Dependence on God

In the eleventh chapter of Luke we see Jesus teaching the disciples to pray.  "Give us this day our daily bread."

The request is for what we need, not for a surfeit.  Also, "bread" is so much more than meeting the physical need, for God meets our spiritual needs as well.  Jesus is the "Bread of Life."

In the Old Testament we see the children of Israel enslaved in Egypt.  God sent plagues in Egypt to break the bondage.  Then the people are wandering in the wilderness, soon begin to murmur and complain.  "Did God lead us out of Egypt to let us die here in the wilderness?"  *Aside:  "Someone could have made a fortune had they started the "Kill the Fatted Cafe."  --J.B.*

Then the Lord provided manna with the directive that sufficient supply should be gathered for the day, not a surplus.  Those who attempted to gather to save ahead soon found themselves with a smelly mess on their hands.

God was reminding them (1) You must be completely dependent on Me, and (2) I am always faithful to You.

Dependence upon God is a daily requirement.

Read Luke 12:22-31 in which Jesus tells us not to worry;  tells us to seek first the kingdom of Heaven and the needs will be provided.

1.  It is impossible to depend upon God when you are consumed with worry.

Worry is a tool of the devil to distract you from dependence upon God.  [God is faithful!]

 2.  It is impossible to depend upon God when you are consumed with want.

The contented heart knows that God will provide the needs of the day.

TO BE DEPENDENT ON GOD

1.  Be thankful for all things great and small, good or bad.

2.  Hand over worry entirely to Jesus.

3.  Remember the times of His faithfulness. 

Pastor Johnnie Blair

Sunday morning