In 1908, my grandmother was three years old when she, her younger brother, and her parents (my great-grandparents) came to the United States from Italy. Shortly after settling in New Orleans, my great-grandmother, Mama Bea, discovered she was carrying her third child. Her joy was soon overshadowed, as she also found herself a widow... Read more
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Holiday recipes-everyone is looking for just the right mix to make this season memorable. The best ones are the ones received from friends or passed down in the family-ones that stand the test of time.
I recently discovered a special recipe that has been passed down through the ages. In it you'll discover the key ingredients needed for a joyful holiday season! Let's start with these base ingredients-be sure to use the freshest available. This may require that you go to the original reference manual. But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. (2 Cor. 2:14) STEP 1: But Thanks Be To God... Your attitude will always determine your altitude. Do you really believe God has good plans for you - to give you a hope and a future? Then you'd stay thankful. Take time to reflect on the goodness of God. With all the hustle and bustle of everyday life just stop, take a moment; think about all that God has done for you-His mercy, love, grace poured out in your life. It automatically makes you smile! He who began a good work in you is faithful to complete it! Know that God is at work! You never know what is just around the corner. The other day, a man was exuberantly bragging on how much he loved his job and all that God had done for him. I told him how nice it was to hear someone love their job. He went on to tell me that he didn't always love his job. As a matter of fact, in September of the year before he had determined to quit by the first of the year because his background and education limited him so much that the job was a dead-end. The Lord spoke to this man's heart and told him he needed to be more thankful. He decided to go ahead and change his attitude, after all, he was going to quit anyway, so what did he have to lose? When December rolled around, the man and his thankful attitude receive the position of which he was so ecstatic about in the beginning of our conversation. He has also gotten an 88 percent increase financially. Later on he found out his name was put up for this position in September - probably about the time he decided to get thankful. In the natural, it took until December for the company to arrange everything for this new position. In the spirit realm it took a heart of gratitude for God to arrange all the details. The joy of the Lord is our strength. We have to learn not to let circumstances steal our joy. The enemy uses them to deceive you in to thinking that all hope is lost - nothing good will ever come of this - you might as well get down and depressed now because you know this is going to turn out badly. Let's be thankful, knowing that God always leads us in triumph! STEP 2: He Always Leads Us In Triumph In Christ Notice that victory is in Christ-the anointed One. The anointing is the presence and power of God. God's highest and best for us is to triumph-to be victorious! That doesn't mean the circumstances will always be perfect. We have to fight the good fight of faith-then we win. The Apostle Paul said he'd learned how to be content (satisfied to the point where he was not disturbed or disquieted) in whatever state he was in. Paul made it clear he knew how to enjoy plenty and live in abundance. He learned in any and all circumstances the secret of facing every situation. This is the secret-I have strength for all things in Christ, Who empowers me (I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me.) He could face anything and everything as long as the Anointed One and His anointing was with Him. Paul knew the secret of the anointing factor-with it he could rise above circumstances and be lead into triumph eventually-without it all hope is lost. Have you ever noticed the presence of God shows up in worship (a time of thanksgiving)? That presence never comes around when we grumble or worry. The anointing gives us the supernatural advantage for victory so why moan and complain-that just keeps the presence of God at a distance while thanksgiving and worship bring us near. Come into His presence with thanksgiving-that's where we'll always be triumphant. STEP 3: He Manifests Through Us The Sweet Aroma Of The Knowledge Of Him In Every Place We all believe God is directing our steps as long as we are on the mountain but what about the places that aren't so wonderful? The Holiday season usually means encounters with family members-believers and non-believers. It also gives us opportunities to reach people unlike any other time of year. At the same time, opportunities will arise to stir up emotions and memories as well. Unfortunately, the devil will use anything and everything to get you to blow your witness in front of unsaved loved ones. He uses others to stir up strife, aggravation, and unforgiveness. No matter where you are God can use you to be a witness for Him but will you let Him? God can manifest through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place! He has you in that place for a purpose-find the purpose-find the person! The sweet aroma is the goodness of God that leads men unto repentance. It's the sweet aroma of the love of God poured out of your heart towards the unloved and the unlovable. Holiday preparations include prayer so pray over your time with family. Make the most of these special days; this can be a very special time when their hearts are open to the Lord. Finally, the joy of the Lord is your supernatural strength and advantage. Don't let circumstances and people rob you of the wonderful memories and plans God has for you this holiday season. Be Sure To Share This Recipe So there you have it; an easy-to-follow holiday recipe that is sure to be well-received by all. Just follow these three easy steps and have the best holiday season of all. Remember 'tis the season to be jolly, so if all else fails just pray in the Spirit, ...fa la la la la, la la la la...!
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