Difficult Stuff

Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this said, "This is a difficult statement; who can listen to it?" But Jesus, conscious that His disciples grumbled at this, said to them, "Does this cause you to stumble?" John 6:60-61
Many among his disciples heard this and said, “This is tough teaching, too tough to swallow.” Jesus sensed that his disciples were having a hard time with this and said, “Does this throw you completely?"  John 6:60-61 NLT

Tough teaching. Jesus had been telling them about eternal life--but the Jews He was speaking to didn't want to accept what He had to say. Now His disciples were grumbling about His teaching, too. They just wanted to whine about how difficult they thought it was--too hard to understand. Still today some people see God's Message that way--too hard to understand. It is really too easy--too simple. A guy gave up his body and blood, dying on a cross for everyone's sin. That's right EVERYONE'S SIN. Not just the Israelites', the Catholic's, the Protestants', the Muslems', or Mormons'. Everyone's. Then after He died--He rose from the dead to proclaim eternal life and freedom from sin to everyone who believes in Him. What a profoundly awesome and yet simple message. Can you believe it? Can you embrace it? Don't stumble over it.
.
RSVP: Jesus is asking His followers if this teaching about His body and blood makes them stumble. Does it cause a spiritual hang-up in their life...or yours? Will you accept His invitation and thus share eternity with Him?

Prayer~ Lord Jesus, once again I joyfully confess that I believe in You...and accept Your sacrifice for my life. Help me with my moments of unbelief--and weakness when it comes to telling others about You. You are worthy of everyone's belief in You---and a heaven crowded with adoring believers praising You and our Heavenly Father. Praise be to You now.

Friday's Feast at the Lord's Table
Valentine's Day may have passed, but there is always room in your heart and mouth for excellent chocolates.

Chocolate Truffles
16 ounces semi-sweet or dark chocolate, broken or chopped into pieces. Use a very good quality chocolate like Valrohna, Green & Black or Scharffen Berger for the best taste.
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup good quality unsweetened cocoa powder, like Ghirardelli, Valrhona or Scharffen Berger

Line a baking sheet with waxed paper and set aside.
Place chocolate in a food processor and pulse until chopped into small pieces.
Place cream in a small heavy saucepan over medium low heat until bubbles begin to appear around edges of pan and cream just begins to steam. Pour over chocolate in the food processor. Let stand for 10 minutes then blend until mixture is smooth.
Pour mixture into a shallow bowl. Cover and refrigerate until mixture is firm, about 3 hours.
Using a teaspoon, scoop out mixture and quickly form into balls. They don’t need to be perfectly round; in fact, they look better when they’re a bit rough. Place on prepared baking sheet. If truffles are very soft, refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Place cocoa powder in a shallow bowl. Roll truffles in cocoa powder to coat.
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Enjoy as you serve these at room temperature.
Makes 2 dozen.
Adapted from a Viking Cruise recipe.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.