Living on the Word

Jesus answered by quoting Deuteronomy: "It takes more than bread to stay alive. It takes a steady stream of words from God's mouth" Matthew 4:4 MSG

We all can agree that nutrition is important. If we desire to live a healthy life we have to be mindful of what we put into our bodies. Healthy eating is the first step to healthy living. We become more conscious of our habits and we try to implement new strategies to keep us accountable to the life we always envisioned for ourselves. Everyone wants to be able to live a long healthy fulfilled life.

However, today's scripture points us to a very important truth. Taking care of our bodies is one thing but we often forget to take care of our souls and nurture our spirits. Our spirit must be strengthened and given the necessary nutrients to be vibrant and full of life. The word of God is the nutrient for our complete being; it gives us direction, instruction and guidance on how to take care of our bodies, soul and spirit.

When Jesus was approached by the devil in the wilderness after he had fasted for 40 days and 40 nights he was hungry. The enemy thought that it was the perfect time to bring temptation to Jesus because he would be in a vulnerable state. Little did he know that Jesus was ready to stand against any temptation that would be presented to him. Jesus' focus was not on addressing his natural man with food but the point of the fast was to yield to God's will and feast on his word.

Our Savior was able to boldly decline the enemy's offer of turning stones into bread. Jesus made it clear that he relies on the steady stream of God's word. In other words, even though I might be in a vulnerable position, I am not relying on my own strength to overcome whatever state I find myself but I am relying on the word of God.

It is the word of God that sustains our lives. Jesus is the word that was made flesh and dwelt among men. It is because of Jesus that we can lay hold of the truth of his word and not fall into temptation. He is the bread of life that provides everything we can ever need. When we allow the word to get on the inside of us, it begins to fill the void of whatever we are lacking.

So, while we are thinking of how to maintain our physical bodies, it is time to give some tender loving care to our soul and spirit. We need the word of God to minister to us every day. It's necessary to treat the word of God like the very thing we can't live without.

So pray with me: Lord, I want to be filled with your word. May the desire of your word be planted deep within my heart. Father, help me to seek you when I feel vulnerable so I do not fall into the enemy's plan. I asked that you will equip me through the word and your precious Holy Spirit. I want more than anything to live by your words, for they are life to this that finds it. I receive your word in my heart anew in Jesus name. Amen.

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It takes Courage!

“But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded.” 2 Chronicles 15:7

Do you know that everything you need is already placed on the inside of you? It is with the help of the Holy Spirit you are able to tap into what you so richly possess. God uniquely designed us with all of the necessary resources and tools we could ever need.

However, we get discouraged along the way. Discouragement comes in many forms and it all serves to do one thing. It comes to bury our gifts, hopes and dreams. When things go according to plan, discouragement is quick to tell you the opposite of the word of God. If you begin to believe it, discouragement will set in and the works of your hands become weaken. But, God wants us to take up courage in those moments. Courage, is needed to overcome the attacks of discouragement. Why? Because, there is a great reward when we step out on faith regardless of how we may feel.

Courage is the ability to do something even though it frightens you. It's the moment that you stand in the face of your "mountain" and still pursue what God has instructed. It's with courage that we can declare that we can do all things through Christ that strengthen us.

Even though we are faced with so many discouraging attacks, God has given us boldness and courage to weather every storm. He wants us to take hold of courage and and pursue every word that proceeds out of his mouth. That means, turning a deaf ear to the voice of discouragment, doubt and fear. When we get past what frightens us, we will be able to see God's hand paving the way for us to move forward.

There is a treasure on the inside of you that God wants to come forth. It's time to step into the light and let what was once hidden be seen. Don't let the shadows of fear keep you from coming forward. Remember, It takes the courage God has given us to uncover what's really on the inside of us.

Declare: I will take courage, my hands will be strengthen and I shall see the reward of the Lord.

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Be sober in spirit

"Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ" 1 Peter 1:13

We were never created to be idle. Each of us is uniquely and fearfully made by God for a purpose. We will never get to our purpose in life if we don't step out in faith. Our faith requires action and we can not be just hearers of the word but it's imperative that we begin to be a doer as well. No matter how daunting or uncomfortable our minds must be made up and ready for action. A ready mind is able to tackle any obstacle and overcome every hurdle. When your mind is made up, there is nothing you can not accomplished with God's help.

Today's scripture also encourages us to "keep sober in spirit. Sober can be defined in this verse as: one being alert, aware and on guard. When a person is sober in spirit they are not being influenced by anything that will impair their faith, hope or love in Christ Jesus. We have to be on the look out for the things that come to distort, distract and detach us from the Truth of God's word. When you are sober you are able to catch those thoughts that come to infiltrate your belief system and plant seeds of doubt.

If our mind is focused on fulfilling God's plan, we become fixed and unshakable regardless of what we will face in the process. When you are able to align your mind with the word of God you will experience a deeper revelation and understanding of God's grace and knowledge of his dear Son.

It's time to take hold of the plan of God for your life and put it into action. Stay alert and remain fixed in the hope of the one who loves you beyond comprehension. As you get a hold of how deep God love goes for you, there will be nothing that can hinder your quest to achieve all that he has sent before you.

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