God's Instructions!

For Tuesday, February 11, 2025:

Exodus 16:11-12 NLT: Then the Lord said to Moses, “I have heard the Israelites’ complaints. Now tell them, ‘In the evening you will have meat to eat, and in the morning you will have all the bread you want. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God.’”

The people of Israel are once again whining and complaining. And once again God meets their needs. Each of six mornings, manna, a bread flavored with honey, would fall from the sky. In those evenings, flocks of quail would land amongst the Israelites, providing meat for dinner. On the seventh day, the Lord’s day, the food gathered for day six would provide double the amount, so no one would have to work on the Lord’s day.

Having done this, God said, “Then you will know that I am the Lord your God.” God is an eternal optimist! The Israelites soon violate God’s plan. They were told to gather only enough manna for today, about two quarts. Some gathered too little; some gathered way too much. God evened it out; everyone had just enough. They were told to not set any manna aside for tomorrow. Some disobeyed, and found yesterday’s manna full of maggots and funny-smelling. But for some reason (God), the extra gathered on day six would still be fresh and wholesome on the Sabbath. Some of the people went out anyway on the seventh day, but they found no food. The Lord asked Moses, “How long will these people refuse to obey my commands and instructions?” How long, Lord?

In short, when the people of Israel followed God’s instructions, everything worked out great. They would have manna for 40 years until they reached Canaan. That same principle applies to believers and to our lives. If we follow God’s instructions, things always work out better. But if we insist on driving, our car often heads toward the ditch. God’s way is always the best way!

Manna means, “What is it?”

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Daily Bread

September 17, 2012 Monday Message:

“Give us this day our daily bread.” Luke 11:3

Our God is Jehovah Jireh, God our provider. He knows what we need before we ask, and he still provides for those who never ask. But those who never ask miss out on the relationship they could be enjoying with their creator.

God doesn’t want to only provide for you right now. He wants you to rely on him for ALL your needs, day by day, trusting that he’ll be there for you tomorrow, just as he was yesterday and today.

When the Chosen People were leaving Egypt, wandering on the desert, God caused manna to fall from heaven, day by day. Kept overnight, it would rot and be filled with worms — except (miracle!) on the Sabbath!

Each day, the God of provision sends today’s heavenly sustenance for his people. This shouldn’t be a selfish prayer: “Give ME today MY daily bread.” We ask for provision so that we can share. Most of us already have received OUR daily bread, and a little extra - so pass it on.

Norton Lawellin

Mark your calendar – October 7, 2012

Jesus in the City Fellowship and Familia de Fe (Spanish language) will be worshiping together, in the main sanctuary of the Oliver Ministry Building, 27^th Street & Bloomington Avenue, 10:30am. Pastor Michael Pilla teaching, Pastor Walter Chuquimia translating. Pot luck follows in the gym – bring something to share!

I’ll be on the road for a couple of weeks, so John will lead worship until I return. Join JICF at 10:30am Sunday as Pastor Michael continues our journey through Luke.