Exodus 16 - Why? - Logos Sermons

Why? It’s a simple question. It’s a question that we hear multiple times a day, either from yourself or someone else. Parents: Why must I eat my vegetables? Why do I need to wear pants? Why do I need to learn Algebra? Adults: Why do I need to go 65MPH on 101? Why can’t people just do their jobs? Why does my spouse act this way or that way?

dults: Why do I need to go 65MPH on 101? Why can’t people just do their jobs? Why does my spouse act this way or that way?

Why is an important question b/c it presses us to ask critical questions of life. You see, most of, if we are not careful, live our lives by accident — we live as it happens. Take your job for example, we all know what to do for a living and we all know, relatively well, how to do it. We wake up, go to work, deal with the tasks of work, make money, come home, manage our personal lives, go to bed, wake up, and repeat. That’s plenty to deal with every day.

Take your job for example, we all know what to do for a living and we all know, relatively well, how to do it. We wake up, go to work, deal with the boss, make money, come home, manage our personal lives, go to bed, wake up, repeat. That’s plenty to deal with every day.

Such a daily life is pretty uninspiring. Most people don’t wake up passionately in the morning saying - Yes! I get to wash dishes before leaving for work! Nice, I get to go to the DMV today and wait in line, awesome! Buyah, two kids, two different sports practice, etc.

But what if there was more to our work than simply providing financially for our families? What if there was more to washing the dishes than simply to get them ready for another meal? What if there was more to everything that happens in our lives?

Everyone knows what we do.

But what if there was more to our work, to our tasks, to everything than just getting it done? What if there was more to work than just providing financially for ourselves and our families? What if there was more to washing the dishes than simply to get them ready for another meal? What if there was more to going to school than getting good grades so you can go to college so you can get a good job so you can live a good life? [Slide - 2]

We know how we do it.

Knowing your WHY gives you a filter to make choices, at work and at home, that will help you find greater fulfillment in all that you do.

It’s an exciting question isn’t it? For if we were to discover our WHY, the why behind the what and how of life, our lives would have more meaning and purpose. All of a sudden we would inspired to get up in the morning and live the life God has called us to live (with all of it’s highs and lows). Whether you know it or not,...

Transition:

se Sight Of The Goal

It’s a simple question. It’s a question that we hear multiple times a day, either from yourself or someone else

Parents: Why must I eat my vegetables? Why do I need to wear shoes? Why do I need to learn Algebra?

Adults: Why do I need to go 65MPH on 101? Why can’t people just do their jobs? Why does my spouse act this way or that way?

Why is an important question b/c it presses us ask critical questions of life. You see, most of us live our lives by accident — we live as it happens.

You see, most of us live our lives by accident — we live as it happens. Take your job for example, we all know what to do for a living and we all know, relatively well, how to do it. We wake up, go to work, deal with the boss, make money, come home, manage our personal lives, go to bed, wake up, repeat. That’s plenty to deal with every day.

Take your job for example, we all know what to do for a living and we all know, relatively well, how to do it. We wake up, go to work, deal with the boss, make money, come home, manage our personal lives, go to bed, wake up, repeat. That’s plenty to deal with every day.

Such a daily life is pretty uninspiring. Most people don’t wake up passionately in the morning saying - Yes! I get to wash dishes before leaving for work! Nice, I get to go to the DMV today and wait in line! Buyah, it’s my long day of work!

But what if there was more to our work than simply providing financially for our families? What if there was more to washing the dishes than simply to get them ready for another meal? What if there was more to everything that happens in our lives?

It’s an exciting proposition isn’t it? For if we discover our WHY, the why behind the what and how of life, our life begins to bring with it new meaning and purpose. All of a sudden we are inspired to get up in the morning and live the life God has called us to live (with all of it’s highs and lows).

Quote: Most of us live our lives by accident — we live as it happens. Take your job for example, we all know what to do for a living and we all know, relatively well, how to do it. But why do you do it? Why do you get up every day and go to work? Is it simply to provide financially for your family or is there something more, some deeper meaning?

But why do you do it? Why do you get up every day and go to work? Is it simply to provide financially for your family or is there something more, some deeper meaning?

we are better able to find the clarity and confidence to choose the careers, organizations, communities and relationships that are most likely to inspire us.

do you do it? Why do you get up every day and go to work? Is it simply to provide financially for your family or is there something more, some deeper meaning?

Why get fancy by trying to also understand why you do what you do? The answer to that question is simple. Do you want to wake up inspired to go to work, feel safe when you are there and come home fulfilled at the end of each day? This is your journey to WHY.

Quote:

Most of us live our lives by accident - we live as it happens.

Fulfillment comes when we live our lives on purpose.

The work world can be tough: Wake up, go to work, deal with the boss, make money, come home, manage your personal life, go to bed, wake up, repeat. That’s plenty to deal with every day. Why get fancy by trying to also understand why you do what you do? The answer to that question is simple. When we discover our WHY, we are better able to find the clarity and confidence to choose the careers, organizations, communities and relationships that are most likely to inspire us. Do you want to wake up inspired to go to work, feel safe when you are there and come home fulfilled at the end of each day? This is your journey to WHY.

Everyone has a WHY. Your WHY is the purpose, cause or belief that inspires you.

We know how we do it.

Knowing your WHY gives you a filter to make choices, at work and at home, that will help you find greater fulfillment in all that you do.

Why, not what or how but why? It’s an interesting question.

It’s the motivation behind our actions, the reason for our being, the purpose for our getting up in the morning.

Who was Israel? Summary

Who was Israel?

A nation of slaves (# in the millions) - not always but in our text they were

Israel was a slave state. This is impossible for us to completely understand but they were slaves. Everybody who left Egypt, who followed Moses into the Promised Land to begin this brand-new society, all they knew was slavery. They had been slaves for 400yrs. This was a group of people who understood you worked 24/7, you do whatever your told and if you don’t, you die. You get sick, your discarded b/c people don’t waste good medicine on dying slaves. So, their mindset was such that we can’t even begin to get our arms around it. Israel was God’s chosen, set-apart people (Abrahamic Covenant) [Slide - 3-6]

Genesis 12:1–3 TNIV

The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”

Genesis

Genesis 17:7–8 TNIV

I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you. The whole land of Canaan, where you now reside as a foreigner, I will give as an everlasting possession to you and your descendants after you; and I will be their God.”

Genesis 17:7–8 NIV84

I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you. The whole land of Canaan, where you are now an alien, I will give as an everlasting possession to you and your descendants after you; and I will be their God.”

Genesis 17:7 TNIV

I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you.

People that began with one couple but now numbered in the millions

Israel was a slave state. This is impossible for us to completely understand but they were slaves. Everybody who left Egypt, who followed Moses into the Promised Land to begin this brand-new society, all they knew was slavery. They had been slaves for 400yrs. This was a group of people who understood you worked 24/7, you do whatever your told and if you don’t, you die. You get sick, your discarded b/c people don’t waste good medicine on dying slaves. So, their mindset was such that even we can’t even begin to get our arms around it. So God leads them out of this life of slavery, takes them into this land and is beginning to establish them in His ways.

Now they were God’s chosen, set-apart people

People that began with one couple but now numbered in the millions

People numbering in the millions

Think about something for a minute with me. So God leads them out of this life of slavery, is taking them into this land and is, in a few chapters, begin to establish them in His ways. Now he is going to give them rules to live by because the only rules they currently understand are slave rules. God will give them 600+ laws b/c He was establishing with them into a brand-new way of thinking, a brand-new way of living, brand-new values, He will renew their mind to everything. Their simply following the pillar of smoke by day and the pillar of fire by night + this need arising was the first step in this process.

Israel was a slave state. This is impossible for us to completely understand but they were slaves. Everybody who left Egypt, who followed Moses into the Promised Land to begin this brand-new society, all they knew was slavery. They had been slaves for 400yrs. This was a group of people who understood you worked 24/7, you do whatever your told and if you don’t, you die. You get sick, your discarded b/c people don’t waste good medicine on dying slaves. So, their mindset was such that even we can’t even begin to get our arms around it.

So God leads them out of this life of slavery, is taking them into this land and is, in a few chapters, begin to establish them in His ways. Now he is going to give them rules to live by because the only rules they currently understand are slave rules. God will give them 600+ laws b/c He was establishing with them into a brand-new way of thinking, a brand-new way of living, brand-new values, He will renew their mind to everything. Their simply following the pillar of smoke by day and the pillar of fire by night was the first step in this process.

Now they were God’s chosen, set-apart people

Think about something for a minute with me. So God leads them out of this life of slavery, is taking them into this land and is, in a few chapters, begin to establish them in His ways. Now he is going to give them rules to live by because the only rules they currently understand are slave rules. God will give them 600+ laws b/c He was establishing with them into a brand-new way of thinking, a brand-new way of living, brand-new values, He will renew their mind to everything. Their simply following the pillar of smoke by day and the pillar of fire by night + this need arising was the first step in this process.

Where was Israel now?

They were in the desert on the Sinai Peninisula [Slide - 7]

Exodus 16:1 TNIV

The whole Israelite community set out from Elim and came to the Desert of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after they had come out of Egypt.

They were following God - to their new home , to the Land Promised to them by God (modern day Israel)

They were following God to their new home, to the Land Promised to them by God

Genesis 17:8 TNIV

The whole land of Canaan, where you now reside as a foreigner, I will give as an everlasting possession to you and your descendants after you; and I will be their God.”

Exodus 16:1 NIV84

The whole Israelite community set out from Elim and came to the Desert of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after they had come out of Egypt.

Israel’s “Why” was to be God’s people, to follow God’s ways, to be a testimony to the world of a prayer answering God

Now he is going to give them rules to live by because the only rules they understand is slave rules. God gave them 600+ laws b/c He was establishing with them into a brand-new way of thinking, a brand-new way of living, brand-new values, He had to renew their mind to everything.

If you are a follower of Jesus, then, like Israel of old, your Why is clear. Your Why, your purpose, your Mission is to follow God, to Be a Disciple of Jesus (“Come and follow me” - Matthew 4:19

To grow in your understanding of who God is and what God has done for you in the Gospel.

Your Why, your purpose, your Mission is to follow God, to Be a Disciple of Jesus. To grow in your understanding of who God is and what God has done for you in the Gospel. Allow God to create in you a brand-new way of thinking, a brand-new way of living, a brand-new set of values.

Your to allow God to create in you a brand-new way of thinking, a brand-new way of living, a brand-new set of values.

Consequently, as a disciple of Jesus, you are called to make disciples of others - in your families, in your workplaces, in your communities and in your church. Oh, the “how” and the “what” your Why will differ from mine + others but our why is the same - To Be a Disciple and to Make Disciples.

As disciple, your “why” is to also Make Disciples - in your families, in your workplaces, in your communities and in your church.

Oh, the “how” and the “what” your Why will differ from mine + others but our Why is the same - To Be a Disciple and to Make Disciples.

Transition: But, staying focused on the “Why” is difficult. It’s easier to focus on our “what” we do or “why” we do it. It’s easy to loose sight of the forest amongst the trees (the big picture).

Now he is going to give them rules to live by because the only rules they currently understand are slave rules. God gave them 600+ laws b/c He was establishing with them into a brand-new way of thinking, a brand-new way of living, brand-new values, He had to renew their mind to everything.

[Slide - 7]

aaa

Exodus 16:1 TNIV

The whole Israelite community set out from Elim and came to the Desert of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after they had come out of Egypt.

Trouble comes

“Fifteenth day of the second month” = Few days, few weeks MAX since the Red Sea crossing

Only days since God miraculously parted the waters and allowed Israel to cross over the Red Sea on dry land

They then embarked into the Desert (Wilderness) of Sin and began to start focusing on the “what” and “how” when things got “tough” [Slide - 8-9]

Exodus 16:2 NIV84

In the desert the whole community grumbled against Moses and Aaron.

Exodus 16:2–3 TNIV

In the desert the whole community grumbled against Moses and Aaron. The Israelites said to them, “If only we had died by the Lord’s hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death.”

Why were they grumbling? What changed?

God didn’t change. Their WHY didn’t change. Only their focused changed

They were hungry, they lacked food - a legitimate need!

They began to focus on their “what” or “how” (instead of their why, to follow

The Israelites had just followed God through the Red Sea, seeing Him do a miracle. Now found themselves following God in a desert.

They were hungry, they lacked food - a legitimate need!

They had only packed the food that was in their homes for the trip - how much food is in your home?

When leaving Egypt they had only packed the food that was in their homes for the trip. What would that be, a 2-3 days supply of food? As the food stores began to dwindle they started to get anxious. Mothers/Fathers began to worry how they were going to feed their families. When they looked around and saw the mass of people with them (requiring 1,500 tons of food each day to feed the Israelites) and no way to provide for themselves, they began to get frustrated and complain, it’s all they could do.

Because they were hungry (only packed the food that was in their homes - how much food is in your home?)

Moses/God had promised to provide for them, to lead them into a Promised Land. But it didn’t seem like God was providing.

It seemed like God had abandoned them and like today b/c things aren’t going exactly how we thought God would work them out.

Estimated 1,500 tons of food each day to feed the Israelites

In the wilderness and had no wood to cook with

Estimated 1,500 tons of food each day to feed the Israelites and it’s not like they could go fishing

No, it seemed like God had abandoned them and like today, they were looking for someone to blame - Moses.

Things aren’t going exactly how we thought God would work them out.

Such feelings are natural, human nature. It’s how we react to such emotions that’s important.

I at times have had a heart to heart with God about His plan for my life many a time. I try to always remember that, it may be ok to “feel” dissatisfied/frustrated at God’s plan but it is not ok to act upon that frustration (don’t focus on it)

They allowed their fear/anxiety to focus their eyes off of their “Why” and onto their “What” and “How.”

They knew they were to trust and follow God but the wrong focus led to wrong actions

happens when we focus on our anxiety and frustration is that it begins to influence the lens upon which we look at the rest of life.

Notice with me again what they said [Slide - ]

Glamorized the Past (selective memory) = “Pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted” (as slaves)

So God leads them out of this life of slavery, is taking them into this land and is, in a few chapters, begin to establish them in His ways. Now he is going to give them rules to live by because the only rules they currently understand are slave rules. God will give them 600+ laws b/c He was establishing with them into a brand-new way of thinking, a brand-new way of living, brand-new values, He will renew their mind to everything. Their simply following the pillar of smoke by day and the pillar of fire by night was the first step in this process.

They demonized Moses + God = “You (Moses, God’s representative) have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death.”

Instead of asking God why this was happening? Why His will led them into this situation, they began to complain .

They began to make outlandish statements that they wished that they had “died by the hand” of the Lord rather than be delivered by it.

They were discouraged, hopeless, without purpose (they had forgotten their “Why”)

When the people of Israel wished that they had “died by the hand” of the Lord rather than be delivered by it, it showed us that they had forgotten their “why”

This showed us that they had forgotten their “why”

That they truly didn’t understood what God’s power on their behalf revealed about Himself - God was powerful to meet His people’s needs, faithful to keep His word to Abraham, Isaac’s + Jacob’s descendants, gracious to a nothing people

But no! Instead, they make this foolish statement and showed us that they had not understood what His power on their behalf revealed about God Himself - He was powerful to meet His people’s needs, faithful to keep His word to Abraham, Isaac’s + Jacob’s descendants, gracious to a nothing people

Why God, why let this happen? Why allow your people to go into such need?

What’s exciting is that God allows this to happen, for one reason so that...

It’s easy for us to focus on the problems, instead of the solution? The steps to take and not the reason we are making those steps to begin with.

Usually what happens is with this type of general thinking of life, people become very self-centered.

They will live life focused on yourself, your needs, your problems and your wants.

Result - An unfulfilled life, a life of grumbling and complaining at God.

Transition: What’s exciting is that God allows this to happen for a reason, so that...

Remember, Israel was a slave state but God was making them into Disciples. Think about something for a minute with me. So God leads them out of this life of slavery, is taking them into this land and is, in a few chapters, begin to establish them in His ways. Now he is going to give them rules to live by because the only rules they currently understand are slave rules. God will give them 600+ laws b/c He was establishing with them into a brand-new way of thinking, a brand-new way of living, brand-new values, He will renew their mind to everything. Their simply following the pillar of smoke by day and the pillar of fire by night + this need arising was the first step in this process.

did God let this happen? Why didn’t He automatically provide the food for them, without their starting to feel the “need”

Think about something for a minute with me. So God leads them out of this life of slavery, is taking them into this land and is, in a few chapters, begin to establish them in His ways. Now he is going to give them rules to live by because the only rules they currently understand are slave rules. God will give them 600+ laws b/c He was establishing with them into a brand-new way of thinking, a brand-new way of living, brand-new values, He will renew their mind to everything. Their simply following the pillar of smoke by day and the pillar of fire by night + this need arising was the first step in this process. = God allowed this to happen for a reason!

Our Memory Can Be Deceitful (v. 3)

Exodus 16:4 TNIV

Then the Lord said to Moses, “I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions.

Exodus 16:4

“You” = Moses

John 15:17–18 NIV84

This is my command: Love each other. “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.

Moses was called by God to lead His people and God was not going to let His guy down!

John 15:1

1 Thessalonians 5:24 TNIV

The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.

Faithful to His People

Faithful to provide their needs [Slide - 10-11]

Faithful to grow His people

“The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day” … “enough for that day”

Exodus 16:4 TNIV

Then the Lord said to Moses, “I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions.

Exodus 16:21 NIV84

Each morning everyone gathered as much as he needed, and when the sun grew hot, it melted away.

Exodus 16:13–14 TNIV

That evening quail came and covered the camp, and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. When the dew was gone, thin flakes like frost on the ground appeared on the desert floor.

; not necessarily for tomorrow, not for the following week but for that day alone

Not necessarily for tomorrow, not for the following week but for that day alone (one Omer = 6 pints each)

Exodus 16:19 TNIV

Then Moses said to them, “No one is to keep any of it until morning.”

Ecosud

Listen to how Jesus expounds on this idea of God’s faithful provision

Matthew 6:25–34 TNIV

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Matthew 6:25-

God was saying, “I will provide!” - Focus on me, press into me, trust me!

What we are to do is “seek first [God’s] kingdom and his righteousness”

Focus on me, press into me, trust me!

Matthew 5:6 TNIV

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Press into, run straight ahead into God’s mission for His people

Don’t get distracted with the fears/worries of the future, no turning back, no quitting or side-stepping. Focus on why I brought you into the wilderness, to follow me!

Exodus 16:13–16 NIV84

That evening quail came and covered the camp, and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. When the dew was gone, thin flakes like frost on the ground appeared on the desert floor. When the Israelites saw it, they said to each other, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, “It is the bread the Lord has given you to eat. This is what the Lord has commanded: ‘Each one is to gather as much as he needs. Take an omer for each person you have in your tent.’ ”

Exodus 16:13–14 NIV84

That evening quail came and covered the camp, and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. When the dew was gone, thin flakes like frost on the ground appeared on the desert floor.

”4

Exodus 16:4 TNIV

Then the Lord said to Moses, “I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions.

“I will test them…see whether they will follow my instructions”

“I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions”

Exodus 16:4 NIV84

Then the Lord said to Moses, “I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions.

God promises to never lead His children to sin, that comes from within (cf. ). God does, however, allow challenges/trials/testings to grow our faith (cf. )

Listen to what James said about the testing of our faith

James 1:2–6 NIV84

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

James 1:2–4 NIV84

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

James 1:2–5 TNIV

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

God wanted to test them [Slide - 12]

Exodus 16:4 TNIV

Then the Lord said to Moses, “I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions.

God promises to never lead His children to sin, that comes from within (cf. ). God does, however, allow challenges/trials/testings to grow our faith (cf. )

:2-3

When we are tested, we see or inadequacies, we get to the end of ourselves, and then seek God’s wisdom to provide [Slide - 13-14]

Exodus 16:21–23 TNIV

Each morning everyone gathered as much as they needed, and when the sun grew hot, it melted away. On the sixth day, they gathered twice as much—two omers for each person—and the leaders of the community came and reported this to Moses. He said to them, “This is what the Lord commanded: ‘Tomorrow is to be a day of sabbath rest, a holy sabbath to the Lord. So bake what you want to bake and boil what you want to boil. Save whatever is left and keep it until morning.’ ”

This testing continued with regards to the Sabbath - they were to keep 2x’s the amount of food on the 6th day and rest!

God was telling them - to STOP and REST

Exodus 16:21

This alone had to be staggering, how can I take a day off, we will starve (pre-refrigeration days)

Exodus 16:21–23 NIV84

Each morning everyone gathered as much as he needed, and when the sun grew hot, it melted away. On the sixth day, they gathered twice as much—two omers for each person—and the leaders of the community came and reported this to Moses. He said to them, “This is what the Lord commanded: ‘Tomorrow is to be a day of rest, a holy Sabbath to the Lord. So bake what you want to bake and boil what you want to boil. Save whatever is left and keep it until morning.’ ”

Faithful to teach them who He is [Slide - 15]

Exodus 16:6–7 TNIV

So Moses and Aaron said to all the Israelites, “In the evening you will know that it was the Lord who brought you out of Egypt, and in the morning you will see the glory of the Lord, because he has heard your grumbling against him. Who are we, that you should grumble against us?”

Exodus 16:6 NIV84

So Moses and Aaron said to all the Israelites, “In the evening you will know that it was the Lord who brought you out of Egypt,

Matthew 6:10 NIV84

your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Exodus 16:6-

“LORD” = Jehovah (YHWH) = Self-Existent One, the Unchanging, Eternal, Covenant-Keeping God

God showed that He was faithful to His people, one who kept His Word and never stopped

That God was powerful and that He was faithful to keep His Word + provide for His people

God provided food for His people (Quail and Manna)

Exodus 16:13–14 NIV84

That evening quail came and covered the camp, and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. When the dew was gone, thin flakes like frost on the ground appeared on the desert floor.

Exodus 16:13-

God provided extra foodand a day of rest

Exodus 16:21–23 NIV84

Each morning everyone gathered as much as he needed, and when the sun grew hot, it melted away. On the sixth day, they gathered twice as much—two omers for each person—and the leaders of the community came and reported this to Moses. He said to them, “This is what the Lord commanded: ‘Tomorrow is to be a day of rest, a holy Sabbath to the Lord. So bake what you want to bake and boil what you want to boil. Save whatever is left and keep it until morning.’ ”

The people were able to rest from their labors and rest in God’s merciful provision

Israel just needed to focus on their “Why”

What would happen, in everything we do, we focused on your “why.” If you focus on your Mission, your Purpose in life. If you live your life focused on why God has you here, God will show Himself faithful to meet your needs. You will see first-hand how God provides miraculously for His people. Time and again, as you step out by faith and do that which is difficult, hard or sacrificial for God, you will see Him faithful to bless you for your efforts. The darkness of this life will look a bit brighter when walking in the path God has for you. He will become your Hope and your Confidence.

Consequently, as a disciple of Jesus, you are called to make disciples of others - in your families, in your workplaces, in your communities and in your church. Oh, the “how” and the “what” your Why will differ from mine + others but our why is the same - To Be a Disciple and to Make Disciples.

we are God’s people for today. We are called to be followers of Jesus in our families, in our workplaces and in our communities.

in your families, in your workplaces and in our communities to Make Disciples of all people.

But if you focus on your “why.” If you focus on your Mission, your Purpose in life. If you live your life focused on why God has you here, God will show Himself faithful to meet your needs. You will see first-hand how God provides miraculously for His people. Time and again, as you step out by faith and do that which is difficult, hard or sacrificial for God, you will see Him faithful to bless you for your efforts. The darkness of this life will look a bit brighter when walking in the path God has for you. He will become your Hope and your Confidence.

If you don’t live this way already, it’s time to take this purpose of God on your life seriously and follow Christ’s Why for you!

If you live your life focused on why God has you here, God will show Himself faithful to meet your needs.

He was establishing with them into a brand-new way of thinking, a brand-new way of living, brand-new values, He will renew their mind to everything.

Walking around these walls I thought by now they'd fall But You have never failed me yet Waiting for change to come Knowing the battle's won For You have never failed me yet

Your promise still stands Great is Your faithfulness, faithfulness I'm still in Your hands This is my confidence, You've never failed me yet

I know the night won't last Your Word will come to pass My heart will sing Your praise again Jesus, You're still enough Keep me within Your love My heart will sing Your praise again

Your promise still stands Great is Your faithfulness, faithfulness I'm still in Your hands This is my confidence, You never failed

Your promise still stands Great is Your faithfulness, faithfulness I'm still in Your hands This is my confidence, You never failed me yet

The how and the what of that calling on your life may differ wtih each of us.

Such faithfulness of God will encourage you to step-out by faith and trust God. To keep going forward for Christ, to keep fighting the fight, to keep taking the hill, to not give-up when things get too difficult, too hard, to scary. The time to sit-back and enjoy the ride is not now. The need is too great, the opportunities too large, for you to live-out your “Why” - Be a Disciple and Make Disciples. So, follow your God through the sea and into the wilderness and see if He is not as faithful to you as He has always been to His people.

If we are not careful, we will loose sight of the forest amongst the trees. We can easily forget our why and start to worry and get focused on the what and the how of life. Instead of stepping out by faith to attempt great things for God, we allow ourselves to get disgruntled about God’s plans, God’s ways and God’s timing.

The time to sit-back and enjoy the ride is not now. The need is too great, the opportunity too large, the needs too many for us to not take part in this mission.

7 years ago we stepped-out by faith and led us to start the Raymond Campus.

God has blessed and we have a campus that is flourishing. People’s lives are being changed daily through the care and love of this church for others.

But God has called us to Be Disciples, to be a committed, equipped people to go into this dark world and shine the light of the Gospel (fulfill the Great Commission). We are called to be strategic

But we have reached a point, a tipping point, our capacity if you will. At least at one service.

The question is, will we forget our “Why” and be content with one epic service or will we seek to do it again?

No, of course not, and our answer to this problem right now is NOT to build a bigger building. To NOT expand but to leverage what God has presently given us.

We are called to Make Disciples in our communities (Raymond, Chester, Derry, Londonderry, Candia, Nottingham, Northwood and the list goes on.

Over the past few months we have been building teams for our 2nd service.

# of teens help on a regular basis

Cafe’ continues until after 2nd service

God has led Brian Cavallo to begin teaching our Middle Schoolers weekly

Heather Roberson has moved to 11:00am to teach our Pre-Schoolers w/Stacy Cavallo assisting

As of Sept. 30th we plan on having full programing downstairs

I am asking that 4 families (whatever that family looks like), going with me to Make Disciples in the 2nd service.

Attend - Make the 11:00am service your home

Invest - Serve

Greet - Come to intentionally build community w/a smiling face and gentle touch

God’s promise still stands, great is His faithfulness.

Exodus 16 - Why?

Introduction

Everyone has a WHY. Your WHY is the purpose, cause or belief that inspires you.

Question: What if there is a deeper “Why” to life?

Pray

I. You Have A “Why”

A. Why (Be One/Make One)

A. Start With Why

Everyone has a WHY. Your WHY is the purpose, cause or belief that inspires you.

A. Israel’s “Why”

B. Your Why

II. It’s Easy For Us To Loose Sight Of Our “Why”

A. The Israelites Forgot Their “Why”

B. Likewise, We Can Forget Our “Why”

III. God Wants To Remind You Of Your “Why”

A. God Showed Himself Faithful To His People Israel

Conclusion

Next Steps

Exodus 16 - Why?

Introduction

Everyone has a WHY. Your WHY is the purpose, cause or belief that inspires you.

Question: What if there is a deeper “Why” to life?

Pray

I. You Have A “Why”

A. Why (Be One/Make One)

A. Start With Why

​

Everyone has a WHY. Your WHY is the purpose, cause or belief that inspires you.

A. Israel’s “Why”

B. Your Why

II. It’s Easy For Us To Loose Sight Of Our “Why”

A. The Israelites Forgot Their “Why”

B. Likewise, We Can Forget Our “Why”

III. God Wants To Remind You Of Your “Why”

A. God Showed Himself Faithful To His People Israel

Conclusion

Next Steps