This Is Good

by Cynthia E. Crawford
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


It is Independence Day in the United States. On the Fourth of July, we celebrate our freedom as a nation. There will be many backyard barbecues to commemorate the holiday, including the one my family will gather together for this afternoon. 

I am looking forward to relaxing, enjoying the weather and fellowshipping with my family. It’s been a while since we have had the opportunity to come together. I anticipate a great time with good food; I can almost taste it just thinking about it! 


Do you have an experience when you taste something good? 

I do. It usually consists of a pause, closing my eyes for a moment and a release of a “mmm” before the obligatory announcement of “this is good!” I laugh because my antics almost make my words unnecessary. My approval should be obvious to the casual observer. 

Though I may splurge and enjoy today, I can’t eat like this every day. The foods that will be served aren’t necessary the most nutritious options. They are consumed in honor of tradition; it’s what’s expected. But I can also expect if I treat every day like this holiday, I will gain weight! 

Unfortunately, some are carrying the weight of the world - the secular burdens of society that leaves them in bondage - because they treat every day as a personal independence day. They think going at life their way will provide all they desire. As they fantasize about what they will get from their approach, they can almost taste what the world has to offer and traditionally celebrates. However, this method produces short-lived results that leaves one feeling heavy.

The Good News is there is a way to live abundantly (John 10:10) and have everlasting freedom - through Jesus Christ!

Jesus proclaimed "...I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty" (John 6:35 NLT). By choosing to accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior and staying connected to Him, we feed on the Bread of Life, which is the Word of God. Jesus is the Word! By remaining faithful to His teachings, we know the truth and the truth sets us free (John 8:32)!

This is important because we need the right source of energy to do all that God wants to do in and through us. Being consumed with the world will weigh and slow us down with disbelief and disobedience. The Bread of Life nourishes us to exercise our faith and execute God's divine assignments for us. Jesus focuses us on what is eternal and not temporary so we may live righteously (Matthew 6:33). "...It is through faith that a righteous person has life." (Romans 1:17 NLT). 

Knowing Jesus provides what we need to press toward our heavenly prize (Philippians 3:13-14). He is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6). Apart from Him, we can do nothing (John 15:4)!

"Taste and see that the Lord is good..." (Psalm 34:8 NLT). Pause, close your eyes and think of all that God has done in and through you because of your faith in Jesus. May this feed you to live in your purpose of pointing others to Jesus and glorifying God! Experience His goodness and let it be shown through your actions. But, even then, do not take the chance that it is obvious to others. Share your testimony! Faith comes by hearing (Romans 10:17). Mmm...that is good! Remember, good is defined as serving as designed - not executing a list of do's and don'ts! 

The Bread of Life sustains us, now and forever. So we can celebrate life and freedom, today and always! Spread the Word.

 

Authentic Existence® Affirmation:
I will share my testimony of freedom through Christ to inspire others to taste and see that the Lord Jesus - the Bread of Life - is good!

 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the Bread of Life, providing the nourishment we need to do all that You want to do in and through us. May You continue to fill us so we may keep our priorities focused on that which is eternal and not temporary.

In Jesus' Name we pray, Amen.

 

Please feel free to share your testimony in the comments below.

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1 comment

  • Beautifully written…Yes, indeed, He is our source…he fuels our spirit…He fills us up !! Thank you God for dispatching your Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ to save us. Thanks for sharing your insight and inspiring words.

    Clotielde

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