Hey Rhema family! Can you believe we’re already two weeks into our 21-day fast? Time flies when you’re growing closer to God, right? This journey has been incredible so far, filled with powerful worship, insightful messages, and a growing sense of community. Today, I want to share some key takeaways from Pastor Larry’s message on Day 14, focusing on the importance of living daily for the Lord.
Daily Bread | Nourishment for Body, Soul, and Spirit
Here’s the truth: God daily loads us with benefits (Psalm 68:19-20). Not weekly or yearly—daily! That’s why starting your day in His presence is essential. Think of it as downloading your spiritual benefits. One preacher aptly said, “Meet with God before you meet with the devil.”
Matthew 6:11-13 was a cornerstone scripture in Sunday’s service. We looked into the concept of
“daily bread,” recognizing that it goes far beyond just our physical needs. God, in His incredible goodness, desires to nourish us in every area of our lives.
He’s the bread of life (John 6:35), satisfying our deepest hunger for purpose and meaning. He’s our emotional rock, our source of peace and strength when we’re feeling overwhelmed. And yes, He’s also our provider, the one who faithfully meets our physical needs according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19).
NB: Don’t be fooled by the word “daily.” God’s blessings aren’t limited to daily sustenance. He desires to bless us abundantly in every way!
Watch the full sermon here: Daily Sermon on YouTube.
Trusting in God’s Promises: He’s Got This!
Did you know there are over 2,500 promises in the Word of God? These promises are like keys to unlock His provision. The Bible says, “Grace and peace be multiplied to you through the knowledge of God” (2 Peter 1:2-4). See, God has already equipped us with everything we need to live a victorious life. We just need to access His promises through faith.
But how do we tap into this overflowing wellspring of God’s blessings? The answer is simple: faith. We believe in His promises, knowing that He is Jehovah Jireh, our provider (Genesis 22:14). We don’t chase after money, possessions, or fleeting trends; we chase after God Himself, the source of all true abundance. His grace, His supply, His support – these are the true riches we seek.
NB: Sometimes, faith looks like letting go of control and trusting that God’s plan is better than ours.
The Power of Daily Prayer: A Conversation with Your Heavenly Father
So how do we strengthen our faith and deepen our relationship with God? Through daily prayer! Talking to God isn’t about checking a box or making a shopping list of requests. It’s about cultivating intimacy, sharing our hearts, our worries, our dreams – all of it.
A moment spent in sincere prayer can truly change everything. Prayer aligns our will with His will, opens us up to the transformative power of His Holy Spirit. It positions us to receive all the blessings He has in store for us.
NB: Don’t underestimate the power of a quiet moment with God each day. It can be the most important conversation you have all day.
Living Daily for the Lord: One Step at a Time
While we make plans for the future and strive towards our goals, Pastor Larry reminds us of the importance of living each day for the Lord (referencing later verses in Matthew 6). This doesn’t mean putting our lives on hold; it means approaching everything we do with a heart of gratitude and dependence on God.
It keeps us grounded in truth and prevents us from getting ahead of ourselves. It stops us from chasing after fleeting things, and steers us clear of the clutches of greed and materialism. Proverbs 30:8-9 perfectly captures this sentiment: “Remove falsehood and lies far from me; Give me neither poverty nor riches— Feed me with the food allotted to me; Lest I be full and deny You, And say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or lest I be poor and steal, And profane the name of my God.”
NB: Living daily for the Lord is a journey, not a destination. Take it one step at a time, and trust that He is guiding you every step of the way.
The Freedom of Forgiveness: Letting Go of the Burden
Matthew 6:11-12 explains the concept of forgiveness. Forgiving others isn’t just about letting them off the hook; it’s about setting our own hearts free. Holding onto unforgiveness is like a poison that slowly eats away at us. It hinders our prayers, affects our health, and opens doors we don’t want opened.
But guess what? Freedom is possible! We can choose to forgive, releasing the burden and allowing God’s healing power to flow through us. 1 John 1:9 reminds us: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Confession isn’t just about acknowledging our wrongdoings; it’s also about acknowledging the good we should have done but didn’t. Romans 14 reminds us that neglecting to do good is also sin. It’s about aligning our actions with our faith. To live a life that reflects our relationship with God.
Forgiveness is a two-way street. Just as we need to receive forgiveness from God, we must also extend it to others. Matthew 6:14-15 emphasises this: “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Forgiveness is a choice, a conscious decision to release bitterness and resentment.
NB: Forgiveness is not always easy. It may take time and effort, but the rewards are immense.
Overcoming Temptation: Standing Firm in Faith
Matthew 6:13 reminds us to pray: “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” This isn’t about God tempting us, but rather an acknowledgment of our own weakness and the constant battle against sin. It’s a cry for God’s protection, His guidance, and His strength to resist temptation.
Ephesians 6:10-13 reminds us to put on the full armor of God: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”
As a church family, let’s commit to praying for one another. Pray for your natural family, your spiritual family, and your community. Together, we can move mountains and impact the world for Christ.
NB: We are not alone in this fight. We have the power of God within us, and we can overcome any temptation that comes our way.
A Word of Encouragement
This journey of faith is not always easy. There will be challenges, setbacks, and moments of doubt. But remember, God is with us every step of the way. He is our strength, our refuge, our source of hope. As Pastor Larry encouraged us, don’t give up! Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus! Keep pressing into Him, and you will see victory in your life.
Action Steps:
- Commit your thoughts to the Lord: Write down your goals, dreams, and aspirations. Then, commit them to God, trusting Him to guide and direct your path.
- Practice daily prayer and meditation: Spend time in God’s presence each day, allowing Him to speak to your heart.
- Focus on forgiveness: Forgive others as readily as you desire to be forgiven.
- Put on the full armor of God: Stand firm in your faith, resist temptation, and walk in the power of the Holy Spirit.
- Engage in acts of service: Look for ways to serve others in your community, reflecting the love of God in your daily actions.
- Learn how to pray accurately: How to Pray
May God richly bless you as you continue on this journey of faith.
A Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for loading us with Your benefits daily. Help us trust You for our needs, forgive as You forgive, and live with purpose. Strengthen us for the remaining days of this fast, and let our faith grow deeper. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
