"Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.’" — John 6:35
There’s something so soothing about the process of making your own bread—watching how even a small amount of yeast, water, and flour can transform into something delightful and nourishing. It’s a reminder that God is always working, even in the smallest, quietest ways.
Whenever I’ve had a particularly hectic week, I find myself drawn to the kitchen on Saturday mornings to bake. Not just to feed my family, but to feed my soul. I turn up the worship music, roll up my sleeves, and let the process become an offering—an act of worship, a time to sit with Jesus in the middle of my flour-dusted counters.
As I mix together the ingredients, I whisper prayers—lifting up my worries, my to-do lists, my doubts. Kneading the dough, I imagine pressing out the anxieties of the week and surrendering them to God. And while I wait for the dough to rise, I use that time to let my soul rise too—releasing my burdens to Him, letting Him remind me that His yoke is easy and His burden is light (Matthew 11:28-30).
I hear it all the time: I don’t have enough time to spend with Jesus. And I get it. As a mom with young kids constantly at my feet, finding long, quiet moments alone with the Lord feels impossible. But Jesus isn’t waiting for me to have a perfectly uninterrupted devotional time. He’s right here, in the midst of the mess, inviting me to multitask with Him.
"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." — 1 Corinthians 10:31
This Saturday, as I shape the bagels, I’m reminded that God is shaping me too. Just like the dough, I am being stretched, strengthened, and prepared for something good. And in the waiting—whether it’s for the dough to rise or for an answer to prayer—I can trust that He is working.
So if you’re feeling stretched thin, if your schedule is packed and your soul feels weary, I encourage you: find Jesus in the in-between moments. Whether it’s kneading dough, folding laundry, rocking a baby to sleep, or stirring a pot of soup—He’s there, waiting to meet you.
And when you take that first bite of a freshly baked bagel, savor the reminder that He is the Bread of Life—the One who truly satisfies.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for meeting me in the everyday moments. Help me to recognize Your presence, even in the midst of a busy life. Remind me that You are the true bread that satisfies my soul. May I offer my work, my worries, and my time as an act of worship to You. Amen.
These homemade bagels are delightfully chewy, golden brown, and packed with flavor. Made with simple ingredients—flour, water, yeast, and a touch of love—they are the perfect weekend baking project. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or toasted with your favorite spread, this recipe brings warmth to your kitchen and a moment of peace to your soul.
Variations:
For cinnamon raisin bagels add 1/2 cup raisins and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon during step 3
For cheese bagels and everything spice bagels, put grated cheese or spice mix on top of the bagels after the egg wash in step 14