Biblically Inspired Rabbit Trails

Have you ever taken the time to stop when your reading the Bible and question it? I'm not talking about its truth, but why something is there. That happened to me yesterday when in Leviticus. (If you've never done it you should. It really helps to bring Biblical peoples and times to life.) I was reading about the animals the Lord deemed clean or unclean for eating in chapter 11, and was struck by something for the first time. We know all about the unclean pigs, and that goats, sheep and such were acceptable. But have you ever wondered at why the Lord made sure they knew it was OK to eat locusts, katydids, crickets, and grasshoppers? (Leviticus 11:22) I mean seriously- were they that hungry?

I've always accepted the fact the John the Baptist ate nothing but locusts and wild honey while dressed in camel skins (Matthew 3:4), but I always saw him as a bit exotic. So I started thinking: Just how common was it to eat locusts? I mean, are there any recipes? Well, yes. Yes there are. So today I will give you some of the ones I found just in case you decide to mark it off your bucket list the next time a swarm comes your way. Enjoy! Or shall I say bon appetit!


The following recipes were found on jewlicious.com:

Tinjiya (Tswana recipe): remove the wings and hindlegs of the locusts, and boil in a little water until soft. Add salt, if desired, and a little fat and fry until brown. Serve with cooked, dried mealies (corn).

Sikonyane (Swazi recipe): prepare embers and roast the whole locust on the embers. Remove head, wings, and legs, in other words, only the breast part is eaten. The South Sotho people use locusts especially as food for travellers. The heads and last joint of the hindlegs are broken off and the rest laid on the coals to roast. The roasted locusts are ground on a grinding stone to a fine powder. This powder can be kept for long periods of time and is taken along on a journey. Dried locusts are also prepared for the winter months. The legs, when dried, are especially relished for their pleasant taste.

Cambodia: take several dozen locust adults, preferably females, slit the abdomen lengthwise and stuff a peanut inside. Then lightly grill the locusts in a wok or hot frying pan, adding a little oil and salt to taste. Be careful not to overcook or burn them.

Barbecue (grilled): prepare the embers or charcoal. Place about one dozen locusts on a skewer, stabbing each through the centre of the abdomen. If you only want to eat the abdomen, then you may want to take off the legs or wings either before or after cooking. Several skewers of locusts may be required for each person. Place the skewers above the hot embers and grill while turning continuously to avoid burning the locusts until they become golden brown.

The Chicken Or The Egg?

I love how the Lord works. One of the verses that has been coming to mind for no apparent reason just happened to be in my devotional reading yesterday.

Then He told them, "The Sabbath was made for man and not the man for the Sabbath"...

Mark 2:27

It made me start thinking: How does that apply to us today? What are some of the ways that we have made the laws, or our religion, our master instead of it being there for our benefit? I know there have been times in my life where my quiet time with the Lord has become that way. I've become a slave to it instead of doing it out of love and devotion to my true Master, the Lord. Now, this isn't to say that doing my devotions when I don't feel like it is wrong. What Jesus was asking was a deeper issue: Where does your heart lie in this matter?

Take some time as you go throughout your day, or week, to discover where your heart is in relationship with the Lord and the things of Him. Ask Him to search your heart- to test you- see if there is any offense which needs be corrected in order to be lead on the right paths. (Psalm 139:23-24)

Pop Tests

Be careful of the advise you give: You may soon have to follow it.

The Lord has been teaching me quite a few lessons lately, so I beg your indulgence as I get through this time. Much of it has not been able to put into words, so I haven't talked about it here. Just know that I'm in "class" full time with Him and as I take these pop quizzes He seems so fond if, I may digress and/or not have much of me on here. That may be a very good thing...

One of the challenges I have been facing currently stems from some advise the Lord had me give someone very dear to me. I know that what I told her was not easy, but I believe with all my heart that the Lord says it is the best way to handle the situation. You just can't go wrong with the Bible- the Word of God. So now that I have claimed it will work with her, the Lord has seen fit for me to test that on myself. Ouch. Yes, it will work: My God is Faithful and True. But it is not easy. I know..., who ever said it would be?

I covet your prayers right now. And I thank you. May you be as blessed in this ministry you can do for me, as I have been by you all in the past by your words of encouragement and love.

Then I saw heaven opened, and there was a white horse! Its rider is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war.
Revelation 19:11


How reassuring to know He's fighting for me...

Help For Insanity

Today take some time to relish the second part of Psalm 34. (Read yesterday's post first if you haven't already.) This section gives guidance and encouragement. Once again, read and reread it slowly. Ponder it. Ask the Lord what He wants to show you by reading His Word. See if you can find the Messianic prophecy as well.

I will let you know that I have been clinging to this section recently as though it were my life-vest while shipwrecked at sea. I pray you are blessed by it as well today.

Psalm 34:11-22
Come children, listen to me; 
I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
Who is the man who delights on life,
loving a long life to enjoy what is good?
Keep your tongue from evil
and your lips from deceitful speech.
Turn away from evil and do what is good;
seek peace and pursue it.


The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
and His ears are open to their cry for help.
The face of the Lord is set 
against those who do what is evil,
to erase all memory of them from the earth.
The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears,
and delivers them from all their troubles.
The Lord is near the brokenhearted;
He saves those crushed in spirit.


Many adversities come 
to the one who is righteous,
but the Lord delivers him from them all.
He protects all his bones;
not one of them is broken.
Evil brings death to the sinner,
and those who hate the righteous
will be punished.
The Lord redeems the life of His servants,
and all who take refuge in Him 
will not be punished.

Pretending To Be Insane

I have discovered my new favorite Psalm. It's a Davidic Psalm entitled "The Lord Delivers His Own: Concerning David, when he pretended to be insane in the presence of Abimelech, who drove him out, and he departed." I just love that. Not only is it appropriate when your pretending to be insane, but also when you really are there...

I want to break this Psalm, 34, up into two parts. Today, I'd like you to meditate on the first half. (All that means is- think about it, and try to recall portions of it throughout the day to ponder and ask the Lord about.)

Praise Him for who He is and what He does for us!

Psalm 34: 1-10
I will praise the Lord at all times; 
His praise will always be on my lips.
I will boast in the Lord; 
the humble will hear and be glad.
Proclaim with me the Lord's greatness;
let us exalt His name together.


I sought the Lord and He answered me
and delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to Him are radiant with joy;
their faces will never be ashamed.
This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him
and saved him from all his troubles.
The angel of the Lord encamps
around those who fear Him, and rescues them.


Taste and see that the Lord is good.
How happy is the man who takes refuge in Him!
Fear the Lord, you saints,
for those who fear Him lack nothing.
Young lions lack food and go hungry,
but those who seek the Lord
will not lack anything good.