Why Does Paul Put Anxiety and Prayer Together in Philippians 4:6?

      Life is full of anxiety.  There are a lot of books on how to deal with it.  But in chapter 27 of the Life-Study of Philippians Witness Lee shows that the scriptural remedy is actually found in Philippians 4:6-7:

In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses every, man’s understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.                       Philippians 4:6-7

       
                                         

 It seems like anxiety and prayer are on two opposite poles; so what he says on page 231 really helped me:

The peace of God is actually God as peace (v. 9), infused into us through our fellowship with Him by prayer.  This peace is the counterpoise of troubles and the antidote to anxiety (John 16:33).  Bad news or difficult situations may cause us to worry or to be anxious.  We find the antidote to this anxiety when we pray….Then spontaneously, even unconsciously, the peace of God is transfused into our inner being….This transfused peace becomes the counterpoise of trouble and becomes the antidote to anxiety (Lee, Witness. Life-Study of Philippians. Anaheim: Living Stream Ministry, 1980, Print).  

 We know that when we pray, peace that we didn’t formerly have suddenly fills our heart and it changes everything.  It may not, as he says, change the actual situation, but somehow we are at peace in it.  In this passage he says the Greek word for guard means mount guard over. This gives me the mental picture of God’s peace standing guard like a soldier over both our hearts and our thoughts in order keep us calm.  It's like God's peace has got us covered. 

Blog Update 5/6/14:   Here's a beautiful song from the CD  The Comfort Abounds called In Nothing Be Anxious.

Blog Update 5/22/14:  Check out the  new free book put out by Bibles for America called A Life of Forbearance But Without Anxiety. 

Other Posts on the Life-Study of Philippians:

What is the Bountiful Supply of the Spirit in Philippians 1:19?
What Does It Mean to Magnify Christ in Philippians 1:20-23?
How Does Religion, Philosophy & Culture Relate to Philippians 3:5-6?
Have You Ever Wondered What Gaining Christ is in Philippians 3:8?
Why Does Paul Put Anxiety and Prayer Together in Philippians 4:6?
What's Paul's Secret in Philippians 4:12?
What Does It Mean to Live Christ in Philippians 1:19-21?
From the Life-Study of Philippians:  What's the Theme of the Bible?
What is the Sacrifice of Faith in Philippians 2:17?

How to Enjoy the Bountiful Supply of the Spirit in Philippians 1:19

Perfect Gluten Free Pumpkin Cheesecake

    Cheesecakes make a special dessert.  And this pumpkin cheesecake is perfect for fall and winter family special occasion dinners.  It has the perfect blend of spices to give it that holiday flair.  

    I've been making this recipe for many years. And it is delicious and a family favorite!   I got it years ago from the back of a cream cheese box--I just cut down the cream cheese to just one box. And you can't even tell!

Perfect Gluten Free Pumpkin Cheesecake

1.  In a large bowl put the following:
(1)  One 8 oz. package of softened cream cheese.  Beat it for 1 to 2 minutes.
(2)  Then slowly add 1/3 cup of sugar and beat for another minute.
(3)  Then add 1 egg and beat until all ingredients are combined.

2.  Put spices in a pinch bowl:  3/4 tsp. cinnamon, 1/2 tsp. ginger, 1/4 tsp. cloves, 1/4 tsp. nutmeg, and 1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice. 

3.  Beat in additional ingredients:
(1)  Add the pinch bowl of spices and beat for 1 minute.
(2)  Then add 2/3 cup of canned pumpkin and beat for another minute.
(3)  Taste and make any flavor adjustments.

4.  Pour into a gluten free pie crust. I got a  ginger snap one made by Mi-Del.  Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes. 

5. To make the sour cream top:  (Combine ingredients when the cheesecake is almost done)
(1)  Put 1 1/2  cups of sour cream into a mixing bowl and beat for 2 minutes on high until creamy.
(2)  Slowly add 1/4 cup of sugar and 1 tsp. of vanilla and beat 1 more minute.

6.  Take cheesecake out of the oven and spread topping evenly over it. 

7.  Bake at 400 for 5-7 minutes.

8.  Cool for 1 hour and then refrigerate until ready to serve.

Other Gluten Free Baking & Desserts on This Blog:

Breads & Coffee Cakes: 
Gluten free & Low-fat Banana Bread    (From my daughter-in-law's family reunion cookbook)
Celebrate Fall With Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread  (A friend's recipe)
Delicious Gluten Free Zucchini Bread (From my Heritage School Cookbook)
My Favorite Gluten Free Cranberry Nut Bread  (From my daughter-in-law's family cookbook)
Claudia's Blueberry Coffee Cake (Made Gluten Free!)   (From a former neighbor)
Here's a Zucchini Bread with a Hawaiian Twist! Gluten Free Pineapple Zucchini Bread (From my Syre School Cookbook)
Dot's Old Fashioned Pumpkin Bread   (From my father's friend)


Cakes:
Gluten Free German Apple Cake   (From my grandmother)
You Won't Believe It's Gluten Free Carrot Cake (From my daughter's husband's grandma--whew)
Judi's Super Moist Gluten Free Chocolate Cake    (From a church friend)
Judi's Gluten Free Orange Chiffon Cake    (From a church friend)
Marilyn's Spectacular Gluten Free Oatmeal Cake   (My mother-in-law's specialty!)
The Best Gluten Free Black Bottom Cupcakes   (From my Heritage School Cookbook)
Delicious Gluten Free Rhubarb Cake   (From my daughter-in-law's family reunion cookbook)
Grandma's Gluten Free Applesauce Cake   (From an Internet search--tastes like my grandma's!)
Old Fashioned Gluten Free Banana Cake   (From my grandmother)
Rosie's Gluten Free Pineapple Upside Down Cake   (From my daughter-in-law's family reunion cookbook)
Overwhelmed By Your Bumper Crop of Zucchini? Try Claudia's Gluten Free Chocolate Zucchini Cake!   (From my former neighbor Claudia of 12 years)
Scrumptious Gluten Free Blackberry Cake   
Decadent & Gluten Free German Chocolate Cake  (From my Come & Dine church cookbook)
Debbie's Delicious Hot Water GF Chocolate Cake   (From my Come & Dine cookbook)
Debbie's Less Oil Carrot Cake (Made Gluten Free!)   (From my Come & Dine cookbook)
Jud's Crazy Cake (You Can Easily Make It Gluten Free!)  (From a church friend)

Cookies:
The Ultimate Gluten Free Cowboy Oatmeal Cookies   (From my Heritage School Cookbook)
Mom's Go To For Gluten Free Peanut Butter Cookies (From my Heritage School Cookbook)
The Best Gluten Free Recipe for Snickerdoodles    (From my Heritage School Cookbook)
Gluten Free Rocky Road Brownies    (From a church friend)
Mark's Famous Chocolate Chip Cookies - Made Gluten Free!   (From my daughter-in-law's family reunion cookbook)
Judi's Gluten Free Oatmeal Craisin & Coconut Cookies (From a church friend)
Marie's Old Fashioned Molasses Cookies (Also Great Gluten Free!)   (My friend Marie's recipe)
Bebe's Gluten Free Whoopie Pies  (From my friend Debbie)
Gluten Free Coconut Chocolate Chip Macaroons  - (Recipe on Baker's bag of coconut)
Dale's Gingersnaps Made Gluten Free  (From my Come & Dine cookbook)
Chewy Gluten Free Molasses Cookies (From my daughter-in-law's Family Reunion Cookbook)
Those Famous Neiman Marcus Cookies Made Gluten Free   (From my daughter-in-law)
Janah's Oatmeal Cookies with a GF Spin  (My daughter's recipe)
Homemade Gluten Free Butter Cookies   (From My Heritage School Cookbook)
An Old Fashioned Favorite Made GF - Hermit Cookies- Hermit Cookies  (From my daughter-in-law's family reunion cookbook)
A New Twist on Holiday Peppermint Cookies (You can make them Gluten Free) - (From my daughter-in-law's family reunion cookbook)
Who Wouldn't Love a Cookie that Tastes Like a Brownie? GF Cocoa White Chocolate Chip Cookies - (From my daughter-in-laws family reunion cookbook)

Cornbread & Rolls:
Beth's Amazing Gluten Free Cornbread   (From my Heritage School Cookbook)
Judi's Favorite Gluten Free Buttermilk Biscuits   (My friend Judi's sister's recipe)

Crisps & Pies:
Lena's Rhubarb Crunch (A crisp with a gluten free top and bottom crust!) (My daughter-in-law's mother. She's an amazing cook, which I think most of us moms become after a few years!)
Delicious Gluten Free Apple Crisp    (From my Heritage School Cookbook)
Ginger's Outrageous Apple Pie    (From a church friend)
The BEST Lemon Meringue Pie with Mrs. Lauralicious Gluten Free Pie Crust  (Internet)
My Grandmother's Favorite Banana Cream Pie  (A recipe from my grandmother)
Granny's Lemon Cheesecake Squares   (From my friend Judi's granny)
Simple & Gluten Free Chocolate Cream Pie   (From my Syre School Cookbook)
Judi's No Fail Gluten Free Pie Crust    (From my friend Judi)

Desserts with Fruit:
Sensational Gluten Free Strawberry Shortcake   (From the back of Costco's organic sugar)

Terrific Gluten Free Strawberry & Peach Trifle  (Modified from an Internet search)
My Favorite Gluten Free Strawberry Cheesecake (From my Heritage School Cookbook)
Just Like Grandma's (But Only Gluten Free) Berry Cobbler (My husband's grandma's recipe)
Gluten Free Lemony Rhubarb Bars (From my Syre School Cookbook)
Old Fashioned Strawberry Buckle (Made Gluten Free)   (A recipe I picked up from a berry farm)
From New Zealand - Triple Berry Pavlova  (A friend's recipe - Heritage School Cookbook)

Holiday Cookies & Baking:

Old Fashioned Gluten Free Pumpkin Cookies  (Modified from back of the Libby's pumpkin can)
My Family's Favorite Gingerbread Cookies (Now Made Gluten Free!)  (From my Heritage School Cookbook)
My Grandkids Favorite Gluten Free Peppermint Sugar Cookies  (From Syre School Cookbook)
Our Favorite Pumpkin Pie   (With extra spice-- from back of Libby's pumpkin can)
Perfect Gluten Free Pumpkin Cheesecake   (From back of cream cheese box)
Gluten Free Polish Fruitcake  ( Modified from Internet search)
Old Fashioned Gluten Free Gingerbread Cake   (From my Heritage School Cookbook)
Gluten Free Nordy Bars  ( From my Syre School Cookbook)
Grandma Pitcher's Old Fashioned Sandies (Made Gluten Free)  (My husband's grandma)
Make a Family Tradition & Make Your Own Fruitcake    (From my Heritage School Cookbook)
Homemade Gluten Free Butter Cookies  (From my Heritage School Cookbook)

Muffins:

My Favorite Banana Nut Muffins   (From my daughter-in-law's family reunion cookbook)
Gluten Free Tremendous Pumpkin Muffins   (From my Heritage School Cookbook)
Bursting with Blueberries Gluten Free Muffins   (From my Heritage School Cookbook)
Toni's Outrageous Gluten Free Corn Muffins    (From back of a Bob's Red Mill package)
Sassy Gluten Free Apple Cinnamon Muffins  (From my Heritage School Cookbook)

Puddings & Ice Cream: 

Dairy Free Strawberry Coconut Ice Cream (And other ice cream favorites!) (From searches)

Baked Coconut Pudding   (Something I worked out from my Aunt Sue's rice pudding recipe)

Tangy Lemon Pudding   (From my daughter-in-laws family reunion cookbook)

Have You Ever Wondered What Gaining Christ is In Philippians 3:8?

   Food is a great picture of a lot of spiritual experiences.  And in Chapter 21 of the Life-Study of Philippians, Witness Lee gives a great illustration about food to help get what it means to gain and experience Christ. 

     Here’s the verses that bring this out:   But moreover I also count all things to be loss on account of the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, on account of whom I have suffered the  loss of all things and count them as refuse that I may gain Christ... Philippians 3:8 

Here’s the illustration and the connection that he gives on page 172:

…Gaining Christ may be compared to buying groceries, and the experience of Christ may be compared to the eating of the food we have purchased and cooked. However, before we buy any groceries,  we must first have the excellency of the knowledge of the groceries…In like manner, Paul first received the excellency of the knowledge of  Christ.  Then he paid the price to gain Christ and be found in Him, and finally He experienced Christ and enjoyed Him…(Lee, Witness. Life Study of Philippians.  Anaheim: Living Stream Ministry, 1980, Print).

    So here’s  my own application of this. This past year I heard and read some interesting stuff about quinoa.  It sounded amazing--it’s a complete protein, and  it’s a seed and not a starch like rice so it’s better for your body. You could say according to verse 8 I received the excellency of the knowledge of quinoa.  Then I went to Costco and bought a bag of it.  

      I knew I would need to Google some recipes with quinoa so that I could get my family to eat it, which in this illustration would be  experiencing  it.  So I made Mexican quinoa casserole, and I made a condiment platter of avocados, lettuce, tomatoes and onions and served it with beans.  Needless to say everyone enjoyed eating that quinoa casserole because it was delicious! So we all had the full experience of quinoa.

    So I guess this sentence on page 173 really wraps this up for me: “Our experience of Christ can never surpass the excellency of our knowledge of Christ.” His bottom line in this chapter is the more we SEE who Christ is, we'll be spontaneously infused with His worth and that’s what motivates us to count all other things loss and to pursue to gain and experience Christ.  

Blog update 11-9-17:  Here's a song from the New York City Young People's CD entitled Overcome!  This song is called Pursue Him and Know Him.

You can listen to excerpts from the Life-Study of Philippians given in 1980 on The Life-Study of the Bible with Witness Lee. The commentary is excellent.

Other Posts on the Life-Study of Philippians:

What is the Bountiful Supply of the Spirit in Philippians 1:19?
What Does It Mean to Magnify Christ in Philippians 1:20-23?
How Does Religion, Philosophy & Culture Relate to Philippians 3:5-6?
Have You Ever Wondered What Gaining Christ is in Philippians 3:8?
Why Does Paul Put Anxiety and Prayer Together in Philippians 4:6?
What's Paul's Secret in Philippians 4:12?
What Does It Mean to Live Christ in Philippians 1:19-21?
From the Life-Study of Philippians: What's the Theme of the Bible?
What is the Sacrifice of Faith in Philippians 2:17?

Old Fashioned Gluten Free Gingerbread Cake

   Winter is not only the time to make gingerbread cookies but also to try out an old fashioned gingerbread cake! This cake both smells and tastes yummy.  There's something about the combination of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.  So good on a winter night!!

 This recipe comes from my Heritage School cookbook--the first place that I taught after finishing college.  Enjoy!

Old Fashioned Gluten Free Gingerbread Cake

1.  Prepare liquid ingredients - Put the following in a large bowl:  

(1)  Put 1 cube of butter into a bowl and pour 1/2 cup of boiling water over it.

(2)  Then add 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of molasses, and 1 beaten egg.

(3)  Beat until smooth.

2.  Prepare dry ingredients - In a medium bowl put:  

(1)  1/2 cup of brown rice flour, 1/2 cup of sorghum flour, 1/2 cup of tapioca flour

(2)  Then add 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp. baking powder, 1/2 tsp. baking soda, 1 1/2 tsp. of powdered ginger, 1 tsp. cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp. cloves.

(3) Stir all the dry ingredients together with a fork.

3.  Combine ingredients:
(1)  Add all the dry ingredients slowly into the butter & molasses mixture.
(2)  Beat until the flour is just incorporated and the batter is smooth.

4.  Bake:  Pour into a greased 8 x 8 pan.  Bake at 350 for 35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.  Cool in the pan about 10 minutes before serving up.  

It does taste amazing just a bit warm from the oven--just cool enough so the whipped cream doesn't melt all over it.  

Other Gluten Free Baking & Desserts on This Blog:

Breads & Coffee Cakes: 
Gluten free & Low-fat Banana Bread    (From my daughter-in-law's family reunion cookbook)
Celebrate Fall With Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread  (A friend's recipe)
Delicious Gluten Free Zucchini Bread (From my Heritage School Cookbook)
My Favorite Gluten Free Cranberry Nut Bread  (From my daughter-in-law's family cookbook)
Claudia's Blueberry Coffee Cake (Made Gluten Free!)   (From a former neighbor)
Here's a Zucchini Bread with a Hawaiian Twist! Gluten Free Pineapple Zucchini Bread (From my Syre School Cookbook)
Dot's Old Fashioned Pumpkin Bread   (From my father's friend)


Cakes:
Gluten Free German Apple Cake   (From my grandmother)
You Won't Believe It's Gluten Free Carrot Cake (From my daughter's husband's grandma--whew)
Judi's Super Moist Gluten Free Chocolate Cake    (From a church friend)
Judi's Gluten Free Orange Chiffon Cake    (From a church friend)
Marilyn's Spectacular Gluten Free Oatmeal Cake   (My mother-in-law's specialty!)
The Best Gluten Free Black Bottom Cupcakes   (From my Heritage School Cookbook)
Delicious Gluten Free Rhubarb Cake   (From my daughter-in-law's family reunion cookbook)
Grandma's Gluten Free Applesauce Cake   (Modified from an Internet search--tastes like my grandma's!)
Old Fashioned Gluten Free Banana Cake   (From my grandmother)
Rosie's Gluten Free Pineapple Upside Down Cake   (From my daughter-in-law's family reunion cookbook)
Overwhelmed By Your Bumper Crop of Zucchini? Try Claudia's Gluten Free Chocolate Zucchini Cake!   (From my former neighbor Claudia of 12 years)
Scrumptious Gluten Free Blackberry Cake   
Decadent & Gluten Free German Chocolate Cake  (From my Come & Dine church cookbook)
Debbie's Delicious Hot Water GF Chocolate Cake   (From my Come & Dine cookbook)
Debbie's Less Oil Carrot Cake (Made Gluten Free!)   (From my Come & Dine cookbook)
Jud's Crazy Cake (You Can Easily Make It Gluten Free!)  (From a church friend)

Cookies:
The Ultimate Gluten Free Cowboy Oatmeal Cookies   (From my Heritage School Cookbook)
Mom's Go To For Gluten Free Peanut Butter Cookies (From my Heritage School Cookbook)
The Best Gluten Free Recipe for Snickerdoodles    (From my Heritage School Cookbook)
Gluten Free Rocky Road Brownies    (From a church friend)
Mark's Famous Chocolate Chip Cookies - Made Gluten Free!   (From my daughter-in-law's family reunion cookbook)
Judi's Gluten Free Oatmeal Craisin & Coconut Cookies (From a church friend)
Marie's Old Fashioned Molasses Cookies (Also Great Gluten Free!)   (My friend Marie's recipe)
Bebe's Gluten Free Whoopie Pies  (From my friend Debbie)
Gluten Free Coconut Chocolate Chip Macaroons  - (Recipe on Baker's bag of coconut)
Dale's Gingersnaps Made Gluten Free  (From my Come & Dine cookbook)
Chewy Gluten Free Molasses Cookies (From my daughter-in-law's Family Reunion Cookbook)
Those Famous Neiman Marcus Cookies Made Gluten Free   (From my daughter-in-law)
Janah's Oatmeal Cookies with a GF Spin  (My daughter's recipe)
Homemade Gluten Free Butter Cookies   (From My Heritage School Cookbook)
An Old Fashioned Favorite Made GF - Hermit Cookies- Hermit Cookies  (From my daughter-in-law's family reunion cookbook)
A New Twist on Holiday Peppermint Cookies (You can make them Gluten Free) - (From my daughter-in-law's family reunion cookbook)
Who Wouldn't Love a Cookie that Tastes Like a Brownie? GF Cocoa White Chocolate Chip Cookies - (From my daughter-in-laws family reunion cookbook)

Cornbread & Rolls:
Beth's Amazing Gluten Free Cornbread   (From my Heritage School Cookbook)
Judi's Favorite Gluten Free Buttermilk Biscuits   (My friend Judi's sister's recipe)

Crisps & Pies:
Lena's Rhubarb Crunch (A crisp with a gluten free top and bottom crust!) (My daughter-in-law's mother. She's an amazing cook, which I think most of us moms become after a few years!)
Delicious Gluten Free Apple Crisp    (From my Heritage School Cookbook)
Ginger's Outrageous Apple Pie    (From a church friend)
The BEST Lemon Meringue Pie with Mrs. Lauralicious Gluten Free Pie Crust  (Internet)
My Grandmother's Favorite Banana Cream Pie  (A recipe from my grandmother)
Granny's Lemon Cheesecake Squares   (From my friend Judi's granny)
Simple & Gluten Free Chocolate Cream Pie   (From my Syre School Cookbook)
Judi's No Fail Gluten Free Pie Crust    (From my friend Judi)

Desserts with Fruit:
Sensational Gluten Free Strawberry Shortcake   (From the back of Costco's organic sugar)

Terrific Gluten Free Strawberry & Peach Trifle  (Modified from an Internet search)
My Favorite Gluten Free Strawberry Cheesecake (From my Heritage School Cookbook)
Just Like Grandma's (But Only Gluten Free) Berry Cobbler (My husband's grandma's recipe)
Gluten Free Lemony Rhubarb Bars (From my Syre School Cookbook)
Old Fashioned Strawberry Buckle (Made Gluten Free)   (A recipe I picked up from a berry farm)
From New Zealand - Triple Berry Pavlova  (A friend's recipe - Heritage School Cookbook)

Holiday Cookies & Baking:

Old Fashioned Gluten Free Pumpkin Cookies  (Modified from back of the Libby's pumpkin can)
My Family's Favorite Gingerbread Cookies (Now Made Gluten Free!)  (From my Heritage School Cookbook)
My Grandkids Favorite Gluten Free Peppermint Sugar Cookies  (From Syre School Cookbook)
Our Favorite Pumpkin Pie   (With extra spice-- from back of Libby's pumpkin can)
Perfect Gluten Free Pumpkin Cheesecake   (From back of cream cheese box)
Gluten Free Polish Fruitcake  ( Modified from Internet search)
Old Fashioned Gluten Free Gingerbread Cake   (From my Heritage School Cookbook)
Gluten Free Nordy Bars  ( From my Syre School Cookbook)
Grandma Pitcher's Old Fashioned Sandies (Made Gluten Free)  (My husband's grandma)
Make a Family Tradition & Make Your Own Fruitcake    (From my Heritage School Cookbook)
Homemade Gluten Free Butter Cookies  (From my Heritage School Cookbook)

Muffins:

My Favorite Banana Nut Muffins   (From my daughter-in-law's family reunion cookbook)
Gluten Free Tremendous Pumpkin Muffins   (From my Heritage School Cookbook)
Bursting with Blueberries Gluten Free Muffins   (From my Heritage School Cookbook)
Toni's Outrageous Gluten Free Corn Muffins    (From back of a Bob's Red Mill package)
Sassy Gluten Free Apple Cinnamon Muffins  (From my Heritage School Cookbook)

Puddings & Ice Cream: 

Dairy Free Strawberry Coconut Ice Cream (And other ice cream favorites!) (From searches)

Baked Coconut Pudding   (Something I worked out from my Aunt Sue's rice pudding recipe)

Tangy Lemon Pudding   (From my daughter-in-laws family reunion cookbook)