Mangia Bene (mon-ga ben-a)

Posted on November 10, 2017 by Graeme Wilson in Freedom Fighters

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“That He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; But man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the LORD.” — Deuteronomy 8:3b

“Eat well” is the translation of Mangia Bene. We have all been given a natural desire to satisfy our bodily hunger, but what is your desire?
I once worked for client for a number of months building an addition on their house. There seemed to be a routine every day, this Italian wife and her mother would spend all day in the kitchen preparing a meal for their family. The aroma of the meal would often be too much to deal with as we tried to focus on work. I can remember being around the kitchen area and watching as they carefully prepared a fresh home cooked feast and thinking, “that’s a lot of work.” I recall over hearing when the kids came home from school and were hungry, they were presented a “Mangia Bene” their response was, “Eww, what is it? I’m not eating that.” They would then open up the cupboard and fix themselves macaroni and cheese from a box. I glanced over to their mom and in broken English she said “they don’t appreciate a healthy prepared meal”.
Sometimes I think I’m guilty of the same thing when I walk into Church, I take for granted the preparation and careful study the Pastor took to prepare the message. I can sometimes be found desiring junk food from the pantry rather than the heathy alternative.
Our souls have a natural appetite and desire to be filled, but are we willing to recognize the value of a home cooked meal? In Deuteronomy 8 we see Moses switch gears in presenting the law by showing the love of God through the provision of manna. The true example of the love of God is His word to us, “That man shall not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the LORD.” The word of life that is served up for each one of us is useful for many things, but the result shown in the wilderness was preservation, 40 years their clothes and sandals lasted without wear and tear. How do we make it through the week? Are we feasting on God’s word and do we recognize a well prepared meal or do we run to the cupboard and pull out a box with ingredients we can’t even pronounce?
When we consider the amount preparation through prayer and study that goes into the establishments that present God’s word, we would realize the spiritual nutrition that comes with it.
So the next time you’re hungry, “Mangia Bene” on God’s word, Amen!
Written by Rob Russomano: Rob Russomano is married to Terri, he is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and a full time staff member. He is also available as a speaker of the grace of God with a message of Hope for church events. You can contact him at rrussomano@americaskeswick.org.
The Daily Bible Reading: Nahum| You can download our 2017 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here
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Daily Quote: “Don’t settle for fast food when you can feast at God’s banquet.” – Woodrow Kroll

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. Psalm 100:4
 
 

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