The Fear of Tomorrow

Well, hey everybody. My name is Lucas Well, hey everybody. My name is Lucas Sublett and if you haven't met yet, I Sublett and if you haven't met yet, I Sublett and if you haven't met yet, I get the privilege of serving on staff get the privilege of serving on staff get the privilege of serving on staff here at Southeast as the Blankenbaker here at Southeast as the Blankenbaker here at Southeast as the Blankenbaker campus pastor. I'm really excited campus pastor. I'm really excited campus pastor. I'm really excited because today we're going to be jumping because today we're going to be jumping because today we're going to be jumping into the final week of our unexpected into the final week of our unexpected into the final week of our unexpected leader series. Over the past few weeks, leader series. Over the past few weeks, leader series. Over the past few weeks, we've been looking at the life of Moses we've been looking at the life of Moses we've been looking at the life of Moses and seeing how God used an ordinary and seeing how God used an ordinary and seeing how God used an ordinary unlikely person in some pretty unlikely person in some pretty unlikely person in some pretty extraordinary ways. And today we're extraordinary ways. And today we're extraordinary ways. And today we're going to finish that story together. You going to finish that story together. You going to finish that story together. You know, one of the things that I love most know, one of the things that I love most know, one of the things that I love most about our church is camp season. By the about our church is camp season. By the about our church is camp season. By the end of this summer, I'm excited to share end of this summer, I'm excited to share end of this summer, I'm excited to share with you we will have taken over 6,000 with you we will have taken over 6,000 with you we will have taken over 6,000 kids and students to camp, which is such kids and students to camp, which is such kids and students to camp, which is such a wild number. But the reason we do that a wild number. But the reason we do that a wild number. But the reason we do that is simply this. We believe that life is simply this. We believe that life is simply this. We believe that life change happens at camp. If you've ever change happens at camp. If you've ever change happens at camp. If you've ever been to camp, you know exactly what I been to camp, you know exactly what I been to camp, you know exactly what I mean. mean. mean. For a week, students get pulled out of For a week, students get pulled out of For a week, students get pulled out of their normal rhythms. No school, their normal rhythms. No school, their normal rhythms. No school, no sports, no running from thing to no sports, no running from thing to no sports, no running from thing to thing, no staring at a phone for six thing, no staring at a phone for six thing, no staring at a phone for six straight hours wondering where the day straight hours wondering where the day straight hours wondering where the day went. For a few days, life slows down went. For a few days, life slows down went. For a few days, life slows down enough to actually pay attention to what enough to actually pay attention to what enough to actually pay attention to what God might be saying. And every year God might be saying. And every year God might be saying. And every year without fail, God does nothing short of without fail, God does nothing short of without fail, God does nothing short of miracles in students' hearts. My miracles in students' hearts. My miracles in students' hearts. My favorite night of the week is what we favorite night of the week is what we favorite night of the week is what we call decision night. It's the night that call decision night. It's the night that call decision night. It's the night that we give students an opportunity to we give students an opportunity to we give students an opportunity to respond to what God has been doing all respond to what God has been doing all respond to what God has been doing all week. And every year it's by far the week. And every year it's by far the week. And every year it's by far the most powerful night of the week. I most powerful night of the week. I most powerful night of the week. I actually call it the ugly cry night.

actually call it the ugly cry night. actually call it the ugly cry night. You've got students crying, you've got You've got students crying, you've got You've got students crying, you've got leaders crying, everybody's crying. It leaders crying, everybody's crying. It leaders crying, everybody's crying. It really is a beautiful thing to witness. really is a beautiful thing to witness. really is a beautiful thing to witness. And the reason it's so powerful isn't And the reason it's so powerful isn't And the reason it's so powerful isn't the emotion of the moment. The reason the emotion of the moment. The reason the emotion of the moment. The reason it's powerful is because it never gets it's powerful is because it never gets it's powerful is because it never gets old watching students experience the old watching students experience the old watching students experience the grace of God in a way that becomes real grace of God in a way that becomes real grace of God in a way that becomes real to them. to them. to them. And while that's entirely amazing, can I And while that's entirely amazing, can I And while that's entirely amazing, can I tell you what rarely gets talked about? tell you what rarely gets talked about? tell you what rarely gets talked about? Rarely do we talk about what happens 3 Rarely do we talk about what happens 3 Rarely do we talk about what happens 3 weeks after camp. weeks after camp. weeks after camp. Imagine with me that you went to camp, Imagine with me that you went to camp, Imagine with me that you went to camp, you had an incredible week, God met you you had an incredible week, God met you you had an incredible week, God met you there. Maybe you surrendered your life there. Maybe you surrendered your life there. Maybe you surrendered your life to Christ, maybe you finally dealt with to Christ, maybe you finally dealt with to Christ, maybe you finally dealt with something you've been carrying for something you've been carrying for something you've been carrying for years, but now you're home. 3 weeks have years, but now you're home. 3 weeks have years, but now you're home. 3 weeks have gone by, camp is over, the worship is gone by, camp is over, the worship is gone by, camp is over, the worship is gone, the environment is gone, the gone, the environment is gone, the gone, the environment is gone, the friends who were encouraging you are friends who were encouraging you are friends who were encouraging you are back living their own lives. And now back living their own lives. And now back living their own lives. And now you're sitting alone in your room you're sitting alone in your room you're sitting alone in your room wondering, wondering, wondering, was that even real? was that even real? was that even real? Because what happened at camp felt Because what happened at camp felt Because what happened at camp felt powerful, but now you're back in your powerful, but now you're back in your powerful, but now you're back in your ordinary life with your ordinary ordinary life with your ordinary ordinary life with your ordinary responsibilities, and it just doesn't responsibilities, and it just doesn't responsibilities, and it just doesn't feel as exhilarating as the ugly cry feel as exhilarating as the ugly cry feel as exhilarating as the ugly cry night at camp. And maybe for you it's night at camp. And maybe for you it's night at camp. And maybe for you it's not camp. Maybe it was after your not camp. Maybe it was after your not camp. Maybe it was after your baptism. Maybe it was after a powerful baptism. Maybe it was after a powerful baptism. Maybe it was after a powerful morning at church or a moment of morning at church or a moment of morning at church or a moment of breakthrough in your life. Like the breakthrough in your life. Like the breakthrough in your life. Like the reality is that these moments with God reality is that these moments with God reality is that these moments with God are real. They're so significant in our are real. They're so significant in our are real. They're so significant in our faith journey, like they are powerful.

faith journey, like they are powerful. faith journey, like they are powerful. But it's important to know that But it's important to know that But it's important to know that eventually eventually eventually the moment ends. And the question that I the moment ends. And the question that I the moment ends. And the question that I want to us to wrestle with today is want to us to wrestle with today is want to us to wrestle with today is simply this, what do you do when the simply this, what do you do when the simply this, what do you do when the mountain top fades and you're left mountain top fades and you're left mountain top fades and you're left navigating ordinary life with God? navigating ordinary life with God? navigating ordinary life with God? You see, we all love the big moments You see, we all love the big moments You see, we all love the big moments with God. We love the breakthrough, we with God. We love the breakthrough, we with God. We love the breakthrough, we love the answered prayer, we love the love the answered prayer, we love the love the answered prayer, we love the miracle in the mountain top. But miracle in the mountain top. But miracle in the mountain top. But eventually eventually eventually eventually the moment ends. eventually the moment ends. eventually the moment ends. And we pick back up in Moses' story, And we pick back up in Moses' story, And we pick back up in Moses' story, that's exactly where Moses and the that's exactly where Moses and the that's exactly where Moses and the Israelites find themselves. Israelites find themselves. Israelites find themselves. Last week Bryson walked us through how Last week Bryson walked us through how Last week Bryson walked us through how God used the plagues to break Pharaoh's God used the plagues to break Pharaoh's God used the plagues to break Pharaoh's grip on his people. grip on his people. grip on his people. It was 10 demonstrations of God's power, It was 10 demonstrations of God's power, It was 10 demonstrations of God's power, 10 chances for Egypt to let them go, and 10 chances for Egypt to let them go, and 10 chances for Egypt to let them go, and eventually Pharaoh relents, but the eventually Pharaoh relents, but the eventually Pharaoh relents, but the story isn't over because Pharaoh changes story isn't over because Pharaoh changes story isn't over because Pharaoh changes his mind and suddenly the most liberated his mind and suddenly the most liberated his mind and suddenly the most liberated people on earth are standing at the edge people on earth are standing at the edge people on earth are standing at the edge of the Red Sea with an army at their of the Red Sea with an army at their of the Red Sea with an army at their backs and nowhere to go. backs and nowhere to go. backs and nowhere to go. Then God does what only God can do. So Then God does what only God can do. So Then God does what only God can do. So we'll pick it back up in verse 21. I'll we'll pick it back up in verse 21. I'll we'll pick it back up in verse 21. I'll read for us. It says this, read for us. It says this, read for us. It says this, "Then Moses stretched out his hand over "Then Moses stretched out his hand over "Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the Lord the sea, and all that night the Lord the sea, and all that night the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east drove the sea back with a strong east drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it to the dry land. The wind and turned it to the dry land. The wind and turned it to the dry land. The waters were divided and the Israelites waters were divided and the Israelites waters were divided and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground with went through the sea on dry ground with went through the sea on dry ground with a wall of water on their right and on a wall of water on their right and on a wall of water on their right and on their left. The Egyptians pursued them, their left. The Egyptians pursued them, their left. The Egyptians pursued them, and all of Pharaoh's horses and chariots and all of Pharaoh's horses and chariots and all of Pharaoh's horses and chariots and horsemen followed them into the and horsemen followed them into the and horsemen followed them into the sea."

sea." sea." And many of you know how the story ends, And many of you know how the story ends, And many of you know how the story ends, right? Like the waters come crashing right? Like the waters come crashing right? Like the waters come crashing back down, and in a matter of moments, back down, and in a matter of moments, back down, and in a matter of moments, the most powerful army in the world has the most powerful army in the world has the most powerful army in the world has been wiped out. And Israel standing been wiped out. And Israel standing been wiped out. And Israel standing safely on the other side of the sea safely on the other side of the sea safely on the other side of the sea watching it all happen. Listen to how watching it all happen. Listen to how watching it all happen. Listen to how Exodus describes it in verse 30. It Exodus describes it in verse 30. It Exodus describes it in verse 30. It says, "The Lord saved Israel that day says, "The Lord saved Israel that day says, "The Lord saved Israel that day from the hand of the Egyptians, from the hand of the Egyptians, from the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. Israel saw the great power seashore. Israel saw the great power seashore. Israel saw the great power that the Lord used against the that the Lord used against the that the Lord used against the Egyptians, and so the people feared the Egyptians, and so the people feared the Egyptians, and so the people feared the Lord, and they believed in the Lord and Lord, and they believed in the Lord and Lord, and they believed in the Lord and in his servant Moses." Now, put yourself in his servant Moses." Now, put yourself in his servant Moses." Now, put yourself in Moses' shoes for a second. I mean, as in Moses' shoes for a second. I mean, as in Moses' shoes for a second. I mean, as a leader, this is the moment that you've a leader, this is the moment that you've a leader, this is the moment that you've been waiting for. Like God has shown up been waiting for. Like God has shown up been waiting for. Like God has shown up in a miraculous way. The people have in a miraculous way. The people have in a miraculous way. The people have seen it with their own eyes. Like they seen it with their own eyes. Like they seen it with their own eyes. Like they are celebrating. They're worshiping. are celebrating. They're worshiping. are celebrating. They're worshiping. Moses finally has credibility. Moses finally has credibility. Moses finally has credibility. Everybody's bought in. In fact, the text Everybody's bought in. In fact, the text Everybody's bought in. In fact, the text says that the Israelites broke out in says that the Israelites broke out in says that the Israelites broke out in song. Some scholars actually believe song. Some scholars actually believe song. Some scholars actually believe that this was the first worship song that this was the first worship song that this was the first worship song recorded in all of scripture. And so, recorded in all of scripture. And so, recorded in all of scripture. And so, think about this. The people who were think about this. The people who were think about this. The people who were slaves yesterday are singing today.

slaves yesterday are singing today. slaves yesterday are singing today. Moses is a hero. God is good. Everything Moses is a hero. God is good. Everything Moses is a hero. God is good. Everything seems right. seems right. seems right. And if we were writing this story in And if we were writing this story in And if we were writing this story in scripture, this is probably where we scripture, this is probably where we scripture, this is probably where we would expect the momentum to carry them would expect the momentum to carry them would expect the momentum to carry them all the way to the promised land. all the way to the promised land. all the way to the promised land. But if you know the story, you know that But if you know the story, you know that But if you know the story, you know that that's not what happens at all. Cuz that's not what happens at all. Cuz that's not what happens at all. Cuz almost immediately something shifts. almost immediately something shifts. almost immediately something shifts. Something happens that reveals what's Something happens that reveals what's Something happens that reveals what's really going on in their hearts. Look really going on in their hearts. Look really going on in their hearts. Look what happens starting in verse 22. I'll what happens starting in verse 22. I'll what happens starting in verse 22. I'll read it for us. read it for us. read it for us. It says, "Then Moses led Israel from the It says, "Then Moses led Israel from the It says, "Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea, and they went into the Red Sea, and they went into the Red Sea, and they went into the wilderness of Shur. They went 3 days in wilderness of Shur. They went 3 days in wilderness of Shur. They went 3 days in the wilderness and found no water. When the wilderness and found no water. When the wilderness and found no water. When they came to Marah, they could not drink they came to Marah, they could not drink they came to Marah, they could not drink the water of Marah because it was the water of Marah because it was the water of Marah because it was bitter. And the people grumbled against bitter. And the people grumbled against bitter. And the people grumbled against Moses saying, 'What shall we drink?'" Moses saying, 'What shall we drink?'" Moses saying, 'What shall we drink?'" My wife and I have 4-year-old twin boys, My wife and I have 4-year-old twin boys, My wife and I have 4-year-old twin boys, which means our house can feel a little which means our house can feel a little which means our house can feel a little bit like an emotional roller coaster. bit like an emotional roller coaster. bit like an emotional roller coaster. One minute they can be as sweet as can One minute they can be as sweet as can One minute they can be as sweet as can be. They're listening, they're sharing, be. They're listening, they're sharing, be. They're listening, they're sharing, they're getting along. And then the very they're getting along. And then the very they're getting along. And then the very next minute they're convinced that we've next minute they're convinced that we've next minute they're convinced that we've ruined their lives because we told them ruined their lives because we told them ruined their lives because we told them that it was bedtime. And honestly, when that it was bedtime. And honestly, when that it was bedtime. And honestly, when you read through the book of Exodus, you read through the book of Exodus, you read through the book of Exodus, Israel isn't acting all that Israel isn't acting all that Israel isn't acting all that differently. Listen what it says here.

differently. Listen what it says here. differently. Listen what it says here. It says, "Then Moses led Israel from the It says, "Then Moses led Israel from the It says, "Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea, and they went into the desert Red Sea, and they went into the desert Red Sea, and they went into the desert of Shur. For 3 days they traveled in the of Shur. For 3 days they traveled in the of Shur. For 3 days they traveled in the desert without finding water. When they desert without finding water. When they desert without finding water. When they came to Marah, they could not drink it came to Marah, they could not drink it came to Marah, they could not drink it because it was bitter. And that's why because it was bitter. And that's why because it was bitter. And that's why the place is called Marah. So the people the place is called Marah. So the people the place is called Marah. So the people grumbled against Moses saying, 'What are grumbled against Moses saying, 'What are grumbled against Moses saying, 'What are we to drink?'" Now, I know that this is we to drink?'" Now, I know that this is we to drink?'" Now, I know that this is such a simple observation, but don't such a simple observation, but don't such a simple observation, but don't miss this. miss this. miss this. It only took 3 days to complain. It only took 3 days to complain. It only took 3 days to complain. Like that's it. 3 days ago God parted Like that's it. 3 days ago God parted Like that's it. 3 days ago God parted the Red Sea. Like 3 days ago they the Red Sea. Like 3 days ago they the Red Sea. Like 3 days ago they watched the most powerful army in the watched the most powerful army in the watched the most powerful army in the world disappear beneath the water. 3 world disappear beneath the water. 3 world disappear beneath the water. 3 days ago they were singing songs about days ago they were singing songs about days ago they were singing songs about God's faithfulness, but now 3 days later God's faithfulness, but now 3 days later God's faithfulness, but now 3 days later they're thirsty. Now they're they're thirsty. Now they're they're thirsty. Now they're uncomfortable, and now they're scared. uncomfortable, and now they're scared. uncomfortable, and now they're scared. And all of a sudden, Moses goes from And all of a sudden, Moses goes from And all of a sudden, Moses goes from hero to villain in 3 days. hero to villain in 3 days. hero to villain in 3 days. And if I'm honest, one of the things And if I'm honest, one of the things And if I'm honest, one of the things nobody really tells you about following nobody really tells you about following nobody really tells you about following Jesus is just how quickly the big God Jesus is just how quickly the big God Jesus is just how quickly the big God moments can fade. You can have an moments can fade. You can have an moments can fade. You can have an incredible experience with God on Sunday incredible experience with God on Sunday incredible experience with God on Sunday and be discouraged by Wednesday. You can and be discouraged by Wednesday. You can and be discouraged by Wednesday. You can leave camp, maybe a retreat, a leave camp, maybe a retreat, a leave camp, maybe a retreat, a conference, or a mission trip completely conference, or a mission trip completely conference, or a mission trip completely on fire for Jesus on fire for Jesus on fire for Jesus and just a few days later find yourself and just a few days later find yourself and just a few days later find yourself struggling with the same fears and struggling with the same fears and struggling with the same fears and doubts that you thought that you left doubts that you thought that you left doubts that you thought that you left behind.

behind. behind. I think for many of us, we imagine I think for many of us, we imagine I think for many of us, we imagine following Jesus as moving from miracle following Jesus as moving from miracle following Jesus as moving from miracle to miracle or mountaintop to to miracle or mountaintop to to miracle or mountaintop to mountaintop, but the Bible paints mountaintop, but the Bible paints mountaintop, but the Bible paints picture. You see, the Christian life is picture. You see, the Christian life is picture. You see, the Christian life is often less like skipping from victory to often less like skipping from victory to often less like skipping from victory to victory and more like learning to trust victory and more like learning to trust victory and more like learning to trust in the normal everyday life of the in the normal everyday life of the in the normal everyday life of the wilderness. And that's exactly what God wilderness. And that's exactly what God wilderness. And that's exactly what God is teaching Israel. And so, as we is teaching Israel. And so, as we is teaching Israel. And so, as we continue following Moses and the continue following Moses and the continue following Moses and the Israelites, they keep finding themselves Israelites, they keep finding themselves Israelites, they keep finding themselves in situations where they need God's in situations where they need God's in situations where they need God's help. First, there's the bitter water at help. First, there's the bitter water at help. First, there's the bitter water at Marah, and then there's hunger in the Marah, and then there's hunger in the Marah, and then there's hunger in the wilderness, and then there's thirst wilderness, and then there's thirst wilderness, and then there's thirst again over and over, God allows them to again over and over, God allows them to again over and over, God allows them to face circumstances that they cannot face circumstances that they cannot face circumstances that they cannot solve on their own. And for nearly a solve on their own. And for nearly a solve on their own. And for nearly a month, God is teaching his people a month, God is teaching his people a month, God is teaching his people a lesson that they desperately need to lesson that they desperately need to lesson that they desperately need to learn. And honestly, I think it's a learn. And honestly, I think it's a learn. And honestly, I think it's a lesson that we need to learn, too. And lesson that we need to learn, too. And lesson that we need to learn, too. And it's simply this: it's simply this: it's simply this: God didn't rescue Israel so they could God didn't rescue Israel so they could God didn't rescue Israel so they could become independent. He rescued them so become independent. He rescued them so become independent. He rescued them so that they could become dependent that they could become dependent that they could become dependent on him.

on him. on him. And trust me, I know that that sounds And trust me, I know that that sounds And trust me, I know that that sounds backwards. Because when we think about backwards. Because when we think about backwards. Because when we think about freedom, we usually think freedom means freedom, we usually think freedom means freedom, we usually think freedom means nobody gets to tell me what to do. Like nobody gets to tell me what to do. Like nobody gets to tell me what to do. Like nobody has authority over me, nobody nobody has authority over me, nobody nobody has authority over me, nobody gets to lead me, I get to do whatever I gets to lead me, I get to do whatever I gets to lead me, I get to do whatever I want. But that's not how the Bible talks want. But that's not how the Bible talks want. But that's not how the Bible talks about freedom. Listen to how Paul puts about freedom. Listen to how Paul puts about freedom. Listen to how Paul puts it in Romans chapter 6. But now that you it in Romans chapter 6. But now that you it in Romans chapter 6. But now that you have been set free from sin and have have been set free from sin and have have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God. And so, Paul goes become slaves of God. And so, Paul goes become slaves of God. And so, Paul goes on to unpack what that means for on to unpack what that means for on to unpack what that means for Christians. Christians. Christians. But here's what I want you to notice. He But here's what I want you to notice. He But here's what I want you to notice. He doesn't say you've been set free from doesn't say you've been set free from doesn't say you've been set free from sin, now you belong to nobody. He says sin, now you belong to nobody. He says sin, now you belong to nobody. He says you've been set free from sin and have you've been set free from sin and have you've been set free from sin and have become slaves of God. In other words, become slaves of God. In other words, become slaves of God. In other words, the Exodus wasn't a move from slavery to the Exodus wasn't a move from slavery to the Exodus wasn't a move from slavery to independence. independence. independence. It was a move from Pharaoh's rule to It was a move from Pharaoh's rule to It was a move from Pharaoh's rule to God's rule. And the same is true for us. God's rule. And the same is true for us. God's rule. And the same is true for us. Like God didn't save you so that you Like God didn't save you so that you Like God didn't save you so that you could become self-sufficient. He didn't could become self-sufficient. He didn't could become self-sufficient. He didn't rescue you so that you could live rescue you so that you could live rescue you so that you could live however you wanted to and never need him however you wanted to and never need him however you wanted to and never need him again. again. again. He saved you so that you could walk with He saved you so that you could walk with He saved you so that you could walk with him.

him. him. So that you could trust in him, so that So that you could trust in him, so that So that you could trust in him, so that you could depend on him and follow him. you could depend on him and follow him. you could depend on him and follow him. You see, the Israelites were about to You see, the Israelites were about to You see, the Israelites were about to learn a lesson that every believer learn a lesson that every believer learn a lesson that every believer eventually has to learn. eventually has to learn. eventually has to learn. Here's what it is. Here's what it is. Here's what it is. Freedom isn't the absence of a master. Freedom isn't the absence of a master. Freedom isn't the absence of a master. Freedom is being led by a good master. Freedom is being led by a good master. Freedom is being led by a good master. And the good news for us is that master And the good news for us is that master And the good news for us is that master is Jesus. is Jesus. is Jesus. And so, where we're at right now, And so, where we're at right now, And so, where we're at right now, Israel's continuing in their journey Israel's continuing in their journey Israel's continuing in their journey through the wilderness. God is teaching through the wilderness. God is teaching through the wilderness. God is teaching them what it means to depend on him. And them what it means to depend on him. And them what it means to depend on him. And one of the clearest ways we see this is one of the clearest ways we see this is one of the clearest ways we see this is when God provides manna every day in when God provides manna every day in when God provides manna every day in Exodus chapter 16. Let's pick up in in Exodus chapter 16. Let's pick up in in Exodus chapter 16. Let's pick up in in verse two. Says this, verse two. Says this, verse two. Says this, "And the whole congregation of the "And the whole congregation of the "And the whole congregation of the people of Israel grumbled against Moses people of Israel grumbled against Moses people of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. And the and Aaron in the wilderness. And the and Aaron in the wilderness. And the people of Israel said to them, 'Would people of Israel said to them, 'Would people of Israel said to them, 'Would that we had died by the hand of the Lord that we had died by the hand of the Lord that we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt when we sat by the in the land of Egypt when we sat by the in the land of Egypt when we sat by the meat pots and ate bread to the full, for meat pots and ate bread to the full, for meat pots and ate bread to the full, for you have brought us out into this you have brought us out into this you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly wilderness to kill this whole assembly wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.'" So, yet again, the same with hunger.'" So, yet again, the same with hunger.'" So, yet again, the same cycle ensues. God's people complain and cycle ensues. God's people complain and cycle ensues. God's people complain and cynicism begins to set in, but listen to cynicism begins to set in, but listen to cynicism begins to set in, but listen to how God responds.

how God responds. how God responds. Says this, Says this, Says this, "Then the Lord said to Moses, 'Behold, "Then the Lord said to Moses, 'Behold, "Then the Lord said to Moses, 'Behold, I'm about to rain bread from heaven for I'm about to rain bread from heaven for I'm about to rain bread from heaven for you, and the people shall go out and you, and the people shall go out and you, and the people shall go out and gather a day's portion every day that I gather a day's portion every day that I gather a day's portion every day that I may test them whether they walk in my may test them whether they walk in my may test them whether they walk in my law or not.'" law or not.'" law or not.'" Now, the food spoken of here was a Now, the food spoken of here was a Now, the food spoken of here was a bread-like substance that God provided bread-like substance that God provided bread-like substance that God provided for his people every morning. The name for his people every morning. The name for his people every morning. The name of this bread was what God called manna. of this bread was what God called manna. of this bread was what God called manna. Numbers 11:7 says this, "Now, the manna Numbers 11:7 says this, "Now, the manna Numbers 11:7 says this, "Now, the manna was like coriander seed and its was like coriander seed and its was like coriander seed and its appearance like that of bdellium." appearance like that of bdellium." appearance like that of bdellium." The literal meaning of the word manna is The literal meaning of the word manna is The literal meaning of the word manna is essentially the phrase, "What is it?" essentially the phrase, "What is it?" essentially the phrase, "What is it?" which is funny because it's exactly what which is funny because it's exactly what which is funny because it's exactly what they said when they saw it. Look at how they said when they saw it. Look at how they said when they saw it. Look at how scripture describes it in verse 14. "And scripture describes it in verse 14. "And scripture describes it in verse 14. "And when the dew had gone up, there was on when the dew had gone up, there was on when the dew had gone up, there was on the face of the wilderness a fine the face of the wilderness a fine the face of the wilderness a fine flake-like thing, finest frost on the flake-like thing, finest frost on the flake-like thing, finest frost on the ground." Now, watch this. "When the ground." Now, watch this. "When the ground." Now, watch this. "When the people of Israel saw it, they said to people of Israel saw it, they said to people of Israel saw it, they said to one another, 'What is it?' For they did one another, 'What is it?' For they did one another, 'What is it?' For they did not know what it was, and Moses said to not know what it was, and Moses said to not know what it was, and Moses said to them, 'It's the bread that the Lord has them, 'It's the bread that the Lord has them, 'It's the bread that the Lord has given you to eat.'" I want you to given you to eat.'" I want you to given you to eat.'" I want you to imagine every morning you wake up and imagine every morning you wake up and imagine every morning you wake up and there's a gas card sitting on your there's a gas card sitting on your there's a gas card sitting on your kitchen table. It has enough money on it kitchen table. It has enough money on it kitchen table. It has enough money on it for exactly one day's worth of gas, not for exactly one day's worth of gas, not for exactly one day's worth of gas, not enough for the week, not enough for the enough for the week, not enough for the enough for the week, not enough for the the month, just for every single day.

the month, just for every single day. the month, just for every single day. And so, you take the card, you go, you And so, you take the card, you go, you And so, you take the card, you go, you fill up your tank, you go to work, you fill up your tank, you go to work, you fill up your tank, you go to work, you come home, and you have just enough gas come home, and you have just enough gas come home, and you have just enough gas to get in the driveway. to get in the driveway. to get in the driveway. And then the next morning, And then the next morning, And then the next morning, to your surprise, there it is again, to your surprise, there it is again, to your surprise, there it is again, another gas card. I guess it's the same another gas card. I guess it's the same another gas card. I guess it's the same amount, it's the same routine, and amount, it's the same routine, and amount, it's the same routine, and honestly, at first, it sounds pretty honestly, at first, it sounds pretty honestly, at first, it sounds pretty awesome, right? I mean, free gas every awesome, right? I mean, free gas every awesome, right? I mean, free gas every day sounds pretty good in this market. day sounds pretty good in this market. day sounds pretty good in this market. Every morning, there's exactly what you Every morning, there's exactly what you Every morning, there's exactly what you need waiting for you. But after a while, need waiting for you. But after a while, need waiting for you. But after a while, your curiosity gets the best of you. your curiosity gets the best of you. your curiosity gets the best of you. Eventually, you start asking anxious Eventually, you start asking anxious Eventually, you start asking anxious questions like, "What would happen if it questions like, "What would happen if it questions like, "What would happen if it doesn't show up tomorrow? doesn't show up tomorrow? doesn't show up tomorrow? What what if I need more than I've been What what if I need more than I've been What what if I need more than I've been given? Like, what if there's an given? Like, what if there's an given? Like, what if there's an emergency? And what if I have somewhere emergency? And what if I have somewhere emergency? And what if I have somewhere unexpected that I need to go? Like, what unexpected that I need to go? Like, what unexpected that I need to go? Like, what if tomorrow is different than today?" if tomorrow is different than today?" if tomorrow is different than today?" After a few weeks, maybe a few months, After a few weeks, maybe a few months, After a few weeks, maybe a few months, you're lying in bed and you come up with you're lying in bed and you come up with you're lying in bed and you come up with what feels like the greatest idea you've what feels like the greatest idea you've what feels like the greatest idea you've ever had. You think, "I I exactly how to ever had. You think, "I I exactly how to ever had. You think, "I I exactly how to solve this problem. So, you go to solve this problem. So, you go to solve this problem. So, you go to Walmart. Walmart. Walmart. You go and buy every gas can that they You go and buy every gas can that they You go and buy every gas can that they have and the next morning, instead of have and the next morning, instead of have and the next morning, instead of filling up one tank, you fill up 25 gas filling up one tank, you fill up 25 gas filling up one tank, you fill up 25 gas cans.

cans. cans. And with great pride, you line all 25 And with great pride, you line all 25 And with great pride, you line all 25 gas cans up in your garage. You step gas cans up in your garage. You step gas cans up in your garage. You step back. You you you cross your arms. You back. You you you cross your arms. You back. You you you cross your arms. You admire your work because now you finally admire your work because now you finally admire your work because now you finally solved the problem and you end up having solved the problem and you end up having solved the problem and you end up having the greatest night's sleep that you've the greatest night's sleep that you've the greatest night's sleep that you've ever had in weeks. ever had in weeks. ever had in weeks. The only problem is is that when you The only problem is is that when you The only problem is is that when you wake up the next morning, you awaken to wake up the next morning, you awaken to wake up the next morning, you awaken to this awful smell. this awful smell. this awful smell. You can smell it even before you get out You can smell it even before you get out You can smell it even before you get out of bed. You walk over to the garage. You of bed. You walk over to the garage. You of bed. You walk over to the garage. You open the door and you realize that open the door and you realize that open the door and you realize that somehow every single gas can has gone somehow every single gas can has gone somehow every single gas can has gone completely bad overnight and all the completely bad overnight and all the completely bad overnight and all the extra work that you put in has come to extra work that you put in has come to extra work that you put in has come to nothing. nothing. nothing. I know that that sounds pretty I know that that sounds pretty I know that that sounds pretty ridiculous. ridiculous. ridiculous. But this is exactly what Israel did with But this is exactly what Israel did with But this is exactly what Israel did with manna. I mean, it was the same instinct. manna. I mean, it was the same instinct. manna. I mean, it was the same instinct. It was It was the same plan and somewhat It was It was the same plan and somewhat It was It was the same plan and somewhat of the same result. And if we're honest, of the same result. And if we're honest, of the same result. And if we're honest, if we were God, we would probably write if we were God, we would probably write if we were God, we would probably write this story completely differently. We'd this story completely differently. We'd this story completely differently. We'd build a giant storehouse. We We'd have build a giant storehouse. We We'd have build a giant storehouse. We We'd have unlimited amount of manna. We We'd unlimited amount of manna. We We'd unlimited amount of manna. We We'd make rules that say you can come make rules that say you can come make rules that say you can come whenever you're hungry and take as much whenever you're hungry and take as much whenever you're hungry and take as much as you want. I think if the whole point as you want. I think if the whole point as you want. I think if the whole point was simply to get Israel fed, God would was simply to get Israel fed, God would was simply to get Israel fed, God would probably do that.

probably do that. probably do that. That's not at all what's happening here. That's not at all what's happening here. That's not at all what's happening here. But listen to what God says again. But listen to what God says again. But listen to what God says again. He says, "I will rain down bread from He says, "I will rain down bread from He says, "I will rain down bread from heaven for you. heaven for you. heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and The people are to go out each day and The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way, gather enough for that day. In this way, gather enough for that day. In this way, watch this, I will test them." watch this, I will test them." watch this, I will test them." And there's the key statement. You see, And there's the key statement. You see, And there's the key statement. You see, the manna wasn't just provision. the manna wasn't just provision. the manna wasn't just provision. It was a test. The question was never It was a test. The question was never It was a test. The question was never can God provide? The Red Sea already can God provide? The Red Sea already can God provide? The Red Sea already answered that. The question was this. answered that. The question was this. answered that. The question was this. Will they trust him one day at a time? Will they trust him one day at a time? Will they trust him one day at a time? I think that the same offer is on the I think that the same offer is on the I think that the same offer is on the table for us. I mean, so much of our table for us. I mean, so much of our table for us. I mean, so much of our lives are built around one question, lives are built around one question, lives are built around one question, "How do I control tomorrow?" Like we "How do I control tomorrow?" Like we "How do I control tomorrow?" Like we save for tomorrow, we plan for tomorrow, save for tomorrow, we plan for tomorrow, save for tomorrow, we plan for tomorrow, we lose sleep over it, we refresh our we lose sleep over it, we refresh our we lose sleep over it, we refresh our bank account at midnight, we run the bank account at midnight, we run the bank account at midnight, we run the numbers one more time, we rehearse the numbers one more time, we rehearse the numbers one more time, we rehearse the conversation in our head before it even conversation in our head before it even conversation in our head before it even happens. happens. happens. And the reality is, none of those things And the reality is, none of those things And the reality is, none of those things are bad. are bad. are bad. But somewhere underneath all of it is But somewhere underneath all of it is But somewhere underneath all of it is this quiet fear, "If I don't figure it this quiet fear, "If I don't figure it this quiet fear, "If I don't figure it out, nobody else will."

out, nobody else will." out, nobody else will." "If I don't stockpile the gas cans, "If I don't stockpile the gas cans, "If I don't stockpile the gas cans, we're eventually going to run out." And we're eventually going to run out." And we're eventually going to run out." And what God was doing in the wilderness was what God was doing in the wilderness was what God was doing in the wilderness was exposing that fear, because here's the exposing that fear, because here's the exposing that fear, because here's the truth. truth. truth. You cannot trust someone you're trying You cannot trust someone you're trying You cannot trust someone you're trying to replace. to replace. to replace. Every time Israel grabbed extra manna, Every time Israel grabbed extra manna, Every time Israel grabbed extra manna, they were saying, "I believe in you, they were saying, "I believe in you, they were saying, "I believe in you, God. God. God. I'm just not sure I believe you'll show I'm just not sure I believe you'll show I'm just not sure I believe you'll show up tomorrow." up tomorrow." up tomorrow." And I get it. Like [snorts] being hungry And I get it. Like [snorts] being hungry And I get it. Like [snorts] being hungry in the wilderness probably isn't your in the wilderness probably isn't your in the wilderness probably isn't your test today. test today. test today. But maybe your test is your children. But maybe your test is your children. But maybe your test is your children. Uh maybe you keep trying to secure a Uh maybe you keep trying to secure a Uh maybe you keep trying to secure a future only God can guarantee. Uh maybe future only God can guarantee. Uh maybe future only God can guarantee. Uh maybe it's your finances. Maybe you fall into it's your finances. Maybe you fall into it's your finances. Maybe you fall into the trap of thinking one more raise, uh the trap of thinking one more raise, uh the trap of thinking one more raise, uh one more investment, or maybe uh then one more investment, or maybe uh then one more investment, or maybe uh then you'll finally feel safe. Maybe it's you'll finally feel safe. Maybe it's you'll finally feel safe. Maybe it's your health. Maybe you spend more time your health. Maybe you spend more time your health. Maybe you spend more time fearing what might happen than trusting fearing what might happen than trusting fearing what might happen than trusting the God who holds your entire life. the God who holds your entire life. the God who holds your entire life. Maybe it's a marriage, maybe it's a Maybe it's a marriage, maybe it's a Maybe it's a marriage, maybe it's a diagnosis, maybe it's a career. diagnosis, maybe it's a career. diagnosis, maybe it's a career. I don't know what your struggle is I don't know what your struggle is I don't know what your struggle is today. But here's what I do know. today. But here's what I do know. today. But here's what I do know. Every single test is an invitation to Every single test is an invitation to Every single test is an invitation to stop stockpiling and start trusting.

stop stockpiling and start trusting. stop stockpiling and start trusting. What that looks like in real life isn't What that looks like in real life isn't What that looks like in real life isn't one big dramatic moment of surrender, one big dramatic moment of surrender, one big dramatic moment of surrender, it's everyday discipleship. It's the it's everyday discipleship. It's the it's everyday discipleship. It's the quiet, unglamorous daily rhythms of quiet, unglamorous daily rhythms of quiet, unglamorous daily rhythms of actually walking with Jesus. Uh Jesus actually walking with Jesus. Uh Jesus actually walking with Jesus. Uh Jesus taught his disciples exactly this. He taught his disciples exactly this. He taught his disciples exactly this. He said it this way, said it this way, said it this way, he said, "Pray like this. Our Father in he said, "Pray like this. Our Father in he said, "Pray like this. Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your heaven, hallowed be your name. Your heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth kingdom come, your will be done on earth kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day as it is in heaven. Give us this day as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread." our daily bread." our daily bread." And I want you to see this. And I want you to see this. And I want you to see this. It's not weekly. It's not every It's not weekly. It's not every It's not weekly. It's not every Christmas and Easter. It's daily bread. Christmas and Easter. It's daily bread. Christmas and Easter. It's daily bread. You see, Jesus was pointing back to You see, Jesus was pointing back to You see, Jesus was pointing back to Exodus and he was teaching his disciples Exodus and he was teaching his disciples Exodus and he was teaching his disciples to return to God every single day. to return to God every single day. to return to God every single day. And it's not because he's stingy. It's And it's not because he's stingy. It's And it's not because he's stingy. It's not because he's making you earn it. not because he's making you earn it. not because he's making you earn it. It's because daily dependence is the It's because daily dependence is the It's because daily dependence is the whole point. The details are different whole point. The details are different whole point. The details are different for all of us, but the test is always for all of us, but the test is always for all of us, but the test is always the same. the same. the same. You know, I love that God told Israel to You know, I love that God told Israel to You know, I love that God told Israel to go out in the morning and to gather go out in the morning and to gather go out in the morning and to gather manna.

manna. manna. I think that there's something really I think that there's something really I think that there's something really intentional about that. I'm a firm intentional about that. I'm a firm intentional about that. I'm a firm believer that God's believer that God's believer that God's grace is opposed to earning, but I don't grace is opposed to earning, but I don't grace is opposed to earning, but I don't think that it's opposed to effort. The think that it's opposed to effort. The think that it's opposed to effort. The provision is already there. God has provision is already there. God has provision is already there. God has provided it. Like, you just need to go provided it. Like, you just need to go provided it. Like, you just need to go out and gather it. So, here's my out and gather it. So, here's my out and gather it. So, here's my challenge for you today. What if you set challenge for you today. What if you set challenge for you today. What if you set aside 20 to 30 minutes every morning and aside 20 to 30 minutes every morning and aside 20 to 30 minutes every morning and made that your time to gather the grace made that your time to gather the grace made that your time to gather the grace that you'll need for the day? that you'll need for the day? that you'll need for the day? If you're new to reading the Bible, let If you're new to reading the Bible, let If you're new to reading the Bible, let me give you a really simple tool that's me give you a really simple tool that's me give you a really simple tool that's helped a lot of people. It's called helped a lot of people. It's called helped a lot of people. It's called SOAP. It stands for scripture, SOAP. It stands for scripture, SOAP. It stands for scripture, observation, application, and prayer. observation, application, and prayer. observation, application, and prayer. And so, for scripture, just start by And so, for scripture, just start by And so, for scripture, just start by reading a chapter of the Bible every reading a chapter of the Bible every reading a chapter of the Bible every morning. That's it. Like, maybe it's the morning. That's it. Like, maybe it's the morning. That's it. Like, maybe it's the passage that we're talking about today. passage that we're talking about today. passage that we're talking about today. Maybe it's a chapter in Proverbs. Maybe Maybe it's a chapter in Proverbs. Maybe Maybe it's a chapter in Proverbs. Maybe it's one of the Gospels. The goal isn't it's one of the Gospels. The goal isn't it's one of the Gospels. The goal isn't to overcomplicate it. Just open God's to overcomplicate it. Just open God's to overcomplicate it. Just open God's word and read. And then move to word and read. And then move to word and read. And then move to observation. As you're reading, just observation. As you're reading, just observation. As you're reading, just ask, "What stood out to me? Like, what ask, "What stood out to me? Like, what ask, "What stood out to me? Like, what grabbed my attention? What did I learn grabbed my attention? What did I learn grabbed my attention? What did I learn about God today? Was there a verse that about God today? Was there a verse that about God today? Was there a verse that I kept coming back to?" And simply write I kept coming back to?" And simply write I kept coming back to?" And simply write down a few things that stuck out to you.

down a few things that stuck out to you. down a few things that stuck out to you. And then application. And then application. And then application. Ask yourself, okay, what am I supposed Ask yourself, okay, what am I supposed Ask yourself, okay, what am I supposed to do with this? How does this affect my to do with this? How does this affect my to do with this? How does this affect my life? Is there something God is asking life? Is there something God is asking life? Is there something God is asking me to start doing? Is there something me to start doing? Is there something me to start doing? Is there something he's asking me to stop doing? Or is he's asking me to stop doing? Or is he's asking me to stop doing? Or is there something that I need to trust in there something that I need to trust in there something that I need to trust in him for? him for? him for? And then the last thing is this, it's And then the last thing is this, it's And then the last thing is this, it's prayer. prayer. prayer. Just talk to God about what you read. Just talk to God about what you read. Just talk to God about what you read. Thank him for what he showed you. Ask Thank him for what he showed you. Ask Thank him for what he showed you. Ask him to help you live it out. Bring him him to help you live it out. Bring him him to help you live it out. Bring him what's on your heart and then go start what's on your heart and then go start what's on your heart and then go start your day. your day. your day. Now, I always tell people like this Now, I always tell people like this Now, I always tell people like this isn't the only way to spend time with isn't the only way to spend time with isn't the only way to spend time with God. Like there are a lot of ways to God. Like there are a lot of ways to God. Like there are a lot of ways to meet with him. But I can tell you from meet with him. But I can tell you from meet with him. But I can tell you from experience this one works. And so I want experience this one works. And so I want experience this one works. And so I want to challenge you to try it. In fact, I'm to challenge you to try it. In fact, I'm to challenge you to try it. In fact, I'm going to make a pretty big ask. I want going to make a pretty big ask. I want going to make a pretty big ask. I want to encourage you to try this for 30 to encourage you to try this for 30 to encourage you to try this for 30 days. Set aside 20 or 30 minutes every days. Set aside 20 or 30 minutes every days. Set aside 20 or 30 minutes every morning and just see what happens. morning and just see what happens. morning and just see what happens. Because here here's what I've learned. Because here here's what I've learned. Because here here's what I've learned. It's usually not the big dramatic It's usually not the big dramatic It's usually not the big dramatic moments that change us the most. It's moments that change us the most. It's moments that change us the most. It's the ordinary ones. It's not the camps or the ordinary ones. It's not the camps or the ordinary ones. It's not the camps or the retreats or the big mountain top the retreats or the big mountain top the retreats or the big mountain top moments. Like those are all real and moments. Like those are all real and moments. Like those are all real and they certainly have their place. But they certainly have their place. But they certainly have their place. But it's the random Tuesday morning when it's the random Tuesday morning when it's the random Tuesday morning when you're tired, you don't feel inspired you're tired, you don't feel inspired you're tired, you don't feel inspired and honestly you'd rather go do and honestly you'd rather go do and honestly you'd rather go do something else, but you open your Bible something else, but you open your Bible something else, but you open your Bible anyways.

anyways. anyways. Then over time something starts to Then over time something starts to Then over time something starts to happen. happen. happen. You begin to hear God's voice more You begin to hear God's voice more You begin to hear God's voice more clearly. You start noticing God clearly. You start noticing God clearly. You start noticing God throughout your day. Your trust grows throughout your day. Your trust grows throughout your day. Your trust grows and your faith deepens. and your faith deepens. and your faith deepens. You see the true mature faith You see the true mature faith You see the true mature faith is usually built when you keep showing is usually built when you keep showing is usually built when you keep showing up day after day after day and you up day after day after day and you up day after day after day and you discover discover discover that every time you do, God is already that every time you do, God is already that every time you do, God is already there waiting for you. there waiting for you. there waiting for you. You know, as we wrap up today, I think You know, as we wrap up today, I think You know, as we wrap up today, I think it's important to remember that while it's important to remember that while it's important to remember that while God's people woke up every morning to God's people woke up every morning to God's people woke up every morning to manna miraculously provided by God, the manna miraculously provided by God, the manna miraculously provided by God, the manna itself was never the point. manna itself was never the point. manna itself was never the point. It was always leading to the day when It was always leading to the day when It was always leading to the day when Jesus, in one of the most powerful Jesus, in one of the most powerful Jesus, in one of the most powerful passages in scripture, stands before a passages in scripture, stands before a passages in scripture, stands before a crowd and he makes the claim that only crowd and he makes the claim that only crowd and he makes the claim that only the Son of God could say. He said in the Son of God could say. He said in the Son of God could say. He said in front of everyone in attendance, front of everyone in attendance, front of everyone in attendance, "I am the bread that came down from "I am the bread that came down from "I am the bread that came down from heaven." heaven." heaven." What I love is that in one statement, What I love is that in one statement, What I love is that in one statement, Jesus lets us know that manna was never Jesus lets us know that manna was never Jesus lets us know that manna was never about food. It was always pointing to about food. It was always pointing to about food. It was always pointing to something else, or better yet, someone something else, or better yet, someone something else, or better yet, someone greater. You see, Jesus is the greater. You see, Jesus is the greater. You see, Jesus is the fulfillment of everything the wilderness fulfillment of everything the wilderness fulfillment of everything the wilderness was trying to teach. He's the provision was trying to teach. He's the provision was trying to teach. He's the provision that never runs out. He's the grace that never runs out. He's the grace that never runs out. He's the grace that's there every single morning. He's that's there every single morning. He's that's there every single morning. He's the bread that actually satisfies. And the bread that actually satisfies. And the bread that actually satisfies. And because of his life, death, and because of his life, death, and because of his life, death, and resurrection, we have been given resurrection, we have been given resurrection, we have been given something far greater than manna in the something far greater than manna in the something far greater than manna in the desert. And so, as you go about your day desert. And so, as you go about your day desert. And so, as you go about your day today, hold on to this. The same God who today, hold on to this. The same God who today, hold on to this. The same God who showed up every single morning for a showed up every single morning for a showed up every single morning for a grumbling, doubting, manna-hoarding

grumbling, doubting, manna-hoarding grumbling, doubting, manna-hoarding people is the same God who shows up for people is the same God who shows up for people is the same God who shows up for you. you. you. He's not going to run out. He's not He's not going to run out. He's not He's not going to run out. He's not going to forget about you, and he will going to forget about you, and he will going to forget about you, and he will be there tomorrow. be there tomorrow. be there tomorrow. And so, trust him with your kids. Trust And so, trust him with your kids. Trust And so, trust him with your kids. Trust him with your finances. Trust him with him with your finances. Trust him with him with your finances. Trust him with your health. Trust him with whatever your health. Trust him with whatever your health. Trust him with whatever [clears throat] wilderness you're [clears throat] wilderness you're [clears throat] wilderness you're walking through right now. walking through right now. walking through right now. Because here's what I know. Because here's what I know. Because here's what I know. Jesus is the bread of life. And he has Jesus is the bread of life. And he has Jesus is the bread of life. And he has everything you need for today. Let's everything you need for today. Let's everything you need for today. Let's pray. pray. pray. Father, thank you. God, that Father, thank you. God, that Father, thank you. God, that [clears throat] your word is sharper [clears throat] your word is sharper [clears throat] your word is sharper than any two-edged sword. God, it than any two-edged sword. God, it than any two-edged sword. God, it discerns our lives. It shows us truth. discerns our lives. It shows us truth. discerns our lives. It shows us truth. And God, today we are so thankful. God, And God, today we are so thankful. God, And God, today we are so thankful. God, we are thankful for the Red Sea moments. we are thankful for the Red Sea moments. we are thankful for the Red Sea moments. We're thankful for the extraordinary We're thankful for the extraordinary We're thankful for the extraordinary ways that you've moved in our lives. ways that you've moved in our lives. ways that you've moved in our lives. But God, I am especially grateful, Lord, But God, I am especially grateful, Lord, But God, I am especially grateful, Lord, for the everyday rhythms of grace. God, for the everyday rhythms of grace. God, for the everyday rhythms of grace. God, I'm thankful that you have placed grace I'm thankful that you have placed grace I'm thankful that you have placed grace in front of us, the opportunity to find in front of us, the opportunity to find in front of us, the opportunity to find it every single morning. And Lord, I it every single morning. And Lord, I it every single morning. And Lord, I just pray, God, that we would take that just pray, God, that we would take that just pray, God, that we would take that small step of obedience to trust you at small step of obedience to trust you at small step of obedience to trust you at your word. God, we believe that you have your word. God, we believe that you have your word. God, we believe that you have everything for us, everything that we everything for us, everything that we everything for us, everything that we need for life and godliness. Lord, we need for life and godliness. Lord, we need for life and godliness. Lord, we honor you. We love you in Jesus' name.

honor you. We love you in Jesus' name. honor you. We love you in Jesus' name. Amen.