September 16 ­ Manna and Quail ­ Exodus 16 God’s presence is experienced by His people…through His provision of Manna. Key Verse:​
2 Corinthians 6:16b “As God said: I will dwell among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.” Summary​
: The Israelites were traveling in the wilderness, and therefore it was very hard to find enough food, water, and supplies for such a large group of people. Despite the challenges, God was present with His people, and He knew what they needed. God provided food for them by sending bread called manna down from heaven each morning. Even though they often complained and did not trust in God, He continued to provide manna for 40 years. Christ Connection:​
God provided for the needs of Israelites by sending them Manna each morning during the entire 40 years they were in the wilderness. Ultimately God would provide for our greatest need by sending Jesus to be the “Bread of Life.” By believing in Him, we will never go hungry or thirsty. Home Connection:​
God made his presence evident among the people by providing food for them. God also provides for each of us, by giving us all the things that we need. In Matthew 6:25­34, Jesus tells us not to worry about the things that we need. As we follow Him with our lives and seek Him first, we can trust in Him to provide everything that we need. Activity Options: 1. Daily Needs Collage:​
Provide a large poster board for your family to glue magazine pictures or draw “things you are thankful for.” As you make the poster, distinguish between needs and wants, and remind the kids to thank God for the gifts He provides. Ultimately, we know that our greatest need is not food, clothes, water, or shelter. Jesus is our “true bread,” or in other words, our greatest need. Have one child write John 6:35 on the poster board. 2. What's Your Focus?: ​
Set up a small table with various and random items from your house. Make sure there is a cross in the very center of the table and that you have plenty of items on the table. Cover the items with a cloth or sheet. When you uncover the table, the kids have 30 seconds to observe, then recover the table. Ask your kids what they remember from their observation. Have them give as much detail as they can. Then talk with your kids about the importance of having Jesus as the center of each of our lives and the center of our families. As we seek first Jesus and His Kingdom, the Lord will provide for our basic needs. Have one of your kids read Matthew 6:33­34.