angeles' Times says there's been more than 220 attempts to split California into two separate states, and all have failed.
Accusing Sacramento of pillaging local governments to feed its runaway spending and left-wing policies, a Riverside County politician is proposing a solution: He wants 13 mostly inland, conservative counties to break away to form a separate state of "South California.''I guess there would be a lot less headache from splitting in two- like the teenager moves into the garage. There isn't much that changes and some of the expenditures would be relatively small.
However, there is a movement that has been gathering signatures for a secession- Yes California.
We're not trying a 1860s breakaway," Louis Marinelli, president of Yes California, told The Los Angeles Times in 2015."We're talking about California being recognized as a nation within a nation, like Scotland in the United Kingdom. We feel California is more than just a state.Yes California has some key points that they make and they think that they in a good position if it happens, but they have a lot of uncertainty, noted by Business Insider.
Carl Cannon at The Orange County Register brought up a few good points. He touches on who would be citizens of this new country, and whether they would have dual citizenship with the United States. He comments on the ripple effect it would have in politics. He, also, brings up their water predicament:
The Golden State would soon turn Golden Brown, too, and that isn’t a reference to California President-in-waiting Jerry Brown. I’m talking water rights, specifically the Colorado River. Already, a Denver utility is planning a huge expansion of Gross Reservoir in Boulder County. Wyoming has similar plans afoot, too, in a Colorado River tributary and officials in Nevada and Arizona covet more Colorado River water, too.
Under Calexit, the interstate compact that apportions Colorado River water would be the subject of treaty negotiations between two sovereign nations, one of which has the water, and the other which wants it. Keeping the lush Imperial Valley from turning into another Death Valley could cost trillions.
All those new people — you’d be looking at a population of 100 million — would need drinking water, which would necessitate water desalination plants, fueled most likely by the nuclear power plants the state is now busily decommissioning.
So, are you ready for my questions?
My questions your Government and International relations-
What type of government would they have? President? Prime Minister? Democracy? Republic?
Who would design your flag? Your national anthem? Would you have a pledge to your flag?
How about laws? What would they be? Who would write them? Would there be a constitution? What laws would be kept and what would be tossed? Elections or appointment?
How about their relations with other countries? Would they send out Ambassadors? Build embassies? Who would they chose as allies?
How would you maintain your border? Would you build a wall?
How many refugees would they take in and how would you cover the increased cost?
My questions about your military-
Where will you get your defense from? The National Guard is a local thing, but it's not equipped or trained for a nuclear attack or a hostile invasion- with Russia and North Korea so close, and the threat of war with America gone because you are now an independent country. So, who will join? Will there be a draft, or forced service requirements?
Will you have many branches of service- Army, Navy, Air Force? Who will train, arm, etc? How about CIA, FBI, NSA?
And police? How would this change things for them? Could they carry guns? What would they be willing to do or be able to do without the ability to call in a National Guard?
What if there's a disaster? Would they have their own FEMA ready?
My questions about Citizenship-
Who would qualify as a citizen? How would people leave or move and join? Visas? Green Cards? Dual citizenship? Would people who become citizens of California lose their American Citizenship?
What about people who cross the border illegally? Would they get citizenship?
What would you do about the homeless? Or the US veterans? Would they be welcome to stay? Would they still get benefits for being in the Military?
How about the prisoners in the Federal prisons? Would they be citizens? Would California commute their sentences? How about extradition laws?
My questions about Federally Run Places and Businesses-
What would happen to the things that the federal government maintains- parks, military bases, etc. Would California have to buy these from the US? Who would maintain or pay to convert them?
The Postal Service? You'd have to create your own stamps. Run the service. UPS? FedEx? Shipping anywhere outside of California would be considered international shipment, so what would the rates become?
My questions about Trades and the Economy-
How would this effect the economy? Yes, they grow a lot of the country's food, produce much of our technology, and pretty much rule in the entertainment arena. But, what happens when there's import/export taxes or other fees on these products?
What if people stop buying as freely as they are now because of the cost increase?
My questions about Education-
Where would the money come from to maintain the public school system?
Would you create new Textbooks with California state history as the nations new history? Who would write them? And, where would they be published? Who would pay for this to happen and the distribution of it all?
Would college become free? What about people with federal scholarships? Would they have to leave and go to another college? Would you have your own grants and scholarships?
My questions about Health Care-
Are there enough local doctors, nurses, and specialists? Would they want to stay?
Would everyone get on Medicaid? Or would they make up another type of Health Insurance?How would the health care insurance work for both the patients and the costs of the hospital facilities? How would insurance work for visitors? How about when people go to the hospital, but leave this new country without payment for the procedures done?
My questions about Funding, Taxes, and Money-
Would keeping the taxes owed to the United States in this new country counter the loss of the almost $4 Billion in Federal money they receive yearly?
What happens to people who owe back taxes to the United States government? What would the yearly tax brackets be? What would the corporate taxes be?
And, how about currency? In the United States it is illegal for states to print money. So, they would have to come up with their own monetary system, along with how to print it, disperse it, etc.
And that brings into question the loans that people have. Would house loans have to be bought out by the new country? Or, would they allow international loans?
Just so many questions!
There is now an emergency that they want federal assistance with. There is a dam around the spillway for Lake Oroville that is crumbling. There's talk that California's government knew about the failing dam and ignored it in favor of taking care of other matters.
How were they going to take care of this matter after the secession?
The big problem with all the talk is that people are damaging relationships that will be needed at some time. If we aren't careful, we will follow this example in our personal lives and will find ourselves out on a limb when the proverbial dam of our ignorant bliss erodes and the waters of reality come crashing through our lives!
Tuesday, February 21, 2017
Prayers For Jonathan White
Robert White has been a friend of my family's since the 1990's. He is a loving father, and a hard working Christian man. Recently, his family has been through some really difficult times. I would ask that you please keep this man, and his son Jonathan, in your prayers.
Message from Robert:
Hello, my son was a passenger in a car accident in July, 2015; sustaining a Traumatic Brain Injury. He was 21. They had to remove a large portion of his skull (bone flap) for three months until the swelling went down to keep him alive. There was no alcohol or drugs. He also had a badly injured left knee and ankle. Because of this horrific accident I was forced to leave my job so that I could be his caretaker. Finally he got to the place where he could function well enough that I could get a job. His memory and physical condition improved to the place where he could drive and ride his motorcycle again. He went back to school. Things were definitely looking much better. Then in December, 2016, we were out on our motorcycles for a ride on a beautiful day. There was a driver going the wrong way on the road and hit us head on in an F250 truck. I kind of hit the front and sideswiped, but my son hit him head on. The driver went to jail because he was drunk, at 11 AM. He also had no insurance. Needless to say both bikes were totaled, but that is not what matters. My son broke his femur in half and broke his wrist too. Now he has a rod in his leg and screws in his wrist. He's only 23 and in the last year and a half has had a really tough time with these injuries. He still can't walk without crutches.
I've never done anything like this, you know, trying to get help. I've always pulled my own weight. But we are devastated financially and don't know what else to do. If anyone can help us we would really appreciate it. Thank you.
Message from Robert:
Hello, my son was a passenger in a car accident in July, 2015; sustaining a Traumatic Brain Injury. He was 21. They had to remove a large portion of his skull (bone flap) for three months until the swelling went down to keep him alive. There was no alcohol or drugs. He also had a badly injured left knee and ankle. Because of this horrific accident I was forced to leave my job so that I could be his caretaker. Finally he got to the place where he could function well enough that I could get a job. His memory and physical condition improved to the place where he could drive and ride his motorcycle again. He went back to school. Things were definitely looking much better. Then in December, 2016, we were out on our motorcycles for a ride on a beautiful day. There was a driver going the wrong way on the road and hit us head on in an F250 truck. I kind of hit the front and sideswiped, but my son hit him head on. The driver went to jail because he was drunk, at 11 AM. He also had no insurance. Needless to say both bikes were totaled, but that is not what matters. My son broke his femur in half and broke his wrist too. Now he has a rod in his leg and screws in his wrist. He's only 23 and in the last year and a half has had a really tough time with these injuries. He still can't walk without crutches.
I've never done anything like this, you know, trying to get help. I've always pulled my own weight. But we are devastated financially and don't know what else to do. If anyone can help us we would really appreciate it. Thank you.
If you would like to donate, please visit GoFundMe. And, please, remember to pray for Jonathan White.
Thursday, February 9, 2017
Healthy Minute- Wheat
Ah, wheat! I have such a love-hate relationship with you. I love pastas and breads. I feel so slighted when I have to say no to the muffins, donuts, or cookies that are sitting on the table at church.
Wheat does some strange things to certain people, though. It is more dangerous for a diabetic to eat wheat products than a candy bar. Gluten Intolerant people find themselves with severe headaches, diarrhea, nausea, and other terrible effects for hours after consuming something that has it as an ingredient. And, still there are others who eat it and just don't feel right for days afterwards- but they haven't linked it to wheat.
I've learned a few things about our modern wheat.
First, it's not the wheat from ages past. When Jesus said, "I am the bread of life" he was talking about a bread that was made with a different wheat than what we are currently consuming.
Einkorn and Emmer were once the varieties of wheat most commonly consumed around the world. In fact, up until the early 20th century this was what most breads, cakes, and pastas were made from. These flours made bread that was very different from what we consume today. They didn't rise like modern breads do, and they had a nuttier taste to them. They produced a denser product that wouldn't turn out a lovely pastry like we see today.
Eikorn wheat had a simple genetic code of 14 chromosomes. It was hardy, and did well in the cold weather of Europe.
Eikorn cross bred with goatgrass to give us Emmer wheat. Emmer wheat has 28 chromosomes.. It was grown in the Middle East and Egypt.
Sometime after the Jews fled Egypt, Emmer wheat crossbred with another grass and produced Triticum turgidum wheat. A 28 chromosome type of Emmer wheat. This is what was introduced to the "New World" by Christopher Columbus, and also brought with the Pilgrims upon the Mayflower.
The problem with these varieties of wheat was that their yield was small. They weren't very disease resistant, and they didn't fare well during times of intense heat or drought.
In the 1940's the Rockefeller Foundation got together with the Mexican government and started a research center outside Mexico City. This International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center was started to help the agriculture industry produce an increase in the yield of corn, wheat, and soy. They were hoping to create plants that would produce quickly and abundantly to help with world hunger.
At this facility, they started to cross breed different strains of wheat. The end result was a shorter, thicker stalk of wheat that produced a greater amount of wheat berries in less time. They were so happy with their accomplishment that they shipped this dwarf wheat out around the world without animal or human testing.....
Since mating two varieties of other plants had never given anyone adverse reactions, the question of safety was never raised. But, it should have been.
Wheat, unlike other plants, have the ability to retain the sum of the genes of the parent-plants. So, these new, complex chromosomes made some interesting changes in the offspring wheat plants. 5% of the proteins found in the new plant were not present in either of the parent-plants. New gluten proteins were now part of the make up of this new variety of wheat, and they weren't compatible with the human digestive system.
To further the damage, the agriculture industry started to genetically modify the wheat, corn, and soy in the 1980's and thereafter. There was, again, no safety testing done on these new GMO varieties; it was sent out into the fields.
In his book Wheat Belly, cardiologist Dr. William Davis conducted an experiment using himself as the guinea pig, since he had a wheat sensitivity.
If you would like further information on this subject, I suggest that you read Dr. Davis' book. You can also watch this video below:
Wheat does some strange things to certain people, though. It is more dangerous for a diabetic to eat wheat products than a candy bar. Gluten Intolerant people find themselves with severe headaches, diarrhea, nausea, and other terrible effects for hours after consuming something that has it as an ingredient. And, still there are others who eat it and just don't feel right for days afterwards- but they haven't linked it to wheat.
I've learned a few things about our modern wheat.
First, it's not the wheat from ages past. When Jesus said, "I am the bread of life" he was talking about a bread that was made with a different wheat than what we are currently consuming.
Einkorn and Emmer were once the varieties of wheat most commonly consumed around the world. In fact, up until the early 20th century this was what most breads, cakes, and pastas were made from. These flours made bread that was very different from what we consume today. They didn't rise like modern breads do, and they had a nuttier taste to them. They produced a denser product that wouldn't turn out a lovely pastry like we see today.
Eikorn wheat had a simple genetic code of 14 chromosomes. It was hardy, and did well in the cold weather of Europe.
Eikorn cross bred with goatgrass to give us Emmer wheat. Emmer wheat has 28 chromosomes.. It was grown in the Middle East and Egypt.
Sometime after the Jews fled Egypt, Emmer wheat crossbred with another grass and produced Triticum turgidum wheat. A 28 chromosome type of Emmer wheat. This is what was introduced to the "New World" by Christopher Columbus, and also brought with the Pilgrims upon the Mayflower.
The problem with these varieties of wheat was that their yield was small. They weren't very disease resistant, and they didn't fare well during times of intense heat or drought.
In the 1940's the Rockefeller Foundation got together with the Mexican government and started a research center outside Mexico City. This International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center was started to help the agriculture industry produce an increase in the yield of corn, wheat, and soy. They were hoping to create plants that would produce quickly and abundantly to help with world hunger.
At this facility, they started to cross breed different strains of wheat. The end result was a shorter, thicker stalk of wheat that produced a greater amount of wheat berries in less time. They were so happy with their accomplishment that they shipped this dwarf wheat out around the world without animal or human testing.....
Since mating two varieties of other plants had never given anyone adverse reactions, the question of safety was never raised. But, it should have been.
Wheat, unlike other plants, have the ability to retain the sum of the genes of the parent-plants. So, these new, complex chromosomes made some interesting changes in the offspring wheat plants. 5% of the proteins found in the new plant were not present in either of the parent-plants. New gluten proteins were now part of the make up of this new variety of wheat, and they weren't compatible with the human digestive system.
To further the damage, the agriculture industry started to genetically modify the wheat, corn, and soy in the 1980's and thereafter. There was, again, no safety testing done on these new GMO varieties; it was sent out into the fields.
In his book Wheat Belly, cardiologist Dr. William Davis conducted an experiment using himself as the guinea pig, since he had a wheat sensitivity.
I decided to put eikorn to the test, grinding two pounds of whole grain to flour, which I then used to make bread. I also ground conventional organic whole wheat flour from seed. I made bread from both the eikorn and the conventional flour using only water and yeast with no added sugars or flavorings.The differences between the effects of the two wheat varieties were striking. These are the problems that come from messing with what God created!
Beyond simply observing my physical reaction, I also performed fingerstick blood sugars after eating each type of bread. The differences were striking.
Blood sugar at the start: 84mg/dl. Blood sugar after consuming eikorn bread: 110mg/dl. This was more or less the expected response to eating some carbohydrate. Afterwards, though, I felt no perceptible effects- no sleepiness, no nausea, nothing hurt. In short, I felt fine. Whew!
The next day, I repeated the procedure, [using] the conventional organic whole wheat bread. Blood sugar at the start: 84mg/dl. Blood sugar after consuming the conventional bread: 167mg/dl. Moreover, I soon became nauseated, nearly losing my lunch. The queasy effect persisted for thirty-six hours, accompanied by stomach cramps that started almost immediately and lasted for many hours. Sleep that night was fitful, though filled with vivid dreams. I couldn't think straight, nor could I understand the research papers I was trying to read the next morning.
If you would like further information on this subject, I suggest that you read Dr. Davis' book. You can also watch this video below:
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