IF – 1 John 4:12

No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. – 1 John 4:12

Loving God first, and then loving others is evidence of our new birth in Christ, and an aspect of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). It is also the responsibility of every believer to develop love for others (1 John 5:1). If we say we love God, but hide resentment or indifference in our hearts for others, we are not His children. Genuine faith will demonstrate itself in love for the Father, and obedience to His commands (John 15:10). Manifesting genuine love for others is not always easy, but we must be overcomers in proving our faith is real and true. The reward: Eternal life with Jesus!

Heavenly Father: Because you first loved me, even when I was in my mess and deep in sin, I too want to show love, first to You and then to others. Your Word says to love others is to love You, and this is what I choose for my life. Forgive me of my sin and grant me a clean pure heart. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

HOT CHICKEN SALAD CASSEROLE

2 cups diced cooked chicken
1 cup celery, chopped
3 tablespoons grated onion,
2 tablespoons lemon juice
¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper
1 cup Miracle Whip
1 cup cooked rice + ½ cup milk (optional)
1/3-1/2 cup slivered almonds
1 cup Cheddar cheese
1 can water sliced chestnuts, quartered
½ stick butter
1½ cups corn flakes

Mix together all ingredients except butter and corn flakes. Pour into greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Melt butter in pan and stir in corn flakes. Spread over chicken mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes, until lightly browned.

IF – 1 John 3:21

Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him.  1 John 3:21

It would probably be safe to say that every one of us has wondered why some of our prayers seem to go unanswered. Here in this verse John tells us how to be confident that God will indeed hear and answer our petitions to Him. An effective prayer life is definitely related to our devotion to God. Obeying, loving, and pleasing our Lord are essential prerequisites in order to receive from Him what we are asking. Our lives should mimic Christ and do that which He would do. And though we have not yet arrived at our goal, we must press on in our service to God by doing what pleases Him (Philippians 3:12). If we are found faithful by obeying and pleasing the Heavenly Father, we will receive from Him that which we ask.

Father: Thank you for your goodness, mercy, love, and grace you have so generously poured out on my life. Forgive me for my sin! Help me to be obedient to your commands and do only those things that bring you pleasure. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BREAKFAST CASSEROLE

1 pound package breakfast sausage
2-3 green onions, chopped
2 cups Cheddar or other cheese, grated
6 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup water
½ cup milk
1 package country gravy mix
6 slices bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons melted butter
Paprika

Brown sausage; drain. Combine sausage with onion and spread in greased 8×11-inch baking dish. Top with cheese. Whisk together eggs, water, milk, and gravy mix; pour over sausage. Spread bread cubes over sausage mixture and drizzle with melted butter. Sprinkle with paprika; bake at 325 degrees for 40 minutes. Allow to sit 10 minutes before serving.

IF – 1 John 3:17

 

If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? – 1 John 3:17

If we truly desire a deep relationship with God and say we love Him with our hearts, minds, souls, and strength, our lives will line up with the requirements the Lord has placed in His Word for us to follow. In both the Old and New Testaments God commands us to show compassion to the poor and needy. Jesus said the poor will always be with us (Matthew 26:11; Mark 14:7), and those who show mercy on them are in effect ministering to Him personally (Matthew 25:35–40), and will be rewarded accordingly. It is imperative that we obey God’s Word to the fullest, and do unto others as though we are doing it as unto the Lord. Then we can honestly say that the love of God is in us.

Loving Father: Today I repent of my pride and selfishness toward sharing my material possessions with those in need. Forgive me and burn within me a desire to show compassion and love to the poor and sick. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

CREAMY CROCKPOT CHICKEN

1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese
1 can cream of mushroom soup
½ can water
1 (1-ounce) package Italian salad dressing mix

Place chicken in crock pot. Cut cream cheese into cubes and distribute evenly over chicken. In separate bowl mix soup, ½ can water, and Italian dressing mix until smooth. Pour over chicken. Cook on high 3 hours or until chicken totally done. Serve with rice or noodles.