“The Lord spoke to Moses and said, ‘I have heard the complaining of the Israelites; say to them ‘At twilight you shall eat meat; and in the morning you shall have your fill of bread; then you shall know that I am the Lord, your God.’”  Exodus 16:11-12  

“For you need endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.”  Hebrews 10:36  

We recently celebrated the biggest holiday of summer – a comeback of parades, fireworks, “Stars and Stripes Forever”, picnics and barbecues.  Over 150 million hot dogs (guess we’re never tired of those!) were eaten July 4th.  But not only hot dogs (except maybe Joey Chestnut.  After 76 hotdogs in 10 minutes Joey was likely full.).  There would be a smorgasbord of cold salads, baked beans, and watermelon; something red, white, and blue - berries with a dollop of whipped cream.  Plenty of lemonade and cold water on this year’s hot 4th.  We got that cold water from a tap of prize-winning water, our own sweetened Marah’s Brink – just a few steps away.   Many have little choice when they open their cupboard doors.  Some have no cupboard doors. 

Many have no choice waiting in line for a plate, served up, yes or no.  Many get their “10,000 steps” a day to get water that would win no prizes.   

“Hamburger hot dish AGAIN??!?”  “This isn’t a restaurant!”   God wasn’t running a restaurant in the desert.  There would be enough food for sustenance but it would be the same meat and the same bread e-ver-y day!  Complaining to mom is one thing, but complaining to almighty God seems rather … gutsy, we might say.  We criticize the Israelites for whining and then realize we do it all the time.  “Why me?”  “What did I do to deserve this?”  God knows when we aren’t happy with what’s been “dished up” on our plates.  But we aren’t eating alone.  Lord Jesus comes and is our guest even when we are too weary to ask.   

Gracious God, We pray for those with few choices and unheard voices.  Help us provide for their needs.  We give thanks for what has been provided to us, and help us to share of such abundance.  Amen

Verla Olson                     

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