Beyond Natural Bread

Erica — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:13:06 +0000

Scripture: Matthew 4:4
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Observation:
Jesus, hungry form fasting for 40 days and 40 nights, is confronted by the devil in the wildnerness. Satan wants him to tell stones to become bread so Jesus can break his fast and satisfy his hunger with natural bread. Jesus rejects this request with his words above.
Application:
I read this verse and immediately I felt I needed to confess, “God, I’m sorry for every day I think I can live on natural bread alone instead of you and your Word. I needed to confess each day after day that I try to “get by” doing all the natural things that fill my day and “feed me” — like actual meals, but also my work, relationships, etc. None of these are bad, but I cannot live on the ways these temporarily satisfy me — ultimately, they never fully satisfy, but rather point to my need for a much richer, deeper daily bread: God and His Word — the Jesus who satisfies far beyond what any meal, work related victory or relational encouragement can provide. I need HIM.
Prayer:
Thank you Jesus that you satisfy more than any natural bread can provide and that you resisted the temptation of the evil one! Give us this day, our daily bread — your Word, your LIFE, the deep satisfaction that comes from knowing you. You are my Shepherd, and in you I lack for no good thing. Amen.

God Doesn’t Play Favorites

Erica — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 19:17:30 +0000

Scripture: (Acts 10:34-35, TNIV): 34 Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts those from every nation who fear him and do what is right.”

Observation: Peter realizes that the hope of Christ — the message of the cross — is for ALL, regardless of past. Gentiles are FULLY welcome. It’s about the state of the heart (fear Him and do what is right), not about where you come from. ALL are welcome, regardless of past (or if you’re a circumcised Jew). God doesn’t show favoritism. His Holy Spirit comes on all who hear and believe — this is a gift, sealing us – not because of who we are or what we have done but because of Who He is and what He has done for us.

Application:
Just as Peter realized that the message of Jesus was/is for everyone, when it comes to the gospel (sharing it with others and living it before people), I don’t want to say “no” for anyone. I don’t want to assume anyone is too far from God or has something going on in their life (or past) that makes me think the Gospel is not for them. I don’t want to say no for anyone. I also don’t want to say no for myself, if that makes any sense. Sometimes, I think I need to do something, perform in some way, go through some (legalistic) hoop jump to be favored and chosen by God — to be alright before Him. It’s not about by past or my performance. It’s about a present, living God who looks right at my heart.

Prayer:
Please Jesus help me know that I am no better or worse than anyone else. Please help me never say “no” for anyone, and to continually say “YES” for myself — Yes to the gospel, yes to its tranformational relality in my life, YES to you…everyday.

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Beyond Natural Bread

God Doesn’t Play Favorites