Living One Day at a Time with God
Summary
In our journey through life, we often find ourselves overwhelmed by the sheer volume of challenges and responsibilities that lie ahead. Imagine walking into a room filled with all the food you will consume in your lifetime—it's daunting. Yet, we manage to eat it all, one day at a time. This analogy serves as a reminder that life is meant to be lived in daily increments, relying on God for our needs each day. The French philosopher Blaise Pascal observed that we often live in anticipation of the future or in regret of the past, missing the present moment. This tendency can lead to a life of perpetual planning and dissatisfaction.
God's provision for the Israelites in the desert, as described in the book of Exodus, illustrates the principle of living one day at a time. The manna they received each day was a tangible reminder of God's daily provision and faithfulness. Jesus echoed this principle in the Lord's Prayer, teaching us to ask for our "daily bread." Our security should not be in our plans or possessions but in God alone. Often, it is through our struggles and failures that we learn to trust God for today.
The wisdom of living one day at a time is further illustrated by the reflections of Lou Smedes, who likened each day to a square in a datebook. Each square represents a day filled with activities, relationships, and opportunities to serve others. As we age, these squares seem to shrink, reminding us of the finite nature of our earthly life. Yet, the hope we have in Christ transforms the final square from a prison into a door to eternal life.
Today, we are invited to live in the present, free from anxiety about the future and regret about the past. This involves practicing gratitude, being present, and trusting in God's provision. By doing so, we can experience the fullness of life that God intends for us, one day at a time.
Key Takeaways:
1. Live in the Present: We often miss the present by dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Embrace each day as a gift from God, focusing on the opportunities and blessings it brings. [02:53]
2. Trust in God's Provision: Just as God provided manna for the Israelites, He provides for our needs each day. Our security lies not in our plans but in God's faithfulness. [05:43]
3. Embrace Daily Gratitude: Recognize the miracles in everyday life and be thankful for them. Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have. [10:14]
4. Be Present to God's Presence: Acknowledge your anxieties, but don't let them dominate your thoughts. Return to God in the present moment, trusting Him with your concerns. [10:58]
5. Practice Generosity: Share what you have with others, trusting that God will provide enough for everyone. Generosity reflects God's love and provision. [11:33]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:24] - The Overwhelming Room of Life
- [02:09] - Living One Day at a Time
- [02:53] - Pascal's Insight on Time
- [03:43] - God's Provision in the Desert
- [04:23] - The Manna Principle
- [05:15] - Sabbath and Rest
- [05:43] - Jesus' Teaching on Daily Bread
- [06:26] - Lou Smedes on Time
- [07:32] - The Square of Life
- [08:41] - Hope Beyond the Final Square
- [09:12] - Invitation to Live in the Present
- [10:02] - Practicing Gratitude
- [10:44] - Naming and Accepting Anxiety
- [11:33] - Generosity and Trust in Provision
- [12:01] - Conclusion and Resources
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Exodus 16:13-21 - The story of manna in the desert.
2. Matthew 6:11 - "Give us today our daily bread."
3. Psalm 118:24 - "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."
---
Observation Questions:
1. In the story of the Israelites receiving manna in the desert, what specific instructions did God give them about gathering manna? What happened when they disobeyed these instructions? [04:49]
2. How does the analogy of the overwhelming room filled with a lifetime's worth of food illustrate the concept of living one day at a time? [02:09]
3. What does the phrase "give us today our daily bread" from the Lord's Prayer suggest about our reliance on God for daily needs? [05:43]
4. How does Lou Smedes' reflection on time and the "squares" in a datebook relate to the idea of living in the present? [07:32]
---
Interpretation Questions:
1. What might be the significance of God providing manna daily rather than all at once for the Israelites? How does this reflect on our need to trust God daily? [05:01]
2. How does the sermon suggest that living in anticipation of the future or regret of the past can lead to dissatisfaction? What does this imply about the importance of the present moment? [02:53]
3. In what ways does the concept of "daily bread" challenge our modern understanding of security and planning? How can this principle be applied in today's context? [05:54]
4. How does the hope of the final "square" being a door to eternal life influence the way we live each day? What does this say about the Christian perspective on life and death? [08:41]
---
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you were overwhelmed by future responsibilities or past regrets. How can you practice living one day at a time in similar situations? [02:25]
2. What are some practical ways you can remind yourself to trust in God's provision daily, especially when facing uncertainty? [05:43]
3. Consider your daily routine. How can you incorporate moments of gratitude to shift your focus from what you lack to what you have? [10:14]
4. Identify a specific anxiety you currently face. How can you acknowledge it without letting it dominate your thoughts, and instead return to God in the present moment? [10:58]
5. Think of a way you can practice generosity this week, trusting that God will provide enough for everyone. How does this reflect God's love and provision? [11:33]
6. How can you make a conscious effort to be present in your interactions with others, recognizing each day as a gift from God? [11:14]
7. Reflect on the hope of eternal life. How does this hope influence your perspective on daily challenges and the way you live your life? [08:41]
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace the Gift of Today
Life is often filled with distractions that pull us away from the present moment. We find ourselves caught between the regrets of the past and the uncertainties of the future, which can lead to a life of constant planning and dissatisfaction. Blaise Pascal noted that this tendency causes us to miss the beauty and opportunities of the present. By focusing on today, we can appreciate the blessings and opportunities that God has placed before us. Each day is a unique gift, filled with potential for growth, service, and joy. Embracing the present allows us to live fully and intentionally, recognizing the divine in the ordinary moments of life. [02:53]
"Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." (Matthew 6:34, ESV)
Reflection: What is one way you can intentionally focus on the present moment today, setting aside worries about the future or regrets about the past?
Day 2: Rely on God's Daily Provision
The story of the Israelites receiving manna in the desert is a powerful reminder of God's daily provision. Just as God provided for their needs each day, He continues to provide for us in our daily lives. This provision is not just about physical sustenance but also about spiritual nourishment and guidance. Jesus taught us to pray for our "daily bread," emphasizing the importance of trusting God for our needs each day. Our security should not be in our plans or possessions but in God's faithfulness and love. By relying on God, we learn to live with a sense of peace and assurance, knowing that He is with us in every moment. [05:43]
"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19, ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust God more for His daily provision, and how can you begin to do that today?
Day 3: Cultivate a Heart of Gratitude
Gratitude is a powerful practice that shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have. By recognizing the miracles in everyday life, we open our hearts to joy and contentment. Gratitude helps us to see the world through a lens of abundance rather than scarcity. It reminds us of God's goodness and faithfulness, even in the midst of challenges. By practicing gratitude, we become more aware of the blessings that surround us and more attuned to God's presence in our lives. This practice can transform our perspective, leading to a deeper sense of peace and fulfillment. [10:14]
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, ESV)
Reflection: What are three things you are grateful for today, and how can you express your gratitude to God and others?
Day 4: Be Present to God's Presence
Anxiety often distracts us from experiencing God's presence in our lives. While it is natural to feel anxious at times, it is important not to let these feelings dominate our thoughts. By acknowledging our anxieties and bringing them to God, we can find peace and reassurance in His presence. Returning to God in the present moment allows us to trust Him with our concerns and experience His love and guidance. This practice helps us to remain grounded and centered, even in the midst of life's challenges. [10:58]
"Cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7, ESV)
Reflection: What is one anxiety you can bring to God today, and how can you invite His presence into that situation?
Day 5: Practice Generosity and Trust
Generosity is a reflection of God's love and provision. By sharing what we have with others, we demonstrate our trust in God's ability to provide for all our needs. Generosity is not just about giving material possessions but also about offering our time, talents, and love to those around us. It is an expression of faith and a way to participate in God's work in the world. By practicing generosity, we become conduits of God's grace and blessings, spreading His love and light to others. [11:33]
"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7, ESV)
Reflection: How can you practice generosity today, and what is one specific way you can share your resources or time with someone in need?
Quotes
When we look too far into the future, when we try to anticipate every problem that we might have and every difficulty that we don't know how to solve right now, we get easily overwhelmed. We're afraid when we think about all the things that we want and that we might not get. [00:02:25]
We were made to do life in dependence on God in a very particular unit, one day at a time. French philosopher Blaise Pascal wrote, we never keep to the present. We anticipate the future as if we found it too slow in coming and we're trying to hurry it up. [00:02:42]
God commanded Israel and told them that God was going to provide for them, and they woke up in the morning and there was a layer of dew. When it was gone, thin flakes like frost on the ground, like Frosted Flakes, appeared on the desert floor. [00:03:46]
Moses said, go out and gather it, and they did. The one who gathered little did not have too little, and the one that gathered much did not have too much. Everybody gathered as much as they needed. Moses said to them, no one is to keep any of it until the morning. [00:04:32]
Man will be here today, man will be here tomorrow. You are not in charge of tomorrow. You live life one day at a time. That's the manna principle. They were told that when the Sabbath came, there would be enough provided for them the day before. [00:04:58]
Jesus comes along, and when he gives us the great prayer, part of that great prayer, just directly from the manna principle, give us this day our daily bread. Not make sure today that I got enough bread for tomorrow so that I can feel secure. [00:05:35]
Our security is only, can only be in God. Often, it's only when our yesterdays have been badly tarnished and our days have been irrevocably compromised that I learn, oh, God will get me through today. God will be with me today. [00:06:00]
I bought a brand new datebook yesterday. This is back in the day when people had things called datebooks. Each square has a number to tell me which day of the month I am in at the moment. Every square is a frame for one episode in my life. [00:06:28]
As I get older, the squares seem to get smaller. One day I will walk into a square that has no door. There will be no mysterious opening and no walking into an adjoining square. One of those squares will be terminal. I do not know which square it will be. [00:08:17]
God will always invite you to live this day, and the evil one will always try to get you to live either in anxiety about the future or in regret and guilt about the past. So the invitation is one day at a time. [00:09:05]
Today, be generous. There's going to be enough manna. There is going to be enough manna. Whatever kind of manna you're concerned about, he's going to bring it so you can afford to share with others. Whoever gathered too much didn't have too much. [00:11:36]
We are a community that's dedicated to growing spiritually in Christ one day at a time, and a big part of that is prayer. So there's a team of us that meet each weekday, Monday through Friday, to pray for become new and for viewers just like yourself. [00:12:34]
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Feb 27, 2025. Do you have any questions about it?