Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
September 28, 2023
Exodus 16:1-16
1 The whole Israelite community set out from Elim and came to the Sin Desert, which is located between Elim and Sinai. They set out on the fifteenth day of the second month after they had left the land of Egypt. 2 The whole Israelite community complained against Moses and Aaron in the desert. 3 The Israelites said to them, “Oh, how we wish that the LORD had just put us to death while we were still in the land of Egypt. There, we could sit by the pots cooking meat and eating our fill of bread. Instead, you’ve brought us out into this desert to starve this whole assembly to death.” 4 Then the LORD said to Moses, “I’m going to make bread rain down from the sky for you. The people will go out each day and gather just enough for that day. In this way, I’ll test them to see whether or not they follow my Instruction. 5 On the sixth day, when they measure out what they have collected, it will be twice as much as they collected on other days.” 6 So Moses and Aaron said to all the Israelites, “This evening you will know that it was the LORD who brought you out of the land of Egypt. 7 And in the morning you will see the LORD’s glorious presence because your complaints against the LORD have been heard. Who are we? Why blame us?” 8 Moses continued, “The LORD will give you meat to eat in the evening and your fill of bread in the morning because the LORD heard the complaints you made against him. Who are we? Your complaints aren’t against us but against the LORD.” 9 Then Moses said to Aaron, “Say to the whole Israelite community, ‘Come near to the LORD, because he’s heard your complaints.’” 10 As Aaron spoke to the whole Israelite community, they turned to look toward the desert, and just then the glorious presence of the LORD appeared in the cloud. 11 The LORD spoke to Moses, 12 “I’ve heard the complaints of the Israelites. Tell them, ‘At twilight, you will eat meat. And in the morning, you will have your fill of bread. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God.’” 13 In the evening, a flock of quail flew down and covered the camp. And in the morning, there was a layer of dew all around the camp. 14 When the layer of dew lifted, there on the desert surface were thin flakes, as thin as frost on the ground. 15 When the Israelites saw it, they said to each other, “What is it?” They didn’t know what it was. Moses said to them, “This is the bread that the LORD has given you to eat. 16 This is what the LORD has commanded: ‘Collect as much of it as each of you can eat, one omer per person. You may collect for the number of people in your household.’”
Good Morning. Give thanks for the Lord is Good to Us!
How often have we asked, “Where is God?” or “Why isn’t God listening to us?” Most of us have wondered this when we see things that happen to us or those we know that seem wrong. We are doing everything right, and yet terrible things happen to us. We go to church, pray, and give generous offerings, so why isn’t God taking care of us?
Evil, Satan, exists and is lurking around, waiting for those who have doubts. God blesses us with free will so that we may live life fully. The price of free will is that our choices and the choices of others aren’t always good choices. Choices have consequences: good and bad. Each day, we make hundreds of choices that determine our current path. For example, if I choose to run before work each day, then I must get up early to allow myself the time to do so.
Because of free will, bad things can happen to good people. God doesn’t cause the bad things, but God is there to help us handle the bad things. God sees our pain and suffers with us. With God, we can endure all things. When we turn to Jesus Christ, we are able to do things we never dreamed were possible. Or survive things we wish we never had to face.
11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:11-13
Loving God, We love you! Even when we think you are not listening, you lead us forward. In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: I will trust God's answer even if it is not what I expect.
Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength! Pastor Liz
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