Dig in!

One of the interesting side effects that the anti-cancer medication I am on can produce is a change in taste. Things just don’t taste the way they are supposed to. An apple doesn’t  taste like an apple, and spicy things (which I love!) really have no taste, but just a very unpleasant, intense, sharp sensation in my mouth! (No Bueno)

This phenomenon has led me to develop a couple of new “habits.”

First, I have begun to do what what Robert calls “explosion cooking”. Now, I liked to cook ok before, but now it is like preparing for an art show for me. Trying to achieve a suitable “right” flavor takes a lot of space, time, ingredients and well, shall we call it...“creative energy”. 

When the inspiration hits me, he will walk in the door and say, “oh no explosion cooking again!“ ( I think he is just worried that he will have to clean up because I cooked! That’s fair, right?)

Sometimes, I get it all done and taste the newest culinary experiment and it’s pretty good!

Other times, after lengthy “creative sessions” , I will take a bite only to discover it tastes nothing like I thought it would. All that time and shopping only to be disappointed! Ugh!

The other thing is that I have come to thoroughly enjoy a certain show where a certain “Guy” visits restaurants all around the country and tastes their unique specialties. 

Now this is coming from a girl who NEVER liked to watch cooking shows before. In fact, they bugged me! 

But after analyzing my strange attraction, I realized it is twofold.

First it gives me ideas for my “explosion cooking.” 

Secondly, when the host of the show describes the food, I feel like I am trying to connect to what those words mean. To somehow jolt a memory of what those things taste like!

I like the way he uses adjectives that describe the different flavors and textures he is partaking of.

Now when I cook, I ask my family members to do the same thing. They have gotten really good at it , using such descriptive words and phrases as “this has layers of flavor “ or ” first you get a kick of spice, then you are hit with the mellowness of the avocado”

Even, “great crunch!” is a helpful and appreciated review.

(They really are sooo tolerant of me! haha!)

Anyway, this whole thing got me thinking...

There is a passage in Psalm 34:8  that says, “Taste and see that the Lord is good”
Interesting use of words. Obviously we don’t physically partake of Jesus.

I believe what the psalmist is saying here is, that we must have a personal experience with God, before we can join the club of those that can truly proclaim His goodness.

No matter how many shows I watch of “The Guy” eating and describing food. It will never replace my own tastebuds savoring those flavors, firsthand.

When I hear of someone that has no peace in their life, I want to tell them that Jesus is the Prince of Peace. That He gives peace that passes understanding. And the peace that He offers, is not the sort of temporary peace the experiences of the world provide , but rather a lasting, settled, abiding calm. A stick to your ribs....peace.

 But, no matter how many words I use to describe Him and this supernatural peace, unless one experiences it for themselves, they will never be able to understand what I am saying to be true.

For those that are constantly looking for a new “taste” to fill their empty hearts. Running here and there taking a bite out of this experience and that one, all in an attempt to satisfy an never ending craving. To you, I want to say, Jesus alone fills that emptiness and void, For truly, in His presence is FULLNESS of joy. ( Psalm 16:11)

But again, until one receives Him, these truths are just like the pictures and words on a diner menu. Colorful, illustrative..but meaningless until they are brought to the table in and savored in real life.

If you have been one who has heard about God. Believe in His existence and have even seen His hand perform undeniable and amazing things; yet, you realize that you lack a personal knowledge of Him, receive His invitation to dinner i

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” Rev 3:20

May your hungry heart find full satisfaction in encountering the One who truly satisfies.

Jesus said, “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent”

For those of you who are ready to open the door to God, below are some materials on beginning that life-changing relationship with Him today, by Pastor Greg Laurie:

How do you start a relationship with God?

1. Realize that you are a sinner. No matter how good a life we try to live, we still fall miserably short of being a good person. That is because we are all sinners. We all fall short of God's desire for us to be holy. The Bible says, "No one is good—not even one" (Romans 3:10 NLT). This is because we can not become who we are supposed to be without Jesus Christ.
2. Recognize that Jesus Christ died on the cross for you. The Bible tells us, "But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while were still sinners" (Romans 5:8 NLT). This is the Good News, that God loves us so much that He sent His only Son to die in our place when we least deserved it.
3. Repent of your sin. The Bible tells us, "Repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away" (Acts 3:19 NLT). The word repent means to change our direction in life. Instead of running from God, we can run toward Him.
4. Receive Jesus Christ into your life. Becoming a Christian is not merely believing some creed or going to church on Sunday. It is having Christ Himself take residence in your life and heart. Jesus said, "Behold, I stand at the door [of your life] and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in. . ." (Revelation 3:20 NKJV).

If you would like to have a relationship with Christ, simply pray this prayer and mean it in your heart.

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I believe You died for my sins. Right now, I turn from my sins and open the door of my heart and life. I confess You as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank You for saving me. Amen.

If you just prayed that prayer and meant it, Jesus Christ has now taken residence in your heart! Your decision to follow Christ means God has forgiven you and that you will spend eternity in heaven. The Bible tells us, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9 NKJV).

Register your decision to follow Jesus Christ and receive free materials to help you grow.

To put your faith in action, and grow in your relationship with God, here are some important first steps:

• Read the Bible
• Pray to God
• Go to church
• Tell others about Christ