Today’s Bible passage is found in Luke 9:10-17 NIV. Click here to read the passage. This is the story of Jesus feeding 5,000 with five loaves of bread and two fish. I am sure this is a familiar passage to you. We often talk about what a miracle it was for Jesus to multiply the small amount of food. 

Today let’s think about a different aspect. Think of the story from Jesus’ perspective. He and the disciples had withdrawn to be by themselves, but the crowd followed them. He was probably tired and ready for some rest. When the disciples encouraged Him to send the crowd away, He instead told the disciples to feed them. Jesus saw the need for food, used what He had available, and provided for the crowd.

We are approaching Thanksgiving which is a time we celebrate blessings and abundance. How can you share your blessings with others? Is there a food pantry or soup kitchen you could give to or volunteer? Instead of sharing a recipe today I have included our local Helping Hands food wish list for Thanksgiving. I encourage you to find a way to share your blessings.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for all of my blessings. Show me ways to share what I have with others today. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

@biblegateway 

Helping Hands food list

Pie Crust/Fruit Filling

Cake Mix/Frosting

Cornbread/Biscuit Mix

Cranberry Sauce

Boxed Potatoes

Stuffing Mix

Macaroni and Cheese

Canned Vegetables

Dried Beans

Rice

Gravy

Yams

Click here to read today’s scripture Daniel 1:8-16 NIV.

Take some time to read today’s scripture about Daniel refusing to eat the royal food. He put the others to the test by telling the guard to only give him, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah vegetables to eat for 10 days while the other men in the king’s army ate the royal food. After 10 days those eating only vegetables were healthier and better nourished. 

Eating vegetables has many benefits. Click here to read information from the USDA about some of the benefits of eating vegetables along with other helpful benefits. If you are not a regular vegetable eater, today I encourage you to incorporate more veggies into your diet. After all, even the Bible has given us an example of why vegetables are important!

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank you for vegetables and all the benefits we receive from eating them. Show me ways to incorporate eating vegetables more. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

@biblegateway  

Roasted Vegetables

2 zucchini

2 yellow squash

1 onion

Salt

Pepper

Olive oil

Cut all vegetables into 1 inch chunks. Coat vegetables in olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Put vegetables in a single layer in a baking dish. Bake @ 400° for 30-40 minutes depending on desired doneness.

Click here to read Genesis 25:29-34. 

In today’s featured scripture Jacob prepared a lentil stew. Esau came in from working in the field. He was exhausted and hungry. As a result, Esau bargained with Jacob and traded his birthright for soup and bread. What was Esau thinking? Can you imagine him making that kind of deal? 

Take a moment to self reflect. Are there any areas in your life that you are trading your birthright from Your Father? Have you compromised Your inheritance by not being true to God’s calling on your life? Spend time in prayer today asking God to show you any areas that you have not been true to Him or His ministry. Ask God to guide and direct your words and actions today.

Let’s pray. Dear God, open my eyes to my transgressions and forgive me. Guide and direct my words, thoughts, and actions today so I may be true to You and Your calling on my life. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

 @biblegateway 

Taco Soup 

1 pound browned hamburger meat

3-10 oz can Rotel (I usually use 1 original and 2 mild but can be adjusted if you like more heat)

1-15 oz can black beans, undrained

1-15 oz can corn, undrained

1 packet ranch seasoning

1 packet taco seasoning

Mix all ingredients together. Bring to a boil and then simmer 30 minutes – 1 hour. 

Serve with choice of toppings such as sour cream or shredded cheese.

Click here to read the story of Manna and Quail in Exodus 16. 

Is this a new Bible story for you or is it one you have read before? The story of Manna and Quail is one of my favorites because it is a wonderful example of God providing just what we need. This story is also a reminder to be obedient. What happened when some of the Israelites tried to save manna? The next morning the manna was filled with maggots.

Take a few moments to connect with the examples in Exodus 16. Are you able to relate to this story? How has God provided just what you needed? Is there an area of your life where you are pushing the limits beyond what God has commanded you? Are you trying to save your gifts and blessings instead of using them in a way God has led? 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for providing all that I need. Open my eyes to ways I have been disobedient and soften my heart so I may follow Your direction. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

@biblegateway 

Pumpkin Bread (shared from my sister-in-law Heather Phelps)

3 ½ cups flour

2 ½ cups sugar

2 teaspoons baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons cinnamon

2 teaspoons nutmeg

2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

1 cup coconut oil

4 eggs-room temperature

1 Tablespoon vanilla extract

⅔ cup water

2 cups pumpkin (plain pumpkin-not pumpkin pie mix)

1 small bag Ghiradeli chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350°. Beat eggs slightly. Add pumpkin, water, oil, vanilla. Beat well. Add dry ingredients and mix until well blended. Then fold in chocolate chips. Pour into loaf pan and bake for 1 hour. After removing from oven, leave to cool in pan for one hour, then turn out on rack to cool. 

*can also put batter into muffin tin-fill cups ¾ full and bake 15-25 minutes till golden

1 Corinthians 10:31 — So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

Food. I have a love-hate relationship with food. For many years I have struggled with finding the right balance in my life with eating and being healthy. God has convicted me recently in this area and He has shown me how intentional I must be with the food choices I make.

This week I will share with you some Bible stories and connections with food along with some recipes. The recipes I share are actual ones I use and not random recipes I searched the internet to find. I say that in an effort to be transparent. I am not a professional chef or baker, but a mom and wife who strives to feed those I love with delicious and healthy foods. 

As we begin this week about food I encourage you to spend some time  brainstorming stories you are familiar with in the Bible that involve food. Do you have a favorite recipe that may somehow connect with those stories? Jot down your thoughts so you may refer back to it this week.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for the food you provide. Prepare my heart to receive the blessings You will send me this week through our study of food in the Bible. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.