JESUS SPEAKING
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward he was hungry. Now when the tempter came to him, he said, “If you are the Son of God, then command these stones to become bread.” But he answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God’” (Mathew 4: 1 – 4.)
INSPIRED THOUGHTS
The flesh and the spirit are the two most fundamental parts of every human being. Each requires unique attention. If the body is not fed it begins to deteriorate; similarly, the Spirit must also be nourished in order to avoid decay. After being baptized by John, the Lord was led in to the wilderness, where he fasted for forty days and forty nights. During this time, Satan attempted to persuade him to break his fast. In response, Jesus reminded the Devil of the greater importance of Spiritual sustenance. In the absence of physical food, Christ’s soul remained strong; his heart fed continually upon the word of God. Only those who regularly read the scriptures will grow to maturity, and remain in control of their fleshly desires.
Prior to my conversion, I recall interacting with a number of individuals who practiced daily bible reading. Many seemed to possess an unshakable faith; they were filled with joy and peace, and were far more loving than those around them. I started to realize that the scriptures had the power to transform lives. After I received Jesus Christ as my Lord and savior, I began to make daily bible reading a part of my life (knowing that exposure to the Word of God would bring about wonderful changes in my heart and mind.) Truly, in persisting to read, my faith has been increased, my negative habits have been removed, and my obedience has grown exponentially. I have experienced the true power of God’s word. I still read the bible daily, and the Lord continues to mold me and shape me in to the image of His Son.
The majority of individuals today are spiritually malnourished; most have thoroughly fed their bodies but have neglected their spiritual needs. Those who desire to be transformed cannot ignore God’s word; it is a fountain of truth; it is a spring of knowledge; it is a river of life; it has the ability to purify and cleanse the heart and the mind. May we all come to understand the power of the Holy Scriptures; may we read His word daily. May we be fed spiritually and grow strong; and may God’s laws bring us true peace, unending love, and everlasting joy.
“Lord Heavenly Father, please give us a hunger to read Your Word. Help us to comprehend the importance of Spiritual nourishment. May we desire Your truths, and devour Your laws. May we continuously feed off of the scriptures and grow strong; and may every word, of every page, draw us ever closer to You. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things in Jesus Christ’s name, Amen.” God bless all of you.
Jesus Speaks 