Is Food A Stumbling Block?

I know and am convinced on the authority of the Lord Jesus that no food, in and of itself, is wrong to eat. But if someone believes it is wrong, then for that person it is wrong. And if another believer is distressed by what you eat, you are not acting in love if you eat it. Don't let your eating ruin someone for whom Christ died. Then you will not be criticized for doing something you believe is good. For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too. Romans 14:14-18

People get on such food hang-ups. No fat, no carbs, no dairy, no sugar, no salt, no soda, no diet soda, no alcoholic beverages, nothing artificial, no carrots, no bananas. What’s next? No food? No fooling. Well, I’m for eating a balanced diet and just listening to your body. If something doesn’t agree with your body—don’t eat it, but don’t put anyone down for what they do or don’t eat or drink. I admire people who stand up for their food issues. Carbs make me gain weight—so I try not to eat more than a serving a day. On the other hand, carbs are so addicting for me—I can hardly stop once I have just a little. Just like an alcoholic. I recently met a lady who said she didn’t drink—not even wine with a special meal. Turns out that she discovered she’s an alcoholic and hasn’t had a drink for nearly 40 years. Now that is will power. God given her will power and helped her overcome that desire and control in her life. She is living a life of joy and peace without dependence on alcohol. Is it the Holy Spirit? I will look forward to another discussion with her about the role of the Holy Spirit in her life. How about you? Has the Holy Spirit helped you live a life of goodness, filled with His peace and joy? That would certainly please God. That is the attitude that I strive to have in my life—not criticizing others for what they eat or drink, living at peace with myself and others and allowing the joy of the Lord to flow through me. How’s your attitude?

Prayer ~ Lord, I realize that attitude and obedience are the keys to living to please You. Fill my life with Your love and joy.

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Chocolate. Chocolate anything is a favorite of so many people. It has an addicting quality. Cake, cookies, hot chocolate, pudding, pie, cupcakes. Take your pick. This is one that I like.

Chocolate Pudding Cake                                6 servings

1 c. unbleached flour
1 t. baking powder
1/4 t. salt
2/3 c. sugar
2 T. unsweetened dark chocolate baking cocoa
2 T. butter, melted
1 t. vanilla extract
1/2 c. half & half
1 c. brown sugar
1/4 c. unsweetened dark chocolate baking cocoa
1 3/4 c. boiling water

In a medium bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and 2 T. cocoa. In a smaller bowl, mix melted butter, vanilla extract, and half & half together. Add to the flour mixture, blending lightly. Spread the cake batter on the bottom of a buttered 1 1/2 quart baking dish. Combine the brown sugar and 1/4 c. cocoa and sprinkle it over the batter.

Carefully pour the boiling water over the top of the cake. Bake at 350-degrees for 30 minutes. (The top should be set and feel slightly spongy to the touch. The cake will still seem jiggly because of the pudding layer on the bottom.)

Serve immediately with whipping cream or ice cream. Enjoy with a cup of coffee or a large cold glass of milk.

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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