Let’s Try Something Different Today. (This Week in the Kitchen - 1)

Have you ever gone to your pantry or refrigerator prepare something for the family's meal with this thought? “I just want to try something different.” You possibly have been in the grocery store produce aisle and notice some foods you do not even know the name of, much less how they taste or how to prepare them. Maybe you have been sitting at a favorite restaurant and considering your list of favorites, but this time you simply want to order something different than you have ever tried before.
When I discovered my food sensitivities, I began cooking and entirely new way. I found foods that I had never even known existed before. Almonds had been simply nuts that you munch on or found in granola or a favorite muffin. I never realized they made a wonderful flour as well. Fennel, also known as anise, was one of those odd looking bulb vegetables that I passed up on my way to the onions, zucchini, cabbage and a fairly wide variety of the standard vegetables. Stevia was a plant that I had never even heard of. Now all of these are items I regularly prepare to feed my family.
Do we approach the word of God in the same manner? We have favorite passages that we return to over and over again. These may be key verses, preferred chapters, beloved books or even a preference for the Old or New Testament.
It is very good to have well-known and deeply rooted scriptures in our hearts. Things that God has shown us through his Word should always remain near and dear to us. Even having a passage or series of passages that are the guiding principles of our lives is valuable. Our specific vision and calling can often be established by these beloved passages. Along with regularly visiting these passages, we must go beyond these favorites to find the other great truths written in this book.

The word of God is so full that we can always learn something new. Passages that we had never considered before may have the exact lesson which the Holy Spirit desires to instill in us. Just as a mother encourages a young child to try new tastes and textures, the Lord wants us to experience the full content of His Word. “O taste and see that the Lord [our God] is good! Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man who trusts and takes refuge in Him.” (Psalm 34:8 AMP) Without reading unfamiliar passages we will never find the treasures hidden within them.

We often don’t know what we don’t know. Young King Josiah was said to be upright in God’s sight. During his reign, Scriptures were found that had been lost for years. (See 2 Kings 22-23) Once Josiah heard the words of the law that were contained in the scrolls, he realized how much the people had strayed. Because they were unaware of all of the statutes God had given, they were not following his full plan. Once the word was read he led the people to repent and follow the truths they had now heard.
Like Josiah and the nation of Israel, we may be unaware of what God has declared in His holy Word. Once we have read these passages we must also do what we learn. This is receiving true nourishment. “Jesus said to them, My food (nourishment) is to do the will (pleasure) of Him Who sent Me and to accomplish and completely finish His work.” (John 4:34 AMP) We read so that we can learn and learn so that we can do. As we follow the will of God we will grow and become strong.
The entire Bible is valuable and good food for us. Job stated, “… I have esteemed and treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.” (Job 23:12 AMP) We should have that same attitude. We must desire to know all that God has to say so that we can follow His complete will. He has prepared a banquet for us and desires that we eat from it all. Let our heart’ ‘attitude be, “Teach me Your way, O Lord, that I may walk and live in Your truth; direct and unite my heart [solely, reverently] to fear and honor Your name.” (Psalm 86:11 AMP)

Consider trying something new from God’s Word today. You may find that this fresh, different flavor becomes one of your favorites.

Hidden Things Are Yet to Come

I approached a railroad crossing on my travels. For some distance I observed a freight train passing the road ahead. I looked off into the direction from which the train was coming. It appeared that the train was nearly at the end. I was happy that I would not have to wait long. It turns out I was quite mistaken. Attached to what I had believed was the last car of the train, was approximately 30 empty flatbed cars. Because of the height of the grass and wildflowers within my line of vision, these low cars were not visible until they got to the road where I was now waiting for the train to pass. Behind the chain of flatbeds was another line of double stacked cars. The train had indeed been more than twice as long as I had initially anticipated.

On most days I would have traveled down this road and never paid any attention to the grasses that grow alongside the tracks. Even when trains have been coming and going, I have been able to see above the grass to the train cars. It was only because these flatbed cars were so low to the ground that they were obscured from sight. Once the final, taller set of cars came nearer, they became visible even above the overgrown grasses.

Life, like that freight train, is moving along the path God has set for each of us. Sometimes we have a clear vision of where we are going we have come from. At other times circumstances cause it to appear that things have come to an end. There is no visible evidence of anything left to come beyond what we can see. Although it appears the end is near, this is not always true. Beyond the line of vision is something yet to come.

God does not never stops working in our lives. Even when we can see little or no evidence of his hand, He is still working on our behalf. King David understood this. “Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” (Psalm 121:4 AMP) God is ever ready to help and guide each one of us. Jesus spoke of the continual work of God. “But Jesus answered them, My Father has worked [even] until now, [He has never ceased working; He is still working] and I, too, must be at [divine] work.” (John 5:17 AMP)

Much of the work of God’s kingdom is done in secret. Jesus described it this way. “And He said, The kingdom of God is like a man who scatters seed upon the ground, And then continues sleeping and rising night and day while the seed sprouts and grows and increases—he knows not how. The earth produces [acting] by itself—first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear.” (Mark 4:26-28 AMP) Inability to see something does not mean that it is not there. Our inability to see the hand of God moving does not mean that God has withdrawn from us in any way.

Once the train came to the end of that long line of empty flatbed cars, the line that followed actually contained a string of double stacked train cars. These cars were even taller than the original portion of the train. There was greater value in each link because it carried two cargo containers. Likewise what comes after a long, seemingly silent time in our lives may be far better than anything we have experienced up to that point. It may be full of greater opportunities or increased blessings. We can praise God for His plans are far better than ours. “Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]. To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen (so be it).” (Ephesians 3:20-21 AMP)

That long train eventually came to an end. When God’s purpose is fulfilled, some things in our lives may also come to an end. Change is a part of life. We may physically move to another location or simply end one phase of our lives and begin another. There will always be another train coming. We can always stand on this unchangeable promise of God. ^“And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you.” (Philippians 1:6 AMP)

Trust God in the times when you see His work clearly and also when you cannot. Enjoy the ride at all times.

Beautiful Mosaics

My husband and I recently viewed a documentary about some of the most beautiful, old buildings in Europe. The majestic artwork that graced the walls of some of these castles and cathedrals were absolutely breathtaking. The combination of color and design was exquisite. Viewing this exquisite art hanging on the walls filled the mind with images of a master painter mixing colors on his palette and carefully applying paint to canvas. This could not have been more wrong.

The narrator of this film explained that weather often damaged the paints used centuries ago. To avoid this fading or running of color some artists chose to create their masterpieces using mosaics. Instead of grand brushstrokes, the tedious process of piecing petite shards of colored glass together created this beauty that would not only be enjoyed when it was newly crafted, but would stand beautifully for centuries to come. What began as tiny bits were now combined into this beautiful new creation.

By definition, a mosaic is a picture or decoration made of small, usually colored pieces of inlaid stone, glass, etc. Many mosaics begin with pieces of broken glass or pottery. An initial look at that glass or pottery would seem anything but beautiful. Various sizes, colors and designs seemingly have no purpose or beauty. In the skillful hands of a craftsman these nondescript pieces are brought together to form something beautiful. The pieces have now become a masterpiece. Sometimes a clutter of inexpensive pottery and colored vases are intentionally broken and reconstructed into beautiful mosaic wall hangings. These mosaics can evoke memories of the initial statues and vases, but the reconstruction has now brought elegance to what may have been plain, everyday items.

I recently heard the statement, “Pieces of the past in the hands of the master become a masterpiece.” Reflecting on our past many of us can say that some of the toughest times we have endured have led to the most beautiful outcomes. There are many examples in Scripture of this occurring. One of the most prominent that comes to mind is the story of Joseph. After being sold into slavery by his brothers, lied about and unjustly put in prison, Joseph became the vehicle used to save his father’s entire family from death caused by a famine. (See Genesis chapters 37–50) When reunited with his brothers, Joseph made this statement. “As for you, you thought evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring about that many people should be kept alive, as they are this day.”  (Genesis 50:20 AMP) All the brokenness led to beauty.

Most of our lives will not be as dramatic as Joseph’s life was. Yet we may find that we encounter extremely difficult challenges. There may be times that we feel utterly broken and possibly useless. What we hold dear may come crashing down around us. And this may not be a one-time occurrence. Rather we may be able to look back at several challenging, heartbreaking times in our lives. Yet amazingly enough, it is possible to see a great beauty that has come out of all the brokenness. Speaking to hurting people the prophet Isaiah looked forward to Jesus who would come, “To grant [consolation and joy] to those who mourn in Zion—to give them an ornament (a garland or diadem) of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, the garment [expressive] of praise instead of a heavy, burdened, and failing spirit…” (Isaiah 61:3a AMP) This proclamation does not end merely with relief from sadness, but it continues on to show a greater work of God in His children. “…that they may be called oaks of righteousness [lofty, strong, and magnificent, distinguished for uprightness, justice, and right standing with God], the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.” (Isaiah 61:3b AMP) The formidable strength of a mighty oak tree is the outcome for those who trust Jesus with the ashes and pieces of trials.

During the difficult times we may see dreams broken to pieces. We must believe that God will use these pieces. He has given us this promise. “We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.”  (Romans 8:28 AMP) The resulting mosaic that He designs will contain all the beauty of the work of the master designer. “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (Ephesians 2:10 NLT)

Do not give up on the shattered pieces of your life. Look expectantly for God to arrange these pieces into a beautiful new mosaic. You are His masterpiece.

Remember

In the United States there is an annual holiday that was instituted to remember the fallen military heroes. Many brave men and women have sacrificed their lives to establish and protect the freedoms that we enjoy as US citizens. They fought valiantly and did not return to live in the freedom that was won by the sweat and blood. Memorial Day is a day to remember their sacrifice.

Over the years this holiday has lost much of its initial intent. Many will spend the day having picnics with friends, catching up on housing projects or filling the day off of work in various ways. For some the thought of those brave men and women will not even cross their minds. The day will be just another day of living in the freedom provided us, without remembering and being grateful for those who bought that freedom  with their lives.

Others will be overcome with the grief of the personal loss that accompanies the death of the service man or woman. As time goes on these families will pick up the pieces of their lives and continue on, but the loss will remain. The memories will not be confined to the fourth Monday in May. Memories of the love and laughter that these people brought to life will always be in the hearts of those in best.

2000 years ago Jesus Christ went to the cross to pay the ultimate price in the battle between sin and righteousness. “For our sake He made Christ [virtually] to be sin Who knew no sin, so that in and through Him we might become [endued with, viewed as being in, and examples of] the righteousness of God [what we ought to be, approved and acceptable and in right relationship with Him, by His goodness].”  (2 Corinthians 5:21 AMP) With that supreme sacrifice freedom from the power of sin and death was offered to all mankind. “But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the authority (power, privilege, right) to become the children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name.”  (John 1:12 AMP) Many now walk in the freedom that Jesus has provided. We not only have a promise of eternal life, but we also live by the power of the Holy Spirit. “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (emancipation from bondage, freedom).” (2 Corinthians 3:17 AMP)

Since the death and resurrection of Jesus, many others have also given their lives. Beginning with Stephen (see Acts chapter 7) people have given their lives over the last two centuries to proclaim the gospel of freedom through Jesus Christ. Several New Testament characters, including Peter and Paul, were martyred. Many believers in many countries have also lost their lives for speaking the truth concerning God’s plan of redemption. People are still being tortured and murdered today.

The night before Jesus was to be crucified He celebrated Passover with His closest disciples. He told them to remember Him. “…that the Lord Jesus on the night when He was treacherously delivered up and while His betrayal was in progress took bread, And when He had given thanks, He broke [it] and said, Take, eat. This is My body, which is broken for you. Do this to call Me [affectionately] to remembrance. Similarly when supper was ended, He took the cup also, saying, This cup is the new covenant [ratified and established] in My blood. Do this, as often as you drink [it], to call Me [affectionately] to remembrance.  For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are representing and signifying and proclaiming the fact of the Lord's death until He comes [again].” (1 Corinthians 11:23-26 AMP) To this day we who are believers participate in this remembrance. There is a risk of participating in what is commonly referred to as the “Lord’s Supper” or “Communion” without truly taking the time to remember and be grateful for that extreme sacrifice. We can eat the bread and wine and go on unchanged just as we can have cookouts without ever thinking of those who given their lives. This should never be true.

In addition to keeping the memory of what Jesus has done for us we should also remember the sacrifices of brothers and sisters in the Lord who have given their lives for the gospel. Reading their stories can help us truly understand how blessed that we are. We must also not forget those who are suffering now for the sake of Jesus. We can and should take time to pray for them. “Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God's consecrated people).” (Ephesians 6:18 AMP)

So on this Memorial Day - 2015, take a moment to reflect on the sacrifice of people who have fought for our freedom. Daily consider the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the blessings you have received. And frequently pray for those who are currently suffering to bring His message to others.

That Does Not Sound like Him. (God’s Voice: Part Two)

Has anybody ever related to you something that another person supposedly said, but the content of the words just really did not match up with the character of the person being spoken about? In times like this a further investigation of the actual conversation may show that the person said nothing of the sort. Even if a similar statement was made, the context of the situation indicates an entirely different meaning to the actual comment. For whatever reason, the statement, “did you hear that…” was completely incorrect. Unfortunately others who may not know this person may actually believe this wrong information and tarnish a person’s reputation.

If someone were to approach me with a statement that my husband or son supposedly made, it would be fairly easy for me to determine if the statement was feasibly true or not. I know both their attitudes and their patterns of speech pretty well. If something does not sound like a thing either of them would say, a little investigation would reveal either the actual words used or the context and true meaning of the statement. For someone that I am less familiar with this process is not as easy. Our best course of action is to try to avoid gossip at all costs. When this is not possible praying for and seeking out the truth about another is imperative. We cannot simply believe statements that may be incorrect.

We may often hear incorrect statements about Almighty God. Even in the Garden of Eden the serpent began his attempt to twist God’s words. “Now the serpent was more subtle and crafty than any living creature of the field which the Lord God had made. And he [Satan] said to the woman, Can it really be that God has said, You shall not eat from every tree of the garden?” (Genesis 3:1 AMP) Since that time man has been bombarded with lies concerning both God’s character and the content and meaning of His Word. We must be careful when accepting statements that may or may not be biblical.

Studying and knowing God’s character will help us to distinguish false statements. That’s nature is love and He cares deeply about His children. Psalm 139 tells us how well God knows us. He knows everything we do and everything we say. And this is the result, “How precious and weighty also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them!” (Psalm 139:17 AMP) Thoughts or words of condemnation and worthlessness are never from this loving Father. God calls us to be holy. “For it is written, You shall be holy, for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:16 AMP) Yet King David acknowledged that God also forgives every sin that we confess to Him. “Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul, and forget not [one of] all His benefits - Who forgives [every one of] all your iniquities,” (Psalm 103:2-3 AMP) We are precious to the Lord. Self-condemnation and worthlessness are a familiar twisting of God’s statements that must not be believed but rather rejected and exposed as lies.

Our Lord is a God of hope and desires for us to be hopeful as well. This was the apostle Paul’s prayer, “May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope.” (Romans 15:13 AMP) When situations are difficult we must always remember that nothing is hopeless. Our future is secure and nothing that we have done or are experiencing is so bad that God cannot bring us through. “Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us. For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things impending and threatening nor things to come, nor powers, Nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:37-39 AMP) Nothing we have done and no obstacles in our way can defeat us. “But thanks be to God, Who in Christ always leads us in triumph [as trophies of Christ's victory] …” (2 Corinthians 2:14a AMP)

 We can be confident in all circumstances because God has promised that he will always be with us. We are never alone. “Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]” (Hebrews 13:5 AMP) Any words to the contrary simply do not sound like something God would say.

 So whether it is thoughts in your mind or statements from others, double check that everything lines up with the word of God. Know the Lord and His Word and reject anything that doesn’t sound like Him.

This Sounds like Something You Would Say! (God’s Voice: Part One)

I was recently browsing through Facebook and saw one of those pictures with a funny saying. It reminded me so much of a friend of mine, that I reposted it with the inscription, “This sounds like something you would say.” She laughingly responded to this by saying, “So true!”

This funny statement reminded me of my friend only because I know her so well. We have had numerous conversations concerning the very topic that the picture referred to. When I had first seen that post, I literally could hear her voice in my mind speaking those words. I also knew how she would respond upon seeing the post. There was no fear that she would be offended by my statement, but rather that she would laugh just as I had. And laugh she did.

Sometimes we may see or hear something that reminds us of the word of God. A loving attitude displayed through the actions of another, a statement of wisdom or sometimes just a random thought may put us in mind of the Lord. This sounds like something You would say, Holy Spirit. This sounds like something You would do, Jesus. This sounds like something You have done for me, Father. If we open our eyes and ears we can see and hear behavior that it imitates God every day.

Do we know the Lord well enough to recognize Him in what others have said? Have we studied His Word well enough to know when wisdom lines up with the true wisdom that He has taught over and over again in the Scriptures? Have we studied His character so well that we see it shining through people we have never even met before?

The best way to know if what we hear sounds like what the Lord would say is to study what He has actually said. By studying the Scriptures we learn what God has spoken to His people through the years. We have been instructed to not simply read but to study. ^“Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15 AMP)
God has called His people His sheep. “Then shall they know [positively] that I, the Lord their God, am with them and that they, the house of Israel, are My people, says the Lord God, And that you, My sheep, the sheep of My pasture, are [only] men and I am your God, says the Lord God.” (Ezekiel 34:30-31 AMP) Jesus explained that His sheep know the voice of their shepherd and will follow it. As we become more familiar and knowledgeable of all that the Lord has said, we will actually begin to hear His voice and recognize it. “The sheep that are My own hear and are listening to My voice; and I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27 AMP) We recognize not only what He says, we follow Him.
When others speak to us with wisdom, we will know because true wisdom agrees with the Word of God. If the counsel given does not agree with what is written in the Scriptures we can know that that is not coming from the Father of light. Anything that truly comes from Him will sound just like something He has already said. The church at Berea was praised for checking the Gospel against the Scripture. “Now these [Jews] were better disposed and more noble than those in Thessalonica, for they were entirely ready and accepted and welcomed the message [concerning the attainment through Christ of eternal salvation in the kingdom of God] with inclination of mind and eagerness, searching and examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” (Acts 17:11 AMP) They recognized the sound of truth in Paul’s teaching, but they tested it against the truth of that they already knew was from God. We must do the same.

Know the Lord and His word well. Then test everything you hear by asking, “Does that sound like something the Lord would say?”

A Well Running Line

A group of us got together to serve our community by putting together pre-packaged meals for area food banks and homeless shelters. The group of people that I was teamed up with was comprised of a great variety of ages, sizes and abilities. The youngest on our team was only six years old. On the other end of the spectrum (of which I am much closer) there were some retirees. The heights varied from barely able to reach the equipment to one gentleman who towered over the rest of us. Young teens and young adults of varying sizes brought up the rest of the group. There were several skin tones represented in our group as well. And the ability levels of each were as varied as the other characteristics of each individual.

The serving line was set up well. There were bags to open with prepackaged ingredients to put inside. Then there were several dry ingredients to be added to the bag. These ingredients were added through a funnel. The scoops which measured the different ingredients varied in size and shape. Once the bags were filled they were handed down to two of our teens who weighed them on small scales. They added or deleted just the right amounts of ingredients to bring the perfect weight for each package. From the scales the bags were sealed, labeled and then put into cases. These cases were stacked to be ready to ship to the proper destinations.

Each person worked happily and we chatted with each other as we worked. Everyone was focused on fulfilling their task to the best of their ability. When one position got a little behind, another person stepped in to help. As new people came to assist, those of us who knew the process quickly gave instructions so the transition was smooth. In addition there were others whose responsibilities were to refill the bins from which we were getting the product. As everyone worked fulfilling their own task the line ran smoothly.

As I glanced on the line and saw just how well everyone was paying attention to their particular task, I thought of how absurd it would be if we were jealous of each other. The scoop I was working with was round and deep. The gentleman next to me was using a wider, shallow cup that had a pour spout on it. Each tool was suited to the ingredient that we were placing into the final product. Had either of us chosen to use the other person’s scoop instead of the correct one, the proportions would have been all mixed up and the meal not tasted as it should when the recipient cooked it. Had a young men weighing the packages demanded to be first in line there would have been nothing to weigh as the ingredients were not yet in the bag. On and on each change would have completely undermined the process. The result would have been that these worthy charities would not have received this valuable donation.

Why then do we often look at others within the body of Christ and envy the position or task that God has given them? We must trust that God knows exactly what is best for each individual and where each of us is best suited to serve at a given moment. ^“For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.” (Jeremiah 29:11 AMP) One person is not more important than another, nor one job more important than another. “For God shows no partiality [undue favor or unfairness; with Him one man is not different from another].” (Romans 2:11 AMP) Yet so often we allow envy and strife enter. “You are jealous and covet [what others have] and your desires go unfulfilled; [so] you become murderers. [To hate is to murder as far as your hearts are concerned.] You burn with envy and anger and are not able to obtain [the gratification, the contentment, and the happiness that you seek], so you fight and war. You do not have, because you do not ask.” (James 4:2 AMP) These attitudes grieve the heart of God and cause us all harm.

The apostle Paul pleads with us to support each other.  “But I urge and entreat you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in perfect harmony and full agreement in what you say, and that there be no dissensions or factions or divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in your common understanding and in your opinions and judgments.” (1 Corinthians 1:10 AMP) Not only are we to agree on the teachings of Christ, but also in our service to Him. This agreement brings joy to our leaders and our Lord. “Fill up and complete my joy by living in harmony and being of the same mind and one in purpose, having the same love, being in full accord and of one harmonious mind and intention.” (Philippians 2:2 AMP). The way to bring this joy is, “Do nothing from factional motives [through contentiousness, strife, selfishness, or for unworthy ends] or prompted by conceit and empty arrogance. Instead, in the true spirit of humility (lowliness of mind) let each regard the others as better than and superior to himself [thinking more highly of one another than you do of yourselves]. Let each of you esteem and look upon and be concerned for not [merely] his own interests, but also each for the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4 AMP)

 As we served side by side filling bags of food for hungry people, we can also serve side by side to serve a world that is hungry for God. Serve today.