María

Mother of three wonderful kids.

[María @mlfnolasco]

Can’t get enough of this song. Surely one of my favorites.

[Grace to You @gracetoyou]

"The Good Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ, knows us and we know Him."

[Protestia @Protestia]

Things we like: the installation service last night of Dr. Nathan Busenitz as the new pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church.

[Grace to You @gracetoyou]

If God is a loving God, why would He create some people knowing that they'll go to hell?

Watch the full John MacArthur Q&A at: https://t.co/IekjhNIZkR

[The Biblical Man @Biblicalman]

The Bible Reading Order for When Someone You Love Dies

Most people get a sympathy card with a verse on it.

Then the casseroles stop. Everybody goes back to work. And you're left with a Bible on the nightstand and no idea where to open it.

Here's where. One chapter a night is plenty.

Phase 1: Learn That Grief Is Not Unbelief

Start with John 11. Jesus was on His way to raise Lazarus from the dead. He knew it. And on the way to the grave, "Jesus wept."

If tears meant weak faith, the Son of God would have skipped them.

Then read these in order:

Job 1 and 2 (ten children dead in one day, and a man face down on the ground worshipping in a torn mantle)

Ruth 1 (a widow who lost her husband and both sons, then told the whole city to stop calling her Naomi)

2 Samuel 12 (a father fasting on the ground until the seventh day, then getting up to wash and eat)

2 Samuel 18 (a king weeping over the son who turned on him)

Lamentations 3 (a man who says God brought him into darkness, and in the same chapter says His compassions are new every morning)

Phase 2: Learn How to Pray It

Psalms 42, 56, and 88.

Tears for food day and night. A man asking God to put his tears in His bottle. A psalm that ends in darkness with no bow on it, and God kept it in the Book anyway.

This is where you learn you're allowed to tell God the truth. Even the ugly part.

Phase 3: Learn What Comes Next

John 20 (Mary Magdalene crying outside an empty tomb, until the One she's crying over says her name)

1 Corinthians 15 (the resurrection chapter, where death gets asked where its sting went)

Revelation 21 (no more death, no more crying, and God Himself wiping away the tears)

These chapters won't rush you.

They teach you:

Jesus cried on the way to a grave

Faith and tears live in the same house

You can get up and eat again without forgetting them

You can ask God why. Out loud.

The grave doesn't get the last word

Most grief advice wants you over it by spring.

God didn't answer Job until chapter 38.

Grief isn't proof your faith failed.

It's proof you loved somebody.

Save this. Somebody you know is going to need it.

[Daisy 🌼 ✝ @daisyhavingfun]

"To pursue union at the expense of truth is treason to the Lord Jesus." --C.H.Spurgeon

I wish more Christians, especially some prominent ones, were familiar with these verses:

"If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds."
2 John 10,11 NKJV

"But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed."
Gal. 1:8,9

"But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person. "
1 Cor. 5:11

"For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? 13But those who are outside God judges. Therefore “put away from yourselves the evil person.”
1 Corinthians 5:12,13

"For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?"
1 Peter 4:17

"And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them."
Ephesians 5:11

"Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them."
Romans 16:17

"Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols?"
2 Corinthians 6:14-16

"Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses. 20Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear."
1 Timothy 5:19,20

"For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ."
2 Corinthians 11:13

29"For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. 30"Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. "
Acts 20:29, 30

[Jana @MTDillard3712]

The recipe says ground beef or sausage. It’s going to have to be sausage for me and after I pull them out of the oven, I’m going to slice them and add an egg in the middle.
The biscuits look good though. Recipe in comments.

[Balokole @Balokole_001]

Learn the professional way of tying scarfs.

[Ligonier Ministries @Ligonier]

The Westminster Confession of Faith has been one of the most trusted summaries of the Christian faith for generations.

Read this article by Stephen Spinnenweber (@StephenSpin) to discover how this historic confession was written.

https://t.co/SwAmj9Q7Eh

[Reformed1563 @Heidel_bro1563]

“Sin has ceased to be my friend. It has become my deadly foe.”

-Charles Spurgeon

[SpurgeonBooks @SpurgeonBooks]

“Be masters of your Bibles. Be at home with the writings of the prophets and apostles.”

— Charles Spurgeon

[María @mlfnolasco]

Do you remember when you joined X? I do! #MyXAnniversary

[María @mlfnolasco]

God is faithful to His promises.

[Spoon&Soul @SpoonandSoul]

SAVORY BEEF & GARLIC BUTTER RICE 🍚🧄🍖
"Rich, savory, and full of garlic-butter goodness"

Ingredients
For the beef:
500 g beef steak or tender beef, thinly sliced
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp honey or brown sugar
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp chili flakes, optional
1 tbsp cooking oil

For the garlic butter rice:
2 cups long-grain or basmati rice
3 cups water or beef stock
3 tbsp butter
5–6 garlic cloves, finely minced
½ small onion, finely chopped
½ tsp salt, or to taste
½ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

For finishing:
2 tbsp butter
2–3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 tbsp chopped parsley
Chili flakes
Freshly cracked black pepper
Lemon wedges

Method
1. Marinate the beef:
Place the sliced beef in a bowl. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey, black pepper, paprika and chili flakes. Mix well and let it marinate for 20–30 minutes.
2. Prepare the rice:
Rinse the rice until the water runs mostly clear. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Add the rinsed rice and stir for 1–2 minutes so the grains become lightly coated in the garlic butter.
Pour in the water or beef stock. Add salt and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 15–18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
Turn off the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 5–10 minutes. Fluff gently with a fork and stir through the chopped parsley.
3. Cook the beef:
Heat a large skillet or frying pan over high heat. Add the cooking oil.
Add the beef in a single layer, working in batches if necessary so the pan doesn't become crowded. Sear for about 2–3 minutes per side, depending on the thickness and desired doneness.
Remove the beef and let it rest briefly.
4. Make the garlic-butter finish:
Reduce the heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the same pan.
Add the sliced garlic and cook for about 30–60 seconds, stirring constantly, until lightly golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
Return the beef to the pan and toss everything together for another minute, allowing the garlic butter and pan juices to coat the meat.

To Serve:
Spoon the warm garlic-butter rice onto a large serving plate. Arrange the savory beef generously over the top.
Finish with the golden garlic slices, fresh parsley, cracked black pepper and a sprinkle of chili flakes. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon just before serving if you like a little brightness.
Serve immediately with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables or roasted broccoli.

Tip:
For especially tender beef, slice it thinly against the grain and avoid overcrowding the pan. A very hot skillet gives the beef a beautiful browned crust while keeping the inside juicy.🍚🧄🍖

[Flavorful Kitchen Adventures @ann_ann886]

Italian Cream Bombs

Ingredients
For the Dough
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter, melted
2/3 cup milk
1 egg
Oil, for frying
For the Cream Filling
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup sugar
3 egg yolks
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons butter
For Topping
Powdered sugar

Instructions
Make the Cream Filling
In a saucepan, whisk together sugar, egg yolks, cornstarch, and milk.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thick and creamy.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and butter.
Cover with plastic wrap touching the surface and chill completely.
Make the Dough
In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Add melted butter, milk, and egg. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Roll dough out lightly and cut into small circles.
Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
Fry dough pieces until golden brown and puffed, about 2–3 minutes per side.
Drain on paper towels and cool slightly.
Fill the Cream Bombs
Transfer chilled cream to a piping bag.
Poke a small hole into each pastry and pipe generously with cream filling.
Dust heavily with powdered sugar before serving.

[Cooking with Chris @coookwithchris]

Marinating meat is the easiest way to take the flavor to a whole new level

Here are 10 of my favorite marinades with clean ingredients:

[María @mlfnolasco]

Sad but true

[Matt Bear @_MattBear]

In light of the ministerial failures we see time and time again, Dr. Neil Stewart shares a sobering warning for pastors.

He recounts a story that Jonathan Gibson shared when he was in seminary. The professor walked up to the board and wrote:

"character, reputation, usefulness, the love of your wife, the respect of your children, your legacy." Then the professor said, "many men will trade all that for 5 mins with a wh*re." And you could have heard a pin drop in the room.

[chef Lora @Cheflorarecipes]

4-Ingredient Artisan Bread | Crispy Crust, Soft Inside

Ingredients:

3½ cups bread flour or all-purpose flour (approximately 420 g)
1 packet instant yeast (7 g / 2¼ teaspoons)
2 teaspoons salt (approximately 12 g fine salt)
1½ cups lukewarm water (355 g / 355 ml)

Instructions:
Mix the flour, instant yeast, and salt in a large bowl. Add the lukewarm water and stir until all the flour is incorporated and a sticky, rough dough forms.
Cover and let rise for about 2 hours, or until doubled. Alternatively, cover the freshly mixed dough and refrigerate overnight.
Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a covered, oven-safe Dutch oven inside to heat for about 30 minutes.
Lightly flour your hands. Stretch one side of the risen dough and fold it over itself. Rotate the bowl 90 degrees and repeat 5–6 more times. Pinch the seams together in the center to form a round ball.
Turn the dough onto lightly floured parchment. Lightly dust the top with flour, cover loosely, and rest for 20 minutes.
Carefully lower the dough and parchment into the hot Dutch oven. Cover and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the lid and bake for another 15 minutes, until golden brown.
Carefully lift out the bread using the parchment and let cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Love that crust crunch? tell me in the comments what you’d serve with your bread! Save this recipe for your next baking day.

#ArtisanBread #DutchOvenBread #HomemadeBread #4IngredientBread #BreadRecipe #Shorts

[Grace to You @gracetoyou]

Where Can I Go from Your Spirit? | Psalm 139

[Alpha Prime @Alpha_Prime__]

THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO WHAT EVERY ORGAN NEEDS TO HEAL ITSELF

HEART Needs: CoQ10, magnesium, omega-3, rest, laughter, and connection with people you genuinely love

LIVER Needs: Milk thistle, dandelion, choline, fasting windows, and reduced alcohol and processed fat

KIDNEYS Needs: Clean water, potassium, reduced protein excess, low sodium, and adequate vitamin D levels

LUNGS Needs: Clean air, vitamin C, N-acetylcysteine, deep breathing, and freedom from chronic inflammation

BRAIN Needs: Omega-3, sleep, novelty, social connection, cold exposure, and reduction of chronic glucose spikes

GUT Needs: Fermented foods, fiber diversity, fasting, stress reduction, and removal of seed oils and emulsifiers

THYROID Needs: Iodine, selenium, zinc, adequate dietary fat, and protection from excess fluoride and bromine

PANCREAS Needs: Low sugar diet, chromium, zinc, intermittent fasting, and elimination of refined carbohydrates

BONES Needs: Vitamin D3, K2, magnesium, collagen, boron, and regular weight-bearing impact exercise

[DrJackHughes @DrJackHughes]

I graduated from The Master's Seminary in 1991, so I was there when the school was just beginning. Dr. George Zemek taught me how to get my theology and doctrine from the Bible. It is hard work to get your theology and doctrine from the Bible, and that is why most get their theology from the churches they attend, books, podcasts, or blog posts.

Some of the uninspired books that people learn their theology from are written by people who have read the works of other people, who have read the works of other people, who read the works of people who studied the Bible a long time ago. They don't realize they are three or four steps or generations removed from actually studying the Bible for themselves. It never dawns on them that learning theology from uninspired works is not studying the Bible.

Extra-biblical, non-inspired works can be helpful, but the Bible "Sola Scripture" (since it is reformation month), should be our primary source of doctrine, not what people tell us the Bible teaches. Yes, as a young believer you learn doctrine from what you are taught at church or the person discipling you (Mt. 28:19-20; Titus 1:9). Pastors are called upon to "teach sound doctrine" (1 Tim. 4:6; Titus 2:1), "doctrine conforming to godliness," (1 Tim. 6:3), and "instruction" that produces "love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith" (1 Tim. 1:5).

This is what Dr. Zemek taught me about learning theology and doctrine from the Bible:

1. Scan as many resources from different theological persuasions as you can, writing down all the key Scripture references they use to support a particular doctrine. Theologians are often selective in the Scriptures they use, not mentioning Scriptures that might upset their theological system or camp. By looking at the Scriptures used by people from opposing theological positions, you get a broader range of key Scriptures to study in their contexts. (The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge is a very helpful resource for finding key cross references.)

2. After collecting as many key Scripture references that relate to a specific doctrine, read and study each of those Scriptures in the flow of their contexts, writing down what they teach about the doctrine being studied.

3. After looking up, reading, and studying all the key Scripture References, then synthesize what they teach so that no Scripture contradicts another. Since the Holy Spirit inspired the Word of God (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:20-21), and since the Holy Spirit, being God, cannot err, so the Scriptures cannot err. If you find Scriptures that contradict each other, then either your interpretation of one, or the other, or both are wrong. Study harder.

4. After reading, studying, and synthesizing all key Scriptures related to a certain doctrine, THEN read extra biblical resources to see what you can learn from others who have studied the Bible (the hermeneutical "checking principle.") Refine and adjust your understanding of the doctrine being studied.

Dr. Zemek would have us read some from uninspired works, but most of class time was spent looking up key cross references in their contexts. Day after day we heard, "turn to . . . in your Bibles." We would then study what that particular passage taught in its context, make observations and application. Dr. Zemek would also point out key nuances of Hebrew and Greek. Then we would move on to the next text. Dr. Zemek modeled for us in class, how we were to learn theology in our studies and future ministries.

I am afraid many seminaries have drifted away from encouraging their students to study the Bible for themselves. They have students read a great volumes of uninspired works, but not study the Bible for themselves as a priority. As a result, students graduate having never learned theology and doctrine from the Bible. They think their doctrine is based on the Word of God, when in reality it is based on the pre-digested, uninspired works of men. In honor of Reformation month, may our cry always be "Sola Scriptura."