Daily Bread!

I love bread. A number of years ago, when we purchased a bread machine, we had fresh bread just about every day and my waistline proved it. I love bread! Though it has been a while since we have used the bread machine -- and I have drastically cut down on the amount of bread I eat -- I still would have difficulty refraining completely. I love bread!! If the smell of fresh bread is floating in the air, it has my attention. I love bread!!! I don't even have to have anything on it. Just give me the bread!!!!

Even in Jesus' model prayer, He validated the acknowledgment of the need for "daily bread." ( Matthew 6:11) It is worthy of inclusion in prayer. The physical does count for something.

Now, let me ask you: "Do you know what I love?" Yes, I love bread! But the real question is: "Is bread enough?" Of course I eat more than just bread because my body needs the nutrients other foods such as fruit, vegetables, dairy, and meat provide. Without a well-rounded diet I could be just that -- round -- but not healthy. Still, we must understand Jesus also acknowledged the need for something other than bread.

When Jesus was in the wilderness prior to the beginning of His public ministry, He had been fasting there 40 days and nights. ( Matthew 4:1) For the Scriptures to have noted that He was hungry ( Matthew 4:2) would perhaps be an understatement. "Famished" or "starving" are words that might seem more appropriate. Still, in response to the devil's first temptation we read the following response.

"(4) But he answered, "It is written, 'MAN SHALL NOT LIVE BY BREAD ALONE, BUT BY EVERY WORD THAT COMES FROM THE MOUTH OF GOD.'" " ( Matthew 4:4 ESV)

This focus was nothing new. Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 8:3. We need more than bread!

In the midst of Job's suffering, he noted his view toward God as he stated. . .
"(12) I have not departed from the commandment of his lips; I HAVE TREASURED THE WORDS OF HIS MOUTH MORE THAN MY PORTION OF FOOD." ( Job 23:12 ESV)

The New International Versions reads, "more than my daily bread." Job had a LOVE FOR GOD AND HIS WILL. The words of God were more important and more valuable to him than food for the body. Job acknowledged the need for his soul being nourished as of more worth than his physical body.
Do we share the perspective of Job and our Lord? Is there a sense in which GOD'S WORD can be noted as our "daily bread"; daily nourishing our lives so as to walk in good spiritual health? Feeding the body alone is not enough. Most of us are very well fed physically. Perhaps we even understand we have often overindulged. What marks our desire toward the spiritual nourishment we need?

More than bread, I love GOD'S WORD. It is open before me more often than the bread I love to eat. I do read it daily. It is spiritual "daily bread" that truly nourishes my soul. Though attempts have been made through the centuries to destroy the SCRIPTURES and keep them out of the hands of people, God has providentially preserved them for our benefit. May we all partake daily of this blessing He has provided.

Have a great day FEASTING WITH ETERNAL LIFE IN MIND!
Carl

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