God's Growing Garden: April 2023

Sunday, April 30, 2023

Jude #3b - Old & New Apostates Cont'd

JUDE#3b - Old & New Apostates Cont'd

We continue studying the book of Jude. As I explained last week, I split part#3 into two sections because there are so many Old Testament references that we must study to fully understand the meaning. This is part#3b.

The book of Jude is a very small book in the Bible but it is packed with many wonderful lessons to be learned. We will be studying the entire book of Jude in seven different parts (or eight if you consider parts a & b of part three).

click HERE to view Part#3a "Old & New Apostates"

In the New King James Version, the subtitle for these verses (vs 5-11) is:

"Old & New Apostates"

Let's begin by defining "apostate":

Apostate - one who refuses to obey or follow their religious faith; abandonment of a previous loyalty.

by Angie Ouellette-Tower for https://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo SundayDarkWorld_zpsy2izihku.jpg

Both posts (last week and today) show that ultimately everything is fought in the spiritual realms. There is a battle for all of our souls. (read Ephesians 6:12 above).

In the verse above we learn that even archangel Michael knew that arguing with the devil was a waste of time - the devil is the father of lies. Instead, Michael just said "The Lord rebuke you!" This was a similar to what Jesus said in Matthew 4:10:

"Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’ ”

There is power in the name of Jesus Christ! Satan has no choice but to flee when we use Jesus' name. If you feel oppressed by evil forces, then just say something similar out loud like: "In Jesus Christ's name I rebuke you." or "I plead the blood of Christ - fee now!" That is an important spiritual tool to know.

The Scripture passage below details how satan and his angels were thrown out of heaven forever.

In Jude :10 (see below) we see that these "apostates" (those who have abandoned their faith) mock God's truth. They live and act in such evil ways and in the long run, these actions just end up corrupting their own soul for eternity.

Just in this one verse alone (see below) we have 3 significant Old Testament references that we need to read through to understand the true message of the book of Jude. These references are:

1. Cain & Abel

2. Balaam for Profit

3. Rebellion of Korah

1. Cain & Abel

Cain was jealous and angry because Abel's offering was preferred over his own offering. Cain murdered his own brother over this!

In verse 7 (see below), we learn that sin knocks at the door for everyone but we need to rule over it. We can not let sin tempt us into committing an unimaginable sin. Cain had the door wide open and invited sin inside his soul and then he killed his brother.

2. Balaam for Profit

The king of Moab tried to bribe Balaam into cursing the Israelites.

You can see by the verse below that Balaam did not give into the extravagance and money, however, he did NOT obey God (see Numbers 22:22 - I did not include that verse below. However, I recommend reading the entire chapter of Numbers 22 because it has a very interesting character - a talking donkey!)

3. Rebellion of Korah

This is your typical power struggle. God appointed Moses and Aaron but a group of 250 arrogant leaders formed a rebellion against Moses. The Lord took care of the situation - He opened up the earth and the earth swallowed up the rebellious leaders!

(I also recommend reading the entire chapter 16 in Numbers)

Let's summarize both Part#3 posts.

The "apostates" that infiltrated the church family during Jesus' time sounds exactly like modern day Christian corruption. We saw in both parts how this is a spiritual battle in which we are all living.

We also learned that the corruption from these apostates can manifest as:

- sexual immorality (Sodom & Gomorrah)

- ultimate power (Cain & Abel)

- financial gain/bribery (Balaam)

- fame/control (Korah)

Let's use the spiritual tools that God has given us to rid our lives, families & churches of evil!

Friday, April 28, 2023

Video #18 - Canning Basics, Jar Sizes

Canning Basics, Jar Sizes

The height of canning season is in the Summer and Fall but it begins in late Spring with asparagus. That's why Spring is a good time to go over the basics. If you are new to canning and preserving then this is perfect for you.

I hope that you enjoy this video!

click HERE to view

"22 Treasures = PRESERVING"

Linked to:

Thursday Favorite Things

Tuesdays with a Twist

You're the STAR

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You might be interested in viewing this video:

click HERE to view

"Swedish Spice Cookie Recipe - PEPPARKAKOR"

Tuesday, April 25, 2023

Tuesdays with a Twist Blog Hop #522

Welcome to Tuesdays with a Twist #522!

Before we get to the blog hop today - checkout this post:

22 Treasures - SPRING GARDEN PRODUCE

Checkout wonderful seeds at Mary's Heirloom Seeds

click HERE to shop for the best seeds

Or click picture below:

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Also, checkout one of my Bags/Purses available at Zazzle:

Evening Sun Mix Sunflower Tote Bag
by GodsGrowingGarden

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Good Morning and Welcome to another No Rules Party!

We're your hosts & co-hosts

Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures
Angie @ God's Growing Garden
Checkout my amazing "Featured" Pinterest Board

(click HERE to view & follow)

Features!

Each co-host will be sharing her own picks for Features. This gives everyone a better chance of being featured. Be sure to check all of our blogs to see if you were featured!

My Features this Week are:

1. "Catching Up.....'" by A Homemaker's Heart

2. "Lily of the Valley Flower Arrangement" by Selep Imaging

3. "Our Easter Food, Fun & Leftover Ideas" by Mille Fiori Favoriti

If you've been featured we'd love for you to grab a button.

The party starts every Tuesday at 7am EST and will continue until Saturday at 11:59pm. Feel free to stop back any time and "like" your favorites. Please visit other blogs if you have a moment.

Share older posts as well as new ones. No limit on links!

*Pictures should be your own*

By linking up you give us permission to use these photos

(with proper link backs) in our features. And now for the party!

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Grow your own!
Many wonderful garden products from
"Mary's Heirloom Seeds"!!
click to view

Monday, April 24, 2023

You're the STAR - Week#4 HOME (April 2022)

We had a busy Spring weekend working in the garden and had our first asparagus for the season!

Thank you again for joining us!

There are many ways to follow me:

Angie @ God's Growing Garden

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Before we continue onto the Linky party I wanted to share from my blog:

by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo DSCF9172_zpsplmk6jaz.jpg

Mango & Almond Milk Sherbert

by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo YoureTheStarHopLarge_zpsjbrldhcx.jpg

WELCOME to the April 2023 "You're the Star" Blog Hop!
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WELCOME to HOME feature week of the April 2023 "You're the STAR" blog hop!
Meet your HOME week Hosts

This week is HOME feature week
Swing by the Home Hosts' Blogs:
Bev from Eclectic Red Barn
Niki from Life as a LEO Wife

This is a month long Linky party featuring YOU!

There will be 4 different features each week and 4 different feature categories. Just to be clear - this is NOT a themed party - you may link up ANY family-friendly blog posts any day of each month.
The "theme" occurs in our weekly features:
WEEK#4 HOME - recipes, home décor, antique/DIY &/or travel (this can include anything about your home - even history posts - all while remaining family friendly)

by Angie Ouellette-Tower for godsgrowinggarden.com photo ShopHoppingFeatured_zpsf9fab123.jpg

(All features were chosen from the March 2023 "You're the Star" blog hop)

Grilled Pork Chops with Raspberry BBQ Sauce by Chasing My Life

Easter Eggs on an Easter Tablescape by Whispers of the Heart

New House Makeover: Laundry Room by Studio 27 By Jennifer Adams

Lemon Curd Easter Egg Linzer Cookies by Cindy's On-Line Recipe Box

If you've been featured then please grab a STAR button below:

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All Hosts/CoHosts will post this blog hop on every Monday of each week.

Please link up your family friendly blog posts below!

It wouldn't be a linky party with YOU!

(IMPORTANT NOTE: by linking up you understand that you might be featured next month and if so, we will use some of your photos from your post - rest assured - we will always link back to your lovely blog. We might also share your fantastic posts on social media. Also, you may link up as many family-friendly posts as you like & YES - other blog hops &/or giveaways are welcome {giveaways and blog hops will NOT be featured though} Thank You & ENJOY! )

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Sunday, April 23, 2023

Jude #3a - Old & New Apostates

JUDE#3a - Old & New Apostates

We continue studying the book of Jude. This is the third part but I decided to cut part#3 into two sections because there are so many Old Testament references that we must study to fully understand the meaning.

The book of Jude is a very small book in the Bible but it is packed with many wonderful lessons to be learned. We will be studying the entire book of Jude in seven different parts.

click HERE to view Part#2 "Contend for the Faith"

In the New King James Version, the subtitle for these verses (vs 5-11) is:

"Old & New Apostates"

Let's begin by defining "apostate":

Apostate - one who refuses to obey or follow their religious faith; abandonment of a previous loyalty.

These 3 verses in Jude that we are going to be studying today reference 3 different occurrences from the Old Testament:

1. The consequence of the Jews not obeying God in the desert after being freed from slavery in Egypt

2. The fall of the angels (the devil and his demons)

3. The story of Sodom & Gomorrah

I recommend reading the entire 32nd chapter of Exodus but here is an excerpt showing what happened to those who did not obey God soon after being freed from Egypt (see Scripture passage below):

Jude is concerned that the believers at that time were falling back into their sinful ways (and this letter was written soon after Jesus' resurrection and ascension into heaven).

It is important that we learn the truth about how satan's fall occurred. Did you know that Lucifer (satan) is a fallen angel? He wanted to become greater than God. Did you also know that a third of the angels went with him (were cast out of heaven with satan)? (see Bible passages below):

Before we move onto Jude verse 7, I want to remind you about "grieving the Holy Spirit" and what that means. When we become Christians, the Holy Spirit is sealed in our hearts. I think of it like the 17th century practice of sealing an envelope - in that era there was a wax stamp put on the outside of a letter/envelope. Our hearts are sealed or protected and can ONLY be opened by God. However, when one "grieves the Holy Spirit" - that is when someone knowingly invites in a demon and is essentially kicking out the Holy Spirit.

In verse 7, Jude is reminding us about what happened in the cities of Sodom & Gomorrah. The depravity and debauchery in those cities were so disgusting and rampant that only one family was considered decent (that would be Lot).

(In my opinion, none of these evil townspeople could have performed those shocking acts and have been filled with the Holy Spirit. They must have been demon filled).

Here again, I recommend reading the entire chapter of Genesis 19 (actually, Genesis 18 is an important read also). but below is a small excerpt. First I need to preface these verses with a quick summary - two angels came to the city of Sodom and Lot invited them into his house. News traveled fast in that city because all of the men from the entire city came to Lot's house wanting to rape the two "men" (who were actually angels). What Lot did to try to stop the townsmen was just as horrible - he offered his two daughters!!! - Lot offered to let the townsmen have their way with his daughters!!! Horrible!!!

Anyway, the angels helped Lot and his family escape and they were told to run to the nearest city "Zoar" but with strict conditions - they were by no means allowed to look back at Sodom. Read below to see what happened to Lot's wife when she looked back at the city of Sodom.

Just as egregious is how Lot's daughters tricked their father (read Genesis 19:30-38).

Below is a video about burning of Sodom & Gomorrah and the current location. The sulfur from that inferno remains today:

a special thanks to "Expedition Bible" for sharing this on YouTube

I know that our topic today was very serious and somewhat disturbing to think about but I am reminded of a saying:

"evil triumphs when good people do nothing."

How can we stop evil if we don't even acknowledge that it exists? And if we don't find out where it's coming from?

NOT everything is "tolerable", the truth is NOT "hate speech" and the possibility of offending someone is NOT a reason to keep silent.

Wednesday, April 19, 2023

Separating Strawberry Plants from Runners

Separating Strawberry Plants from Runners

About every three years strawberry plants will send out "runners" and stop producing fruit. These "runners" will become new plants when separated correctly. If you continue separating every three years then you should have a never ending supply of strawberry plants and strawberries!

(click HERE to view "DIY 3-Tier Strawberry Patch)

In the picture below you will notice that many strawberry plants have appeared outside my actual strawberry patch. These are the plants that we will separate and transplant into a new spot or to replace the older/less productive plants.

Visually decide where you think a new plant is in order to cut around in the dirt (about 2 inches around the crown or center of the new plant. See in the picture below the cluster in the middle is the plant that I will be separating)

I cut around the plant with my garden tool called a "Hori Hori".

I gently lift out the plant with my garden tool and then tug with my hands. It will come out of the soil quite easily at this point (see picture below).

See the healthy root system in the picture below:

Continue separating as many runner plants as you can and place in a bucket or wheel barrow. (see pictures below)

Now we will plant each strawberry runner plant in a temporary pot until new growth appears before planting outside in their new permanent location (keeping the temporary potted plant inside. Also, don't forget to water it from time to time).

I was able to get 12 new plants from my runners!!

See the new growth in the pictures below! Now I can plant them outside.

(NOTE: My dad advised me that when your runner plants are this healthy and if it's warm enough outside, then you can plant them directly outside instead of bringing them inside for a few weeks)