PEANUT BUTTER BROWNIES
If you're on Facebook or Pinetrest and you're a "foodie" like me, then you're also likely exposed to pictures like the one above, followed by a recipe. It only takes one look. One look and "I know I gotta try it" or "I know I'll never try it!" One look, and I can taste it; my mouth begins the salivating process. I must admit, I only try the ones that look easy and have pictures that carry calories just by glancing at them. Anything with more than a handful of ingredients or steps to the final task are ones that I avoid at all costs. I'm lazy like that. Guilty as charged.
How true it is that we make decisions every day driven by our senses. As I read in Psalms this morning, I noticed an interesting order given by David. I don't know about you, but like the picture above, my brain sees something, and then I decide if I want to taste it. I don't think I'd do too well in those blind taste-tests. I like to know what I'm getting into, and I can usually tell by the looks of something whether it's for me or not. I'm rarely suprised.
But look at Psalm 34:8:
"Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him."
Do you notice that the order is reversed? We can't see God; the only way to "see Him" is to taste Him first. We have to take a step of faith first. Checking out God's character and love for yourself is almost like one of those blind taste tests. Maybe that's why so many people refuse Him. They think God is some kind of liver and onions dish with a side of brussels sprouts meal that is most definitely not for them. All they see of God's character is the negative reflection portrayed in the media, or worse yet, the negative image portrayed by His people, the so-called Christians. They don't realize that what He offers is so much more.
Why? Because they don't take that step of faith to taste Him for themselves. What God offers to us is an ongoing relationship that should make our heart salivate at just the thought of spending time with Him. He offers a love affair that can go deeper than your deepest love affair with your favorite food.
If you know me at all, you will also know that the combined taste of chocolate and peanut butter is one of my favorite things in the world (earlier blog about that can be found at this link: (http://godandme2themax.typepad.com/godandme2themax/2010/11/be-sure-your-sins-will-find-you-outproverbs-2813.html). I admittedly have a love-affair going with Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. Guilty again.
But this morning as I really contemplated this verse that I've read a hundred times, sang in countless songs, and memorized years ago, I'm asking God to stir in me the same love affair for Him. I want that same emotion and longing for Him that the occurs when I see that famous orange wrapper. But I want that to happen at just the thought or mention of His name. I want to long for Him and let Him drive my emotions, not an image of a favorite food.
If you've never tasted God - I mean really experienced what it's like to have a life-changing relationship with Him, please message me. Don't be afraid to dive in to that faith-filled taste-test. What He offers is so much better than any calorie filled dessert you see on Facebook or Pinterest. To quote that old Life Cereal commercial (yes, I'm showing my age again) - "Try it (Him), you'll like it (Him)!" When you really taste Him, you will see how good He is.
--- Beth Banfill
www.GodandMe2theMax.com
PS - Here's the recipe for the Peanut Butter Brownies
Ingredients:
1 box of your favorite brownie mix
1/2- 1- cup peanut butter chips
1/2-1- cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray AND grease 40
mini-muffin cups.
Prepare boxed brownie mix as directed. Spoon
batter evenly into mini muffin cups ( 1/2 to 1 heaping teaspoon). Bake for
13-15 minutes or until top is set and a toothpick inserted into center comes
out slightly wet. After brownies are out of the oven, wait for centers to fall.
This will happen upon cooling. If not then tap the centers with the back of a
teaspoon to make a hole for the peanut butter.
Place peanut butter in a small microwave-safe
bowl. Microwave on high for 35 seconds then stir. While brownies are still warm
spoon about half a teaspoon of peanut butter into the center of each brownie.
Top with semi-sweet chocolate chips and peanut butter chips. Cool completely in
pan. Go around edge of brownies with a sharp knife and they should pop right out.