Deuteronomy 8:1-4 KJV, “(1) All the commandments which I command thee this day shall ye observe to do , that ye may live , and multiply , and go in and possess the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers. (2) And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no. (3) And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger , and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know ; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live . (4) Thy raiment waxed not old upon thee, neither did thy foot swell , these forty years.”
The Children of Israel had to face a lot when they wandered in the wilderness for forty years. But, after reading the above scriptures, you will notice that even though they faced hardships, God provided their EVERY need. And, the scriptures says that He led them in the wilderness. Plus, He allowed them to go through all that to humble them, to know what was in their hearts, to prove or test them and help them be stronger, spiritually. Some didn’t pass the test. But, those that did saw the provision of the Lord all the way through to the promised land. Think about it though, for forty years their clothes and shoes didn’t wear out nor did their feet even swell from all the walking. God knows how to take care of His people!
But, the verse that I want to focus on is the last part of verse 3, “that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.” This scripture is also quoted again in Matthew 4:4 when satan was tempting Jesus, “But he answered and said , It is written , Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”
When it comes to physical eating, we need that food every day to sustain us and keep us healthy. It is important to eat from all the food groups and get the proper portions each day. Eating right gives your body the strength and energy it needs from day to day. And, we usually make sure that we eat every day (unless of course you are fasting). But, both Deuteronomy 8:3 and Matthew 4:4 says that we don’t live by bread (food) alone…but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 KJV says, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” The MSG translation says, “Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another - showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God's way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.” The Word of God is “every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God” that these scriptures are talking about. The Word of God is our spiritual food that helps sustain us, spiritually. It helps us to grow in God and be spiritually healthy. It gives strength to our hearts and minds. It gives us the spiritually energy we need to fight the spiritual battles we face from day to day. It is also there to correct our mistakes, expose our rebellion, train us to live righteously, show us truths to live by…it helps keep us together an shape us into something useful for God. We NEED that spiritual food every day just as we need food physically every day.
So must question that I am posing for you today is…Did you “eat” enough today? No, I am not talking about food for your physical body. But, did you eat enough “spiritual food” today? Taking time out every day to read and study the Word of God is very important. Just as you don’t neglect your physical need for food…don’t neglect your spiritual need for the Word of God. ♥
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