Seeking Daily Guidance: Fresh Manna from God
Summary
Receiving daily direction and fresh manna from God is a simple yet profound practice that many Christians overlook. Proverbs 3:6 and Matthew 6:33 remind us to seek God first in all our ways, promising that He will make our paths straight. This means that God has the wisdom and guidance we need, but it requires intentionality on our part. Each morning, we must approach God with humility, asking for His wisdom and direction. This act of surrender acknowledges that we cannot navigate life on our own and need His help to open the right doors and close the wrong ones.
Too often, we make plans without consulting God, only to struggle and face uphill battles. The right approach is to ask God first, seeking His will in every decision, whether it's about relationships, career choices, or daily tasks. My own experience of seeking God's guidance before marrying my wife, Rhonda, illustrates the importance of laying down our desires and seeking His will. This practice extends to all areas of life, including financial decisions and personal projects.
The concept of daily bread, as taught in Matthew 6:11, emphasizes the need for daily spiritual nourishment. Just as the Israelites gathered manna each day, we must seek God's wisdom and direction daily. This isn't about religious obligation but about desiring everything God has for us. Meeting with God first each day positions us to receive His guidance and avoid foolish mistakes.
Moses' experience with striking the rock in the wilderness serves as a cautionary tale. Initially, God instructed him to strike the rock for water, but later, God commanded him to speak to the rock. Moses' failure to obey by striking the rock a second time disrupted the symbolic representation of Christ's sacrifice and cost him entry into the Promised Land. This teaches us the importance of seeking fresh direction from God rather than relying on past experiences.
Ultimately, we are called to speak in faith, accessing God's blessings through our words and actions. This requires a shift from performance-based living to a grace-filled relationship with God. By seeking daily manna, we align ourselves with God's will and experience His provision and guidance in every aspect of life.
Key Takeaways:
- Intentional Seeking: Daily direction from God requires intentionality. We must approach God each morning, asking for His wisdom and guidance, acknowledging our dependence on Him. This act of surrender is a demonstration of humility and trust in God's plan for our lives. [03:31]
- Daily Bread: Just as the Israelites gathered manna daily, we need daily spiritual nourishment. This practice isn't about religious obligation but about desiring everything God has for us. Meeting with God first each day positions us to receive His guidance and avoid foolish mistakes. [11:12]
- Obedience and Faith: Moses' experience with striking the rock teaches us the importance of seeking fresh direction from God. Relying on past experiences can lead to disobedience and missed opportunities. We must be open to new instructions and trust in God's plan. [24:04]
- Speaking in Faith: We are called to speak in faith, accessing God's blessings through our words and actions. This requires a shift from performance-based living to a grace-filled relationship with God. Our words have power, and we must choose to speak life and faith. [28:42]
- Grace Over Performance: God's love is not based on our performance. We must embrace His grace and understand that He loves us just as we are. This understanding frees us from striving and allows us to live in the fullness of His provision and guidance. [33:17]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[02:29] - Seek First the Kingdom
[03:31] - Intentional Daily Direction
[04:26] - Asking God First
[05:59] - Seeking God's Will in Relationships
[07:54] - Discernment and Peace
[09:01] - Overthinking God's Will
[11:12] - The Importance of Daily Bread
[12:57] - God's Advantage in Life
[14:30] - Dependency on God
[15:37] - Gathering Fresh Manna
[17:15] - Lessons from the Israelites
[21:21] - Asking for Daily Assignments
[24:04] - Moses and the Rock
[27:24] - The Weight of Spiritual Leadership
[28:42] - Speaking in Faith
[29:58] - Grace Over Performance
[33:17] - Embracing God's Love
[34:51] - Fresh Manna for Everyone
[36:04] - Speaking to the Rock by Faith
[36:57] - Invitation to Salvation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Proverbs 3:6
- Matthew 6:33
- Matthew 6:11
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Proverbs 3:6, what is promised to those who acknowledge God in all their ways? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on seeking daily direction from God? [03:31]
2. In Matthew 6:33, what are believers instructed to seek first, and what is the result of doing so? How does this align with the sermon’s message about prioritizing God in decision-making? [02:29]
3. How does the concept of "daily bread" in Matthew 6:11 relate to the Israelites gathering manna in the wilderness, as discussed in the sermon? [11:12]
4. What was the consequence of Moses striking the rock instead of speaking to it, and how does this serve as a lesson in the sermon? [24:04]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does it mean to seek God’s wisdom and guidance with intentionality, as highlighted in the sermon? How might this look in a believer’s daily life? [03:31]
2. How does the sermon illustrate the difference between human peace and God’s peace, particularly in decision-making? [07:54]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that relying on past experiences can lead to disobedience, as seen in Moses’ story? [24:04]
4. How does the sermon describe the shift from performance-based living to a grace-filled relationship with God? What implications does this have for a believer’s daily walk? [33:17]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent decision you made without consulting God. How might the outcome have been different if you had sought His guidance first? [04:26]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of daily spiritual nourishment. What practical steps can you take to ensure you are receiving your "daily bread" from God? [11:12]
3. Consider a time when you relied on past experiences instead of seeking fresh direction from God. What did you learn from that situation, and how can you apply it moving forward? [24:04]
4. How can you intentionally shift from a performance-based mindset to embracing God’s grace in your life? What specific changes might this require in your daily routine or thought patterns? [33:17]
5. The sermon discusses the power of speaking in faith. Identify an area in your life where you need to speak life and faith. What specific words or declarations can you make this week? [28:42]
6. Reflect on a relationship or situation where you need to trust God’s plan over your own desires. How can you practice surrender and seek His will in this area? [05:59]
7. How can you ensure that you are not on "autopilot" in your spiritual life, but actively seeking God’s fresh direction each day? What habits or practices can help you stay intentional? [22:09]
Devotional
Day 1: Intentional Morning Surrender
Each day presents an opportunity to intentionally seek God's guidance. Proverbs 3:6 and Matthew 6:33 remind us to prioritize God in all our ways, promising that He will make our paths straight. This requires a conscious decision to approach God each morning with humility, acknowledging our dependence on Him. By doing so, we demonstrate trust in His plan and wisdom, recognizing that we cannot navigate life on our own. This act of surrender is not just a ritual but a heartfelt commitment to align our lives with God's will, allowing Him to open the right doors and close the wrong ones. [03:31]
"Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established." (Proverbs 16:3, ESV)
Reflection: What specific area of your life do you need to surrender to God today, and how can you intentionally seek His guidance in it?
Day 2: Daily Spiritual Nourishment
The concept of daily bread, as taught in Matthew 6:11, emphasizes the necessity of daily spiritual nourishment. Just as the Israelites gathered manna each day, we are called to seek God's wisdom and direction daily. This practice is not about fulfilling a religious obligation but about desiring everything God has for us. By meeting with God first each day, we position ourselves to receive His guidance and avoid foolish mistakes. This daily practice of seeking God ensures that we are spiritually equipped to face the challenges of life with His wisdom and strength. [11:12]
"And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord." (Deuteronomy 8:3, ESV)
Reflection: How can you incorporate a practice of seeking daily spiritual nourishment into your morning routine this week?
Day 3: Fresh Obedience and Faith
Moses' experience with striking the rock in the wilderness serves as a powerful lesson on the importance of seeking fresh direction from God. Initially, God instructed Moses to strike the rock for water, but later, God commanded him to speak to the rock. Moses' failure to obey by striking the rock a second time disrupted the symbolic representation of Christ's sacrifice and cost him entry into the Promised Land. This teaches us that relying on past experiences can lead to disobedience and missed opportunities. We must be open to new instructions and trust in God's plan, seeking His guidance afresh each day. [24:04]
"Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters, who brings forth chariot and horse, army and warrior; they lie down, they cannot rise, they are extinguished, quenched like a wick: 'Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.'" (Isaiah 43:16-19, ESV)
Reflection: Is there a past experience you are relying on instead of seeking fresh guidance from God? How can you open yourself to new instructions from Him today?
Day 4: Speaking Life and Faith
We are called to speak in faith, accessing God's blessings through our words and actions. This requires a shift from performance-based living to a grace-filled relationship with God. Our words have power, and we must choose to speak life and faith into our circumstances. By aligning our speech with God's promises, we activate His blessings and provision in our lives. This practice of speaking in faith is not about denying reality but about declaring God's truth over our situations, trusting that He is faithful to fulfill His promises. [28:42]
"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits." (Proverbs 18:21, ESV)
Reflection: What words are you speaking over your life and circumstances today? How can you intentionally choose to speak life and faith?
Day 5: Embracing Grace Over Performance
God's love is not based on our performance. We must embrace His grace and understand that He loves us just as we are. This understanding frees us from striving and allows us to live in the fullness of His provision and guidance. By shifting our focus from performance to grace, we experience the freedom and joy that comes from knowing we are loved unconditionally. This grace-filled relationship with God empowers us to live authentically, trusting in His love and provision for every aspect of our lives. [33:17]
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways are you striving for God's approval through performance? How can you embrace His grace and live in the freedom of His unconditional love today?
Quotes
So that means every morning, we have to go to him and say, God, show me your assignment. Show me what to do. Show me where to go. Give me the words to speak today, Lord. Here's the thing. Asking for wisdom, for guidance, is an act of surrender. That's what that is. And it takes humility. It takes humility to say, God, God, you know what's best for my life? I can't do this on my own. [00:03:18] (30 seconds)
For too often, we make our plans without consulting God. Come on, somebody, right? Then we ask Him to bless those plans, and then we wonder why it's a struggle, and we wonder why it feels like it's always an uphill battle. Well, I believe we've got it backwards. We're making a move in our own understanding, and then we're asking God for help. [00:04:06] (26 seconds)
I really was, and I was like, as much as I wanted to, come on, you know, in my heart, my emotions, I laid that down. I said, Lord, what is your will? I know you have a plan for my life, and you also have a plan for her life, but is that plan for us to be together? Am I speaking to anybody, especially you young people, you know? [00:06:09] (22 seconds)
And the world makes it so easy. Come on, Amazon Prime, you know what I mean, Tuma, all these, you know, it's like, oh, just click and boom, it's here, it's coming, it's on the way. You know, there's no writing a check and putting a stamp on an envelope. Remember those days? And then you mail it in, and then the check has to clear, and then they send you. No, it's immediate. [00:07:39] (21 seconds)
And so if you feel peace about it, and you seek wise counsel, then I would encourage you to move forward. If not, hold off, knowing that God knows what's best for you. But I just want to throw a word of caution in here, and I don't want to complicate this, but make it simple. You know, how many know that Jonah felt peace after running from God's plan for his life? [00:08:03] (19 seconds)
Not only will your day go better, but God will keep you from making foolish mistakes. Right? Foolish mistakes. When every morning you ask God for wisdom, what are you doing? You're showing your dependency. Dependency. Not just with your mouth, but with your actions. You're showing your dependency on him when you humble yourself. Like the scripture says, God will exalt you. [00:14:35] (27 seconds)
And no matter how many times, you know, that's why it says the Bible calls it the foolishness of preaching. Why? Because this is the way God ordained it now after. From the Old Testament to the New Testament, we are to speak in faith. Your voice is powerful. With the Word of God, your voice is powerful. If you could see in the realm of the Spirit, things you speak and what you say day in, day out, that affects our life. [00:29:23] (26 seconds)
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