Today's Manna

Reading in John, chapter 6, Jesus talks to the people and says, "Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life..."

After reading this, the word MANNA was stamped on my heart the rest of the day. I know it was the Holy Spirit whispering to my soul to dig deeper. So I look up manna and it took me to Exodus 16. As I was filling up on "bread" I was interrupted more times than I would have liked.  But when my sweet boy came in and asked me to read to him what I was reading, I happily obliged! What greater privilege than to pour Jesus into your children?! I can't think of one. 

I'm going to give you a brief recap of what I read: so Moses and Aaron left Egypt, took the congregation out into the wilderness where they had to "go out and gather a day's portion every day," and they grumbled against Moses and Aaron. But it was to "test them, whether or not they will walk in My instruction." They continued to grumble and Moses said, "Your grumblings are not against us but against the Lord." Because they did not listen to instruction and brought back more bread than they could eat, by morning it had "bred worms and became foul."

It's always a good reminder not to live on yesterday's manna! We are so busy, rushing down the fast lane. But never too busy to stop for a bite to eat; whether it's fast food in your car or a home cooked meal.  We tend to not stop and spend time with the one who created life. The one who will give us eternal life. This life IS a test! Are you walking in His instruction?  We can't live on Sunday's sermon or Wednesday night's bible lesson. Don't let those teachings become worm infested and foul. Get your daily dose of "bread". Most bible apps will even read to you while getting ready or driving in your car.

Last year was different than all of my thirty-six-years of life. I opened my bible daily, meditating, learning, teaching, even mentoring. I prayed like I never had before. Oh, how the Lord is faithful!

I have always had a hard time saying no. Often feeling overworked, stressed, burned out and tired. I have never been one to set goals, much less a New Year's resolution. I always thought, "What's the point? No one ever completes their goal. So why set myself up for failure?" I could feel God's nudge to set one last year. So 2015, I started with the word NO. Do you ever get that feeling...when you're doing something and it just doesn't "feel" right? You don't know why, or what's causing it. I mean, you're doing "good works," right?  Well....last year my first response was always, no, at first.  Then it was, "Let me pray about it."

I realized a few months in I had not been on the path God laid out for me for some time, and that's why I always felt burned out. I wasn't being the wife or mother that God had called me to be, because I was preoccupied with things I shouldn't have been doing. But 2015, by saying that one little word, I was able to grow spiritually, invest in my husband and kids, and FINALLY feel like I was doing the Lord's work!!

Again, I want to encourage you; set a goal[s]! Find someone to do it with you, or at least hold you accountable! That makes all of the difference in the world! And remember PRAY! and show yourself GRACE!  Don't compare yourself to anyone.  Be who he created you to be!