Thankful Thursday 7.26.12

Last week we celebrated our wedding anniversary. We had I wonderful dinner alone at Olive Garden and talked of the many providences (both good and difficult) that we've been through together. It was a wonderful time of remembering what the Lord has done in our lives; how He has shaped and molded us, strengthened us, and sustained us.

I'm so thankful for the many wonderful things the Lord has done in our lives.

Easy Raspberry Jam

Last week I finished my first batch of Raspberry Jam for this year. Since it is so easy to do I thought I would share it here.

What you will need:

- 5 cups of crushed raspberries

- 7 cups sugar

- 1 package Sure Jell Fruit Pectin

- sterilized canning jars and new lids

- a canner or large stockpot

1. Mix the crushed raspberries and pectin together. 

2. Bring to a boil using high heat.

3. Add sugar all at once.

4. Bring to a full boil (one that cannot be stirred down) and boil for one minute

5. Remove from heat and skim foam from top.

6. Skim for 5 minutes to prevent floating fruit

7. Fill sterilized jars leaving 1/4 inch headspace.

8. Clean rim (necessary for a good seal) and tighten with rings.

9. Submerge in boiling water in canner or large stockpot.

10. Boil for 10 minutes.

11. Remove from water and let stand for 24 hours.

12. Remove rims and test for good seal

-Refrigerate after opening.

-Makes approx. 8 cups

That's all! 

*** Note: If you can pick your own raspberries, as I can, picking them fully ripe makes a big difference. I pick daily so I can always get them just as they have turned purple. Fully ripe raspberries make the most flavorful jam.

Means of Grace

God's Provision for Our Salvation and Sanctification

by Bob DeWaay

"And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." (Acts 2:42)


A soldier in Iraq emailed CIC a few weeks ago. His message exposes an alarming trend in evangelicalism: to replace the Bible with man-made programs. Here is a portion of the email:

I am currently serving in Iraq. I am in the Army National Guard. "A lot" of PDL [Purpose Driven Life] study groups have sprouted up at various camps around Iraq. The people in my unit have done the PDL study 3 times now! They started for 3 months, then again started again for 3 months, and AGAIN started the “same” study. (continuous back-to-back-to-back) At no time have I EVER seen one of them carry a bible into the study. I finally decided to join them on their 3rd study (I was given the book before we deployed on Dec. 1, 2003 and I have never looked at it until mid-August 2004)...I didn't know anything about the book and I was the only one who brought their bible and used other bible passages that pertained to the chapter that day. It just seems like this “study” is sweeping quickly and people are replacing the ever-living Word of God for a man-made book. A good friend and I have been talking a lot about the principles and teachings of Rick Warren and his ‘light’ approach to the gospel. It seems no one is preaching the Word of God.

Critical Issues Commentary has received dozens of similar emails from around the world. These emails express alarm that “Bible studies” no longer study the Bible and that sermons are no longer based on sound exegesis of Biblical texts. Literally, the Word of God is too often being pushed aside in Christian circles.


This article focuses on the Biblical means God has provided for all Christians to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord. These means may not be flashy, popular, or trendy, but they will always be effectual when practiced in faith. The following are NOT God’s means of changing lives: mystical practices, self-help groups, Purpose Driven Life study groups, contemplative prayer, twelve step groups, or going to meetings where people are “slain under the power.” These and other popular programs are sad, unbiblical substitutes that eventually lead to spiritual impoverishment.

Read more.

Printer friendly PDF

Sunday Scriptures 7.22.12