Ephesians‬ ‭1‬:‭11‬-‭12‬ ‭MSG‬‬ —- It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.

Click here to watch today’s See You Saturday video as we wrap up our week together.

Proverbs 15:17 NIV — Better a small serving of vegetables with love than a fattened calf with hatred.

This week we have been sharing about food. The Bible is full of stories and verses pertaining to food and there are so many aspects to look at it all. Food is God’s gift for nourishment so we may be healthy and have a relationship with Him.

Sunday I encouraged you to brainstorm and jot down your thoughts about stories from the Bible about food and any connections you may have. Today I challenge you to read back over some of the scriptures shared this week and make your own connections. Do you have any recipes that come to mind? As you plan for next week, incorporate some of those recipes into the meals you prepare and share the Bible stories over dinner with your friends or family with a measure of love. Today I will share a very simple recipe that has become a family favorite at my house. Enjoy!

Dear God, open my eyes to the connections I have with Bible stories about food. Bring to mind recipes I can use to discuss those stories with my friends and family. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Buttered Shrimp

1-2 pounds deveined, tail off shrimp

1 stick butter

1 lemon

1 packet dried Italian seasoning

Cover a baking sheet with tin foil. Heat oven @ 350°. Melt a stick of butter in the pan. Slice lemon and layer it on top of the butter. Spread shrimp on top and then sprinkle 1 packet of dried Italian seasoning over top. Bake in oven @ 350° for 15 minutes. 

***I serve with 16 oz spaghetti noodles that I have cooked, drained and mixed with a melted stick of butter.

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 He and the disciples had withdrawn to be by themselves, but the crowd followed them.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.