A Farm to Table Diet

This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.” John 6:50(ESV)

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Hebrews 4:12 (NLT)

If you have dined out in the last few years…or ten, you’ve probably noticed that certain restaurants feature their “farm to table” menu, indicating you’re about to get something fresh off the farm. This means your food has likely not had many stops, preservatives, or changes between what was once a cute little chicken, cow, or vegetable and your plate. While I’m no expert on farm life or gardening, I can imagine that things this fresh are how food has always been intended to be eaten and there are a lot of nutritional benefits.

Many of us may prefer to fill our earthly bodies with these fresh nutrients. (Personally, I do love with food laden with hydrogenated oils and high fructose corn syrup). But have we ever desired this “fresh food” for our spirit? The Bible through many verses and illustrations show us that God’s word is like bread for our spiritual bodies; it’s our daily sustenance. Jesus is the embodiment of His word.

Yet, sometimes I find myself reaching for the shelved and canned version rather than the farm to table version of God’s word and revelation. Meaning, it is sometimes easier to revert back to a past word from God, to a past revelation, to just bide my time with a nice little story or pretty illustrated story than seeking something directly from Him.

Manna was what God provided His children in the wilderness; each morning they would awake to gather new and fresh provision. That’s still a powerful illustration for us today. God’s word is alive and active – so why not go directly to the source each day? As we spend time in His word, we can ask for God’s fresh revelation of those words to stir up within us. Past revelations and other sources of God’s word are vital too, but this is a season where God has impressed upon his children to “go straight to the source” each day.

This current season has challenged many of us in ways we have not yet experienced for some time now. No one has been immune to the weightiness, the burdens, and trials that are being noticed in a profound way in this past year. This is a time where nothing but a fresh word from God will sustain me each day. Yesterday’s word was needed for yesterday, but I am hungry for God’s manna today. Each day holds new promises, revelation, and hope from Him. He is eager for us to desire and consume today’s farm to table word from Him.

Reflection Questions:

What our some ways we can “feed” ourselves from God’s word each day? Are there reading plans, a certain book of the Bible, or other guided devotionals that you are looking for?

Lord, as I read your Word, what revelation for me do you have today?

Prayer:

Father God, we thank you for your Word.

We thank you that your precious Son is the fulfillment of those Words.

As we were taught to pray, Give us our Daily Bread.

Lord, we long for a fresh portion for today.

Change our hearts, minds, and body through your word.

We long to hear your voice and your revelation in this Season.

Sustain us with your Word.

Prosper us with your Word.

Release keys to the kingdom with your Word.

Give us a future and hope with your Word.

We thank you for the life-changing power that comes.

We delight in the fresh breath that comes from consuming your word.

Amen.