“Feed me with the food You prescribe for me” (Prov. 30:8).
This is the Old Testament equivalent of “Give us this day our daily bread.” With this verse from Proverbs, I was able to lose twenty pounds.
As a result of spending a month in a very expensive facility (paid for by an appreciative church group) and dining on the tempting gourmet dishes provided me there, I found myself overweight.
More than that, I discovered that indulging my appetite had let it get totally out of control. I knew I had to do something. Then I recalled this verse from a previous weight-loss experience.
The King James Version reads: “…feed me food convenient for me.” In this version the writer asks God for the food which He prescribes. The Hebrew word translated prescribe here is choq (khoke). It is defined as “an appointment combining time, labor, and usage.” Elsewhere it is translated “daily portion” or “daily bread.”
The amount and type of food you and I need for the average day depends upon the schedule and demands of that particular day.
I found that I could determine that amount by a sensitivity to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Listening to the still small voice within enabled me to recognize my daily need. Relying on the power of the Holy Spirit strengthened me to consume only what was necessary to fulfill that need.
No more, no less.
Such commitment requires self-disciple, but the reward is well worth the effort. When all the “fad diets” have failed, try the Lord’s prescribed plan: our daily bread.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.