Jesus said man does not live by bread alone. We diligently feed our body but neglect our spirit. Are you feeding your spirit? When we study God’s Word, we feed our spirit. When we meditate, finding comfort in silence, we feed our spirit. When we pray and talk to God, we feed our spirit. Scripture says a man reaps what he sows, so reap a harvest that feeds your spirit and adds to your faith. Do not deceive yourself and unintentionally mock God. A man reaps what he sows (Gal. 6:7). For this reason, sow a seed that saturates the body with kindness, gentleness, self-control, and moral excellence.
The more we feed our bodies the right food, the stronger the body gets. Likewise, the weaker the spirit gets when we feed our minds with junk food, such as gossip, slander, harsh words, and bitterness. God purposely humbled our ancestors and allowed them to hunger “that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone” (Deut. 8:3, NKJV). Our spirit gets stronger when we feed on the Word of God and weaker when we feed on worldly philosophy and false doctrine.
A well-fed spirit embeds itself into our physical being and brings our body into subjection. When the physical body is under control, we can overcome things threatening our minds and spirits. The food we need comes from God, and on the advice of our High Priest, we instruct you to consecrate yourselves and “Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil” (Eph. 6:11). Too much is happening in our homes, churches, and communities to neglect feeding our spirit.
The prophets were given a proclamation. “God revealed to these prophets that their work was not for their benefit, but yours, as they spoke about those things which you have now heard from the messengers who announced the Good News by the power of the Holy Spirit” (1 Pet. 1:12, GNT). Whatever was written in the Scriptures long ago was for our instruction (Rom. 15:4). Spending time with God and studying His Word is the food we need to nourish and maintain our spirit. Time allows our spirit to enjoy the appetizer, the main course, and the dessert. If we neglect our fellowship with God and His Word, we starve our souls and risk an unholy influence by demonic spirits.
Give heed to Daniel’s vision. It is written: "The vision of the evenings and mornings that has been given you is true, but seal up the vision, for it concerns the distant future" (Dan. 8:26, NIV). How long will we walk in the shadow of darkness, ignoring God’s Word? God spoke through the Preacher, saying thus: “Repent at my rebuke! Then I will pour out my thoughts to you; I will make known to you my teachings” (Prov. 1:23). Eat well and find strength in God’s Word.
Minister Nettie Pennington, Associate Minister, Springfield MB Church
