Hunger Pains
People warned me that I’d have to watch my diet after having my gallbladder taken out. The doctor said I should avoid greasy, fatty foods for a time while my stomach learns how to adjust to digesting such foods without a gallbladder. My first thought was “Oh no! No ice-cream, pizza, or hamburgers. How long would this purgatory last?!” The answer: About one week was all! In actuality, my stomach is still adjusting; but after just one “irregular” week, my belly and bowels seemed to be working just fine again. :)
What foods do you crave? Ice-cream? Chocolate? Pizza? A cheeseburger and fries? Dr. Pepper? It’s funny how being denied certain foods for a time actually seems to heighten our desire for the very foods which are forbidden? And just before lunch, I can sometimes even hear my stomach growl. Truth is, our bodies need food. The healthier the better. But when we’re really hungry, almost any food will do. Even when we fast for a meal or two, our physical hunger prompts us to eat again in time.
This Sunday’s passage from Mark 8:1-10 begs us to consider our hunger. The story of Jesus Feeding the 4,000 invites us not merely to consider how Jesus can meet our physical needs, but also our spiritual hunger as well. Are you hungry for more of God in your life? Are you thirsty for more of the living water of the Holy Spirit? Do you have pressing physical needs that you need to lay before God? Join us Sunday as I share three “Good News” aspects to this passage that will surely encourage you in your faith.
Traditional worship begins at 9:00 AM and contemporary worship begins at 10:45 AM. Both services feature lively worship, an inspiring biblical message, warm friends, and the healing power and presence of the Holy Spirit in our midst. A nursery space is available, and refreshments will be served in the Fellowship Hall for all between services. It’s going to be another Spirit-filled Sunday at Grace Church. Please reach out, invite your friends and family, and let’s celebrate the mighty moving of God in our midst!