Memorise: And Jesus answered him, saying, it is written, that man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. Luke 4:4
Read: Genesis 25:29-34
29 Now Jacob cooked a stew; and Esau came in from the field, and he was weary. 30 And Esau said to Jacob, “Please feed me with that same red stew, for I am weary.” Therefore his name was called [a]Edom.
31 But Jacob said, “Sell me your birthright as of this day.”
32 And Esau said, “Look, I am about to die; so what is this birthright to me?”
33 Then Jacob said, [b]“Swear to me as of this day.” So he swore to him, and sold his birthright to Jacob.
34 And Jacob gave Esau bread and stew of lentils; then he ate and drank, arose, and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright.
Bible in one year: Job 39-42, Matthew 19:13-30
AS REVEALED BY PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE IN TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL
1. Food can be very powerful. Adam and Eve lost their life of bliss, peace, abundance, glory and honour to food.
2. It is rather unfortunate that many people today are still losing their great destiny to food.
3. It is amazing that in spite of the abundant food provided by God for Adam and Eve, they still developed an appetite for that which was forbidden. It is quite easy to look at them now and judge them, but when you look at the world today and see how food is wrecking the lives of many, you will be shocked.
4. To fast is the most difficult thing for some people because their belly has become their master, and even in some cases, their god (Philippians 3:19). When you read the account of how food destroyed Esau’s destiny and consider that the devil also tried to use food to destroy the destiny of our Lord, you will realize that addiction to food can actually devastate a person’s life.
5. In Genesis 25:29-34, poor Esau had just returned from his hunting expedition with juicy bush meat. However, instead of settling down to prepare a meal with it, he lusted after Jacob’s pottage, which was ready to eat. Unknown to him, Jacob had been eyeing his priviledge as the first born. It did not take Jacob much time to start bargaining with Esau for what he had always desired from birth. While Esau lusted for food, Jacob lusted for the birthright of the firstborn. Within a few minutes, they struck a bargain. Esau got the food he desired and Jacob went away with the priviledge of the firstborn. By the time Esau realized the value of the birthright he sold for food, it was too late (Hebrews 12:16-17).
6. It may sound unbelievable, but many ladies have sold their pride of virginity for food. Many housewives have become unfaithful to their husbands because of the generosity of a man who comes to their aid when there is no food at home. A good number of men are now polygamous because they could not control their appetite for the delicious meals of strange women.
7. Beloved, here’s the good news: although the first Adam fell for food, the second Adam triumphed over the temptation of food brought by the same tempter (Luke 4:3-4).
8. As seen from Christ’s example, the only way to avoid falling into the devil’s temptation is to heed to the word of God.
9. If you will overcome the devil in the area of food, the end can never justify the means for you. A stone that is turned into bread will never digest if you happen to eat it; it’s just a lie designed by the devil to steal from you.
10. So please, don’t eat your destiny. Rather, be guided by the word of God. A job you get by sleeping with the personnel manager will not last; it will only bring sorrow and great disappointment to your life. Be wise today.
SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS
This part of today’s devotional deserves extra attention and meditation. the part says “the only way to avoid falling into the devil’s temptation is to heed to the word of God.” Study God’s word deeply and the devil can never triumph in his wile against you in Jesus name. May God continually renew Pastor E.A Adeboye’s strength in Jesus name.
Prayer Point: Father, please help me to value faithfulness to Your word above anything like food that represents a means of survival.
Hymn
Conquerors and overcomers now are we,
Thro’ the precious blood of Christ we’ve victory
If the Lord be for us we can never fail,
Nothing ‘gainst His mighty power can eer pereval.
Chorus:
Conquerors are we, thr’o the blood of Jesus
God will give us victory, thro’ the blood of Jesus
Through the Lamb for sinners slain,
Yet who lives and reigns again,
More than conquerors are we,
More than conquerors are we.
In the name of Israel’s God we’ll onward press,
Overcoming sin and all unrighteousness;
Not to us but unto Him the praise shall be,
For salvation and for blood bought victory.
Unto Him that overcometh shall be given,
Here to eat of hidden manna sent from Heaven,
Over yonder He the victors palm shall bear,
And a robe of white, and golden crown shall wear.
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Joesphine Ehigie
TJ