Meditate.
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. So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up. Don't tear apart the work of God over what you eat. Remember, all foods are acceptable, but it is wrong to eat something if it makes another person stumble. It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything else if it might cause another believer to stumble. Romans 14:17-21
It doesn’t
matter what we eat or drink…as long as we don’t do it to the detriment of
others…and as long as it is in moderation. Listen to Paul’s advice.
Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what
the Lord wants you to do. Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your
life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and
spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts.
And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus
Christ. Ephesians 5:17-20
Use your
head—use common sense. Don’t get drunk and make a fool of yourself. This is
another example of love your neighbor as yourself…don’t drink if it will offend
them. The Golden Rule—Treat others the way you want to be treated—can also
apply. If eating or drinking something offends you, then consider how others
feel about food and drink issues. Aim for harmony…in the church and with
family, friends and neighbors. Paul’s teaching to the church at Philippi
included consideration—in some translations it is “moderation”
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it
again--rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember,
the Lord is coming soon. Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about
everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you
will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His
peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians
4:4-7
Note that even in that first century people were being reminded that the Lord is coming soon. It may be even sooner than we think. Are you ready? The first step in “being ready” is to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior. It is simple—just talk to Jesus and ask for forgiveness of your sin. Everyone sins and falls short of the glory of God—Romans 3:23. So admit that you have sinned and realize that the result of sin is death, but if you confess your sin, you will be saved. Everyone who calls on the name of God will be saved—Romans 10:9-10.
With Christ as your Savior, you’ve become part of the family of God and spiritually entered into the Kingdom of God. Rejoice and be glad!
As Solomon
wrote…
We all come to the end of our lives as naked
and empty-handed as on the day we were born. We can't take our riches with us.
And this, too, is a very serious problem. People leave this world no better off
than when they came. All their hard work is for nothing—like working for the
wind. Throughout their lives, they live under a cloud—frustrated, discouraged,
and angry. Even so, I have noticed one thing, at least, that is good. It is
good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun during the
short life God has given them, and to accept their lot in life. And it is a
good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy
your work and accept your lot in life—this is indeed a gift from God. God keeps
such people so busy enjoying life that they take no time to brood over the
past. Ecclesiastes 5:15-20
So eat and drink whatever you want that doesn’t offend those eating and drinking with you. Enjoy life—rejoice in the love of the Lord.
Prayer ~ Lord, take away any clouds of frustration and discouragement that come my way. I want to rejoice and be glad—in this life You have given me. Thank you that You keep me so busy enjoying life—with family and friends—that I don’t have time to brood over the past.
Verse of Salvation ~ As for us, we can't help but thank God for you, dear brothers and sisters loved by the Lord. We are always thankful that God chose you to be among the first to experience salvation—a salvation that came through the Spirit who makes you holy and through your belief in the truth. 2 Thessalonians 2:13
Friday’s Feasting at the King’s Table
We can’t live on bread alone, but some zucchini bread would be tasty, especially with chocolate. Did anyone put zucchini on your porch this week?
Death By Chocolate - Zucchini Bread
(Adapted from Facebook friends recipes)
½ c. melted butter or coconut oil
½ c. dark cocoa powder, plus more for dusting pan
1½ c. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
¼ tsp. kosher salt
¾ c. sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 c. grated zucchini (about 1 medium sized)
2/3 c. chocolate chips
Flaky or freshly ground chunky sea salt, for garnish
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray or butter and dust a loaf pan with cocoa powder. In large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
In another large bowl, beat together sugar and eggs until smooth, 1 minute. Add melted butter and vanilla and mix until smooth. Add zucchini, then slowly add flour mixture. Fold in chocolate chips. Transfer batter to prepared pan and bake 50 minutes.
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