Coffee With The Lord

“MANNA” … Imagine it… the same stuff (or a variation on how it was prepared) for 40 years! That’s how long Israel were provided “manna” on their journey after escaping Egypt (Exodus 16) until they entered “the Promised Land (Joshua 5:12)!” It was God’s gracious provision (“heavenly health food”)!

Along with water that God provided along their journey, “manna” was God’s divine provision for their physical needs. But it also pointed to the fact that their whole lives were to be sustained by the Lord and governed by His word! Jesus picked up on that picture and fed over five thousand (plus women and children) on five loaves and two fish and declared “I am the bread that came down from heaven!” (John 6:41, 48-51)

But you’ve had kids – and you understand that it doesn’t take long before the “same thing every day” (“same-o – same-o – same-o”) get’s old after awhile. Variety in reading, teaching, hearing God’s word can be helpful (blessed are the “Spiritual meal preparers” who understand that!).

But regardless, God’s word provides everything needed for “spiritual nutrition!”… Job understood it in the Old Testament (even before there was a written “Word of God”)… He said, “I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food!” (Job 23:12)… Apostle Paul understood it to; he declared, “ALL SCRIPTURE [even Chronicles and Leviticus], is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness, so that the man (or woman) of God might be fully equipped for every good work!” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

I used to urge my students in a course that I taught at SAGU – Bible Study – to write these words in every Bible they had: “This book is my all-sufficient guide for faith (i.e. my relationship with God) and daily living!” In other words, the Bible is “Manna” – everything needed! … Spiritual breakfast, lunch, dinner (and snacks)!

Just seemed appropriate given the time in which we live… “Save, O Lord, for the godly have gone; the faithful have vanished from among the children of man… You, O Lord will keep them; You will guard us from this generation! On every side the wicked prowl, as vileness is exalted among the children of man.” (From Psalm 12:1, 7-8)

Sometimes, as time passes we forget things that are important and we need reminders. I wish we’d never forget, but sometimes we do. Where did we put that item? What did that person tell us? What was that telephone number? How did I do that? When did that happen? … You’ve had a few “forgets” too, I can see! 😉 What’s frustrating is they tell me it gets worse as you as you get older!

Thought about all of that as I read these words from the Bible this morning during my time of “coffee with the Lord”…

“Listen to me! … Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He! I am He who will sustain you! I have made you and I will carry you! I will sustain you and I will rescue you! … Remember this! Keep it in mind! Take it to heart! … I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please… What I have said, that I will bring about; what I have planned, that I will do!’” (from Isaiah 46)

God said that! I can’t afford to forget it! (And most of all, I’m very grateful for the reminder!!) Don’t let me forget this Lord!!