To the Ends of the Earth: Character – Week 1, Day 3 - A Cultivator Submits in Humility to God's Call on His Life
To the Ends of the Earth: Character – Week 2, Day 2 - God's Word Nourishes Us
Photo by Nathaniel Shuman on Unsplash
But [Jesus] answered, “It is written,
‘Man shall not live by bread alone,
but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’”
Matthew 4:4
Just as we need physical food to nourish and sustain our bodies, we also need a steady diet of God’s word to nourish and sustain our spiritual life. Most of us would consider it dangerous and absurd to eat only once a week. Yet when it comes to our spiritual life, that is exactly what many of us do. Attending Mass at least once a week is essential to cultivate our life of faith. But if we want to thrive and grow as men of character, we need to commit to nourishing our faith every day — not just on Sunday — beginning with God’s word.
God’s word is truly good food. It is a sweet experience of renewing joy, a delight that can bring peace and happiness to our troubled inner world. Consider the following passages:
Your words were found, and I ate them, / and your words became to me a joy / and the delight of my heart. (Jer 15:16)
And he said to me, “Son of man, eat this scroll that I give you and fill your stomach with it.” Then I ate it; and it was in my mouth as sweet as honey. (Ezek 3:3)
Today, take time to enjoy the sweet satisfaction of God’s holy and eternal word. As you read your Bible, allow it to fill you and give you the nourishment your soul needs.
Questions for Reflection
What are some of your favorite Bible passages, stories, or psalms? Why are these your favorites? How do they nourish you?
What is one verse you can share with someone who is weary in spirit today?
What reasonable and regular Bible reading can you commit to over the next month?
Praying with Scripture
How sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth! (Ps 119:103)
You can learn more about the To the Ends of the Earth Series HERE
You can watch and listen to this devotion HERE
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About the Author
Mark C. McCann is an author and Ministry Consultant with more than 30 years of writing and ministry experience. He has published articles for a number of Catholic magazines and websites including St. Anthony Messenger, Emmanuel Magazine, Liguorian Magazine, Catholic Stand, the Connecticut Catholic Men's Conference, and Homiletic and Pastoral Review. He recently published the 4-volume Catholic men's devotional, To the Ends of the Earth, as well as the 2021 Advent Daybreaks devotional and 2022 Lenten Daybreaks devotional with Liguori Publishing. He has also released his End Times novel series, Jacob's Dream: The Vision and Jacob's Dream: The Final Battle. He was a radio host and producer for 8 years at a Connecticut Christian radio station and has worked as a Catholic religion teacher/campus minister and a parish youth minister. He has also served the Norwich, CT Diocese as a Youth Ministry Director and Family Life Director. He currently lives in Connecticut with his Proverbs 31 wife, where together they have brought up three incredible children. He strives each day to live out his call to be a man of words. You can learn more about Mark and his writing at www.wordsnvisions.com.
