Kingdom Manna

Key

Mark 4:5, Other seed fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil, and it sprang up quickly, since it had no depth of soil.

Heat scorches. Hot sun rays burn away new grass. Seasons of drought decimate plants not rooted deep in soil and moisture. The land becomes hard, brittle, open gashes of cracked dry ground.

Hot winds whirl through our lives. Raising temperatures of anxiety, worry, fear. Starting small fires. Is the company going under? What will the doctor’s report say? How can I pay these bills? If God really cares, why is this happening? When our roots are shallow our faith can split open. When our seeds are planted deep in God’s word He reminds us, “I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through the fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.”

Hold me firmly in Your grip, Lord, I pray, when harsh storms attack and troubles dry up my feelings and hopes and trust. Do not let me fall away. Keep me rooted and grounded in Your soil-deep, deep down-sustained by You.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 112:6-7

For the righteous will never be moved; they will be remembered forever.

They are not afraid of evil tidings; their hearts are firm, secure in the Lord.

Leaving Egypt Behind

Scripture: Exodus 15:2, “The Lord is my strength and my song,

And He has become my salvation;”

Through a week of difficult decisions, the sun shone. The next morning I wakened to a deluge of rain, wind, and cold. As I sipped tea next to the cascading stream on the window, a sense of despair crept throughout me. The situation was already fragile. To add worrisome driving conditions and health concerns was more than I could handle.

Then through the sheets of water I detected a clear vibrant note. Buried in the tree branches outside a lone bird was trilling joyously. His song pierced the storm’s symphony. His delight poured out to his Creator.

To the Lord be the glory. It is His doing, His work, His plan. He is our salvation, from beginning to end. His name is to be praised above all others.

The day ahead did stretch beyond my capabilities but as I listened to my invisible companion I realized I had forgotten my place. I was responsible to meet my obligation only, and to trust God for the outcome.

Thank you Lord for reminding me to praise You as much in the storm as in the sun, for You are present in both. It is in the storm when I most recognize Your victory and Your salvation.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 66:1

Shout joyfully to God, all the earth;

Sing the glory of His name; Make His praise glorious.

Leaving Egypt Behind

Scripture: Exodus 9:16, But, indeed, for this cause I have allowed you to remain, in order to show you My power, and in order to proclaim My name through all the earth.

Storm winds smash into our communities blowing and battering. From branches and leaves to century old trees, debris clutters our streets. Splintered power lines emit dangers. Electrical shut-downs cripple our agendas. We camp out. We wait. We acknowledge the storm’s control.

Subject to the plague’s powerful destruction, Israel and Egypt stood in terrified awe. God’s power. Power beyond human imagination. Power beyond flood, tornado and earthquake. Power beyond comprehension.

Shown for a purpose. To proclaim God’s name throughout all the earth. “Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify Thy name? For Thou alone art holy; For all the nations will come and worship before Thee, For Thy righteous acts have been revealed.” Shown so that none can avoid confronting the truth of God’s power, the truth of God’s name. Shown controlled power under God’s hand. He stays His hand that the people might live.

“The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy; I come that they might have life, and might have it abundantly,” said Jesus.

Thank you Lord for Your gift of life. Thank you for Your power-filled words, to warn and exhort and encourage. Thank you for giving us Your name.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 72:18-19

Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel,

Who alone works wonders.

And blessed be His glorious name forever;

And may the whole earth be filled with His glory.

Amen, and Amen.