Manna From Heaven

Numbers 11:4-6

“Now the mixed multitude who were among them yielded to intense craving; so the children of Israel also wept again and said: “Who will give us meat to eat? We remember the fish which we ate freely in Egypt, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic; but now our whole being is dried up; there is nothing at all except this manna before our eyes!”

I’m surprised more often than I’d like to confess at how quickly I can grumble about my present circumstances, and paint a rosey picture for myself of how things were in the “good old days”. By trade I am a truck driver, having been at it for over 30 years. While I have other skills, this is the area that God has allowed me to be blessed. This is my manna from heaven. He has used my occupation to provide for me and my family, and even though things are good I have a tendency at times to focus on the negative. Just as the Israelites grumbled about all the “good times” in Egypt and forgot about that whole slavery thing, I too have my moments. For example, I complain about traffic, but forget that most of the world’s population has never ridden in an automobile. I complain about all the careless drivers, but forget to praise God for my safe travel. I grumble under my breath about how I hate what I do (sometimes), and forget to thank God that I have a job at all. Like the Israelites I complain about not having “meat”. Instead I should be grateful that God doesn’t give me what I want (or deserve, yikes!)

Now I know that none of you have been there, so you probably can’t relate (tongue thoroughly in cheek), but pray for me since perfection continues to elude me. Actually, I am grateful not be perfect – just imagine what my ramblings might be like then…….

Happy Independence Day!

Revelation 12:11

“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.”

Our forefathers valued freedom from tyranny more than their own lives. They were men of faith and morals, and on these things our great country was founded. Sadly, both of these virtues fall by the wayside as we grow further from our roots. That’s not to say all is lost. There are still many great men and women who fight for God and country, and to them I say,” Thank you!“.

Many of us have our own independence day. That’s the day we gave our hearts to the Lord. We too overcame, “by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony”, giving our lives to the One who gave His for us. Now that you’ve died for Him, how will you live for Him? I pray that on this day you’ll remember your “independence day”, and give the Lord your all.