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Archive for September, 2025

The Just Shall Live by Faith: Lessons from Habakkuk

Habakkuk 3:2(NKJV) O LORD, I have heard Your speech and was afraid; O LORD, revive Your work in the
midst of the years! In the midst of the years make it known; In wrath remember mercy.

Author

  • Habakkuk
  • Habakkuk means Embracer
  • It is thought that Habakkuk may have been a leader of temple worship as a member of the Levitical family.
    • Habakkuk 3:19(NKJV) The LORD God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills. To the Chief Musician. With my stringed instruments.

Date

  • 600 B.C.
  • It is believed that the book of Habakkuk was written during the time period between the fall of Nineveh (612 B.C.) and the fall of Jerusalem (586 B.C.).

Theme

  • The just shall live by faith
  • Habakkuk 2:4(NKJV) Behold the proud, His soul is not upright in him; But the just shall live by his faith.

Purpose

  • Habakkuk is a dialogue between himself and God. He struggled with all of the injustices he saw within his nation.
  • His question to God was “why would God allow those who were oppressing the poor to prosper”?
  • God spoke of bringing justice and judgment through Babylonia captivity.
  • This troubled the prophet even more. Why would God bring a heathen nation against the people of Judah?
  • God assured him that the just must live a life of faith and the ultimate goal was the spiritual well-being of His people.
  • To show that when done appropriately, it is okay to question God.

Content

  • Habakkuk’s question and God’s answer: Habakkuk 1:1-11
    • Habakkuk’s question:
      • Habakkuk 1:2-4(NKJV) O LORD, how long shall I cry, And You will not hear? Even cry out to You, “Violence!” And You will not save. Why do You show me iniquity, And cause me to see trouble? For plundering and violence are before me; There is strife, and contention arises. Therefore, the law is powerless, And justice never goes forth. For the wicked surround the righteous; Therefore, perverse judgment proceeds.
    • God’s Answer:
      • Habakkuk 1:5,6(NKJV) “Look among the nations and watch-Be utterly astounded! For I will work a work in your days which you would not believe, though it were told you. For indeed I am raising up the Chaldeans, A bitter and hasty nation Which marches through the breadth of the earth, To possess dwelling places that are not theirs.
        • Note: the Chaldeans are the Babylonians
  • Habakkuk’s second question and God’s answer: Habakkuk 1:12-2:20
    • Habakkuk’s question:
      • Habakkuk 1:12(NKJV) Are You not from everlasting, O LORD my God, my Holy One? We shall not die. O LORD, You have appointed them for judgment; O Rock, You have marked them for correction.
      • God’s answer:
        • Habakkuk 2:2-4(NKJV) Then the LORD answered me and said: “Write the vision And make it plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry. Behold the proud, His soul is not upright in him; But the just shall live by his faith.
        • Habakkuk 2:14(NKJV) For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, As the waters cover the sea.
  • Habakkuk’s prayer: Habakkuk 3:1-19
    • Habakkuk 3:2(NKJV) O LORD, I have heard Your speech and was afraid; O LORD, revive Your work in the midst of the years! In the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy.
    • Habakkuk 3:17-19(NKJV) Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls- Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills. To the Chief Musician. With my stringed instruments.

Christ in the Book of Habakkuk

  • Victory (Ultimate victory through Jesus)
    • Romans 1:16,17(NKJV) For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The
      just shall live by faith.”
    • 1 Corinthians 15:57-58(NKJV) But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

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How Much Canned Food from Fresh Produce?

The amount of canned food you can get from a given quantity of produce depends on the quality, maturity, variety, and size of the fruit or vegetable, whether it is whole, in halves, or in slices, or whether it is packed raw or hot. The following charts shows you the approximate yield of canned foods from the given quantities of fruits and vegetables.

Food (Fruit)Amount of FreshAmount Canned
Apples1 bu. (48 lbs.)
2½-3 lbs.		16-20 qts.
1 qt.
Berries,
except strawberries		24-qt. crate
1 1/4-3 lbs.		12-18 qts.
1 qt.
Peaches 1 bu. (48 lbs.)
2-3 lbs.		18-24 qts.
1 qt.
Pears1 bu. (48 lbs.)
2-3 lbs.		18-24 qts.
1 qt.
Plums1 bu. (56 lbs.)
1½-2½ lbs.		24-30 qts.
1 qt.
Tomatoes1 bu. (53 lbs.)
1½-3½ lbs.		15-20 qts.
1 qt.
Food (Vegetables)Amount of FreshAmount Canned
Asparagus1 bu. (45 lbs.)
2½-4½ lbs.		11 qts.
1 qt.
Beans, lima in pods1 bu. (32 lbs.)
3-5 lbs.		6-8 qts.
1 qt.
Beans, snap1 bu. (30 lbs)
1 1/2 – 2 1/2 lbs. 		15-20 qts.
1 qts.
beets, without tops1 bu. (53 lbs)
2-3 lbs		17-20 qts.
1 qt
Carrots, without tops1 bu. (50 lbs)
2-3 lbs		16-20 qts.
1 qts.
Corn, sweet, in husks1 bu. (35 lbs)
6-16 ears (3-6 lbs)		8-9 qts.
1 qt
Okra1 bu. (26 lbs)
1-1 1/2 lbs		16 qts.
1 qt.
Peas, green, in pods1 bu. (30 lbs)
3-6 lbs		6-7 qts.
1 qt.
Spinach1 bu. (18 lbs)
2-6 lbs		6-9 qts.
1 qt.
Squash, summer1 bu. (40 lbs)
2-4 lbs		16-20 qts.
1 qt.
Sweet potatoes1 bu. (55 lbs)
2-3 lbs		18-22 qts.
1 qt.


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The Golden Rule for Kids


The golden rule is about doing to others what you want them to do to you. Jesus told us to treat others how we want to be treated. As my grandmother said, do to them how you would want them to do to you, not how they treat you.

Here are some scriptures that the golden rule comes from. It is not stated exactly the same way in all of the scriptures, but the idea is in all of them. Notice Romans 12:17-19. At the end of that verse, it says that God will repay. That means that God will take care of the person who did the wrong thing.

  • Matthew 7:12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye that men would do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
  • Luke 6:31 And as ye would that men would do to you, do ye also to them likewise.
  • Galatians 5:14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
  • Leviticus 19:18 Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the Lord.
  • Romans 12:17-19 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.  Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
  • Proverbs 20:22 Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the Lord, and he shall save thee.
  • Matthew 5:43-48 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

When you are bullied, don’t try to get even with them. Instead treat them good and pray to God about them. In other words, tell God. If the bullying is really bad, talk to an adult. God often uses people to do His work.

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Creamy Baked Ziti Recipe for a Crowd

Serves: 4-6 Prep time:15 minutes Cooking time: 45 mins

INGREDIENTS:

  • 16 oz.  Ziti, cooked al dente
  • 8 oz. Mascarpone Cheese
  • 1 tbsp. garlic, minced
  • 8 oz.  mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 8 oz. Provolone Cheese, shredded
  • 4 oz.  Shredded Parmesan Cheese
  • 35 oz. Pasta Sauce
  • 14 oz. Crushed Tomatoes

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Heat oven to 375 degrees
  2. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients but reserve 4 ounces of the shredded mozzarella cheese to the side.
  3. Place the pasta and ingredients into a cooking dish and cover with foil.
  4. Cook for 45 minutes.
  5. Remove lid and place reserved  4 ounces of cheese on top.
  6. Place ziti back into oven and broil on low heat for 4 minutes.
Ultimate Online Cookbook: Your Guide to Simple Meals

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David and Araunah

DAVID AND ARAUNAH

After David had reigned may years, he numbered the people of Israel. This was wrong; and God sent a pestilence which destroyed seventy thousand men. David was grieved, and prayed that God would punish him and spare the people. God stayed the hand of the destroying angel; who stood by the threshing-floor of Araunah, whither David was told to go and offer sacrifice. David went. He purchased the threshing-floor of Araunah, also oxen and wood and offered a burnt sacrifice to God. The following verses describe the scene:—

Beside Araunah’s threshing-placeThe awful angel took his stand,When from high heaven came words of grace—”It is enough; stay now thine hand.”

For David’s penitential prayerHad enter’d God’s compassionate ear;And where the angel stood, even thereGod bade the King and altar rear.

Araunah offered ground, and wood,And oxen for the sacrifice:David stood noble wish withstood,And bought them all at full price.

His answer has a royal ring;Its lesson high shall not be lost:”Burnt offerings I will never bringUnto Jehovah without cost.”

The altar rose, the victims died,The plague was stayed, and lo, there fell—Token that Heaven was satisfied—A fire from God, and all was well.

‘Twas like a finger from the skies—That falling fire—to show God’s will,That here the Temple should ariseAnd crown Moriah’s sacred hill.

And still God marks the faithful prayer,The careful work, the costly pains;The Spirit’s fire descendeth there,And there, as in a shrine, remains.

Richard Wilton, M.A.

DAVID AND ARAUNAH

MOTHER STORIES From the Old Testament

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Melting Chocolate Oatmeal coconut flakes bars

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups chocolate chips
  • 2/3 cup canned coconut milk
  • 1 cup Oats
  • 1 1/2 cup Raisins
  • 3/4 cup peanut butter cereal
  • 1/2 cup coconut flakes

Directions:

  1. In a double boiler melt chocolate chips over medium heat. When it starts to melt, pour in coconut milk.
  2. When all of it is almost melted put in a little at a time of oatmeal and raisins, mix well.
  3. When melted, put in the peanut butter cereal, mix in well.
  4. Grease an 8 by 8-inch pan and then pour the melted mixture into the pan.
  5. Sprinkle coconut flakes on top and then fold into the mixture.
  6. Place it in the refrigerator for about an hour, but if you can’t wait about 40 minutes.
Ultimate Online Cookbook: Your Guide to Simple Meals

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MCGUFFEY’S First ECLECTIC READER: lesson 20 Will you let me ride on Prince?

Words:

  • mamma
  • large
  • as
  • papa
  • arms
  • ride
  • far
  • barn
  • both
  • Prince
  • trot
  • your

Lesson:

Papa, will you let me ride with you on Prince? I will sit still in your arms.

See, mamma! We are both on Prince. How large he is!

Get up, Prince! You are not too fat to trot as far as the barn.

MCGUFFEY’S First ECLECTIC READER

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MCGUFFEY’S First ECLECTIC READER: lesson 19 See her drink!

Letter Sounds:

  • a

Words:

  • Kate
  • old
  • no
  • grass
  • dear
  • likes
  • be
  • drink
  • milk
  • cow
  • out
  • gives

Lesson:

O Kate! the old cow is in the pond: see her drink! Will she not come out to get some grass?

No, John, she likes to be in the pond. See how still she stands!

The dear old cow gives us sweet milk to drink.

MCGUFFEY’S First ECLECTIC READER

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MCGUFFEY’S First ECLECTIC READER: lesson 18 Will the dog hunt a fox?

Words:

  • nut
  • did
  • shut
  • shall
  • lost
  • fox
  • men
  • met
  • step
  • into
  • hunt
  • mud

Lesson:

Will the dog hunt a fox?

Ben lost his hat.

Shall I shut the box?

I met him on the step.

Did you jump into the mud?

I have a nut.

I met the man.

MCGUFFEY’S First ECLECTIC READER

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Understanding Nahum: God’s Judgment on Nineveh

Nahum 1:7-9(NKJV) The LORD is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble; And He knows those who trust in Him. But with an overflowing flood He will make an utter end of its place, And darkness will pursue His enemies. What do you conspire against the LORD? He will make an utter end of it. Affliction will not rise up a second time.

Author

  • Nahum
  • Nahum means “Comfort, Full of Comfort, Consolation”

Date

  • 612 B.C.
  • During the reigns of Manasseh, Amon, and Josiah (Kings of Judah)
  • Other prophets at this time: Zephaniah, Habakkuk, and Jeremiah
  • Approximately 120 years after Jonah’s ministry to Nineveh

Theme

  • God’s judgment on the city of Nineveh, the capital of Assyria

Purpose

  • This book reveals God’s judgment on the tyrant city of Nineveh the capital of Assyria.
  • The Assyrians captured the Northern kingdom of Israel in 722 B.C.
  • They threaten Judah, the southern kingdom, but God intervened.
  • The Assyrians were know for their abuse and acts of torture inflicted on their captives. At this time the Assyrians were known as the world’s greatest oppressor.
  • This book was also a message of comfort and hope for God’s people of the southern kingdom of Judah.

Content

  • The vengeance of the Lord Nahum 1:1-15
    • Nahum 1:2,3(NKJV) God is jealous, and the LORD avenges: The LORD avenges and is furious.
      The LORD will take vengeance on His adversaries, And He reserves wrath for His
      enemies; The LORD is slow to anger and great in power, And will not at all acquit the wicked. The LORD has His way In the whirlwind and in the storm, And the clouds are the dust of His feet.
  • The fall of Nineveh and Restoration of Jacob: Nahum 2:1-13
    • Nahum 2:8-10(NKJV) Though Nineveh of old was like a pool of water, Now they flee away. “Halt! Halt!” they cry; But no one turns back. Take spoil of silver! Take spoil of gold! There is no end of treasure, Or wealth of every desirable prize. She is empty, desolate, and waste! The heart melts, and the knees shake; Much pain is in every side, And all their faces are drained of color.
    • Nahum 2:2(NKJV) For the LORD will restore the excellence of Jacob Like the excellence of Israel, For the emptiers have emptied them out And ruined their vine branches.
  • The despair of Nineveh: Nahum 3:1-19
    • Nahum 3:7(NKJV)It shall come to pass that all who look upon you Will flee from you, and say, “Nineveh is laid waste! Who will bemoan her? Where shall I seek comforters for you?”
    • This prophecy came to pass about 50 years after it was written.

Christ in the Book of Nahum

  • Type of Christ on the cross
    • God’s vengeance against sin was satisfied through the sacrifice of the Lamb of God, His son Jesus.
      • Romans 12:19(NKJV) Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.
Old Testament Overview: Key Themes Explained

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