How To Build Up Your Faith According to Jude 20-21

   The subject of Jude is contending for the faith.  I learned from my reading of chapter 1 of the Life-Study of Jude that this book was written during a time of apostasy.   Heretical teachings were infiltrating the churches and Peter, John and Jude combated them.  After wading through lots of admonitions and warnings, I reached message 3 which shared Jude's word on how the believers can safeguard themselves from heresy:

 

Spokane River - Riverfront Park

But you beloved, building up yourselves in your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, awaiting the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.  Jude 20-21

In this chapter Witness Lee gives his classic illustration of faith that I've heard many times.  Whenever we read or listen to God's word, a spiritual scene flashes before our heart.  He shares that the Spirit who always works together with the word causes a "click" to go off within us and that scene is impressed into our spirit and becomes our subjective faith. He explains on pages 19-21 that our faith actually has both an objective and subjective side. The truth contained in God's word is the objective faith, but when it enters into us, it becomes subjective to us when it becomes our personal believing.  

In other words, faith implies both what we believe in and also our believing.  This is the most holy faith....Jude is speaking to the believers corporately when he charges them to build up themselves in their most holy faith...If we do not build up ourselves in the faith and if we do not pray in the Holy Spirit, it will be easy for us to depart from the love of God....Building up ourselves is related to the holy Word, and praying is related to the Holy Spirit.  Therefore, if we have the word applied to us and the spirit working within us, we shall be kept in the enjoyment of God's love, as we await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life (Lee, Witness. Life-Study of Jude. Anaheim:Living Stream Ministry, 1983, Print)

It matters that we read the Bible!  The Word not only  gives us spiritual nourishment, but it becomes a foundation of truth that we can build on throughout our spiritual life. This will equip us for those times when we also need to contend for the faith! 

I enjoy listening to live excerpts and the commentary on these Life-Studies on the  Life Study of the Bible with Witness Lee while I'm cooking, cleaning, and typing.   

Other Posts on 1, 2, 3 John and Jude:

What Does the Greek Word for Fellowship Mean in 1 John 1:3?
What Does 1 John 1:8 Show Us About Sin?
The Promise in 1 John 1:9
What is the Anointing in 1 John 2:27?
Taking a Closer Look at Abiding in 1 John 2:26
God's Love in 1 John 4 Seen in the Life of John Newton
What is the Key to Overcoming in 1 John 5:4?
Touching Account From Church History on the Apostle John

Whidbey Island Crab & Noodle Bake (Of Course, It's Gluten Free!)

When I went through my mother-in-law's recipe cards last fall, I asked her about this crab dish.  She told me that one of her summer neighbors on Whidbey Island would catch a lot of crab, and then she would make this recipe. One time they invited them down for dinner, and she said this was so good.  She's had this recipe for more than 40 years!

 When our own kids were growing up, we'd go up to their cabin each summer, and we would put out the crab pot.  We were so excited to catch crabs that we so we could make  made crab louie or have it with some steak.  

  I usually don't make recipes like this because it takes extra time  making the gluten free soup substitutions.  But this week I wanted to finally try out this recipe.  And wow, am I glad I did!  

Whidbey Island Crab & Noodle Bake

1.  Prepare vegetables
(1)  Dice 1/2 cup of white button mushrooms
(2)  Dice 1 green pepper.  (I used red pepper, and it was great!)
(3)   Slice1 small can of black and stuffed green olives  (I just used the green olives)
(4)   Dice up 1/2 cup of onion.
(5)  Saute onion, green pepper, and mushrooms in 1 T of butter. Set aside until needed.

2. Prepare gluten free chicken & mushroom soup - In a large skillet put:  (This recipe calls for 1 can of cream of mushroom and 1 can of cream of chicken soup so here's the  gluten free recipe that I use instead): 

 

(1)  Melt 1/4 cup of butter  (My  mother-in-law's recipe calls for 1/2 cup of butter, but I'm always trying to reduce fat)  then whisk in  3 T of tapioca starch.  Gradually whisk in 2 1/2 cups of  milk.  
(2)  Then add 3 tsp. of Chicken Better Than Bouillon, 1 tsp. of salt and 3/4 tsp. of black pepper.
(3) Add the sautéed vegetables.
(4)  Taste and make any adjustments. 

3.  Prepare gluten free noodles:  Put 3 cups of gluten free macaroni into a pot of boiling water and cook according to directions  (I've noticed that these noodles cook up in about 11-12 minutes so check them before the time on the bag).  I used the entire 12 oz.bag of Tiinkyada elbow noodles.  Keep a bit of the pasta water to add to the soup mixture if it becomes too thick after it's cooled down.

4.  Make sauce - to the gluten free soup that's in the skillet add:
(1)  Cool soup mixture a bit and then whisk in 3/4 cup of mayonnaise and 4 beaten eggs.
(2)  Stir in the green and black olives. 
(3)  Then stir in 1 1/2 to 2 cups of grated cheddar. Do you need any pasta water?
(4)  Add 6 oz of fresh/canned crab meat and  small shrimp.  (I just used 2 cans of crab)

5.  Put noodles  into a 9 x 13 baking pan. Then add the soup mixture and stir to combine the noodles. Add some cheese on top then sprinkle with paprika..

5.  Bake at 325-335 for 1 hour.  (I would bake it for 45-50 minutes and then check it because my oven always runs hot.)

Other Italian & Greek Pasta Recipes on This Blog:

Italian & Greek Chicken:
Incredible Gluten Free Chicken Souvlaki   (My son-in-law's marinade recipe)
Chicken Cacciatore with Peppers & Mushrooms  (My mother-in-law)
You've Got to Try This Gluten Free Chicken Parmesan!  (From my church cook book, Come & Dine)

Pasta Cassroles:
The Best Gluten Free Lasagna   (From my church Come & Dine cookbook)
Delicious Gluten Free Chicken Tetrazzini     (From my daughter-in-law's family cookbook)

 Classic Pastas:
My Mom's Splendiferous Gluten Free Spaghetti  (My mother's amazing sauce!)
Ginger's Family Favorite Gluten Free Beef Stroganof   (From my friend Ginger)
Gluten Free Pasta Aioli - Sausage & Vegetable Penne  (From my daughter and son-in-law)
Incredible Gluten Free Pasta Primavera     (Combination of two Internet searches)
Fantastic Gluten Free Salmon Fettucine 
Easy to Make Gluten Free Shrimp Linguini   (From my Syre School Cookbook)

Mac & Cheeses
Fantastic Gluten Free Macaroni & Cheese  (Modified from Heritage & Internet search)
Gluten Free Comfort Food - Downright Delicious Gluten Free Tuna Noodle Casserole  (From my Heritage School Cookbook)
Northwest Crab Mac & Cheese  - From a 5th grade friend's recipe project
Whidbey Island Crab & Noodle Bake - A classy crab mac & cheese recipe from my mother-in-law

Pizza
Judi's Gluten Free Crazy Crust Pizza -  Spinach, Artichoke & Feta Pizza (From a friend)

Soups:
This is the Best Minestrone Soup!  (From my son's Internet search and tweaking)
Mouth Watering Italian Turkey Sausage Soup   (This is  my friend Debbie's recipe)

Salads:
Tasty Gluten Free Pasta Salad   (I've been making this salad for over 20 years!)
Jeremy D's Sensational Greek Salad  (From my son-in-law who is half Italian)
Michelle's Greek Quinoa Salad   (My daughter came up with this way to use quinoa)

Touching Account From Church History on the Apostle John

   "What a person believes will shape his living."  That line from chapter 43 of the Life-Study of John made me think about this apostle. These men weren't writing nice sounding stuff that didn't affect the way they lived.  Years ago I read a story about the Apostle John when he was an elderly man that touched me deeply. Here's my paraphrase on this story; if you'd like to, you can read the complete story on Jesus Walk. 

 

I enjoy seeing our ornamental cherry tree
blossoming again!

   One of the church father's named Eusebius wrote that after John returned from Patmos where Caesar had exiled him, he settled in the city of Ephesus. On one of his visits to an outlying church he met a young man who impressed him so much that he put him under the care of one of the leading ones. 

    
    At first this believer was very vigilant in watchful over this young man. But after a period of time, he grew a bit lax in his oversight. Eventually this young man started hanging out in the mountains with a gang of robbers, and he even became their chief because he was the cruelest. 

   Later when John needed to return to that church, he asked the brothers how that young man was doing. When they filled him on what had happened, John quickly got directions and headed out on a horse.  As he neared their hideout, the gang lookout  captured John and brought him to their leader, this very same young man.  When he saw John, he ran away from him in shame, but John ran after him.  John's response to this young man are very touching:

"Why, my son do you flee from me, your own father, unarmed; aged?  Pity me, my son; fear not, you have still hope of life.  I will give account of Christ for you.  If need be, I will willingly endure death as the Lord suffered death for us.   For you I will give my life.  Stand, believe, Christ has sent me."    

   The young man couldn't help but weep when he heard John's words.  John assured him that the Lord would forgive him.  Then John took him back to where he was lodging, and he spent time praying for him, and he didn't leave that town until that young man was spiritually established in the church again.  Don't you see in this beautiful account the loving and forgiving heart of God? John like all of the apostles became a duplication of God's heart because what they believed in really shaped not only what they said but what they did!  

I enjoy listening to live excerpts and the commentary on these Life-Studies on the  Life Study of the Bible with Witness Lee while I'm cooking, cleaning, and typing.   

Other Posts on 1, 2, 3 John and Jude:

What Does the Greek Word for Fellowship Mean in 1 John 1:3?
What Does 1 John 1:8 Show Us About Sin?
The Promise in 1 John 1:9
What is the Anointing in 1 John 2:27?
Taking a Closer Look at Abiding in 1 John 2:26
God's Love in 1 John 4 Seen in the Life of John Newton
What is the Key to Overcoming in 1 John 5:4?
Touching Account From Church History on the Apostle John

Curried Mushroom & Apple Chicken

   Don't let the name of this chicken recipe fool you.  In my Come & Dine cookbook it's called Apple Country Chicken, but the curry in the sauce is so notable that I have tweaked the name.  I made this recipe for the second time last weekend and as I chopped, measured, and tasted, I made a few adjustments with the spices.  


 When our four international students bit into it, they were full of compliments.  Probably because this recipe definitely had an Asian flare.  Of course, they love anything with curry and mushrooms, and I knew that. But aside from that, the sauce was so yummy. 

At first I really didn't know how the apple juice would work as the base for this sauce--but it's absolutely perfect!  It's not overpowering, and the blend of apples, onions, and mushrooms make the sauce  absolutely delicious!

Curried Mushroom & Apple Chicken

1.  Prepare fruit & vegetables:
(1)  Chop 1 large golden delicious apple.
(2)  Dice 1 large yellow onion.
(3)  Slice 1/2 to 1 cup of mushrooms. I used 1 cup. 
(4)  For Garnish:  Slice 2 green onions.

2.  Prepare chicken:  Skin and trim 3 1/2 pounds of chicken thighs.  I used legs and wings, too.  Put in a  9 x 13 pan.

3.  In a medium skillet put:
(1)  2 T of coconut oil and add 3 t of Indian curry powder (The recipe calls for just 1 t, but I knew it wouldn't be enough for these Asian students who love curry! But you can start with 1, taste it, and make your own decision)  and cook for 1-2 minutes.
(2)  Add the onion and apple and cook for 3 minutes.
(3)  Then add 1 T fresh lemon juice, mushrooms, 2 t of Chicken Better Than Bouillon, 2 t of salt, 1/2 t black pepper, and 1 1/2 cups of apple juice. Increase heat and bring to a boil.   
(4)  Then pour the sauce over the chicken.

4.  Bake chicken at 350 for 50 minutes.  When the chicken is done, put on a platter and cover while you thicken up the sauce. 

5.  Thicken the sauce:
(1)  Pour the sauce that's in the pan back into the skillet.
(2)  Whisk 2-3 T of tapioca starch into 1/2 cup of apple juice and gradually stir it into the sauce. Stir until the sauce it's thickened. 
(3)  Taste and make any adjustments.
(4)  Pour over the chicken pieces and garnish with the green onion.

Serve with white rice or mashed potatoes.

List of other  recipes with chicken legs/thighs on this blog:

Asian:
Gluten Free Soy Sauce Chicken   (Modified from Internet search)
Tasty Gluten Free Filipino Chicken Adobo  (Modified from Internet search)
Gluten Free Sweet & Sour Chicken (From my church cookbook, Come & Dine)

Italian & Greek:
Chicken Souvlaki   (Marinade for chicken from my son-in-law)
Gluten Free Chicken Cacciatore With Peppers & Mushrooms  (Modified from Internet search)
Delicious Gluten Free Chicken Parmesan   (From my church cookbook, Come & Dine)

Mexican:
Pollo Guisado (Mexican Braised Chicken)  (From a church friend in Phoenix)
Belizean Chicken, Black Beans & Rice, and Belizean Coleslaw  (From my daughter's family)

American Favorites:
Amazing BBQ Chicken    (From my daughter-in-law's family reunion cookbook)
The Best Gluten Free Oven Fried Chicken   (From my sister-in-law)
Fantastic Gluten Free Chicken Kabobs  (From my church cookbook, Come & Dine)
Great for Summer BBQ - Lemon Rosemary Chicken Legs  (From my church cookbook, Come & Dine)

What is the Key to Overcoming in 1 John 5:4?

   The word overcoming may sound a bit daunting at first.  Like every Christian I've had my share of struggles, failures, and triumphs.  By looking at 1 John 5:4 it's evident that God's life in us is an overcoming life!

Because everything that has been begotten of God overcomes the world: and this the victory which overcomes the world—our faith.  1 John 5:4

    If you look at chapter 5, you'll see that your spirit overcomes not only the world but death, sin, the devil, and even idols. It's important to see that everything about overcoming hinges on our spirit being born of God.  One time I heard a message that talked about overcoming on Living Stream's website, and the brother reminded everyone that the capital Overcomer lives in our spirit!  

   I liked the practical ways that Witness Lee gives on pages 319-320 In chapter 36  that we can strengthen our spirit’s overcoming ability:

"Because our spirit has been regenerated, it cannot sin. On the contrary, our spirit can overcome all negative things….However, our body has not been regenerated, and our soul still remains without the life of God....When we remain in our spirit, stay in our spirit, and walk by our spirit, we shall see that our spirit has the life ability to overcome all negative things. This is why we need to exercise to have fellowship with the Lord and pray concerning the enjoyment of the Lord.  We also need to exercise our spirit to call on the Lord’s name and to pray-read the word.  This exercise stirs up the ability in our spirit to overcome the world" (Lee, Witness. Life-Study of 1 John.  Anaheim: Living Stream Ministry, 1983, Print).

Last Friday I was listening to another message on Living Stream Ministry's website, and the brother encouraged everyone by saying God wants us to overcome, and we can pray, "Lord, make me a part of Your overcoming Bride!"

I enjoy listening to live excerpts and the commentary on these Life-Studies on the  Life Study of the Bible with Witness Lee while I'm cooking, cleaning, and typing.   

Other Posts on 1, 2, 3 John and Jude:

What Does the Greek Word for Fellowship Mean in 1 John 1:3?
What Does 1 John 1:8 Show Us About Sin?
The Promise in 1 John 1:9
What is the Anointing in 1 John 2:27?
Taking a Closer Look at Abiding in 1 John 2:26
God's Love in 1 John 4 Seen in the Life of John Newton
What is the Key to Overcoming in 1 John 5:4?
Touching Account From Church History on the Apostle John

My Grandmother's Favorite Banana Cream Pie (Made Gluten Free!)

  I grew up loving my grandmother's pies.  Of course, what kid doesn't love their grandmother's pies, cakes, and cookies?  My daughter-in-law said last week it's because grandmas have been cooking for so long. I laughed and said that's for sure, I don't cook anything like I did when I first got married!   Every housewife has her own stories of kitchen disasters.  

My grandmother grew up in Missouri, and when she was a teenager (now we're talking about 1912!), she was living in Kansas City, and after school she would come home  and help her mother in a hotel kitchen where she worked during the day.  Now I know why she was such an amazing cook!

Anyway my grandmother was known for her banana cream pie (among other things), and it was one of my father's favorites.  My aunt gave me her recipe and I decided to make it.

My Grandmother's Favorite Banana Cream Pie

1.  Prepare the gluten free pie crust.  My favorite is here.

2. Prepare pudding:  
Bowl #1:  In a small bowl put 2/3 cup of sugar (it's amazing how little sugar these old time recipes call for!), 1/2 t salt,  1/4 cup of gluten free flour, 2 1/2 T of tapioca starch.

Bowl #2:  Beat 3 egg YOLKS.  Gradually add 3 cups of milk.

3. Cook pudding - put a saucepan on the stove:
(1)   Put the flour mixture into the saucepan.
(2)  Then add the egg mixture and whisk it well.
(3)  Turn the heat on to medium-low heat,  and stir pudding until thickened. 
(4)  Boil for  just 3 minutes.
(5)  Then stir in 1 T butter and 1 1/2 t vanilla extract and cook another minute.

4.  Prepare banana cream pie:
(1)  Bake the pie shell ahead of time.
(2) Slice 2 bananas onto the bottom of the cooled shell.
(3)  Then pour the hot pudding into that pre-baked pie shell. 
(4)  Cover it with plastic wrap so the pudding doesn't form a film.
(5)  Let it cool.
(6)  Whip up 1 to 2 cups of whipped cream (my grandmother's recipe calls for 1 cup, but it didn't make enough to make it sit that high so I used 2!)
(7)  Using a spatula, spread the whipped cream over the top of the pie and make little waves in it.
(8)  Refrigerate for 4+ hours.


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)

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)