Care For Them

TEXT: LEVITICUS 19:1-13

KEY VERSE: “And thou shalt not glean thy vineyard, neither shalt thou gather every grape of thy vineyard; thou shalt leave them for the poor and stranger: I am the LORD your God” (Leviticus 19:10).

The phrase, “God’s preferential option for the poor” was coined by some religious scholars. This, they use to describe the special attention God pays to the poor and the disadvantaged as reflected in both the Old and New Testaments. Truly, the poor easily gets God’s attention because of their disposition that befits the grace of God. But in a world that runs on the principle of “the survival of the fittest,” who cares for the poor? Even a pastor of a gospel church was heard sometime ago announcing to his congregation that his church was not for the poor. How absurd!

In today’s text, we find sundry ceremonial and moral precepts God gave to the children of Israel through Moses. They contain principles that should get us sure-footed on the path of righteousness. Israel was reminded that they were dealing with a holy God and as such were expected to be holy themselves. Even so are we, that are by redemption affiliated to the same God of holiness expected to be holy. This holiness consists in our duties to God and to man.

Verses 9 and 10, however, draw attention to God’s concern for the poor and the disadvantaged. The Jews were required to deliberately leave their corn-fields and vineyards after harvesting for the poor to pick up the leftover. God expects the piety of His people to incorporate benevolence - making provision for the poor and needy.

The people of the world may continue with their greed, avarice and covetousness, but those who have tasted of the grace of God and in whose hearts the love of God is shed abroad have no excuse to neglect this duty of caring for the poor and disadvantaged. Look around, see the poor and, as much as it lies in you, help put a smile on their faces. Indeed, when you share your blessings with the less privileged, those blessing become multiplied. In attending to the poor though, let’s strike a balance. Don’t become a god to anyone and do not allow your benevolence to promote idleness.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Holiness does not make us insensitive to people’s need.

Health: Ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the ovaries. People typically have two ovaries, one on each side of the uterus. The ovaries, each about the size of an almond, produce eggs (ova) as well as the hormones estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.

Ovarian cancer often goes undetected until it has spread within the pelvis and abdomen. At this late stage, ovarian cancer is difficult to treat and is often fatal.

Ovarian cancer treatments are available. Researchers are studying ways to improve ovarian cancer treatment and looking into ways to detect ovarian cancer at an earlier stage, when a cure is more likely.

It’s not clear what causes ovarian cancer. In general, cancer begins when healthy cells acquire a genetic mutation that turns normal cells into abnormal cells. Healthy cells grow and multiply at a set rate, eventually dying at a set time. Cancer cells grow and multiply out of control, and they don’t die when they should.

As abnormal cells accumulate, they form a mass (tumor). Cancer cells invade nearby tissues and can break off from an initial tumor to spread elsewhere in the body (metastasize).

Symptoms of ovarian cancer are not specific to the disease, and they often mimic those of many other more-common conditions, including digestive problems.

Signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer may include:

• Abdominal pressure, fullness, swelling or bloating
• Pelvic discomfort or pain
• Persistent indigestion, gas, or nausea
• Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation
• Changes in bladder habits, including a frequent need to urinate
• Loss of appetite or quickly feeling full
• Increased abdominal girth or clothes fitting tighter around your waist
• A persistent lack of energy
• Lower back pain

The type of cell where the cancer begins determines the type of ovarian cancer you have. Ovarian cancer types include:

Cancer that begins in the cells on the outside of the ovaries. Called epithelial tumors, these cancers begin in the thin layer of tissue that covers the outside of the ovaries. Most ovarian cancers are epithelial tumors.

Cancer that begins in the egg-producing cells. Called germ cell tumors, these ovarian cancers tend to occur in younger women.

Cancer that begins in the hormone-producing cells. These cancers, called stromal tumors, begin in the ovarian tissue that produces the hormones estrogen, progesterone and testosterone.

The type of ovarian cancer you have helps determine your prognosis and treatment options.

Risk Factors:
Certain factors may increase your risk of ovarian cancer. Having one or more of these risk factors doesn’t mean that you’re sure to develop ovarian cancer, but your risk may be higher than that of the average woman. These risk factors include:

Inherited gene mutations. A small percentage of ovarian cancers are caused by an inherited gene mutation. The genes known to increase the risk of ovarian cancer are called breast cancer gene 1 (BRCA1) and breast cancer gene 2 (BRCA2). These genes were originally identified in families with multiple cases of breast cancer, which is how they got their names, but these mutations also have a significantly increased risk of ovarian cancer. Another known genetic link involves an inherited syndrome called hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC). People in HNPCC families are at increased risk of cancers of the uterine lining (endometrium), colon, ovary, and stomach.

Family history of ovarian cancer. If people in your family have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, you have an increased risk of the disease.

A previous cancer diagnosis. If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer of the breast, colon, rectum, or uterus, your risk of ovarian cancer is increased.

Increasing age. Your risk of ovarian cancer increases as you age. Ovarian cancer most often develops after menopause, though it can occur at any age.

Never having been pregnant. People who have never been pregnant have an increased risk of ovarian cancer.

Source: positivemed.com

MARRIAGE & EBOLA

One of the world’s latest and deadliest diseases is Ebola it is introduced into the human population through close contact with the blood, or other bodily fluids of infected animals. It is spread in the community through human-to-human transmission. It was also documented that through the handling of infected fruits and animals it can be contacted.
It is not new that the world is now full of deadly diseases and one of the best ways to prevent and control all these deadly diseases can begin from family unit. Gone are the days when couples will be too careless about each other and their children. Communication and togetherness are very essential in marriage these days. Information can be easily shared in a home where there is emotional availability of both parents. A father who is emotionally available can save his home from deadly diseases. Mothers, don’t be too careless and busy at the expense of the welfare of your home. Children need information and how can they get it when you not emotionally available.

No licensed vaccine for EVD (Ebola Virus Diseases) is available. Several vaccines are being tested, but none are available for clinical use. Sir & Ma, your marriage can be saved if it can have more of your love, availability, emotional connection, communication, adequate fatherly and motherly roles, responsibilities and tender loving care. Be available to order the steps of your children on a right path. God heals but our responsibilities as couples and parents also counts.
Hold your wife’s hand with your children and let love bind you against any deadly disease.
Exo 15:26 Then he said, "I am the LORD your God, and I cure your diseases. If you obey me by doing right and by following my laws and teachings, I won't punish you with the diseases I sent on the Egyptians."
May the GOD of Heaven save you and your household from deadly diseases of this time in JESUS name.
By Ojo.

THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT

Jesus replied, "'You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind." This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: 'Love your neighbour as yourself."' Matthew 22:37-39

Some years ago, about three hundred whales were found stranded on a beach. Scientists speculated that the whales had been chasing sardines and became trapped in shallow water when the tide went out.

Now that's an amazing thing. By chasing little sardines, these gigantic creatures were ultimately led to their doom.

Many people waste their lives chasing non-essentials. They major on the minors and have no clear focus or objectives in life.

But God tells us what should be the primary goal of every Christian. If we can get our priorities straight in this area, everything else will come together.

In fact, if we can get these two principles operating in our lives, then all the commandments of God will become a natural outflow of our commitment to Him.

What are these principles?

• You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.

• Love your neighbour as yourself. When Jesus spoke these words, He was identifying what should be the focus of every person.

Essentially, He was saying that love is the basis for all obedience. If you really love God, then you will naturally want to do the things that please Him.

In fact, if you would love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and would love your neighbour as yourself, you would never transgress a single commandment of God. You would have fulfilled all the requirement of the law.

What is your highest priority in life? What is your greatest desire? Is it to please God? Then love the Lord and love your neighbour.

Prayer: Lord, help me love You with all my heart, my soul, and my mind, and love others as myself.

Scriptural Reading: Matthew 22:23-40

Life In The Blood

TEXT: LEVITICUS 17:8-16

Key verse: “And whatsoever man there be of the house of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among you, that eateth any manner of blood; I will even set my face against that soul that eateth blood, and will cut him off from among his people” (Leviticus 17:10).

The reason, no doubt, the laws of most nations of the world are stiff concerning murder and bloodshed is because of the value God has placed on life. Israel’s redemption from Egyptian slavery and bondage was made possible by the blood of the passover lamb. In other words, they were saved by the shedding of the blood of the animal; its death becoming substitutionary for the people. The Lord directed the children of Israel that the blood of the lamb at passover was to be placed on the two side posts and on the upper door post of every home, “and when I see the blood, I will pass over you” (Exodus 12:13).

The life of the flesh is in the blood (verse 11). The blood of any animal is identified with its life. The animal sacrifice is used as atonement for human sin at the price of the animal’s life. This is the principle of substitutionary atonement: the animal dying in man’s place. This underscores the importance and pricelessness of the blood of Christ as the instrument of our salvation and redemption.

Eating of blood was prohibited because of the value God attaches to blood. It is also to discourage heathen and idolatrous practices and to preserve and remember the symbolism of the sacrifice – Christ’s death on the cross for the redemption of man. No other sacrifice is needed today. “For, there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man, Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5). The Blood of the Saviour is the means by which believers have been ransomed, the means by which we have been vindicated over guilt and condemnation. Therefore the Blood must be sacredly appreciated.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: “Without shedding of blood, no remission of sin.”

Prayer for new week

 This is your week of testimonies, receive testimonies because of the blood of Jesus, receive grace for your job, profession, family, academics and every area of your life. Every famine ruling over your life in any area will be terminated now in Jesus name. Your days will not be wasted in the mighty name of Jesus J


Happy New Week from us ASB-World. 

Strawberries and Cream Pie

For the crust:

·         1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

·         1/4 teaspoon salt

·         8 tablespoons cold butter, cubed

·         3 tablespoons ice water, or more as needed

For the filling:

·         3 cups whole milk

·         1/2 cup heavy cream

·         1 vanilla bean, halved and scraped

·         1/2 cup granulated sugar

·         1/3 cup cornstarch

·         3 eggs

·         2 tablespoons butter

·         1 quart strawberries, hulled

·         2 tablespoons wildflower honey

1.     Preheat the oven to 425º F.

2.     Make the pie crust: In a large bowl or in a food processor, combine the flour and salt. Add the butter and toss to coat. Cut the butter into the flour with your hands, or pulse in the food processor until the butter resembles the size of peas.

3.     Add the water and mix to combine. The dough should come together easily but not be wet or sticky. Wrap the dough and chill for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.

4.     On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough until it's 1/4 inch thick. Transfer it to a pie plate, and trim the edges so there is only 1/2 inch of overhang all around. Chill the dough inside the pie plate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.

5.     Fold the excess dough under at the edges, pressing gently to “seal” the dough to the pie plate. Finish the edges as desired. Poke the base of the crust a few times with a fork. If the dough seems warm, chill it again.

6.     Line the crust with parchment paper and pie weights, and bake until the crust is golden and crisp, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the parchment and pie weights and continue baking until the crust is fully baked, 5 to 10 minutes more. Cool completely.

7.     To make the finished pie, mix the milk, cream, vanilla bean, and 1/4 cup of sugar together in a medium sauce pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat.

8.     While the milk warms up, whisk together the remaining 1/4 cup sugar, cornstarch, and eggs in a medium heat-safe bowl.

9.     When the milk comes to a simmer, gradually pour the hot liquid into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to combine. Return the mixture to the pot and cook until the mixture is thick and comes to the "first boil" (one large bubble rising from the center of the pot, not many small bubbles around the edges).

10.              Whisk in the butter and pour the mixture into the prepared pie crust. Cover the surface of the pudding directly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until fully chilled, at least 3 hours.

11.              To finish the pie, top the pie with the strawberries. Warm the honey over medium heat, and when it’s runny, brush it over the strawberries. Serve the pie chilled.

source: food52.com