Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
May 8, 2024
Exodus 16:1-8
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 eat 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.’” 17 The Israelites did as Moses said, some collecting more, some less. 18 But when they measured it out by the omer, the ones who had collected more had nothing left over, and the ones who had collected less had no shortage. Everyone collected just as much as they could eat.
Good Morning! Trust in the Lord!
Are you a planner? I am! I must admit that my plans are often in the stewpot that others call their brain. Typically, I do not write down to-do lists, but they seem to be logged into my thoughts. I do appreciate completing and removing tasks from my mental list. For example, if I have a due date for something, I will most likely complete it days before the due date so that I don’t have to think about it anymore.
When I say that I am a planner, I must also explain that my plans are more big-picture plans and I often let the details work themselves out as they come. I guess I’m the opposite of a micro-manager.
I once told my principal that I could write great detailed lesson plans after I taught the lesson. (He didn’t appreciate my candor.) I like the flexibility of being able to react in the moment. If I have rigid plans, then I might miss a great opportunity that presents itself as I work through the situation.
If you focus on the small details, it is easy to lose track of the goal or big picture. As Christians, our big picture is our destination: eternal life. God presents unexpected opportunities as we twist and turn along our faith journey. Be open to the possibilities to serve God that present themselves along the way.
Gracious God, Thank you for this beautiful gift of life. We are often rushing through the day. Help us slow down and notice our blessings along the way. We thank you! In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Take time to live life, love God and others, and pray!
God is visible to those who look! Pastor Liz