“Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” ~John 6:35
During the season of Lent, people will often give up something important or significant so that they can focus on God and His plan for their life. Mine is a little odd, I decided to practice more optimism, the strange thing is I am fairly positive most of the time; however, God has made me aware of my “complaining talk.” It is usually harmless complaining but I don’t want to be a negative influence on anyone around me or to myself. There’s so many more things to be thankful for than the few things that are unpleasant. I heard someone say this statement once, “No matter how bad you think things are for you, there’s always someone out there in the world who has it worse.” Life is tough sometimes and we have to make difficult decisions sometimes, truth is…we all are living better lives than we deserve. Meaning, we are all sinners, try as we do to do good, we still fall short of the glory of God as the Apostle Paul writes in Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Whenever we purposely deny ourselves the pleasures of chocolate, soda, desserts, wine, coffee and even complaining we are providing opportunities for us to remember Jesus’ sacrifice for us and we are provided with opportunities to draw closer to God.
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” ~Matthew 4:4 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Matthew%204:4&version=NIV
“Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’” ~Luke 4:4 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Luke%204:4&version=NIV
“He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” (Referencing the Israelites time in the wilderness)
Deuteronomy 8:3 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Deuteronomy%208:3&version=NIV
The author, Katie Z. Dawson poses this question, “what does it mean for you to give something up during Lent?” For me, I feel more intentional about my words and actions. Also I’m reminded of all the blessings I have because of God’s love, mercy and abundant grace.
Breath Prayer: God of all creation, feed my soul. Amen.
~Blessings and Peace~
HOPE SEEKER 
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