Finding the Necessary Food in Your Diet

Do not eat the bread of a selfish man, or desire his delicacies….Proverbs 23:6

 

Selfish people aren’t known for their generosity…so it is not likely that they’ll offer you bread much less any delicacies or delectable Christmas goodies. Jesus generously offered thousands of people food—and some followed Him just hoping to get fed again. Jesus has more to offer than physical food for just one meal—He offers us a lifetime of spiritual food and drink that we would never again be hungry or thirsty. He didn’t feed those thousands of people a five course meal, nor did He desire that for Himself. When He was at the home of Martha He had an interesting discussion with her about the meal she was serving… But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me." But the Lord answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her." Luke 10:40-42. Only one thing was necessary…was that spiritual food? We don’t need to desire delicacies…just wholesome spiritual food.     

 

Training Tip – Children can be such fussy eaters. Try to get your children to try just one bite of everything you serve…and if necessary reward them for their eating efforts. Balancing their food diet is essential so that they receive the nutrients needed for growth. Sugar is not one of the basic food groups and we would all do well to avoid sugar in our diet…but things like Sugar Cookies are such a treat, especially during holiday like today. Maybe that can be a reward for your children after they eat all their meat and veggies. Be a good example for them. Remember that Jesus taught that only one thing is necessary. Find that necessary thing in your life and in theirs.

 

Lord, satisfy our appetites today with tasty food and with words from your Word that would encourage and strength us.

 

 Friday’s Feast at the Lord’s Table

As you make last minute preparations for Christmas festivities, consider these easy sugar cookies, perfected by my niece, Michelle. A fun way to spend time together with family or friends is an afternoon party of frosting the cookies. Provide the frosting in several colors and sprinkles in colors to spark their imaginations.  

 

Old-Fashioned Sugar Cookies

1 cup unsalted butter

2 cups granulated sugar

2 eggs

1 cup sour cream

1 tsp vanilla

½ tsp soda

4 tsp baking powder

½ tsp salt

5 cups flour

 

Buttercream Frosting

½ cup unsalted butter

½ cups shortening

5 cups powdered sugar

¼ cup PLUS 1 Tbsp milk

1½ tsp vanilla

½ tsp salt 

Cookies: Cream butter and sugar together. Add eggs, one at a time. Continue to beat. Add sour cream and vanilla. Sift dry ingredients; add to creamed mixture. Add more flour, if dough is too sticky. Roll on floured surface, fairly thick. Cut with large cutters. Place on parchment lined cookie sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-18 minutes (cut baking time, if necessary depending on dough thickness and size of cookies). Cool. Frost or sprinkle with sugar.

Frosting: Cream butter and shortening; add vanilla and salt. Add sugar, 1 cup at a time. Add milk; beat on high speed until light and fluffy. Enjoy.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.