Food for the Body, Water for the Spirit

We’re always hungry…by our very nature. When we feed our physical bodies, we want nourishment to restore our persons, hair, strong bones and teeth, joints, healthy minds, good circulations, lean muscle mass. But when we fill our bodies with non-healthy foods, our physical bodies react against us: blood pressure, heart disease, stress, weight gain, mood change. God wants us to be healthy, in body, mind AND spirit. He provides the fuel that pumps energy into us. When we fill our bodies with toxins…junk food, vices (alcohol, cigarettes, etc.) and there’s the matter of overindulgence. Deuteronomy 8: 3- “Man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.

As with the body, we do the same with our spirit. When we consume the ills of the flesh: selfishness, hatred, envy, coveting, idolatry (any desires that comes “before” God) – or being complacent is life, etc., we are not right with God. Galatians 5:13-25 simply says for us not to devour ourselves with earthly indulgence that is contrary to the Spirit. Anything that comes before, instead of, or separate from God is not of this world, but when you eat the fruit of the spirit…these are attributes of God: love, joy, peace gives you the overflowing satisfaction.

When we feed our souls with the Words of God, it is the Sweet Fruit of the Spirit. We can never be hungry or thirst or want or need. This nourishment is provided for you…by our Heavenly Father! How do we get the fruit of the spirit? By reading the words of God…The Bible. When we’re moved by the power of the Holy Spirit, we are touched through stories, songs, wisdom, praise, thanksgiving, instructions, His prophecy – and GOOD NEWS. People like you and I, although we come short of God’s expectations, He never gives up on us…over and over again. Through the Bible, we learn to communicate with God by the Power of the Holy Spirit, He channels us, leads us, assures us, and loves us. The words are there for all of us, no matter what our situation is, what we need, what we’re searching for: comfort, joy, peace, instruction, guidance, protection: "The strength derived from God’s word is empowering. It endures without wasting away. It nourishes the soul to everlasting life. Psalm 34:8-9 (NIV) 8 Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.9 Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing.

As Christians – we need to be fed daily on God's Word, the Bible. Take a step beginning your day with reading the bible – prepare yourself, thesaurus, bible dictionary, even a prayer partner… and always pray. Read a scripture or two, in the Old Testament; the New Testament; ask the Lord to open your heart, mind and soul; open your “spiritual” eyes of understanding, your “spiritual” ears to hear the Holy Spirit talking to you.
I know many of you have your favorites of the 66 bible books, but for me at this precious moment, the Gospel of John. It is so overwhelming with the Love of the Lord; it just takes me away…as I read, the chapters just gets better and better. Jesus is talking to me; his prayers for me. I have found myself holding back tears reading His words of assurance and his expression of love. This book is filled with the wondrous joy and love that God provides through his son. Our Father feeds us substance – good stuff…the fruit of the spirit…love, assurance, family, security, warmth, comfort, protection…A reflection of God’s Grace - an abundance that constantly overflows.

God intends for us to treat his word with respect and to seek it every day as our spiritual foods. So why do we neglect our spiritual food? We sometimes make excuses when it comes to reading the Bible; too busy, too tired, etc. or it’s only meant for church leaders to read and direct us. We need to understand the Word of God is meant for us all. God’s word is the most amazing soul food and can satisfy us beyond measure. Think of all the wonderful things found in the Bible: promises, comfort, direction and instruction, salvation, love, joy and wisdom.

Everything that this world has to offer is perishable. When the earth and its produce are burnt up, The Bread of Christ, His grace and salvation will be found remaining unto eternal life. This is the portion after which an immortal spirit should seek-”Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval”- John 6:27.

Most importantly is Life Water – God’s constant presence in our Lives. Our physical bodies require water as well to survive; our spiritual bodies too, in the same way, we must drink from the living waters to quench our thirst. The living water is one that only Jesus can provide. Without water there is no food and no life. Our need for God's presence in our lives is described here as a "thirst." God's Word gives us spiritual life, and without it, we will wither and die, spiritually.

Scripture:

John 4:13-14 (KJV) “ Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

The Bible is God’s word and food for the soul – it is full of flavor, aroma and taste and we literally need it to survive spiritually just like our physical bodies need food on a regular basis to survive. The Water of Life – the endless refreshed, cool waters runneth over endlessly when we live in Christ Jesus. It’s even better than Grandma’s fried chicken, Nina’s enchiladas, Uncle Oscar’s chili and Dad’s barbecue….and yes – even the Big Mac and an iced cold lemonade on a summer’s day…“When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name”- Jeremiah 15:16.

Pass the Blessings Please!!!