How often does your faith seem to be hanging on by a thread? You missed your morning reading time in the Bible more days than you can count. You call out for help, but wonder how much, if any, you’ll receive. You know God is there for you, but will he reply? Time for faith.
But, I don’t want to talk anymore about our faith as it relates to food without talking about feasting. Yes, feasting!
While I love the idea of incorporating simple ingredients in our cooking and turning our gaze back to Christ, I want us to realize that at each meal–no matter what it is–represents an opportunity to think about the feast the Lord has prepared for us. We shouldn’t think his reply will be small or his blessings insignificant when His plans for us are abundant.
In Psalm 23:5, David says, “You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.” And Isaiah 25:6 reads, “On this mountain the Lord Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine—the best of meats and the finest of wines.”
Looks like God values a good meal and has a special one in mind for his people!
Don’t sit down expecting a burnt grilled cheese when an extravagant banquet is in store! Now, while physical feasting is delicious, I want us to think about how our spirits might be filled up at the table as well. What if setting the table and preparing a meal meant slow conversation and asking thoughtful questions of one another? Time around the table doesn’t just feed our bodies, it feeds our souls.
I love to think of you all feasting at home and connecting your faith with your food! One simple way to do this is to refer to my roast chicken recipe asan easy meal you can use on many occasions. Spruce it up, have a side salad, vegetable and some roasted or mashed potatoes too. Set the table and light some candles. Presentation matters too, use your best cloth napkins and place your decorative dishes and heirloom wine glasses around the table.
Bring an expectant heart, and rather than rushing through a meal, sit and wait. Sit and feast.
Ingredients you’ll need:
• 1 roasting chicken
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoons oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon basil
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Preheat the oven to 450 and lightly oil the bottom of a Dutch oven or 9×13 pan with sides.
- In a small bowl combine the salt through cayenne pepper.
- Rinse and dry your chicken and place it in the dish breast side up.
- Sprinkle your seasonings all over it making sure you get under the wings!
- Cook for 20 minutes at 450 then lower the oven to 400 and cook for 40 minutes.
- Check that your chicken is cooked to 165, allow it to rest for 10 minutes, then carve and enjoy!
This recipe always gives us a bird with crispy skin and juicy meat inside. It’s exactly what you’re looking for when you’re just roasting a chicken I’d say.
Before you sit down, share with those at your table that you want to talk about feasting. Here are some questions to guide your conversation. When have you felt most full or fulfilled in your life? What’s the best meal you’ve ever had? Do you have memories around the table from a young age? Have meals always started with prayers for you? Do you see every meal as a gift from the Lord? If there’s hunger in your life, have you prayed for Him to fill you?
With your Bible in hand, look up these scriptures: Psalm 16:5, Isaiah 25:6, Psalm 23:1-6.
Remember Psalm 107:9, “For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.”
Enjoy your feast!