Manna for Today

Jesus taught his disciples to pray: “Give us this day our daily bread.”

Bread? On many Sunday afternoons our bread is served with butter and jelly and there is much more than a meager serving. Our bread also comes with a table full of food: beef roast with vegetables, mashed potatoes and gravy, and more. We all leave the table satisfied, often with leftovers. What a feast! What a blessing!

Daily Bread? I am certain that Jesus’ audience remembered the daily bread that Israel ate while in the wilderness. Only two and a half months after their deliverance from Egypt the people grumbled about their provisions. They accused God of bringing them into the wilderness to die. They remembered how they had had enough food to make them full...when they were in Egypt. So, God responded through Moses:

“I have heard the grumblings of the sons of Israel; speak to them, saying, ‘At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall be filled with bread; and you shall know that I am the Lord your God.’”

—Exodus 16:12

That very evening God caused quail to cover the ground so the people could literally walk out and gather their meat. The next morning they found a “fine flake-like thing, fine as frost on the ground” for bread. The people didn’t know what it was; they called it manna, which was literally a question in the Hebrew language meaning: “What is it?” (The next mealtime your teen asks, “What is this stuff?” you can answer, “Manna.”)

God did not provide just enough, but rather, an abundance. However, God instructed the people to gather only what they needed for that day. On the sixth day they were to gather a double portion since there would be no manna on the Sabbath. God was testing them to see if they would follow His instruction. He wanted the people to recognize their dependence on Him and revere Him for the provision of their daily bread. He wanted them to know “I Am Who I Am, your God.” As they received their daily bread they were reminded of God and His care for His people; and they were taught a lesson in contentment.

As Americans we have a proud heritage defined by hard work, perseverance and independence. It is easy to forget that, even with our effort and ingenuity, it is still God who provides the sunshine and rain that make plants grow. It is God who provides the natural resources to produce all of our modern “stuff.” It is God who gives us the ability to make a living. So ultimately it is God who gives us our Sunday dinner, whether at home, at a friend’s house, or in a restaurant.

We can be thankful to God whether we enjoy a Sunday dinner feast or meager leftovers; whether our clothing follows the latest fashion trend or is drab and outdated; whether we live in a three-story mansion on ten acres with a lake and a pool and an entertainment room and a guest house, heated garage and, and, and; or a small broken-down rental in a crowded part of town. You see, daily bread is not just about being content with the food we receive each day, it extends to all that God provides. He provides for us each day so that we will know that He is our Lord and our God.

If we are to pray, “Give us today our daily bread,” then at the end of the day would it not be worthwhile to pause for a brief moment and with contentment thank God for the daily bread and other provisions He has so freely given?

Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

—Ephesians 5:16-18

Mark Stinnett

February 25, 2024

Reflections on Joy and Gratitude

Did you know that joy and gratitude are related? Well, the English words are not related, but the Greek words that are translated joy and gratitude in the Bible are. The way these words are connected is illuminating.

The Greek word translated joy is chara (sounds like kara). It comes from the word charis which means grace and is the root word for a whole family of Greek words. Another word in that family is eucharistos which means thanks, or in its verb form to give thanks, as in a prayer of thanksgiving. [Jesus gave thanks for the cup at His last Passover meal with His disciples. In the 2nd Century some Christians adopted that term for the Lord’s Supper, Eucharist.]

Does your family ‘say grace’ before a meal or do you ‘give thanks’? The two expressions go back to the same Greek word, charis.

When God shows charis to mankind, we call it grace. Charis is also translated kindness and gift.

For us, grace (charis) is an undeserved favor or gift from God. But we can offer charis back to God through prayers of thanksgiving. Another way that we express grace is by showing kindness to others and in the giving of gifts.

God is gracious by nature. In other words, He does not have to try to show grace. In His joy, He naturally responds with grace. His grace is seen in daily blessings enjoyed by all mankind as well as in special blessings reserved for Christians.

A person can say, “Thank you” without sincerity, can be forced to act kind, or can give a gift out of obligation. Yet, expressions of true grace come only from a heart of joy (chara).

In general, joy develops in our hearts because of the tremendous grace of God toward us. In general, we offer prayers of thanksgiving for the many gifts and kindnesses received from God. However, the Apostle Paul taught something different about making a request in prayer:

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 

—Philippians 4:6 (NASB95)

Does that surprise you? We are to make our requests with thanksgiving; thanks before receiving. Does that make sense?

It makes perfect sense when you think about joy. Our joy is not based on our current circumstances, but on God’s promises. We pray with an expectation that God will answer, that God will provide, that God truly cares for us.

Now, one more connection:
James taught us to “consider it joy...when encountering various trials.” Later, he wrote:

Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised those who love Him.

—James 1:12 (NASB95)

The Greek term for blessed is an intensified form of chara, and also in the charis family of words. It could be translated as an interjection: Rejoice! Yet, in the verse above: “Blissful! is a man who perseveres….”

This same term introduces the beatitudes of Jesus in Matthew 5. So, the beatitudes are nothing other than promises of tremendous joy! The joy may not be felt now, but the joy is real because God always keeps his promises. It is as if we already possess the things He has promised.

James included another beatitude in his short letter. Look for bliss in James 1:22-25. (Verse 25 is key.) Do you want to embrace this tremendous joy in your life? James explains how.


Mark Stinnett

December 5, 2021

Is It Difficult To Be Thankful?

Reflecting on my own past, I think there were times when it was difficult to be thankful.

When comparing myself to others: I wanted to possess things my friends had; to make as much money as I perceived they did; to have the influence, position, opportunities, health, good looks as I perceived they had. My problem: lack of contentment. When a person lacks contentment, it is difficult to be thankful.

Yet, the Apostle Paul wrote that he had

• experienced prosperity and humble means,
• felt hunger and felt fullness,
• lived in abundance and suffered need.

He did not say that he learned how to be content, but that he learned to be content. Contentment is a choice and his contentment was based on faith:

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. 

 —Philippians 4:13

Difficult Circumstances: People sometimes quip, “Well, things could be worse.” While that is probably true in many (most?) cases, it is rarely helpful when difficulties arise. When people go through difficulties, there is generally some kind of pain or discomfort. It might be physical, emotional, or spiritual. Whatever the specific difficulty might be, it hurts. When a person is hurting, it is difficult to be thankful, even if it could be worse. Yet, Paul encouraged:

For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison. 

—2 Corinthians 4:17

Paul went on to say that we do not focus on the things that are seen, our difficulties, but things which are not seen, our hope of eternal life.

Selfishness: Thankfulness is an attitude expressing gladness and appreciation for someone, something or one’s circumstances. In general, people are thankful when they receive something they value in some way. They are thankful when things go their way. In contrast, selfishness is the attitude of fixating on one’s self. Selfishness often turns into disappointment or anger when things do not work out to a person’s satisfaction. When a person is filled with self love, it is difficult to be thankful.

Yet, Paul remembered the words of Jesus:

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” 

—Acts 20:35

By his own example Jesus showed that:

The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve…. 

—Mark 10:45

Apathy: Some people find it difficult to give thanks because they simply are not glad or appreciative. They just don’t care. Apathy is a close cousin to selfishness. Apathy often appears when there is little energy left for anger.

Apathy is not uncommon in the life of a person who believes that no one cares for him/her. Where apathy reigns, thankfulness is difficult.

The Psalmist believed that no one cared for him (Psalm 142). Yet, he found comfort in God. The Apostle Peter offered encouragement to the one who is apathetic through a call to humility…

Casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. 

—1 Peter 5:7

When you focus on yourself, it can be difficult to be thankful. But when you focus on God and your eyes are set on the promised hope of eternal life, how can you not be thankful!?

Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

—1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Mark Stinnett

November 21, 2021

Listening to a Thankful Heart

He sat gazing into the distance and thoughtfully remarked, “I’ve been thinking about a lot of things.” The previous day Uncle James had blessed me with wise words that ‘I’ needed. His mind was sharp, but working more slowly than usual. I waited for more wisdom; he continued, “I am so thankful for the way God has blessed me with family and so many loving friends...” another pause, “...and biscuits and gravy.” (We both laughed!)

My uncle’s 83-year-old body was worn out. No one knew how much time he had left, so family members and friends visited. He had been an elder of the church for 42 years and even though it was a time in life that he needed to be served he was serving others...and I listened.

Leadership and service: 

Our young people need to know the importance of serving and leading in the Lord’s church. Preachers and elders need to encourage our people to be responsible and take initiative and serve. Young men need to be encouraged to plan to be teachers and preachers and deacons and elders in the future. They need to learn what God expects and then reach for that as a goal. Serving God’s people is noble.

Companionship: 

God made man and He knows what is good for man. God created man with the expectation of having a companion. When He said that it is not good for man to be alone, He meant for man to find a good wife.

God’s Word: 

God made man and He knows what is good for man. God’s word is not against man, it is for man. God wants us to be happy and to enjoy all that He created. He wants us to enjoy each other. His word is not there to hurt us, but help us. Some people fight against God’s word. They try to make it accommodate them and their choices. But if we do what God has instructed, we will be so much happier.

Listening and Obeying: 

We need to read God’s word. We need to study God’s word. We need to learn God’s word. But that is not all; it’s not good to go around with all that knowledge of God’s word only in your mind. We need to do what God has said. We need to be active. God expects us to act according to His word.

People: 

Uncle James never once mentioned his career, awards, or achievements. He didn’t talk about places he’d been or things he’d done. People; he talked about people. His life was full of places and events and accomplishments and career, but even then, it was about people. He said that the Lord knew what He was talking about when He gave us the Second Great Command: Love your neighbor as yourself. God knows that we really know how to love self. That is natural; the way He created us. So, He wanted us to think about what we love so much (self) and turn that love outward toward others.

Thankfulness: 

He said little ‘about’ thankfulness. Yet, everything he said came from a thankful heart. Family, friends, his church family, the men with whom he served as an elder, his first wife (who met an untimely death), his second wife, the joy of his sons, grandkids, a ‘second’ family. (A family photo hangs on the wall. It is your typical family photo except that it was mostly people I didn’t know; the family he inherited with his second marriage...and he sat front and center beaming with joy.) Over and over and over he spoke of the way that God had blessed him...and he was thankful. He was thankful for the great blessings of life, but also the little things...so many little things...even a plate of biscuits and gravy.

This wisdom he learned from his heavenly Father. I was listening; I hope you are too.

Mark Stinnett

October 11, 2020

Pardon me...What Is The Most Important Rule of Etiquette?

Mom taught my older sister and me how to set the table: Fork on the right atop the napkin, spoon and knife to the left with the knife closest to the plate (I think). All that I remember about the drinking glass: Keep it away from the table’s edge! We were not really that formal, but as kids we were taught good table manners so that I was able to feel confident the few times I enjoyed ‘finer’ dining. (Thank you, mom ; )

Etiquette. Even the word seems to have its nose stuck up in the air. Etiquette, in simpler terms, means, good manners. “Mind your manners,” mom reminded us if we were a guest at a friend’s house.

Yes, manners included rules for setting the dinner table, how to use your napkin, handle your utensils, and even how to discretely muffle an upcoming belch. Yet perhaps more important was the proper way to treat people.

Minding one’s manners included, “Please” and “Thank you.” “Excuse me,” for a variety of situations, avoiding interrupting someone while speaking, and suppressing laughter when inappropriate (something I failed at miserably).

It is often comical to hear a small child parrot what she has learned. After a *burp* slips out, dad gently prods, “What do you say?” With a joyful smile the little one bounces in her highchair with a confident, “Thank you!”

The instruction is not lost. Sooner or later the toddler learns. Yet, the goal is not to parrot instruction but to develop a thankful heart.

Of all the rules of etiquette and all the manners taught, I have learned that God has a special interest in thankfulness.

Are you a thankful person?
Did you know that God expects thankfulness?

In the Law of Moses there was a specific sacrifice called the peace offering. Its purpose was to offer thanks to God with the expected outcome of peace between the worshiper and God. (Leviticus 7) For the Christian a peace offering is made through prayer:

Through Him [Jesus] then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.
—Hebrews 13:15 (NASB95)

It is sobering to learn that God’s hot anger is set against those who are unrighteous, who do not give Him thanks. Those who are ungrateful, have foolishly ignored God. (See Romans 1:21.)

Even when in a time of need, we are encouraged to give thanks to God.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 
—Philippians 4:6

Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.
—Colossians 3:17

There must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. 
—Ephesians 5:4

Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving. 
—Colossians 4:2

The emphasis you place on etiquette is up to you. Just remember, Christians have been assured of eternal life through Christ Jesus. So...

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
—2 Corinthians 9:15

Mark Stinnett