Sesame Beef Stir Fry

For the Beef:

1.3 lbs Stew Beef Chunks

2 Heaping Tbsps. Flour

1 Tsp. Sugar

Salt

Pepper

For the Sauce:

1/4 Cup Red Wine Vinegar

1/3 Cup Honey

1/3 Cup Brown Sugar

2 Tbsps. Sesame Oil

1/2 Cup Soy Sauce

Garlic Powder

Onion Powder

2 Tbsps. Dissolved Corn Starch

For the Stir Fry:

Chopped Snap Peas

Chopped Bok Choy

Sesame Seeds for Garnish

Cooked Jasmine Rice

Directions:

1. Pat beef cubes dry with paper towels.

2. Shake or pat with a mixture of the flour, sugar, and salt and pepper to taste.

3. Lightly grease a large skillet, let it get warm over med-high heat. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees at the same time.

4. When the skillet is hot, brown the beef on both sides.

5. While the beef is browning, combine all of the sauce ingredients except for the cornstarch.

6. Dump browned beef into a lightly greased baking pan. Set skillet aside for later.

7. Pour the sauce over the beef and place the baking pan in the oven.

8. Set your timer for 30 minutes. Shake or flip the beef. Return to oven for 30 more minutes.

9. After that first hour of cooking is up, heat your rice and chop your vegetables.

10. Check the beef, if the cubes are cooked through (they should be after about 1 hour 15 minutes) pour the beef and sauce back into the skillet.

11. Crank up the heat and stir in the dissolved corn starch.

12. When the sauce bubbles, reduce the heat to low and stir in the vegetables.

13. Allow to simmer over low heat 3-5 minutes as sauce thickens and vegetables cook.

14. Garnish with sesame seeds.

15. Serve over rice and enjoy!

Why Being “Like Jesus” Is Risky (It’s Not What You Think)

We do a lot for the sake of being “like” Jesus. Attempting to be more Godly, to follow His perfect example, and to please our Lord, a lot of us make sacrifices, sign up for ministries, and take action.

Countless sermons and slogans warn us: it’s risky to be like Jesus. Scripture says it. In 1 John 3:13, we read that we shouldn’t be surprised when the world hates us for loving Christ.

The ruler of this world (Satan) is still the enemy of God and still eager to attack. Our culture and many of its followers are opposed to the Gospel. So, yeah, when you try to be like Jesus, you’re taking a risk. And you’re probably well aware of it.

But what about the internal risk?

What about the threats mustered up in your heart when you try to be more like Him?

1. There’s the Risk of Spiritual Pride

“Imitate God” Ephesians 5:1 proclaims. This verse doesn’t say be God. Or supersede God. Or take on as your own what is only God’s. The verse reminds us of Jesus’s words “follow me” repeated over and over.

We have trouble with imitation. Far too often we choose to follow and copy “Christian things” until we believe we’ve learned the way. From there, we’re quick to head off on our own, leading our own tour of being Christ-like. Why? Control. Pride.

2. There’s the Risk of Doing Good Wrongly

You can be like Jesus in your actions -giving to the poor and spending time with fellow sinners- and do it all wrongly. Just “do good” with the intention of personal gain. Try “being like Jesus” without relying on Jesus.

People may think you’re a great Christian, and you might consider yourself successful, but watch out. The appearance of godliness doesn’t mean you’re grounded in Christ or being used as His instrument. And if you’re not, Scripture says to avoid you (2 Timothy 3:5). You might be dressing up as the Lamb of God while devouring His flock as a wolf.

3. There’s the Risk of Diminishing Jesus to be More Like You

When we feel that a goal is unattainable, our first thought is rarely prayer, reliance, and submission to the one whose power is perfected in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Instead, we’re likely to simply alter the goal.

If your goal is to be like Jesus and you’re finding that it’s too hard, too risky, and too demanding, you might just alter your perception of Jesus to be a little more human and a little less Godly.

4. There’s the Risk of Missing the Point

Focusing on the how and the what of being like Jesus can easily distract from the “why.” To live like Jesus isn’t enough by itself. It won’t justify you before the Lord, it won’t make you a better person, and it probably won’t make your life any easier.

But to abide in the Lord, surrendering yourself to Him so that He can work through you –that’s the call of the Christian life. It’s Christ in your stead that justifies you before God. Christ in your heart and mind does more change your behaviors: be transformed in the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:2). That is –go to the Lord to know His will, present your life to the Lord as sacrifice that He then uses for His good purposes, for His glory.

Get first things first. He lives. He lives in you (Galatians 2:20)! Follow His example, but do it by sticking close to Him in every moment, choice, thought, and action. 

Ultimate Chocolate Peanut Butter Sandwich

What You'll Need:

-Favorite Brownie Mix or Recipe

-2 Cups Creamy Peanut Butter

-1/4 Cup Sugar

-1/4 Cup Shortening

For the Sauce:

-1/2 Cup Chocolate Chips

12 Tbsps Butter

How To Do It:

• Mix up your favorite box of brownies or brownie recipe. Add an extra egg in. 
• Reduce the cooking temperature you usually use by 25 degrees. 
• Grease 6 ramekins thoroughly and coat with sugar. 
• Fill each ramekin 2/3 full with brownie batter. 
• Bake for approximately 10 minutes less than usual, checking for doneness with a toothpick. 
• In the meantime, whip peanut butter, sugar, and shortening together until fluffy.
• Once your brownies are cool enough, remove from ramekins and divide in half.
• Spread peanut butter filling on the bottom halves, then replace top halves. 
• Melt chocolate chips and butter together in microwave 30 seconds at a time, stirring thoroughly.
• Once the chocolate is smooth, pour over chocolate peanut butter sandwiches.

Warning: These are super decadent! Alter as needed. And serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a little "balance"...or an extra treat...depends on your perspective...