John 6:35,47-48 – And Jesus said unto them, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life. I am the bread of life." (NKJV)
Having a bread machine and being able to buy boxed bread mix makes it easy to enjoy often the fragrance of bread baking, and then to take pleasure in eating buttered slices of hot crunchy bread. Another plus to this machine is that it rings a bell at the proper time to add extra ingredients. I especially like adding home-grown pecans and chopped dates to the whole grain mixture. This adds a bit of sweetness and flavour.
On Sunday our pastor will stand in the pulpit after spending hours during the week studying the scriptures, using concordances and other Bible study helps. Having sought the Lord's counsel through much prayer, he will then have begun by selecting one passage, adding several others to expand the subject. Each word will be carefully selected — each one with just the right "feel". He'll add an illustration or more for flavour. In his mind, as he continues working, ideas will gradually develop, and the sermon will take shape. He will let it rest a day or so before the final revision and completion.
He is somewhat like a baker, as he begins adding one ingredient after another, until ready to begin the necessary kneading into shape. When completed, he'll place the loaf into a warm oven to rise and then bake. With the bread done, he'll be ready to serve the nutritious loaf, fresh and warm, to the hungry, waiting flock. The Lord calls all pastors to feed His sheep, and, through the nourishment of the "bread of life" that the Lord supplies, our souls are satisfied.
Prayer: Lord, prepare our hearts to receive the bread the pastor worked hard to prepare to feed our souls. Strengthen us through Your word, and may Your will be done in and through our lives. Amen.
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