An All-Too Familiar Story:

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How Churches Drift Toward Death—and How to Turn Towards Life by Bart Denny I heard a story today that reminded me of too many I have heard before. It saddens me. It bothers me. The church I heard about seems to think they have it nailed, so I’m sure they won’t be seeking my consulting services—or anyone else’s. Not that a consultant’s report would make it beyond a file cabinet—stuffed away, never to be read. While I admit it may take many years—and that bad decisions will likely outlive most of the decision-makers—I remain less than optimistic about the church's future. There Are Patterns I’ll be the first to admit: I don’t know everything there is to know about church health, vitality, growth, and renewal. And I praise God that He still does what only He can do. I never want to box in the Holy Spirit. After all, we worship a God who parted the sea, turned water into wine, and reversed a crucifixion with a glorious resurrection. So no, I would never say that God can’t revive a chur...
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Give Us This Day — Trusting God with Our Needs

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by Bart Denny

Have you ever noticed how the Lord’s Prayer shifts gears?
It begins with God — Our Father… hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. It’s all about His holiness, His priorities, His will.

But then, without skipping a beat, Jesus invites us to pray something incredibly down-to-earth:

“Give us today our daily bread.” — Matthew 6:11

That’s not just a request for food. It’s an invitation to trust.

1. Trust God Daily — He Knows What You Need

Jesus could have said, “Give us a year’s worth of provisions,” or “Fill my retirement account now.” But He didn’t. He taught us to ask for daily bread.

It’s a reminder of how God fed Israel with manna in the wilderness — just enough for each day, no stockpiling. Why? Because God was teaching them to depend on Him one day at a time.

We like to plan ahead. We want the five-year blueprint. But Jesus says, “Live in the now. Trust Me for today.”

Practical step: Each morning this week, pause before you check your phone and pray, “Lord, I trust You for today’s bread — physically, emotionally, spiritually.”

2. Bring Every Need — God Wants to Hear It

Philippians 4:6 reminds us:

“In every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Every situation. Big or small.
God doesn’t have a “minimum height requirement” for prayers. If it matters to you, it matters to Him.

Think about how a child asks their mom for lunch — they don’t apologize or make a formal speech. They just say, “I’m hungry.” That’s how God wants you to come to Him.

Practical step: Start a simple “prayer list” on paper or your phone. Write down one thing each day you’re asking God for — even if it’s as ordinary as patience for a meeting — and see how He answers.

3. Receive God’s Peace — His Presence Is the Provision

Philippians 4:7 promises:

“The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Peace doesn’t only arrive when the problem is solved. God offers peace in the middle of the problem. It’s like a soldier standing guard at your heart, refusing entry to fear and anxiety.

Practical step: When anxiety rises, stop and pray right away:
“Lord, I give this to You. Guard my heart and mind.” Speak truth from Scripture to yourself and to others.

Your Challenge This Week

Make a “Bread Box” or “Today’s Needs” jar. Each morning, write down one specific need for that day and pray over it. At the end of the week, look back and see how God provided — and where His peace showed up even if the answer wasn’t what you expected.

God’s invitation in “Give us this day our daily bread” is more than a request for food — it’s an open door to trust Him daily, to bring Him everything, and to rest in His peace.

So today, whatever you’re facing — bring it to Him. He already knows. He’s already there. And He will give you what you need for today.

 

About the Author:
Dr. Bart Denny is the lead pastor of Pathway – A Wesleyan Church in Saranac, Michigan, and an adjunct instructor in Christian Leadership and Ministry at Grand Canyon University. A retired U.S. Navy officer, Bart is passionate about preaching, church revitalization, and helping people grow in prayer and discipleship.

Watch the full sermon here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vzbd9KF-KMY
Learn more about Pathway Church: www.pathwaywes.org

 

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All comments are moderated. I welcome respectful disagreement with my posts. Such discussions can cause me to consider perspectives I hadn't examined before. However, I also reserve the right to delete any comment for any reason. Why? Simple enough, this is MY blog, with MY thoughts, and I want to have a civil conversation that is, at all times, God-honoring in nature.

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