ORUKO OLORUN ( God's names in yoruba language)

Oluwa, (Lord)

Oluwa wa, (Our Lord)

Olorun, (God)
Olorun wa, (Our God)
Oluwa awon oluwa, (The Lord of Lords)
Olorun awon olorun,
Kabiyeesi, (The King)
Oba awon oba,( King of Kings)
Olodumare,( The Almighty)
Arugbo ojo,(Ancient of days)
Olorun agbalagba,( Ancient of days)
Adagba ma paaro oye,(Unchanging God)
Olorun ti o yipada, (Unchanging God)
Olorun kan lailai,( The only God)
Ikan lana,(Same yesterday)
Ikan loni, (Same today)
Ikan lola, (Same tomorrow)
Okan titi aye ainipekun, ( The same forever)
Oba ti mbe nibi gbogbo nigba gbogbo,( the ubiquitous God)
Metalokan,( The trinity)
Olorun Baba,(God the Father)
Olorun Omo,(God the son)
Olorun Emi Mimo, (God the Holy spirit)
Olorun Abrahamu, (God of Abraham)
Olorun Isaki, (God of Isaac)
Olorun Jakobu, (God of Jacob)
Olorun owu,(The jealous God)
Olorun ti kii s'enia ti yio paro, (God that is not man that could change)
Alewilese, (He that can Speak and Act)
Aleselewi, (He that can Act and Speak)
Owibee sebee, (He that Speaks and Acts)
Awimayehun, ( He who Speaks and does not change His words)
Asoromaye, (He who prophesize and comes to past)
Onimajemu,( Covenant keeping God)
Olulana,(The wonderful way maker)
Olorun oro (Word), (The God of spoken work)
Oba to ti o gbe oro Re ga ju Oruko Re lo, (The God who exalts his word more that his name)
Olutoju wa, (Our Keeper)
Onibuore,(God whose barn is full of blessing)
Afunni ma s’iregun,(The God who blesses without asking for reward)
Adanimagbagbe, (The creator who never forgets the created)
Oyigiyigi, (Great and Mighty)
Alakoso orun at’aye, (The God of heaven)
Atogbojule,(Dependable God)
Alagbawi eda,(Defender)
Alagbada ina, (He that covers Himself with fire branded robe)
Alawotele oorun,(He whose underwear is Sun)
Asorodayo,(The god who give joy)
Oba t'o mu 'banuje tan,(God who puts end to sorrow)
Ogbeja k'eru o ba onija,(God who fights for the defenseless)
Jagunjagun ode orun,(The great warrior of heaven)
Olowogbogboro,(God whose hand is long enough to reach at any length)
Olorun awon omo ogun,(The great warrior)
Aduro tini bi akoni eleru,(The faithful God)
Eru jeje l'eti okun pupa,( The Most powerful by the red sea)
Oba t'o mu iji dake roro,(God who commands the storm, peace be still)
Alaabo,(Our keeper)
Oluso,(Our guard)
Olupamo,(Our keeper)
Oludande,(Our deliverer)
Olugbala,(Our saviour)
Olutusile,(God of freedom)
Oludariji,(Our forgiver)
Oba t'o se'gun agbara ese, (God who delivers from hold of sin)
Oba t'o san gbogbo 'gbese wa,(God who pays the price for our sins)
Olorun ajinde,(The resurrected Lord)
Olutunu,(Our comforter)
Olufe okan wa,(My lover)
Oba t'o yan wa fe,(God who has predestined us)
Olusegun,(The conqueror)
Ajasegun, (The conqueror
Gbanigbani ni'jo ogun le,(Our defense in time of war)
Ogbagba ti ngb'ara adugbo,( The Protector)
Oba t'o pin okun pupa n'iya,( God who parted the red sea)
Olorun t'o mu Jodani sa niwaju awon omo Re, (God who parted the river Jordan)
Oba t'o bi odi Jeriko wo,(God who fell down the walls of Jericho)
Olorun t'o kolu Egipiti l'ara awon akobi re,(God who killed the first born of the Egyptians)
Oba t'o ju gbogbo orisa lo,(The almighty God)
Olorun t'o tobi ju gbogbo aye lo,(Greater than all the earth)
Oba t'o da monamona fun ojo, The God who created lightening for the rain)
Aimope ani oje,
Oba to j'ewe at'egbo lo,
Oba to ni owa t'owa,(The God who commands)
Oba t'oni olo, t'olo, (The God who commands)
Oba t'oni k'owa, t'owa, (The God who commands)
Oba t'oni k'omasi, ti o si si mo,(The God who can close a door and no man can open)
Oba t'ao ri, sugbon t'ari ise owo Re,(The unseen God but we can feel his impact)
Olorun t'o n gbo adura, (God who hears prayers)
Oba t'o n dahun adura, (Prayer answering God)
Olorun t'ape t'o n je,(The God that you can call and he will answer)
Oba t'o n dahun adura pelu ina,(God that answered by fire)
Eleda,(Creator)
Akoda aye,(The first among all things)
Aseda orun,(He established the heavens)
Oba t'o fi'di aye s'ole s'ori omi,( He who established the earth on waters)
Oba t'o mo wa (The Potter),
Oba t'o mo wa ( He that knoweth us),
Oba t'o mo ohun gbogbo,(The all knowing God)
Olorun t'o le se ohun gbogbo,(God who can do all things)
Oba ti ohun gbogbo nbe n'ikawo Re,(God who has the whole world in his hands)
Oba to joko soke orun to f'ile aye se itise Re,(He makes the heaven his seat and the earth his foot stool)
Oba ti ntu won ka nibi ti won nti da'na iro,(He who causes confusion in the camp of the enemy)
Atererekariaye,(He spreads out across the earth)
Eletigb'aroye,(The great hear that hears all over the world)
Alatilehin,(Our succor)
Alaanu,(Merciful God)
Oba ti aanu Re duro lailai,(God whose mercies endureth for ever)
Oba alade alafia,(The Prince of peace)
Oloore ofe,(The gracious god)
Olorun ife,(The God of Love)
Olorun ayo,(The God that gives Joy)
Olutunu,(Comforter)
Olubukun,(The blessed God)
Onise iyanu,(Miracle worker)
Onise ara,(Wonderful)
Onise nla,(Great God)
Mimo, Mimo, Mimo,(Holy! Holy! Holy)
Oba t'o ninu mimo,(Righteous God)
Oba alaya funfun,(Immaculate God)
Ologo meta, (The Trinity
Olotito,(The Truthful)
Olododo,(The Truthful)
Iye,(Resurrection)
Aduro gboingboin lehin asotito,(Defender of the Truthful)
Imole ninu okunkun aye,(The light in darkness)
Alagbara l'orun ati l'aye,(Mighty in heaven and on the earth)
Oba ti nyoni kuro ninu ofin aye,(God who rescues from the dungeon)
Atofarati,(Our defense)
Atogbokanle,(The trustworthy God)
Atofokante,(Our Confidant)
Adunbarin,(Worthy to walk with)
Adunbalo, (Worthy to follow)
Adunkepe,(God you can call on)
Apata ayeraye,(The rock of ages)
Atobiju,(The Almighty)
Atofarati bi oke,(Our support and defense)
Apata wa,(Our rock of Ages)
Odi wa,(Our shield)
Alabarin aye wa, (Our companion)
Olupese,(Our provider)
Olugbega,(The lifter of our head)
Oluranlowo,(Our help)
Ireti wa,(Our hope)
Olu aye,(God on earth)
Olu orun,(God in heaven)
Oba ti gbobo oba nt'owo Re gb'ase,(Kings from whom kings take directives)
Adakedajo, (He who Judges silently)
Adajo ma fi t'enikan se,(The just Judge)
Oba ti kii s'ojusaju,(The just God)
Oba t'enikan o le pe l'ejo,(The king that can not be judged)
Oba aseyiowu,(Unquestionable God)
Oba tii s'agan d'olomo,(The god who opens the womb of the barren)
Abiyamo ode orun,(The great mother of heaven)
Atorise,(God who can turn bad situation to good)
As'oloriburuku d'olorire,(God who can remove the inadequacies from ones life)
Arinu r'ode,(God who sees the visible an the invisible,)
Olumoranokan eda, (He who sees the intent of the heart of man)

Oludamoran (The Great adviser)
Baba wa,(Abba father)
Ore wa,(Our friend)
Ibi isadi wa,((Our refugee)
Aabo wa,(our protector)
Oluwosan,(the healer)
Asoku d'alaye,(He who brings the dead to life)
Olorun alaaye,(God of the living)
Oba ti n p'ojo iku da,(God who can change appointment with death)
Oba ti emi gbogbo enia wa l'owo Re,( He who has the keys to our existence)
Oba ti nti t'enikan o lesi,(He who shuts and no one can open)
Oba ti nsi t'enikan o leti,(He who opens and no one can close)
Awamaridi,(Unsearchable God)
Eleruniyin,
Abetilukara bi ajere,(God who is all ears)
Aiku,(Living God)
Aisa,(Faithful)
Oba ti ki sun, ti ki togbe (The king that neither sleeps nor slumbers)
Oba onise nla,(The great worker of good)
Onigbonwo wa, (Our sponsor)
Olorun pipe,(Perfect God)
Olorun rere,(Good God)
Akiri s'ore,(He who goes about doing good)
As'ore kiiri, ,(He who goes about doing good)
Gbongbo idile Jesse,(The root of the tribe of Jesse)
Oba t'o f'oro da ile aye,(He that created all things by his spoken word)
Oba to ti wa k'aye o towa,(He who was in existence before creation)
Oba ti o ma wa nigba t'aye o ni si mo,(He who will remain at the end of all things)
Oloruko nla,(The great name)
Ologojulo,(The glorious God)
Emi ni ti nje Emi ni,(I am the I am)
Oba t'oni gbogbo ope,(He who deserves all praise)
Olorun t'oni gbogbo iyin, ,(He who deserves all honour)
Oba ti ko ni pin ogo Re pel’enikankan,(God that does not share his glory with any man)
Oba t'o ti wa, t'o si wa, ti o si ma wa lailai, (The God that was, that is and that will remain for ever)
Ibere ati opin,(The Alpha and omega)
OBA AKIKITAN,(Eternity will not be enough to praise and honour you, O Lord) By Haykins

Recipe: Crispy Crunchy Apple Crumble

By popular demand a crumble appears at all of our big family dinners. The fruits can change with the seasons rhubarb and strawberries may appear in the spring, peaches and blueberries in the summer, pears and cranberries in fall or winter. The apple spans all seasons and it’s the one that’s requested most of all.

FOR THE FILLING
4 pounds apples (8 or 9, assorted varieties), peeled, cored, and cut into ½-inch slices
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger
2 tablespoons quick-cooking tapioca or all-purpose flour
⅛ teaspoon kosher salt 

FOR THE CRUMBLE TOPPING
1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 ¼ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 ¼ cups firmly packed dark brown sugar
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
12 tablespoons (1 ½ sticks) unsalted cold butter, cut into small cubes

Set a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat the oven to 375°F.

FOR THE FILLING
Place the apples in a large mixing bowl. Add the granulated sugar, lemon juice, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, tapioca, and 1/8 teaspoon of salt and gently toss to combine. Spoon the filling into an ungreased 9-inch round, 2-inch-deep pie dish or an 11-inch oval, 2-inch-deep pie dish.

FOR THE CRUMBLE TOPPING
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the 1 ¼ cups flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/8 teaspoon of salt. Add the butter and, working with your fingertips, a fork, or a pastry blender, combine the mixture until the crumbs are pea-size.

Spoon the topping evenly, but thickly, over the fruit filling.

Place the baking pan on a baking sheet or sheet of foil (this will catch any spills) on the middle rack of the oven. Bake until the fruit is bubbling and the top is nicely browned, about 1 hour. To ensure even baking, rotate the baking dish halfway through. (If the top begins to get too brown, cover it with a sheet of foil.)

Serve warm.

Prayer For New Week and Happy New Month.

As the year moves to an end, this last month shall be your best  month. The glory of the latter is always greater. You will experience supernatural favour and unprecedented speed in Jesus name. As you step out this week, remember that God is not limited by your situation. 

Dare to trust Him, He will cause the lines to fall for you in pleasant places. It is your set time of favour in Jesus name. God will use you as a vessel for His glory. As you continue to fix your eyes on Jesus, His grace will be evident in every area of your life. Yes, The Lord will perfect all that concerns you in Jesus name.

Happy New Week/Month from us ASB-World. 

Recipe: Banana Caramel Cream Dessert

A layer of rich pastry cream, fresh bananas, whipped cream, caramel sauce, and a graham cracker crust.  Each element is pretty tasty on it’s own, but when layered together they create a pretty amazing dessert!

Banana Caramel Cream Dessert

Ingredients:

Vanilla Pastry Cream (recipe below)

Bananas (I used two bananas for 6 small dessert servings)

Good quality caramel sauce, or dulce de leche.

Fresh whipped cream (I used 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream and 1 Tablespoon powdered sugar)

Graham Cracker crumble (recipe below)

Vanilla Pastry Cream

2/3 cup sugar (can be reduced to 1/2 cup if you prefer desserts less sweet)

1/4 cup cornstarch

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 cups whole milk

2 eggs

2 Tablespoons butter

1 Tablespoon vanilla extract (or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste)

Directions:

In a medium bowl,  beat eggs with a fork to combine.  Set aside.

Mix sugar, cornstarch and salt in a medium saucepan.  Gradually pour in milk, while whisking, to make a smooth mixture.  Cook over medium heat, stirring almost constantly, until the mixture thickens and boils.  Continue to cook and stir one minute.

Pour several tablespoons of the hot mixture into the bowl with the eggs and immediately stir well.  Pour warmed egg mixture into the pan with the rest of the hot milk mixture.  Return to a slow boil, and cook one minute, stirring constantly.

Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla.  Set aside to cool.  When the pan has cooled, place in the refrigerator to fully cool.  If desired, lay a piece of plastic wrap on the top surface of the pastry cream to prevent a skin from forming.

Graham Cracker Crumble

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full sized crackers)

1/3 cup butter, melted

1 Tablespoon sugar

Directions:

Crush crackers in a large ziplock type bag.  Pour crumbs, sugar and melted butter into a bowl and , stir until fully combined.  Pour into a 9″x13″ casserole dish and press into a even layer.  Bake at 350*F for 10-12 minutes, until light brown.  Allow to cool.

Dessert assembly~

(pictured below as well)

1.  Spoon about 2 tablespoons graham cracker crumble into individual serving dishes.  Use a small glass to press the crumble into a firm layer (as pictured below).

2.  Add a layer of pastry cream into each dish.  For easy assembly, fill a large ziplock type bag with the pastry cream, snip off the end and fill the dishes from this bag.

3.  Add a few slices of banana.

4.  Top bananas with a layer of whipped cream.

5.  Add some graham cracker crumble and a drizzle of caramel (scoop caramel or dulce de leche into a small ziplock bag and snip off the end for easy application).

Repeat layers 2-5

Serve immediately or refrigerate up to 3 hours.  Top with a slice of fresh banana just before serving.

Note:  I used 6 small dessert dishes.   If you make 6 desserts, you will have pastry cream and graham cracker crumble left over.  If you want to make more desserts, or one large trifle dish, you will have enough pastry cream and graham cracker crumble for 10-12 individual desserts.  For a large trifle, or more than 6 individual desserts I would double the amount of whipped cream listed above.

Recipe Source- Final recipe by Glorious Treats.

Vanilla pastry cream recipe adjusted from class notes from a college cooking class I took in 1997.

Alterations:  The recipes posted above are what I used, if you’d like to experiment with substitutions, such as using prepared pudding mix in place of the pastry cream, or cool whip in place of the whipped cream, feel free, but I can not attest to the results.

Press graham cracker crumble into individual dishes.

Add a layer of pastry cream and bananas.

Top bananas with whipped cream, graham cracker crumble and caramel.  Repeat layers.

Enjoy! BY glorioustreats

PEACE IN A WORLD OF CONFLICT

"I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." John 16:33

In 1919, when the First World War came to an end, many people called it, "The war to end all wars."

Just after, an organization called the League of Nations was formed, and many thought there would never again be war in the world because all disputes would be handled within the League.

Well, just the opposite happened. Within 22 years, many of the League's members had left and World War 11 was underway.

The organization had failed in its objective to keep peace because it couldn't force goodwill upon its members.

And even though the League of Nations was replaced by the United Nations, problems persist today.

Wars are being fought daily. Crime, poverty, and injustice are rampant all over the planet. So how could we ever have peace in such a violent and harsh world?

Peace is attainable, but not the kind the world is seeking for. God's peace comes from His presence in our lives. And you can have that peace in your soul even with so much conflict going on around you.

All you have to do is trust in Jesus. Because no matter what happens in this world, in Christ, you'll always be able to say, "It is well with my soul."

May the peace of God be with you.

Prayer: Lord, you are my peace in this troubled world.

Scriptural Reading: John 16:33

Soar Like an Eagle

Did you know that an eagle knows when a storm is approaching long before it breaks?

The eagle will fly to some high spot and wait for the winds to come.

When the storm hits, it sets its wings so that the wind will pick it up and lift it above the storm. While the storm rages below, the eagle is soaring above it.

The eagle does not escape the storm. It simply uses the storm to lift it higher. It rises on the winds that bring the storm.

Refection:

When the storms of life come upon us, like the eagle, we can rise above them and ride the winds of the storm that bring sickness, tragedy, failure, and disappointment into our lives.

What is your greatest challenge right now? Jot it down. And then let it lift you higher.

On the mountains of truth you can never climb in vain: either you will reach a point higher up today, or you will be training your powers so that you will be able to climb higher tomorrow.

In the confrontation between the stream and the rock, the stream always wins- not through strength but by perseverance.

People of mediocre ability sometimes achieve outstanding success because they don't know when to quit. Most men succeed because they are determined to.

It's not so important who starts the game but who finishes it.

Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no help at all.

All great masters are chiefly distinguished by the power of adding a second, a third, and perhaps a fourth step in a continuous line. Many a man has taken the first step. With every additional step you enhance immensely the value of your first.

Good ideas are not adopted automatically. They must be driven into practice with courageous patience.

For a righteous man falls seven times, and rises again. [Proverbs 24:16]

Awesome God!

TEXT: Jeremiah 32:16-25

Key Verse: “Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee” (Jeremiah 32:17).

Kings and emperors in the past wielded such power and authority over their subjects that made their presence evoke awe and terror. Their words could mean death or life. Some even considered themselves as semi-gods and demanded to be worshipped. But whatever power they might have had and whatever they might have thought of themselves, they were still human and were plagued by all the weaknesses known to man.

Yet God is God! He alone possesses such power and authority that cannot be questioned or limited by any factor. Prophet Jeremiah knew Him better. That was why when he considered all the judgment God had determined to bring upon the people of Judah, he shuddered! God’s power and might is awesome and overwhelming. He has the power to bring to pass whatever He has determined to do. If He has determined to bring judgment upon people, He can do it and no one can question Him. His power can also bring to pass what human mind consider impossible.

In today’s passage, the prophet illustrates with the purchase of the land, the promise of God to restore the children of Judah to their land after their captivity in Babylon. This is possible, for according to the prophet, there is nothing too hard for God to do.

The knowledge of God’s awesome power should produce certain effects in us. It should make us know that God’s word is not to be toiled with. Whatever He says, either a proclamation of judgment or a pronouncement of blessing, He is able to bring to pass. We should, therefore, reverence and honour Him in all that we do. We should not attempt to take His word for granted or His delayed judgment as a sign of weakness. If He has held back His judgment to this point, it is only because He is merciful and longsuffering, waiting for the sinner to embrace His mercy and repent. It should also make us have confidence in all the good promises He has given to us, knowing that He is able to bring everyone of them to pass.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: There is no match to the power of God.

Women: Stumbling Blocks to S*xual Purity

Men aren't the only ones who wrestle with sexual temptation. In fact, women today need clear guidance on where to draw the line.

Indulging in a steamy romance novel ... going out of your way to pass by the attentive co-worker's desk ... surfing in cyberspace to find a chat room buddy who'll stroke your ego. None of these seemingly innocent activities could be considered cheating or sexually compromising, right? Or could they?

Where is the line between sexual integrity and compromise? What constitutes marital unfaithfulness? Can we consider ourselves "pure" as long as we've not been physical with another man? Or, does sexual purity go deeper than that?

Even Christians often assume that until they actually engage in intercourse with another person, they're acting with sexual integrity. But our sexuality isn't just what we do, but rather who we are.

God created us with not just a body, but also with a mind, heart and spirit. These four components combine to form the whole of who God made us to be.

Therefore, our bodies are only one aspect that we must guard against sexual compromise. It is vital that we also carefully guard our minds, hearts and spirits.

The Components of Sexuality
Over the last decade, pursuing my own healing from these issues, as well as teaching on the topic of sexual purity, I have come to understand that in some way or another sexual integrity is a battle that every woman fights.

Perhaps Kevin and Ruth's experience can help you visualize this four-component concept. After their wedding, they proceeded into the reception hall where a long, lace-covered banquet table displayed the beautiful multitiered wedding cake, the crystal punch bowl and cups, sterling silverware and frou-frou monogrammed napkins. The only problem was that whoever set up the table forgot to fasten the latch on one of the folding legs. As soon as the red punch was poured into the crystal punch bowl, the leg buckled and everything slid down to the floor with a clatter!

When all four of a table's legs aren't securely fastened, the possibility of a mishap is pretty good. The same can be said of our sexuality. All four components-mind, body, heart and spirit-must be guarded in order for our lives to reflect purity and integrity.

So how can we securely guard our minds, bodies, hearts and spirits from sexual compromise? What things are women prone to do that undermine our sexual integrity? We'll need to examine the most common temptations women face.

Seven Pitfalls to Sexual Purity

1. Unhealthy comparisons. Whether it's the Hollywood hunk, the passionate pastor or the charming neighbor, it's tempting to compare our mates to other men and meditate on the many ways he fails to measure up. But what man can possibly live up to the bright and shining qualities of all others?

When we compare ourselves to the magazine model or the younger, smarter, prettier secretary in his office, discontentment is sure to follow. We can become so disillusioned with our less-than-perfect partners or with ourselves that our sex lives are negatively affected. If you find yourself falling prey to 1unhealthy comparisons, remind yourself of three wonderful things about your husband (or about yourself), then say a prayer of thanks to God for His wonderful creation.

2. Mental fantasies involving others. If you discovered that your husband fantasizes about other women while being intimate with you, would you feel offended? Sure. And most husbands would feel the same way if the tables were turned.

To safeguard your mind from straying outside of your marriage bed, I recommend leaving the lights on and keeping your eyes open during intimate moments together. It may seem unusual at first, but think about it: When we talk with someone, we don't usually turn our backs or close our eyes. We prefer the intimate connection of face-to-face and eye-to-eye contact.

A dark room or closed eyes can hinder, rather than foster, genuine intimacy if our minds are prone to wandering. Remaining mentally and visually focused on your husband during lovemaking will help you feel more connected.

Single women, too, must be aware that allowing their minds to envision inappropriate activities or relationships paves the way for their defenses to become so weakened that they eventually act out their thoughts. Avoid tempting fantasies by limiting their access to your mind.

3. Emotional affairs. Many women protect their bodies from sexual sin, but allow their hearts to stray far from home. Even if the relationship never becomes sexual, for a man to lose his wife's heart to another is a crushing blow. Some women seek to medicate the pain of loneliness or rejection when they feel love is eluding them. Some take solace in food; others in sexual relationships with any willing partner.

Women don't usually intend to get tangled up in an emotional affair. If you find yourself sensing an improper attraction to or from a man, avoid being alone with him (even in a public place) and refrain from conversations that you wouldn't want others to know about, including private e-mails, chat rooms and telephone conversations.

Remember, the heart is to be guarded above all else! (See Prov. 4:23.) Find an accountability partner, and give her permission to ask you the hard questions to keep you from falling into an emotional affair.

4. Pornography and Internet chat rooms. Men aren't the only ones tempted to peep at porn. Many women admit to compulsively accessing Internet pornography, at first perhaps out of curiosity or to see what their husbands were looking at, but later to satisfy their own lustful curiosities.

Looking at pornography pulls our minds away from God's plan for sexual purity within marriage like nothing else. Those graphic images of other people often continue to flash through our minds even when we are making love with our spouses.

Many women prefer cyber sex (or cyber foreplay) in chat rooms with strangers. While it may feel exciting to be intimate with a stranger, divulging and learning new things about each other, such isn't intimacy-it's just intensity-a cheap substitute for the real thing. Genuine intimacy is achieved only by personal contact over long periods of time, such as in marriage.

An unmarried woman demonstrates her love for God by focusing her thoughts on Him and on those things He has prepared for her to do that are pleasing to Him. Cyber relationships of a sexual nature fuel unhealthy appetites and foster a sense of guilt that will inhibit intimacy with the Lord.

5. Romance novels and soap operas. It's no coincidence that I was experiencing the most extramarital temptation during the days that I watched All My Children, One Life to Live and General Hospital while my children were napping. When we put garbage into our minds, we can expect it to rot and create a stench that infects our lives.

Romance novels can have a similar effect, stirring up cravings for illicit sexual encounters. Even though there are some great Christian romance novels out there, if you find yourself feeling disappointed that your husband doesn't sweep you off your feet like the hero in the story, it's a threat to your emotional sobriety and faithfulness in marriage.Singles who indulge in this kind of sexually suggestive entertainment can find their struggle with temptation intensified, as I did. They may also find their future attempts at enjoying intimacy in marriage hampered.

6. Self-sex. While some experts say that masturbation doesn't hurt anyone, we are being selfish lovers when engaging in sexual pleasure apart from our spouses rather than sharing a mutually satisfying experience. I suggest incorporating a "no masturbation" rule in marriage. When sexual tension is felt by either or both partners, it's a great motivator for us to draw closer to one another, creating a stronger, more intimate bond.

Singles often think, "Once I have a husband, I won't feel the need to masturbate any longer." However, a wedding band on your finger and the freedom to have guilt-free sex doesn't always remove the craving for self-gratification.

Many women remain addicted to masturbation even after marriage. We train our bodies as to what it finds pleasurable, and once you train your body to fly solo, sharing the experience with a partner can prove challenging and frustrating.

It's often argued that the Bible doesn't expressly forbid it. However, let's be honest, when women masturbate, they don't think pure thoughts, and the Bible is very clear about that issue (see Phil. 4:8). Masturbation enslaves you and is a very proud response to our human desires. Such actions tell God: "You can't satisfy me, nor is Your Holy Spirit strong enough to control me. I must take care of my own physical desires."

But God does know what will truly satisfy you. Once you allow Him to prove Himself in this area, you will understand that God-gratification instead of self-gratification will ensure that your body, mind, heart and spirit remain pure.

7. Using sex to manipulate or control. A woman doesn't have to engage in secretive extramarital acts to defile her own marriage bed. Using sex as a reward for good behavior or withholding sex as punishment for not-so-good behavior makes a mockery of God's design for sexual intimacy. Marriage should be about ministering to each other's needs, not manipulating each other.

If you have a tendency to use sex as a bargaining tool, make a concerted effort to engage in sexual pleasure with absolutely no strings attached. Some women may also use sex as a form of control, avoiding it altogether while appearing to be disinterested.

However, a sexless marriage is a sure sign of trouble. God created us to be sexual beings and if our libido is low, there are likely medical or emotional issues hindering your natural sexual desires. Talk to your doctor or professional counselor if such is the case.

The issue of sexual flirtation should also be addressed here. Some women are too naive to recognize the impact of their words and mannerisms on men. Others are so hungry for affirmation that they will continue to jeopardize their integrity in order to fish for compliments anyway.

We must recognize when our communication begins to border on becoming flirtatious. Whether the relationship is a forbidden one or one you do not want to cultivate, keep your conversations on a level that does not lead to intimate talk and compromise.

The Rewards of Sexual Integrity Once a woman learns to guard her mind, heart, spirit and body from sexual compromise, she is free to discover the joy of connecting physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually with her husband.

To help you visualize the powerful bond that such a connection creates, imagine a light bulb and a laser beam. The power of a single light bulb is limited because it sends light in many different directions. But with a laser beam, light rays are parallel to one another, instead of fanning out in all directions. A laser beam is so concentrated that you can cut metal or perform surgery with it.

Many marriages have only experienced "light bulb sex." Because of pornography, masturbation, emotional affairs, fantasies and such, our sexual energies are often spread out in a multitude of different directions. But I want to challenge you to concentrate your sexual energies just like rays of light are concentrated in a laser beam.

There is nothing sexier or more satisfying than two people, committed for life, focused solely on each other's pleasure, and on meeting each other's sexual and emotional needs. Make your spouse the sole object of your sexual desires and the beneficiary of your passions, and you will both discover the definition of sexual integrity and fulfillment.

If you are single, allow yourself to be courted by our Creator. Focus your energies on Him. The same God whose words formed the entire universe longs to whisper into your hungry heart words that have the power to thrill you, heal you and draw you into the deepest love relationship of your life.

One day a husband may say to you, "I'm committed to you until death," but God says to all of us today, "'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you'" (Heb. 13:5, NIV).

I encourage you to draw a hard line against sexual and emotional compromise. Be honest with yourself about any hidden motives you may have and, above all, pursue a love relationship with Jesus Christ. Once you experience a love so pure and so passionate, your heart will be strengthened in a way that you never imagined possible.

Source: Shannon Ethridge

RECIPE: APPLES DECORATED WITH ROYAL ICING YUMMY

While cookies are hot favorite for Christmas sweets, treat your guests with something fresh and special like fresh apples decorated with royal icing. Isn’t this idea simply fabulous? Who wouldn’t love to have a crunchy and yummy apple presented so beautifully? If you are preparing a party, put these apples or pears along with your cookies and candies. There are always those who will prefer fruits instead of baked goodies :)

To make these simply prepare royal icing with 140 grams of powdered sugar, 1 egg white and a few drops of lemon juice. 

Once the icing is ready fill it in a piping bag with a thin tip nozzle. Then start making patterns of your choice on the apples. One method is shown above for your ease. If you are expert enough you can try the lace versions too. Happy apple season.

THE ONLY WAY TO ETERNAL LIFE

But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it—the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe.

For there is no distinction. Romans 3:21-22

We have been taught that we can do anything we wanted in life as long as we are willing to work for it. That's how many people in every culture raise their children... to never give up on their dreams, pull themselves up, and make something of themselves no matter their background.

That way of thinking may work perfectly for reaching our goals and attaining success and prosperity.

But it doesn't work at all when it comes to reaching eternal life. That's because on our own, salvation is completely unattainable.

You'd have more success in jumping to the moon than you would in getting to heaven by your own works. Left to ourselves, we're stubborn, prideful. sinful, and utterly hopeless.

You couldn't ever trust the best 15 minutes of your life to gain you entrance into the Kingdom of God.

But praise God that Jesus Christ has done the work we couldn't, taken away our sins, and given us eternal life when we certainly didn't deserve it! Any chance you had of getting to heaven on your own was destroyed by sin.

But Christ destroyed the power of sin on the cross to give you eternal life if you'll only trust in Him.

Put your faith in Christ. It is only through faith in Him that we can have eternal life and the power to live holy lives.

Prayer: Thank You Lord for paying the price for my salvation.

Scriptural Reading: Romans 3:21-22

HE IS THE KING OF KINGS AND THE LORD OF LORDS

In Genesis, Jesus is the Ram at Abraham's altar.
In Exodus, He is the Passover Lamb.
In Leviticus, He is the High Priest.
In Numbers, He is the Cloud by day and Pillar of Fire by night.
In Deuteronomy, He is the City of our Refuge.
In Joshua, He is the Scarlet Thread out Rahab's window.
In Judges, He is our Judge.
In Ruth, He is our Kinsman Redeemer.
In 1 &2 Samuel, He is our Trusted Prophet.
In Kings & Chronicles, He is our Reigning King.
In Ezra, He is our Faithful Scribe.
In Nehemiah, He is the Rebuilder of everything that is broken.
In Esther, He is the Mordecai sitting faithful at the gate.
In Job He is our Redeemer that ever lives.
In Psalms, He is my Shepherd I shall not want.
In Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, He is our Wisdom.
In the Song of Solomon He is the Beautiful Bridegroom.
In Isaiah He is the Suffering Prophet.
In Jeremiah and Lamentations, He is the Weeping Prophet.
In Ezekiel He is the wonderful Four-Faced Man.
In Daniel He is the Fourth man in the midst of the fiery furnace.
In Hosea, He is my Love that is forever faithful.
In Joel, He is the Baptizer of the Holy Spirit.
In Amos, He is our burden Bearer.
In Obadiah, He is our Savior.
In Jonah, He is the great foreign missionary that takes the word of God into all the world.
In Micah, He is the Messenger with beautiful feet.
In Nahum, He is the avenger.
In Habakkuk, He is the Watchman that is ever praying for revival.
In Zephaniah, He is the Lord Mighty to serve.
In Haggai, He is the restorer of our lost heritage.
In Zechariah, He is our fountain.
In Malachi, He is the Son of righteousness with healing in His wings.


In Matthew, He is the Christ, the Son of the Living God.
In Mark, He is the miracle worker.
In Luke, He is the son of man.
In John, He is the Door by which every one of us must enter.
In Acts, He is the shining Light that appears to Saul on the road to Damascus.
In Romans, He is our Justifier.
In 1 Corinthians, He is our Resurrection.
In 2 Corinthians, He is our sin Bearer.
In Galatians, He Redeems us from the law.
In Ephesians, He is our unsearchable Riches.
In Philippians, He supplies our every need.
In Colossians, He is the Fullness of the Godhead bodily.
In 1 & 2 Thessalonians, He is our soon Coming King.
In 1 &2 Timothy He is the Mediator between God and man.
In Titus, He is our Blessed Hope.
In Philemon, He is a Friend that sticks closer than a brother.
In Hebrews, He is the Blood of the Everlasting Covenant.
In James, He is the Lord that heals the sick.
In 1 & 2 Peter, He is our Chief Shepherd.
In 1,2 &3 John, it is Jesus Who has the tenderness of Love.
In Jude, He is the Lord coming with 10,000 saints.
In Revelation, LIFT UP YOUR EYES CHURCH FOR YOUR REDEMPTION DRAWETH
NIGH,
HE IS THE KING OF KINGS AND THE LORD OF LORDS.

Recipe: CHOCOLATE LACE CAKE IS SIMPLY AWESOME

To make this easy yet stunning chocolate lace cake

 I baked two chocolate cakes and left them to cool. (I cut off the tops to make them flat)

Then I covered them in vanilla frosting, just a thin layer - according to my youtube sources its called a crumb layer. Then I refrigerated the cakes till the frosting hardened.

 Next I covered the cakes in a second layer of frosting - I used this nifty spatula thing which I picked up for super cheap at Homeplus (for those of you in Korea). 

Then I placed the *pattern that I wanted on my cake (which I had fitted to my cake before I covered it in frosting) on the table. I put down a large layer of wax paper. AND then a second layer of wax paper which is also the same size as the cake (I taped all of this to the table). 

Then I melted the chocolate and used this plastic thing that I also found at Homeplus, but I think a ziplock bag with a snipped off corner might have worked better.

As you can see it doesn't look exactly like the original pattern, but I expected a WAY worse end product.

It dries quite quickly so you need to make sure that you pipe the chocolate out quickly. When it is very close to setting, but still slightly soft - you should pick it up and wrap it around the cake. 

Judging when the chocolate was ready was probably the most difficult part of this experiment. NB TIP: if you leave edges on your wax paper (about 3cm on the left and right sides) it makes it easier to pick up. 

 I peeled off the wax paper super carefully. 

And decorated it with some strawberries we had.

 Mission complete - WHOOP WHOOP! 

This might be easy for the general baking public, BUT it was a massive achievement for me. 

You can do it too - and if you do, please send me photos of your marvelous creations!

*by the way, for the pattern - I found a picture of a lampshade with this pattern on, enlarged it, printed it and photocopied it a few times, taped it together and cut it to size (find a pattern that you like and go for it!)

By bee-inspired

Worship God

TEXT: 2 KINGS 17:24-41

Key Verse: “They feared the LORD, and served their own gods, after the manner of the nations whom they carried away from thence. Unto this day they do after the former manners: they fear not the LORD, neither do they after their statutes, or after their ordinances, or after the law and commandment which the LORD commanded the children of Jacob, whom he named Israel” (2 Kings 17:33,34).

Charles Spurgeon said, “My happiest moments are when I am worshipping God, really adoring the Lord Jesus Christ, and having fellowship with the ever-blessed Spirit. In that worship I forget the cares of everything else. To me it is the nearest approach to what it will be in heaven”.

In our passage today, we see the confusion and punishment that false worship brings. Israel did not serve God out of a true heart, due to the idols Jeroboam introduced in Bethel. For this and many other sins, God sent Israel, His chosen one into Babylonian slavery. When the king of Babylon sent a priest to go and teach them the way of God, he taught them what took Israel into captivity, the fear of God and the worship of idols combined!

The gem and lesson from this passage is the understanding of what true worship of God should entail. The passage reveals God’s declaration of what should be the object of, the reason for, the spirit and manner of true worship. The LORD Jehovah, the Supreme, Self-Existent, and eternal Being, Author of life should be the sole object and heart of our worship and adoration. Any other thing that diverts our concentration from this holy God is false worship and rejected by Heaven.

The reason for our worship of God, apart from the fact that we are created for this purpose, is that we show our gratitude and appreciation to God who created us and redeemed us from the fall through the offering of Jesus Christ His Son, who willingly offered Himself as our acceptable Substitute to satisfy the judgment of God for the sin and rebellion of man.

The spirit and manner of true worship is that which is carried out from true love and fear of God. Fear that makes us love what He loves and hate what He hates. Fear that makes us obey His commandments and walk with Him in humility all the days of our life, recognizing that we belong to Him. Godly fear makes us bring our worship and service to Him in holiness and righteousness all the days of our life.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Worship God with holy fear.