More than Bread

Weekends have become our sweet little experiments in the kitchen. Next to tending my plants, baking is one of those hobbies that brings me joy. The smell of warm dough, the sticky chocolate melting in our fingers, and the happy anticipation while waiting for the oven to ding, it's an experience I share with my 12-year-old son, David.

Homemade Bagels!

You see, David recently became a small business owner in our little Cambodian community or "Borey" as we call it. He’s been baking and selling chocolate crinkles and brownies to our neighbors. I couldn’t be prouder. What began as weekend fun turned into bonding moments, life lessons, and faith-filled reflections over flour-covered counters. Read a previous blog on David's Jumbo Chocolate Crinkles

We’ve tried red velvet, chocolate chip cookies, crazy cakes, and even homemade bagels, cinnamon rolls, and the classic Filipino pandesal. The kitchen gets messy, the oven gets warm, and our hearts get full. But even in the joy of baking, my heart is drawn to something deeper than what comes out of the oven. Today’s devotional reminds me that bread, no matter how good, isn't what truly sustains us.

More Than Bread

Jesus said, “It is written: Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4, NIV)

This verse has been lingering in my heart today. Every time I knead the dough, wait for it to rise, and enjoy the final product, I remember that there is a more important bread, the Word of God. And just like baking, it requires time, patience, and intention.

In Matthew 4, Jesus was in the wilderness, hungry and alone. After fasting for 40 days and nights, the devil came to tempt Him. The first temptation? Turn stones into bread. But Jesus answered with Scripture. Not anger. Not argument. Just truth.

Jesus responded with the Word.

Learning to Feed My Soul

I still remember the early days of my faith. I was young, eager, and filled with questions. I wanted to know God’s will for my life. I was constantly looking for signs. I wanted visible confirmations: a message from a friend, a door that opens, a sudden opportunity.

But as I grew in the Lord, I discovered something beautiful: the answers were already written. I didn’t need to chase signs. I just needed to open the Word. God has already spoken through Scripture. His promises and His truth are as fresh today as when they were first written.

And they never grow old. Everything else fades, but God’s Word remains.

A Simple but Lifelong Practice

So how do I keep God’s Word alive in my heart and in our home?

Here are a few things I’m still learning to do:

• Memorize His Word. Even just one verse a week. Carry it in your heart like a hidden treasure.

• Apply it in daily life. If God says love your neighbor, start with your family. If He says forgive, start with the one who hurt you.

• Speak and share it. Whether it’s in casual conversations, with our children, or our community, let the Word flow naturally.

• Pray through it. Turn Scripture into personal prayers. If God says He is our refuge, pray, "Lord, be my refuge today."

• Obey it even when it’s hard. Even when it doesn’t make sense or isn’t popular. Obedience is an act of trust.

What Tempts Us Today?

In the wilderness, Jesus was tempted in three ways: through hunger, through safety, and through power. Each time, He responded with Scripture.

• He knew life was more than a full stomach.

• He didn’t argue or debate the enemy. He relied on truth.

• He knew who He was and had nothing to prove.

• He recognized the enemy and stood firm.

We face temptations too – maybe not to turn stones into bread, but to chase after things that don't satisfy. Success. Recognition. Comfort. Control. These things promise fulfillment, but they leave us hungry for more.

The enemy often tempts us to doubt God’s goodness. To think, "Maybe God forgot about me." Or, "Maybe I need to take matters into my own hands."

But friend, we don’t need to prove anything to the world. Our identity is secure in Christ. And when we are tempted, we don’t need to fight with our own strength. We have the Word. We have truth.

An Invitation to Come Back

Maybe you’re reading this and you feel distant from God. Maybe you’ve been feeding your heart with things that don’t last. Maybe you've been out of the Word and out of rhythm.

This is your invitation.

Come back to the table.

Not just to eat, but to be filled. To be reminded of who God is. Of who you are in Him.

Let His Word be your daily bread. Open your Bible. Ask Him to speak. He is faithful to meet us there.

A Word for the Faithful and the Wandering

To young professionals hustling through life: Don’t neglect your soul while chasing your dreams. You need more than coffee and motivation. You need the Word.

To young couples trying to build a home: Build it on God’s truth. Make space for Scripture in your conversations and decisions.

To young parents raising little ones: You are planting seeds. Let your children see you holding onto the Word, not just holding your phone.

To those who have drifted: It’s never too late to come back. God’s grace welcomes you. Not with guilt, but with open arms.

To those who haven’t yet believed: God’s Word is not just for Christians. It’s an invitation to know Him, to receive His love, and to follow Jesus. You don’t need to clean up first. Just come.

Baking Lessons and Bible Truths

David and I will continue baking. We will continue learning. But now, every roll of dough reminds me of the waiting, the rising, the transformation that happens quietly, slowly, beautifully.

God’s Word is like that too. It works in our hearts over time. It shapes us. It fills us. It strengthens us.

And like fresh bread, it is best when shared.

So, let’s keep feeding on the Word. Let’s keep sharing it. In homes. In offices. In classrooms. In boreys and coffee shops. In whispered prayers and bold testimonies.

Let’s be people who live not on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.

Prayer

Lord, thank You that Your Word is life. Thank You for feeding not just our bodies, but our hearts and souls. Help us to desire You more than anything else. Teach us to hold on to Your promises. Help us recognize temptation and fight back with truth. We want to be people rooted in You, filled with Your Spirit, and ready to share the Bread of Life with others. 

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Reflection Questions

1. What are some things you’ve been "feeding" your soul lately? Do they truly satisfy?

2. How can you make space to read and reflect on God’s Word this week?

3. Who around you needs a reminder of God’s love and truth? Will you share a verse or a prayer with them?

Let’s live on more than bread. Let’s live on the Word.

Enjoy eating your Bread today,

Tess 😅😍