"Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread" Matthew 6:11

As a New Year has encroached upon us, many are making New Year’s resolutions. Some of which are promises to themselves to live better, healthier, wiser, richer,...etc...etc.... We could all do ourselves a huge favor if we were more willing to live on God's promises and less on our own devices. We would probably all be much happier men and women. Why are we always so eager to achieve or gain more than the daily portion of what man really needs? More money, a bigger house, more friends, more charisma, a better job. The list can go on and on. Let’s be honest, we really cannot eat, drink or indulge in more than the daily supply of food, clothing or entertainment. We most certainly can only work a maximum number of hours in one day before adverse physical effects take their toll. The surplus of all these things we crave then gives us the added responsibility and anxiety of storing it, securing it from thieves, not to mention its ongoing maintenance. (Hebrews 10:23).

Are we not to be content with the daily allowance our heavenly Father gives us? This includes the body we possess as well as the material possessions. Yes, our body is a temple and we should treat it with the reverence God expects(1 Corinthians 6:19-20). I for one want to be more diligent with my exercise routine and to eat more healthy this year. Having experienced 4 miscarriages and a hysterectomy last year, I am quite motivated to work harder at a healthier lifestyle, if it will mean more energy to give to my family and ministries. I have long outgrown the desire to gain approval from others for my appearance. I am content and blessed by the body the Lord has provided me (bumps and sags included). It is just a blessing to greet each new day.

Don't get me wrong, I think it is normal to desire a healthy mind and physique and we should always be diligent to protect ourselves from the damaging temptations of the flesh the world offers. This is sound, Godly advice. We must however be content with what God provides us each day. It is all too easy to be tempted to want and accumulate much more than God's provisions. I speculate this is why plastic surgeries, fad diets and self help groups are so popular these days.

As a Christian, we must believe that all things are stored up for us through Jesus. We should be grateful for our daily allowance. This includes our material, physical and spiritual needs. We will never go hungry while the daily bread of grace is on the table of mercy. Amen and God bless everyone this year of 2008.