God is so good to us in so many ways!

May 20, 2026

Leadership Notes

     Yay…the unofficial start to the summer season is upon us. Life in these here United States is both blessing and gift.

     First, a reminded of the meaning of Memorial Day:

Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday dedicated to

mourning and honoring the military personnel who died while

serving in the Armed Forces. Observed annually on the last

Monday of May, it is a solemn day of remembrance distinct from

Veterans Day, which celebrates all living veterans.

The point is clear. Memorial Day does not exist to honor those who served but died later in life. It is about honoring those who died to preserve national freedom and sovereignty.

     It will also be a day…nay, a weekend…to do what free people do. Make choices about how to live their lives. And how to spend their free/leisure time. And that inevitably leads to food.

     It’s instructive to research how much communal life and ceremonial life revolves around food. It is essential, right?

     Just off the top of our heads, we can come up with the forbidden fruit from the Garden of Eden, the manna with which God fed the Israelites, Jesus’ first public miracle {changing water into wine at the Wedding at Cana}, the Last Supper, the Lord’s Supper, the Resurrected Jesus breaking bread with disillusioned disciples on the Road to Emmaus, and a whole lot more in-between.

     What are your favorite times of gathering with family and/or friends? Is food involved? Do you have a favorite kind of food? Do you have a favorite food that has to be served for specific gatherings? Is there someone you love who is the only one who can prepare a certain food? This could involve desserts or casseroles of some type. Even smoked meats allowed into the discussion. It brings fond memories and feelings of loving and being loved, right? I know it does for me. Strong feelings of love.

     I recently read about a woman who was battling cancer. She longed for one last taste of her favorite meal, a tempura broccoli from a restaurant in Baltimore. It was six hours away. Her son-in-law reached out just for the recipe. Instead, chef Steve Chu drove the six hours with his team. They set up a make-shift kitchen in front of her home, and cooked it fresh for her. I’ll tell you what, if you’re ever in Baltimore, eat at Ekiben restaurant. Food brings people together!

     A busy mom recently observed, “Intermittent fasting? I just slept for 7 hours without a snack. What more do you want from me?” Even though fasting is Biblically mentioned, I don’t think it’s required of us. Or necessary for salvation. So that’s a good thing.

     Do you remember that old children’s rhyme, “Patty cake, patty cake…?” Who didn’t sing that with their toddler? But, to my way of thinking, “bake me a cake as fast as you can,” seems like a bit of an unhinged thing to say. Anyway, think of all the songs and rhymes that revolve around food. Almost never ending.

     Here’s a promise from God’s Word:

The eyes of all look to you,    

and you give them their food in due season.

You open your hand;    

you satisfy the desire of every living thing.

-      Psalm 145:15-16

How does the old doxology put it? “Praise God from whom all blessings flow…”

     Then there this statement of God’s creative purpose:

You cause the grass to grow for the livestock

    and plants for man to cultivate,

that he may bring forth food from the earth

and wine to gladden the heart of man,

oil to make his face shine    

and bread to strengthen man's heart.

-      Psalm 104:14-15

How beautiful is that?

     Then there’s this selection from Psalm 63:

My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food,    

and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips,

when I remember you upon my bed,    

and meditate on you in the watches of the night;

for you have been my help,    

and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.

My soul clings to you;    

your right hand upholds me.

God is so good to us in so many ways.

     Food and feasting and celebrating are all good things. Whatever you do

this holiday weekend, may it be safe, joyful, and filled with love. We are

truly blessed.

     And now, your Moment of Spurgeon {while not a quote from Spurgeon, it captures his mindset regarding food}:

“Spurgeon often noted that God takes pleasure in the happiness

of His children. Likening God to a generous host at a holiday table,

Spurgeon argued that nothing pleases the Creator more than

seeing His bounty received with gladness, gratitude, and a

healthy appetite.”

     With Much Love and Appreciation,

                    Richard