Internet Cafe

Thursday, December 20, 2007

The Manna Jar and Goodbye!

Christmas Greetings to you, my wonderful friends here at the Internet Café.

Today is my last post at the Café as the Lord has opened a new door for me to walk through in His service. I am excited about the future Kingdom work at hand and also sad that I will not meet you here twice a month.

I cannot adequately express the love I have in my heart for each of you. Your words of wisdom and encouragement you have shared with me over the months are a priceless gift. It has been a profound privilege to share the hope we have in Christ with one another.

As I leave you I want to share a post I wrote last year. I opened my Manna Jar today and was blessed beyond measure. It is my prayer, you will open your own Manna Jar in a year from now and see how perfectly the Lord Jesus Christ has moved in your life.

The Manna Jar


Do you know what the people of Israel kept in the Ark of the Covenant? Hebrews 9:4 This ark contained the gold jar of manna, Aaron’s staff that had budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant.

It contained manna that was made into bread and sent from heaven to feed the Israelites as they traveled in the wilderness. God provided this sweet tasting bread every day with the early morning dew. Exodus 16 is a rich story of God’s faithfulness and provision. I hope you have time to read it this week.

Moses said, “This is what the LORD has commanded: ‘Take an omer of manna and keep it for the generations to come, so they can see the bread I gave you to eat in the desert when I brought you out of Egypt.’

Did you know that God’s people are a forgetful lot? He knew the Israelites would quickly forget the divinely provided daily bread. It is also true of us today we are a forgetful lot! Our memory fades over time and we no longer are convinced it was God talking with us softly in the pre-dawn light months ago. We fail to remember it was God’s provision when our spouse lost his job. When a friend arrives to pray at the precise moment we feel overwhelmed by circumstances. We stop thinking about the scripture passage which brought new hope or a new direction.

John 10:10a The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. The enemy lurks in the shadows to steal our memories of Kingdom experiences. He will do everything in his power to cause doubt. —Did I really hear from God? Did I only imagine His presence. Was it just a coincidence or did God provide for our bills last year when my husband lost his job?

Are you surprised we can forget Godly encounters? God is not. In the Old Testament, altars were constructed to mark significant events in which God provided. They were visible reminders of His faithfulness. Altars were also used as object lessons for the children, to teach God’s provision and presence in their lives. God knows our feeble memory fails. He command the altars made to remember Him. (Genesis 8:20; Genesis 12:7 Exodus 17:15; Joshua 4:4-7; etc.)

We need our memories of past encounters with God. Remembering what God has done in the past, gives us hope for the future.

This year I will not surrender my memories made with Christ. I have my own manna jar. I have labeled it: encouragement, love, laughter, memories, and hope. It is a glass Mason jar. I can easily see the items inside.

Things I hope to place inside are:

Scripture verses which significantly impact my life
Photo of a friend who was Jesus to me
Clippings from a blog that enriched my relationship with Christ
A dried flower; I talk to God early in the garden
A penny to remind me of a senseless act of kindness I offered to a stranger
Each encounter with God I will remember with a spiritual marker, a token, placed in my manna jar.

I want to remember my experiences with God this year, the next, and the next. One day I want to share them with my grandchildren.
I have a manna jar.

Lord our God, You never forget us. Thank you for the memories we have of your divine and miraculous presence in our lives. Thank you for the future memories we will make together. In Jesus name, Amen.


Today I placed my first memory-clipping inside. I can’t wait to see what will be in the jar at the end of the year.

Start your manna jar today and imagine the amazing memories you will place there?



I would love to visit with you over at my place: Spiritually Unequal Marriage.

Labels: , , , ,

17 Comments:

Blogger Lisa @ The Preacher's Wife said...

Oh, Lynn...I am so sad to see you go. I always look forward to seeing you next to me in our line up. :)

I love the idea of the manna jar. I have a blessing pot that is used for much the same thing but I am woefully undisciplined in using it. You've given me fresh resolve for 2008.

I pray your new opportunities will be blessed beyond measure and that you will experience a double portion of the Lord's favor on all you put your hand to. I love you, my sister. Don't be a stranger around here!

Lisa

December 19, 2007 at 8:29 PM  
Blogger Aunt Angie said...

Lynn...I am VERY SAD that you won't be here in this spot....but at least I know where to look for you on SUM. You are such a blessing to me. I think the manna jar is an incredible idea! It is hard for me at times to consistently do something...I will work on this in 2008!
I love you sweet friend.!!
:)

December 19, 2007 at 8:58 PM  
Blogger Aunt Angie said...

Lynn...I am VERY SAD that you won't be here in this spot....but at least I know where to look for you on SUM. You are such a blessing to me. I think the manna jar is an incredible idea! It is hard for me at times to consistently do something...I will work on this in 2008!
I love you sweet friend.!!
:)

December 19, 2007 at 8:58 PM  
Blogger Donetta said...

nice idea, good fortune to you on your enevors

December 19, 2007 at 10:13 PM  
Blogger Amico Dio said...

Lynn,

You are such an inspiration to so many. I will miss seeing your posts here but I know God has something amazing and wonderful for you. You are so awesome and such a fantastic writer....

This is a great idea about the manna jar. I really think that I will try this! Thanks for sharing!

December 19, 2007 at 10:46 PM  
Blogger Denise said...

Sweet blessings to you dear Lynn.

December 20, 2007 at 12:35 AM  
Blogger Irene said...

Oh yes, how we forget, how easily when good times come, we forget Who provides them.
This is an excellent idea.

December 20, 2007 at 6:24 AM  
Blogger Heart of Wisdom said...

Super idea!

I added this blog to my Feevy (see my right sidebar). Part of your newest posts will be added to my page daily (neat huh). The newest post is automatically put at the top of the list.

I'm working out some kinks (its a bit too wide)

December 20, 2007 at 8:46 AM  
Blogger Chris @ Come to the Table said...

Lynn,
You will be greatly missed, but I am excited for the doors the Lord is opening for you in this new year. You have been such an encouragement to me here at the Cafe.

I pray your ministry will increase and God will be glorified through it all.

I love the idea of the manna jar.

Blessings,
Chris

December 20, 2007 at 8:52 AM  
Blogger Ms. Kathleen said...

What an excellent idea! Things to make us remember and recall all that God has done for us throughout the year (and sometimes this things he doesn't do need remembering as well as we ask for some silly things sometimes!).

God Bless You and I can't wait to see what you will be doing in the New Year!

Love and Hugs!

December 20, 2007 at 9:09 AM  
Blogger Tina Ann Forkner said...

Lynn, SO Sorry to see you go. Blessings with whatever you do.

December 20, 2007 at 10:29 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Though our paths have only crossed briefly here at the Cafe, you have opened my eyes.
"Spiritually Unequal Marriage" - I had never given much thought to what some believing spouses deal with. And, I must say, you certainly honor God in the way you deal with it and find joy in, and hope for your sweet spouse. What a beautiful sight for your daughter to witness. He is indeed a blessed man.(I'll bet he knows that!)
Blessings in your new endeavor. You will be missed!

December 20, 2007 at 10:52 AM  
Blogger Darlene Schacht said...

Your prayer life has left a thumbprint on my life, dear friend. Praise God that He has given you direction even is it isn't along my path this time.

December 20, 2007 at 1:07 PM  
Blogger Heather said...

I love the idea of a manna jar - I need to be reminded daily sometimes. We'll miss hearing from you around here but I know where to find you!

December 20, 2007 at 2:53 PM  
Blogger Dianne - Bunny Trails said...

What a beautiful post, Lynn. I love this idea. We are truly very forgetful people. Thank you so much for sharing. I'm excited to do this myself.

Christmas blessings to you. :D

December 20, 2007 at 4:20 PM  
Blogger Dineen A. Miller said...

Such a lovely idea, Lynn. Looking forward to working together in 2008!

December 20, 2007 at 6:35 PM  
Blogger 2nd Cup of Coffee said...

We all know where to find you! And yet, you will be missed, Lynn. Your writing always inspired me and will continue to. Can't wait to see what's up with you and God ....

December 20, 2007 at 8:49 PM  

Post a Comment

It is good to hear from you... thank you so very much for leaving a note on the table. That makes us smile!

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

<< Home