But Jesus told him, " No! The scripture say, 'People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"
Bread...Doe, these two words are synonymous with the fresh baked substance that we consume everyday and the monetary value we place on products and material things. Our society is grossly infatuated with the "celebrity" lifestyle. Many people, including myself, have sought to figure out how to increase our income or discover the next big money making idea. We also love our heavy food and sauces. Many of us can sit for days with our fast food orders and processed pastries. In this we find that there never is enough money to satisfy and we move toward being more and more unhealthy. What we fail to see is where our true wealth and pursuits should be. We cannot serve two masters. If you are not sure who you are serving, it might be best to take a look. All of us serve someone.
Currently, my church, Cornerstone of San Diego, is having a church wide 21 Day Fast accompanied by one hour of daily prayer. In this time, we are seeking God for exponential favor for our church, family, and friends. While I have fasted before, God has revealed himself to me in a different way this time around. God wants us to know the difference between spiritual wealth and human riches. Matthew 6:33 states, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and these things will be given to you as well."Jesus recognized and understood a pivotal point, no matter what the world can offer you, it does not feed or sustain you like God does. We live and breath based on his word.
We place ourselves at a disadvantage when we fail to see that true wealth is accepting and seeking the love of Jesus Christ while world riches provide a temporal satisfaction that will eventually cease to exist. You can seek to have it all and still feel empty inside. When we seek God, every need will be given to us by God. Our jobs do not provide for us, God does. When we change our thinking to the revelation that it is through Christ that all things are made new and our old lives pass away (II Corinthians 5:17), we free ourselves up to receive more through Christ than we can ever think or imagine. It is the power of his sacrifice for our sins that bleeds wealth of spirit, soul, and mind.
Keep in mind, God does not want us to be down and out either. It is His heart to take care of his children. Matthew 7:9 -10 states, “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" In the end, it is your heart that God examines (Proverbs 21:2). Make sure that your heart and motives are in the right place. Bread is not a bad thing, just be sure you are aware and careful about how it is prepared and the place you allow it to occupy in your heart.
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