Rotten Manna

We're halfway through a great week of Vacation Bible School. Yesterday we had some missionaries to Haiti come and share with the kids. They had some Haitian men with them. It was such a powerful time for the kids to hear about this other culture, not very far away from America but a world apart. The kids are so excited to raise money for this mission. If they raise a certain amount they will get to "Pie the Pastors".

Jenna was impacted greatly by what was said. She wanted to bring all her money for the offering. I caught myself wanting to discourage her from bringing all $14.00. After all, she might want to buy a much needed stuffed animal or I don't know, what do 8 year olds do with their money? Instead I thanked her for her willingness to give it all to Christ. Why would I want to stifle that desire in her heart?

The funny thing is the Bible story that day was from Exodus 16 and 17 when God provided Manna and Quail for the Israelites in the desert. They Israelites were complaining and wishing they were back in Egypt where there was food. They seemed to quickly overlook the whole slavery thing. God provided them with quail and manna to meet their needs. Every morning they were to gather a certain amount per person for that day. When they began to store more than they needed, it became rotten. God wanted them to obey his commands and trust in Him.

I want to know we have a reserve: some savings, a retirement account, a full pantry, an alternative heat supply so we are ready for anything. Then we are relying on ourselves. But God wants us to rely on Him and His provisions day by day.

In the fall I worry about how we will buy winter gear for everyone, and at Christmas I worry about where the money for presents will come from. If only I could KNOW for sure that we'd have plenty. I don't know and sometimes things are tight. All I can do is trust God day to day to meet my needs. He always does and it never stops amazing me the ways he does it.

I'm thankful that my daughter taught me a lesson this week in her selfless act of giving.

Exodus 16:17-20
The Israelites did as they were told; some gathered much, some little. And when they measured it by the omer, he who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little. Each one gathered as much as he needed. Then Moses said to them, "No one is to keep any of it until morning." However, some of them paid no attention to Moses; they kept part of it until morning, but it was full of maggots and began to smell. So Moses was angry with them.

Matthew 6:31-34
So do not worry, saying , "What shall we eat?" or "What sahll we drink?" or "What shall we wear?" For the pagans run after all these things, and your Heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.