”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.” Matthew 4:4.
The bible tells us that God breathed into man and he became a living being Genesis 2:7. It also tells us that all scripture is God-breathed 2 Timothy 3:16. This means that when you read the bible or listen to God’s word preached, you are imbibing the very breath of God which gives you life.
That is why there may have been times you walked into church feeling tired at first, but left at the end of the service feeling refreshed and energized. God’s word had breathed life into your body! I have also seen many of our church members becoming healthier, stronger and even younger-looking because they spend time in God’s word. It is no wonder that Proverbs 4:22 tells us that God’s words are “life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh.” So if you are under the weather or if symptoms are attacking your body, double up on God’s medicine. Simply feed more on God’s word, and you will find life and health flowing through your body again.
Jesus said that man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. If it is important to eat our meals every day, how much more feeding on God’s word? Jesus wants us to know that we need God’s word even more than our daily meals. He made us, so he knows best what our bodies need daily.
So whatever you do, remember to get your daily feeding of God’s word. Read your bible in the comfort of your home or in the office during your lunch break. Play sermon CDs while driving to work or doing household chores. If you prefer something more visual, watch DVDs on the preaching of his word. Choose whichever form you prefer and get his word into your life.
There are many other ways to feed on God’s word, they include but not limited to the following:
*store the word of God in our heart: in general, the command to feed on the word is a call to fill the heart and mind with truth which is God’s word. As Paul will say to the Colossians, we are to have hearts richly filled with the word of God. And so the general instruction for scripture is to store the word of God in our heart. As Psalm 119:11 says, “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you”. Whatever it takes, however you do it, whenever you can make time, nothing rewards the christian like storing the word of God in our heart.
*meditate on the word of God: it is the idea of filling the mind with the words of truth. Psalm 119:15 -16 “I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways” v16 I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word”.
*talk about the word of God: we should look for ways to speak, write, or proclaim the word of God in every and all situations. As Psalm 119:43 & 46 recount the way lovers of God talk about the word. 43”and take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, for my hope is in your rules. 46 I will also speak of your testimonies before kings and shall not be put to shame”
- Attend meetings where God’s word is faithfully taught:great reward is given to those who seek the lord.
- Obey the word of God:the bible is not theoretical in its wisdom, and accordingly many truths are not learned without obedience. In fact, some truths are only learned in the midst of hard-fought, faith-motivated obedience. As Psalm 119:59 – 60, 67 remind us, 59 “when I think on my ways, I turn my feet to your testimonies; 60. I hasten and do not delay to keep your commandments. V67 before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word”.
beloved, if you want to grow in your walk with the lord and especially if you want to have the vision to see the lies of satan and strength to say no to sin, you must feed on God’s word. And no place in scripture disciples us better in this joyful pursuit than psalm 119. So take time to read the word and start with psalm 119 as a guide to seeing how to feed on the word.
You cannot live when you stop breathing. In the same way, you cannot live without the word because it is the very breath of God which gives you life and health!
Your brother, friend, pastor & archdeacon
‘SeyI Pirisola.