Author: Dave Dishman (Page 386 of 475)

The children of Israel named the strange flakes manna, which sounds like the Hebrew for “what is it?”

The manna settled like the dew six days a week, always fresh and on-time.

Light in color, manna tasted like wafers made with honey.

As I read, I so want a taste. Just a morsel. Perhaps the smorgasbord in heaven will feature a manna station.

Taste and see that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8).

Literally in this case.

Exodus 16 in week six of reading the Bible cover to cover

The first to reach the oasis spat out the water – too bitter to drink. A million thirsty people and countless animals waited in the dust and heat. Desperate prayers sounded all around.

The Lord showed Moses a piece of wood. Moses tossed it into the water, and the water became fit to drink. A miracle I tend to overlook as I read through a succession of miracles.

What was in that log?

The scientist part of me wants to know (I do have a biology degree). I notice the Lord often used natural resources to produce miraculous results. Gnats, flies, locusts, hail, five loaves and two fish.

So, how did the wood work? Did the waters froth and boil? What compounds neutralize the bitterness of the water? Did this specific chemical process act in minutes, or hours, or even days?

Too much for me to figure out, but the story makes me grateful for the sweet Colorado water I enjoy from my tap whenever I’m thirsty.

Exodus 15 in week five of reading the Bible cover to cover

In him (Jesus Christ) and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence (Ephesians 3:12).

Astounding. With Jesus alongside, we may approach God, the creator and sustainer of the universe.

In no way do I truly understand my good fortune.

I think the first line of an old Scottish hymn: Immortal, invisible God only wise, in light inaccessible hid from our eyes…

What was once off-limits, verboten, do not touch – now opens to you and me, with confidence and freedom, through faith in Jesus Christ.

Week five of reading the Bible cover to cover

(Here’s the hymn sung at a British church)