FEBRUARY 2, 2010

BREAD FROM HEAVEN

Scripture Reading--Exodus 15:14-22; Psalm 78:23-25

Bread is one of the most common elements of a well-balanced diet. Throughout the centuries, bread has been called "the staff of life." Even when people had little to eat, they usually had bead of some kind. In the olden days, housewives usually set aside a day each week to make bread. And was it good! A warm piece of homemade bread, spread with fresh-churned butter and jelly--why, it doesn't get any better than that! Bread not only tastes good but is also good for us.

When the Israelites were in the wilderness, they complained to God about their food supply. God graciously provided "bread from heaven," which they called "manna" ( Ex. 16:15; John 6:31 ). In manna was everything they needed to sustain their lives. God told them to take only enough for each day. For the Sabbath day, they gathered twice as much ad the day before. If they failed to believe God and took more than they needed, the manna spoiled ( Ex. 16:20 ).

In Psalm 78: 19b, the Israelites asked, "Can God furnish a table in the wilderness?" What they were really asking was whether God could take care of them. Of course, He could; and they lacked nothing.

We often ask the same question. Philippians 4:19 assures us that God will "supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus" ( emphasis added ). What needs are your family members concerned about? Remember, no need is too small or too big for God to meet. When He says "all your need, " that's exactly what He means. Your extremity is merely God's opportunity. God is at His best when things are at their worst. If He provided "bread from heaven" to care for the children of Israel, surely He will take care of you.

ASSIGNMENT: Make a list of needs your family members are trusting God to meet. Commit yourselves to trust Him to meet those needs.

--Jack Palmer--

READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN " 1 " YEAR: Exodus cc. 18-20