Day 17: The Main Dish
You’re in the home stretch of this fast and right about now you may be having dreams about hot, fluffy, brown yeast rolls. So, I encourage you to stay strong as we have a conversation about bread.
In ancient times bread was regarded as the main course because it was a main source of nutrition. Long before our TV commercials proclaimed, “Beef: it’s what’s for dinner” the slogan would have been more like, “Bread: it’s what’s for dinner.”
When God delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, they were given specific instructions on what to eat that final night; they were to “be ready,” with no time for dough to rise, so a very important part of the Passover meal was, and continues to be, unleavened bread.
Their wandering in the desert for forty years made it hard, if not impossible, to plant and harvest wheat for bread. So the Lord said to Moses, “Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you. And the people shall go out and gather a certain quota every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in My law or not” (Ex. 16:4). They ate that “bread of heaven” daily for the duration of their time in the desert.
As you can see, bread wasn’t a “take it or leave it” side option like today.
Now, thinking about how important bread was in the history of the Israelites, we look at John chapter 6. Jesus’ words in this chapter were pivotal, even for some of His followers who could not accept His claim to be “the Bread of Life.” The chapter begins with Jesus multiplying five small loaves of barley bread and two small fish that a little boy in the crowd was saving for his lunch.
When they followed him the next day and asked for more miracles, He replied,
“Most assuredly, I say to you, Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” Then they said to Him, “Lord, give us this bread always.” And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.”—JOHN 6:32-35
“I am the bread of life.” What a statement! Jesus stated, “I am the bread of life,” in that culture, intending to get their attention. He wanted them to understand, “You need Me every day. You can’t make it without Me. I’m the central issue of your life. Without Me, without bread, you’ll perish.”
I can do without a lot of things, but I cannot do anything without Jesus. He’s not something at the end of the table in a basket that I can take or leave. “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts.” Jeremiah 15:16
Eat to your fill of His presence today!
January 22, 2013 | Permalink41 Responses to Day 17: The Main Dish
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Makisha says:
In agreement with you! Amen.
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stacey says:
God can do ANYTHING, but fail…standing in agreement with you all!
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Antoinette G. of Round Lake, IL says:
Prayer for you, your family, and your marriage! Also I am praying in agreement with you Angela. Amen!
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Paula says:
Hi Angela,
I have been experiencing great attacks also. God is blessing, and the devil is a liar. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. God is going to protect the children. Stay strong in God’s mighty power.
Paula
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Martha says:
“For this God is our God for ever & ever; He will be our guide even to the end.” (Psalm 48:14). We share the same story, married 20 yrs, separated 4 yrs tomorrow. Though I see no signs yet of reconciliation, I know that God is making all things new. Hang in there, He is able & nothing is impossible for Him. Our new rock solid marriage will be delivered real soon in Jesus’ Name. “God is not like man, He cannot lie, not a human being, that He should change His mind. Does He speak & then not act? Does He promise & not fulfill?” (Numbers 23:19) Amen. Have a blessed day(:
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Tonia says:
In agreement with you and praying for your family. I commend you for the full fast and intend to try it when I next fast. God bless you and your family. Amen
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Bilongo M says:
I need JESUS!
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Mrs. Smith says:
JESUS
THANKS for being the true BREAD OF LIFE
to me and my family! AMEN! -
Lisa H says:
Jeremiah 15:16
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T.O says:
Pastor Jentezen, I would like to Thank you and your ministry for the wonderful job you have done with the writing selections of the daily blogs, and choice of the videos. The 2nd week of fasting was much harder for me than the first. This is last week of the fast and I’m determined to finish strong and believe God for doing great things in my life and members of my family this year.
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Paige says:
Oh me too. Last week was very difficult and lots of things came against including sickness. I am also determine to finish strong and believing in God for great things.
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Karis Major says:
i like this…….. bread is optional for me…..but Jesus spoke those words to a culture where bred was a staple, it was like you said the main dish…….He is “the main dish” or “staple” of life. You cannot survive without HIm. He is not optional!
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Uche says:
Bible passage should be Jeremiah 15:16 and it should read “I did eat them” not I did not eat them.
Thanks -
Susan Gachomo says:
Amen i want to be filled with His presence today! For without Jesus we can do nothing!
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Titi says:
I noticed a little typo: The words in the final scripture quoted should read ‘I ATE THEM’!!
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Also the verse is Jeremiah 15:16 not v 17.
God bless you for all you do. -
I’m having a hard time today. It’s not the diet, I’m use to this kind of menu. I came out of last years fast with direction from the Lord on something that wasn’t on my radar at all. I’ve spent the last 12 months being guided by him and moving into what he told me.
But I have had nothing but closed doors. No success. I have lived the last 12 months working on myself continually to not rely on my own understanding. He has stretched me continually. I feel I do my part and back off to let him be God as well. But nothing.
This year my fast was for me to really get more intimate with him so that when things do break in my life I will be knit to him and not be moved. As well as praying for him to accomplish what he started last year, which wasn’t even on my radar. Without him I would have never gone that direction because of fears I had. I’ve been moving forward at his word through my fears and developing confidence in his faithfulness with this task.
I am not physically tired. Today I feel as though I’m being unreasonably tested. Or that I must have missed God somehow. Which truthfully if that’s the case, I’m tired then. I’m tired of getting nowhere while being obedient. Today I feel I have to regroup yet again and perhaps go it on my own if indeed I missed God.
I’ve served the Lord a looong time and hope this too will pass. But I’m so tired of going for my dream, HIS dream for my life, and getting nothing but closed doors. I’ve changed my approach and some other things every time I hit a wall this past year, with his prompting and guidance.
I don’t need advice as you can only do that when you have all the details, but I wouldn’t mind some prayers going up today.
Blessings to all the fasting family!
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Juju says:
I know it is really a hard time for me, i do not have a good advice for you even if you want one, as i am going through some kind of struggle too, I am just hanging in there and trying to wait upon HIM patiently, now I am curious about what HE is going to do about me and my life. What i learned from my past experience is “Life is full of trials and tribulations, life is not about waiting for terrible storm to pass, but learn to dance in the rain”. Each time, you came out stronger and became more like God’ woman!!! Emanuel!!!
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mmmsherman says:
Today, I needed to hear that someone else is feeling the same struggle as well. I have been on a long stretch of growth that I feel no major progress is made. I did this fast to find me by getting closer to God and healing me so that I can fulfill His promises. I had someone tell me today that they prayed over me, to put on God’s armor to prepare for the battle I am going to have which I feel like I have constant battles that I am going thru. But I know that there’s truth in just finding His peace regardless of the battles/trials that you’re in. Lifting you up in prayer!
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Diane says:
Thank You Jesus for this scripture….Jeremiah 15:16 Your Words were found, and I ate them, and Your Words became to me a JOY and the Delight of MY Heart, for I am called by Your Name, O Lord, God of hosts!!!! Lord help me to memorize this scripture…write it on my heart…and remind me of it every day I wake up….it has made me hungry for more of You…Blessed are they who hunger and thirst after righteousness for they shall be filled…I am hungry for more of You, Jesus, more than ever today…..I’m hungry for You, I’m hungry for You, I need Your touch, I seek Your face, I need Your Presence…there is no one like You Jesus!!!
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Janice says:
Thank you for these daily journal entries, I find it very encouraging. May your family and church be abundantly blessed.
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anointedchild says:
Greetings my brothers and sisters, truely we cannot not live by the bread of this world alone but by every word(bread of heaven(manna), (Jesus), that proceeds out of the mouth of God. I am glad we don’t have to hunger and thirst anymore, lets remember those who are dying of hunger and thirst and press through to the end.
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Paige says:
Hey everyone! Thanks for catching the typo. It should be fixed now
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cheryl says:
Jesus…its Jesus
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Michelle says:
Thank you Lord for being the bread of life…I know without I can’t do anything..I’m totally depending of the Lord to direct my paths for his glory…I’ve tried to live my christian life by my owns works..I realized that I failed continually in my own strength…Now, I’m turning over everything to the Lord and following the Lord diections, doing it the Lords way, not my will anymore but the Lords will be done in my life. He’s the bread of life and I’ve decided to sit at his table and feast on the word of God, saying “yes” to with will of God. I know the best is yet to come..Be encourage today people of God..we have a few more days and we’re going to give God all the Glory and Praise….We have the Victory in Jesus Christ…
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Stacy says:
“Be my Water, Lord. Be my Bread. Be my portion Lord, lifter of my head.” May I hunger for YOU and crave You all year long! Thank you so much for this fasting challenge and for these daily journals. They are very encouraging. I wish I lived closer to be a part of Sunday’s Miracle service!! I love you Pastor Franklin! You are such an encouragement and you are faithful to bring the TRUTH.
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Day 17 – full fast water only. I thank Jesus for bringing me through the last few days especially. My daughter came to visit on Sunday and is leaving today. I prepared meals for her and fresh baked bread. At times it was very difficult and I wanted just a taste but I would start to pray for the things I am believing Jesus to do for/in me and my family. I am believing Jesus will heal me from a condition in my body that has caused me to be shunned and rejected for the past 15 years. Please pray for my deliverance.
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Angela, Denton, Tx says:
Nina……….you’ve got our prayers. Remember God is with you, even when you don’t “feel” his presence. God bless you
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Lord, forgive me for FAILING the emotional trials of today. The argument I avoided last night with my estranged husband did not go as well today. Forgive me for any unecessary things said. PLEASE build a bridge between Jimmy and I. Bring down the walls of unforgiveness and hardness of heart. Lord, I need you now….help me to keep breathing. Help him to see me CLEARLY, through your eyes, and not the lies that Satan mounts against me in his mind. May I glorify you in ALL that I do. In Jesus Holy name, I beseach you. Give me strength where I have none. Open his eyes, his hears to your voice. Hear his prayers, forgive him for the sin he commits against us. We need him HEALED. We need him home. THank you Lord for loving us, saving us, for all of your glories!!!!
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Amen
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Grace says:
Lord, I need to feed on you every day of my life, I am nothing without you Lord I need your words, your promises. Thank you Lord, as we continue this fast supporting each other.
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Thank You Father, through Jesus my Savior, for being my “Bread of Life”!!!!!!!
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Angela says:
Day 2 of my full fast (day 17 total) and I am clearly under attack. Please pray for the Lord’s protection over my marriage and finances. Husband said today that he has talked to a lawyer about divorce, and I’m still seeking employment to no avail. I KNOW that God will provide, but my spirit is broken and weak today.
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guibithja says:
Thank Pastor for today’s word and I Thank Father God for Jesus my everyday bread.Without HIM,nothing we can succeed but with JESUS, we are more than conqueror in every area of our life.Glory to God for this day where God pours strengh and Anointing to keep us pressing on the fadsting and praying.I will go until the end to see God’s wonderworks in my situations.ALLELUAH.Glory to God.
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What a Revelation!!
Help us to get to the finish line, Father.
Blessed be the Name of the Lord! :} -
Christine says:
Sometimes we do not realize that Jesus is already our “bread of life”, even when we do not know Him personally. That is how much He loves us. He keeps giving us the opportunity to want and know Him, and waits patiently until we come to Him. He does not rebuke us when we finally confess that Jesus is Lord. He embraces us and forgets all our past, and gives us the best of His present and future. We need Jesus daily, we need the Holy Spirit daily and we need Go the Father daily.
Let us recognize who He is!!! -
S H says:
Apprec Pastor for the message on Firstfruits. I have been greatly enlightened but may I ask where exactly do I bring my tithes? I am currently visiting a church regularly for the last few months but I am also receiving teachings which have contributed to my spiritual growth from 2 other places (1 is a parachurch and another a 24-hr prayer congregation). On top of the offerings, can I split my tithes to these 3 places? Blessings!
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Zacharia says:
I have been encouraged by this fast, I desire to press into God and to draw closer to Him. As the deer longs for the water for its very survival so my soul longs for God. I felt like I was drifting far from Him and this fast has been helping me put my life in perspective. Thanks God for Pastor Jentezen and the Free Chapel Church, thank God indeed that you are obedient to His voice.
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vanessa says:
Yes I agree last week was a hard one ,the attack was on my family. I needed this word thank you Jesus for being the bread of life.
AMEN!! -
Craig Dame says:
I just prayed for everyone here that is being attacked in these last days of this corporate fast together. I pray for Jesus presence to be known by you all, and that He is hear, and will reveal Himself to you and give you that hope, and to know that by keeping in faith “He Will Fulfill His Promises to you!”
God Bless you all. -
elizabeth says:
Jesus said, “I am the bread of life,” Lord “ I need you every day. I can’t make it without you. You are the central issue of my life. Without Jesus, without bread, I will perish.” I need you Lord.Apart from you I can do nothing.
Day 17 of partial fast, day 2 of full fast as you read this…..but day 1 of full fast….and Satan came running. My husband and I have been seperated for 9 months, married almost 10. Oddly, he came over and Satan immediately tried to start an argument. I resisted PRAISE GOD and God alone. Just a reminder that whether God tests me or Satan attacks me….the stakes are always higher when we are trying to do something to improve our relationship with God.
I ask the prayers of the church that I make it thru the last 7 days on water/juice. And more importantly, that God will continue to speak to my husband Jimmy’s heart. Protection for our 4 kids. God bless you all!!!