Culinary Ministries

06/04/2026

June 4, 2026
Matthew 5:5
“Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.”
Strength Under Control
In today’s world, gentleness is often mistaken for weakness. But biblical gentleness is not weakness at all. It is strength under control. Jesus was gentle, yet He calmed storms, confronted sin, and willingly went to the cross for us.
A gentle person doesn’t have to win every argument, demand their own way, or prove their strength to everyone around them. They will trusts God enough to surrender their rights and allow the Lord to lead. Gentleness is humility in action.
When we walk in gentleness, we demonstrate confidence in God’s power rather than our own. We stop striving for control and begin trusting the One who is truly in control.
Today, ask yourself: Am I relying on my strength, or am I surrendering to God’s strength? The world rewards self-promotion, but Jesus blesses the humble.
Challenge: Before reacting to a difficult situation today, pause and ask, “How would Christ respond?” Then choose humility over pride and trust God with the outcome.
Prayer: Lord, help me walk in meekness today. Teach me to trust Your strength more than my own and to reflect the humble heart of Christ in all I do. Amen.
Standing with you,
Bob

06/03/2026

06/03/2026

June 3, 2026
James 1:2-3
“Count it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.”
Joy in the Middle of the Trial
Most of us can find joy after the storm has passed, but James challenges us to find joy while we are walking through it. He is not saying trials are pleasant. He is reminding us that God is at work in them.
Every challenge, disappointment, and struggle is an opportunity for God to strengthen our faith. Just as heat refines gold and pressure forms a diamond, and lifting weights develop strength, trials develop perseverance in the life of a believer.
If you’re facing a difficult season today, remember that God has not abandoned you. He is shaping you, strengthening you, and preparing you for what lies ahead. Trust the process and trust the One who holds your future.
Action: Instead of asking, “Why am I going through this?” ask, “Lord, what are You teaching me through this?”
Standing with you,
Bob

06/02/2026

June 2, 2026
Matthew 5:3
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit!
The world tells us to be self-sufficient, self-made, and self-reliant. Jesus teaches something different. Being “poor in spirit” means recognizing our deep need for God. It is understanding that no amount of success, strength, or wisdom can replace His grace.
When we come to God with humble hearts, admitting our need for Him, we position ourselves to receive His strength, guidance, and blessing. Pride says, “I can handle this.” Faith says, “Lord, I need You.”
Today, take a moment to surrender the areas where you’ve been relying on your own strength. Ask God to fill what only He can fill. The kingdom belongs to those who know they need the King.
Challenge: Before starting your day, spend five minutes thanking God for His grace and asking for His help in every decision you face.
Standing with you, Bob

06/01/2026

Can’t believe it’s been 6 years since Covid took you away.

06/01/2026

June 1st 2026
Hebrews 10:22
“Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.”
Draw Near!
It’s so easy to believe we need to have everything together before approaching God. We think we need to fix our mistakes, clean up our messes, or become “good enough” first. Hebrews 10:22 tells us the opposite. Because of what Jesus has done, we can draw near to God right now, with a sincere heart and confidence.
God isn’t waiting for perfection; He wants our heart, he wants a relationship. He knows your struggles, your failures, your worries, and the burdens you’re carrying. Yet through Christ, your conscience has been cleansed, and the door to His presence stands open.
Today, don’t keep God at a distance. Draw near in prayer. Open His Word. Speak honestly with Him. The closer we walk with Him, the more clearly we hear His voice and experience His peace.
Action: Set aside five uninterrupted minutes today to simply sit with the Lord, thank Him for His grace, and bring Him whatever is weighing on your heart.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for making a way for me to come into Your presence. Help me draw near with a sincere heart and full confidence in Your love and grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Standing with you,
Bob

05/29/2026

May 29th 2026
John 15:2
“Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.”
Pruning is never comfortable. In the kitchen, trimming away excess creates something better, cleaner, and more useful. God works the same way in our lives. Sometimes He removes habits, distractions, relationships, or comforts that keep us from growing spiritually. Sometimes it hurts to be cut back and pruned but it’s for our own good and the Glory of Him!
A branch connected to the vine keeps growing, even after pruning. Stay connected to Christ when life feels difficult or confusing. God is not trying to harm you; He is shaping you for purpose, strength, and deeper faith.
Today, ask yourself: What might God be trimming in my life so I can grow closer to Him and better serve others? What can I prune of myself?
Standing with you, Bob

05/28/2026

May 28th 2026
Proverbs 9:10
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
Real wisdom doesn’t begin with more money, experience, or influence. It begins with reverence for God. The world teaches us to trust our own understanding, but the Bible reminds us that we become truly wise when we humble ourself before the Lord.
Fear of the Lord isn’t about being scared of God, it’s about honoring Him, obeying Him, and recognizing that He is Holy, powerful, and worthy of our full trust. When we place God first, He gives us wisdom for our marriages, our work, our leadership, and our daily decisions.
Today, before making plans or reacting to life’s craziness, pause and seek God first. A wise one isn’t the one who knows everything; it’s the one who walks closely with the One who does.
Challenge: Start your morning with prayer before your phone, your work, or your worries.
Standing with you, Bob

05/27/2026

May 27th 2026
“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” — 2 Corinthians 9:7
God isn’t just concerned with what we give, He cares about the heart behind it. A meal cooked with love, time spent encouraging a brother, a helping hand, or generosity toward someone in need all matter deeply to the Lord when they come from a willing heart. Cheerful giving reflects the heart of Jesus, who gave everything for us freely and lovingly.
Today, ask yourself: Am I giving out of obligation, or gratitude? The world says hold tight to what you have, but God says there is joy in open hands and a generous spirit. Sometimes the greatest gift we can give is not money, but kindness, encouragement, or simply showing up for someone who feels forgotten.
Challenge for today: Give something freely today, your time, encouragement, resources, or service, and do it with joy.
Standing with you, Bob

05/26/2026

May 26th 2026
Philippians 2:5
“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.”
Jesus had all power, all authority, and all glory, yet He chose humility. He served, loved, forgave, and sacrificed for others. In a world that tells us to promote ourselves, Christ calls us to lay down our pride and take on His mindset.
Having the mind of Christ means choosing patience over anger, humility over recognition, and service over selfishness. Real strength is not found in being above others, but in loving others the way Jesus did.
Today, ask yourself: “Does my mind reflect Jesus?” Let your words, actions, and heart point people toward Him.
Challenge for today: Serve someone quietly without expecting anything in return.
Standing with you, Bob