Bread

But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ” (Matthew 4:4 NLT)

I love fast food. McDonald's, Arby's, Wendy's, Taco Bell, you name it, I love it. I know all you healthy eaters are cringing. Fast food is my second love compared to a good old fashioned sandwich made on fresh bread. Give me peanut butter and jelly sandwich or a bologna, potato chip, and mayo sandwich on fresh bread and I am a happy man. I don't think these sandwiches are in more healthy than the fast food but I love them even more. I don't think I could make a diet on bread. As a matter of fact I found out that a "bread and water" diet is very unhealthy. Eating just bread can cause all sorts of health issues including hormone issues, infections, and immunity problems.

As a modern Christian we emphasize "going to church" or even serving Jesus. These are important and I don't want to minimize them. But, we can not just live on these acts. We also need to be deeply into the word of God. It is easier to do than you think. We now have the bible available wherever we go without having to carry around a book. Our smart phones make it available 24/7. You really have no excuse not to study the word of God every day. It takes only a few minutes. But' it does take some dedication and commitment. We need to draw closer to God. We can't do that without digging deep into his word. 

Thank you Lord for your word. I need to live my lie with your words in the center of everything we do. Keep my heart open to all the things you say to us through scripture. Thank you for your love and patience as we draw closer to you.

I'm one day closer

Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. (Psalm 119:97 NIV)

You might get tired of me saying it, but I am getting closer and closer to retirement. Every time I get my quarterly statement on my retirement, I dream of that day. I really do love what I'm doing and I'm not going to sit around and stare out the windows. One of the things I long to do in retirement is spend more time in the word of God. Right now I have time in the morning before school and in the evening after getting my school work done. I enjoy those times and long for them to be extended.

I think those are the same thoughts of the psalmist. As you grow older and see the results of spending time with God, you come to realize those intimate moments with the creator are the best times of your life. Your life starts to slow down. You are not bothered by setbacks and trials. You start appreciating the little things and the special times with friends and family.  You start getting your priorities in the correct places. You long for the word of God. Yep, I just can't wait until I get that extra time.

Thank you Lord for the wonderful life you have given me. The experiences have all directed me to a life closer to you. I praise you for the growth you have directed in me spiritually. Your power and your grace are overwhleming and the evidence of your love is everywhere in my life. Thank you lord. I love you! Amen!

The Plan

Get and read God ’s book: None of this is going away, this breeding, brooding evil. God has personally commanded it all. His Spirit set it in motion. God has assigned them their place, decreed their fate in detail. This is permanent— generation after generation, the same old thing. (Isaiah 34:16, 17 MSG)

I have REALLY been reading and studying the Bible for the last 13 years of my life. Even before that, all the way back to my childhood, I have been taught it's content. There is nothing like this book. If you want to know God, know his plan, know yourself, and learn about life, read the Bible. The philosophers of our time want answers to life's deepest questions. They need to look no further than the Bible.

Every day I learn something more during my study time. The word of God is a tool for life. It is to be deeply imbedded in our daily life. The Holy Spirit speaks through every chapter and verse. I thank you Lord for providing me with such a wonderful guide to having a blessed life.