Exodus 16:1 to 16:18; 17:1 to 17:7 God faithfully supplies our daily needs, teaching us to trust him one day at a time. Understand how God rained down manna every morning to feed his people. See how God brought fresh, living water from a dry flint rock at Horeb. Practice gratitude instead of grumbling when facing daily challenges. Traveling through the barren desert of Sin, the Israelites ran out of food and water. Instead of asking God in faith, they began to complain bitterly against Moses. Grumbling in the Desert There were no bakeries, farms, or grocery stores in the desert. Soon, their bread ran out. The people grumbled: "We remember the pots of meat in Egypt! You have brought us out into this wilderness to starve!" But God heard their grumbling and answered with astonishing grace. Flakes of Bread on the Ground The Lord told Moses: "I will rain bread from heaven for you!" The next morning, when the dew lifted, thin white flakes like frost covered the ground. The people asked, "Manna?" which means "What is it?" Moses said, "It is the bread that the Lord has given you to eat." It tasted like sweet wafers made with honey! God sent fresh manna every single morning. Water from the Solid Rock Later, at Rephidim, there was no water to drink, and the people grumbled again. God told Moses: "Take your staff and strike the rock at Horeb." Moses struck the hard stone before the elders, and suddenly a rushing river of cool, fresh water gushed out of the rock! God proved that he can bring life and blessing out of the driest places. And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 What was the white bread from heaven that God provided every morning? Manna Pita bread Cornbread Crackers Manna Exodus 16 tells us that God rained down manna, which means "What is it?" What did the manna taste like? Sweet wafers made with honey Bitter herbs Salty sea water Plain wood Sweet wafers made with honey Exodus 16:31 describes the taste of manna like wafers made with honey. How did God provide water when the people were thirsty at Horeb? Moses struck the rock with his staff, and water gushed out A rainstorm filled buckets They dug a deep well They found an oasis Moses struck the rock with his staff, and water gushed out God instructed Moses to strike the rock, and water miraculously poured forth. Whenever you eat a meal or take a drink of water this week, say a quiet thank you to God for providing your daily food and drink. Generous Father in heaven, thank you for providing food, clothing, shelter, and water every single day. Forgive me when I complain or grumble. Help me to trust that you will supply all my needs according to your riches in glory. In Jesus' name, Amen. Why did God give manna day by day instead of giving a year's supply all at once? How does complaining hurt our joy, and how does thanksgiving help us? Explorers learn that God provides for his people daily, and that Jesus is the true Bread of Life who completely satisfies our souls. Share a tiny sweet honey cracker with each child. Explain that God gave millions of people delicious, fresh food in the empty desert every morning! Why did the manna spoil if people tried to save it overnight? God wanted them to trust him for fresh bread every new morning, rather than relying on their own stored food. 5 min Hook & Prayer, 12 min Interactive Narrative, 8 min Memory Verse Unscramble, 5 min Quiz