Everything I Need

“Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need!” Psalm 23:1

Our 20 year-old daughter called me in tears on her way home from work and college. Living 20 miles down a winding road that hugs the curves of the Columbia River, Washington Highway 4 sees its share of vehicle accidents. Sarah had hit a huge rock only about five miles from home and damaged her tire. Since I was sick in bed with the flu, her mom drove out to keep her company until AAA arrived.

No Leftovers

No Leftovers

“Some gathered much, some little. And when they measured it by the omer, the one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little. Everyone had gathered just as much as they needed.” Exodus 16:17b, 18

Some leftovers are famously better than the first day they are made. I’ve heard people swear that pizza is better the next day, eating it cold from the refrigerator for breakfast the next morning. I’ve never tried it, I can’t get over the image of a big triangle of dough and tomato sauce sticking out of my cereal bowl. I’ll have chopped bananas with my Wheaties, please.

Can I Borrow a Cup of Gold, Please

“But each woman shall request from her neighbor and from the lodger in her home silver and gold articles, and garments with which you will dress your sons and daughters. You shall strip the Egyptians.” Exodus 3:22

What would it mean to you if you knew that God intimately cared about the pain you experience? What difference would it make if you knew that He is moved deeply by injustice? What would change in your life if you were convinced of God’s ability to turn unfair situations around in this world?

The Wilderness Hard Times

“I took care of you during the wilderness hard times, those years when you had nothing.” Hosea 13:5 (The Message)

Ah, the wilderness, the place where another human soul is days away, either by travel or because of broken relationships. The place where there is scarcely food or drink and where, though depopulated of people, creatures like scorpions, serpents and beasts have made their home. This is the literal wilderness to which God refers. When Israel was in the barest and most barren place, God took care of them.

Leftovers

“Anything from the ordination ram or from the bread that is left over until morning you are to burn up. Don’t eat it; it’s holy.” Exodus 29:34 (The Message)

Sacrifices accompanied the ordination of Aaron and his sons as High Priest among the Israelites. This sacrifice of a ram was eaten by the Priest during the ordination ceremony. Whatever was left over was to be destroyed by fire; both the meat and the bread.