Fresh Baked Bread

Today, we’re diving into one of life’s simplest pleasures — fresh baked bread. Whether it’s the smell wafting through the house or that first warm bite, there’s something about homemade bread that feels like a little slice of heaven. And you know, there’s a lot we can learn from bread, both in the kitchen and in life. So, let’s break bread together and share some stories along the way.

Our main scripture for today is John 6:35 (NLT) — "Jesus replied, 'I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again.'"

There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh bread, is there? It’s funny how something so simple can bring so much comfort.

I remember the first time I tried baking bread. I thought, "How hard can it be?" Spoiler: very. My first loaf came out like a brick, but there was something about the process — the kneading, the waiting, the smell — that had me hooked.

My kids were hooked once they took their first bite… Now, when I make bread, I have to make two or three because they do not last.

Do you make fresh bread, and do you have a good bread-baking story?

In a world where everything feels rushed, baking bread forces you to slow down. You mix, you wait, you knead, you wait some more… and then, finally, you get that perfect loaf. Sometimes, life is better when we take it slow.

I remember when I was in college, my friends asked me why I walked so fast… Well, my high school campus was large, and we had a time limit to get to class, so we had to walk fast to make it from one building to another. I did, however, learn to slow down, and now my kids ask me why I walk so slow… My answer is, "I’m just enjoying my walk."

What simple pleasure makes your day better? Whether it’s baking bread or just sitting quietly with your coffee, share your moment of peace.

Just like bread needs time to rise, we need time to grow. Don’t rush your journey — enjoy each step and trust that something good is happening, even if you can’t see it yet.

My kids love when I make homemade pizza, but after a long day or a busy weekend, the last thing I want to do is make pizza dough… The dough-making isn’t hard; it’s the time of the rising, and then getting the pizza ready to cook really takes time and makes me feel rushed all at the same time.

Sometimes, we don’t do things because of the time required, and we just don’t want to deal with it. But our spiritual journey needs to be the exception. We must take the time required, no matter how we feel. It is in those times that we probably need God the most.

I’m starting to crave some warm, buttery bread. You know, bread isn’t just about food — it’s about connection.

Baking bread has a way of bringing people together.

I remember baking with my grandma — she never measured a thing, just knew by feel. It wasn’t about perfection; it was about love. Which is funny because baking has to be exact, or it doesn’t come out right, but she had followed the recipe so many times that she just knew what was needed and what the dough should feel like.

When we are with the Lord on a daily basis, we get to where we know the recipe that connects us to Him, and in that, we find ourselves in good communication with Him. We just know that He is with us in all things. It becomes second nature.

Ever tried making sourdough starter? I have not… I’ve seen the effort; it’s like having a pet. You have to feed it, check on it, and if you neglect it… well, let’s just say the smell isn’t pleasant.

My daughter was learning to bake, and at first, I would drive that ship and just let her crack eggs and stir. It was messy and fun, and then after a while, I would have her follow the recipe while I watched. Now, I don’t have to help her with one thing. She can do it all on her own.

Today’s scripture is John 6:35 (NLT) — "Jesus replied, 'I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again.'"

Teaching my daughter to bake is like going to Jesus. There was a desire to learn, and once she was taught, she knew what was needed, and now she can just go and do. We desire the Lord, and we learn to go to Him in all things. Eventually, we learn that nothing else will satisfy, and we now know how to seek Him in all things in order to go and do what He calls us to.

Life is a lot like baking bread — messy, unpredictable, but oh-so rewarding when you’re patient. We have to embrace the process.

We can be impatient, and our timing can be off when it comes to the proofing process of the bread. We can under- or over-proof. We must learn to be patient and learn that timing is everything in order to get things just right.

Just like trusting in God’s timing and trusting that all will be just right when we follow His leadership, we must know that His timing is perfect.

Fresh bread is more than just food — it’s a reminder that the best things in life take time.

Let’s be real — not every loaf is a winner. I’ve had my fair share of "bread bricks," some that were doughy in the middle, some that didn’t rise much, and some that got a little too dark. But you know what? You learn, you laugh, and you try again.

We all fail, and those things happen in order for us to learn, grow, and try again. If we were able to do everything right the first time, we would have less appreciation for things in life.

Bread needs time to rise, just like us. We aren’t expected to have it all together or even be able to get things right. So, whether you’re in a season of waiting or growth, trust that God is working behind the scenes.

When we turn on our oven to bake bread, we trust that it will get up to the temp that we set, and we trust that the timer will go off when it is supposed to, according to how we set it. You set it and forget it… When we give things over to God, we can set it in His hands and know that all will be handled just as it should be.

Remember our scripture, John 6:35 (NLT) — "Jesus replied, 'I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again.'"

Jesus is the ultimate nourishment for our souls. He fills every part of our being, so we will never thirst or hunger again. Just like fresh bread fills the house with warmth, His love fills our hearts. The joy, love, and compassion of the Lord fill the gaps and bring us comfort.

Let’s take a moment to appreciate the simple joys — fresh bread, warm moments, and God’s love that sustains us. Life, like bread, is a process. Trust it, savor it, and share the goodness.