“Jesus answered, “It is written: “Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4 I did not see it coming. It is not something that really is all that significant and I don’t stress over it, but it just kind of happened sometime over the last year. I think. I am not one to pay much attention to my weight as I have not really gained much since my high school days. I do attempt to maintain my health by moderate exercise. I know that I am fortunate to be able to claim that my weight has been somewhat stable since high school and that is why I don’t want to make a big deal about this but for the first time in my life, I noticed that increased eating has affected my weight! You might be thinking …. welcome to reality buddy! My wife is a wonderful cook and loves to make things and try out new recipes. So as a supportive husband, I encourage her in this pursuit and never want to be rude so I graciously offer to eat her productions. I know, tough job! I look forward to her meals and snacks and although I now find myself included with those in the population who experience a direct correlation between the amount of food consumed and the effect on body weight, I have a hard time not eating beyond what is “necessary”. In this new experience for me, the observable results from overeating are very real, but not really very welcome! Imagine anticipating some quiet reading time from God’s Word just as we salivate as a fresh batch of brownies nears completion in the oven. Have you ever had that experience? Have you ever yearned for and hungered for the opportunity to commune with God as you read his message of love to us? I remember a delivery man that used to visit our home and when asked one day what he had planned after work, he stated that he was looking forward to sitting in his chair and losing himself in God’s Word. He was anticipating this special time to fellowship with God and to learn and think about what God shares through his holy scriptures. Incredible! He was hungry to finish his work responsibilities so that he could get into God’s message to us. Ever been there? I invite you to experience this in your life. It may be like a new food that you have always been reluctant to try but after experiencing for the first time, you ask yourself “what have I been missing?” God’s Word is by far the greatest missed treasure in this world. The Creator of the universe has penned not only his directives and his plan for his creation, but he also has revealed his nature. The nature of God is love; a deep, never ending love for us. God invites you today to take time to “be still, and know that I am God.” Also, like my wife invites me to sample one of her masterpiece meals or snacks, God invites us to taste and see his goodness as we enter into his fellowship by opening the Bible. The fulfillment that is available from God through his word goes beyond the hunger quenching taste of a brownie and reaches deeper into our soul with a flow of spiritual water that springs up to eternal life. And guess what, the results from overeating on God’s word are truly life changing! Change your eating habits and carve out some time for God’s word today. For His glory, Pastor Mark
4 Comments
Mark
1/5/2016 03:50:18 pm
Many Bible reading plans can be found online. Here is one site with many options for you to find structure (http://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-reading-plan/)
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Alan High
1/5/2016 06:18:16 pm
Thanks for the blog. I know since I hurt myself I physically could not get to my bible study. I cannot tell you how much I have missed fellowship and studying the bible with other Christians. It is amazing how much better I feel about myself when I focus on God's word.
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Mark
1/5/2016 08:45:04 pm
God's word has that power. In the context of Matthew 4, it held power for Jesus to victoriously battle the enemy. Check out Jesus use of scripture after fasting for 40 days with no human interaction.
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ben
1/6/2016 04:44:04 am
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for God's righteousness! They shall be satisfied. God wants to commune with us and that's amazing news. Jesus are with sinners and we look forward to the marriage supper of the Lamb in heaven, where we are clothed in white. No scales in heaven for us. Hallelujah!
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AuthorPastor Mark serves as lead Pastor at Coventry COB. He enjoys reading, running, eating, and spending time with family and friends. Archives
April 2016
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