Our Saviour has several ministry opportunities for members of the church to reach out into the community. One of those ministries is the availability of bread. Even though I feel this is a worthwhile ministry opportunity, I've noticed a few trends.

• On most occasions, a wide variety of bread choices is displayed outside. Some of the "shoppers" are not content and want to see what else is available on the other side of the doors. 98 percent of the time the same choices are present...and yet, they just have to see for themselves.
• Human nature kicks in and some are not content with the three package limit. I love to hear the excuses! "I'm getting a few more loaves for my mom and aunt." "But this package only has two rolls in it. Can't I have one more package?" Or, "If I get four today, I'll just get two next week!"
• Some "shoppers" are not content when they are in need of hamburger buns and none are available. The bread selection for the day just doesn't meet their menu expectations.

All of these examples of not being content are also prevalent in our relationship with Christ. We too, like Thomas, at times need to see Christ before totally taking that step of faith. Our contentment with the gifts God has given us falls short when we are always longing for something that we cannot see or thinking that something better is on the other side.

Our humanness is exposed when we attempt to bargain with God and make excuses. God's not in the bargain business; He desires to have us rely on Him and follow His commands always. He's set the standards and expects us to follow them. Imagine the volumes of books He could write detailing all the excuses He's heard since the creation of the world!

And of course there are times we mistakenly think God does not fit our needs. How often do we put God on the backburner when everything's going well, but as soon as an illness, financial need, or another trouble appears, He's being called upon to assist? We want God to immediately bail us out of trouble.

I pray you are content in God's love and grace but never content in your desire to know your Bread of Life. Yes, he will meet your basic needs today, tomorrow and for the rest of our lifetime, however he also desires for you to study His word, pray without ceasing, and to shower Him with the gifts of time, talents, and treasures that He freely gives you. He yearns to have a close relationship with all of His children, in the good times and also during the times of trouble. Will you join me setting aside time to thank Him for His bounty, but also to grow in a personal relationship with Him?

Enjoying the ride,

Jane