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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. 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.' 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. On the sixth day they are to prepare what they bring in, and that is to be twice as much as they gather on the other days.' Exodus 16:1–5 (NIV)

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.' Exodus 16:13–15 (NIV)

1. Bring your honest selves to God … and be wise about:
   
   A. Obsession to Spectacular Spirituality
   B. I Want it Now Spirituality

ACTION PLAN: If you're in a holding pattern, make the decision to use this time to focus on growing in your relationship with God. Look into one of four self-directed retreats available as a pdf download or one of the retreats held at our Rancho Capistrano Retreat Center. Go to www.saddleback.com/retreats to view the retreat calendar.

C. I Want to Be in Control Spirituality
D. Skewed Perception of Reality

2. Beware a culture and life of grumbling and complaining.
   
3. Remember, God is our Provider and Sustainer.

ACTION PLAN: Write a thank you note to God. Be specific in thanking him for material, relational and spiritual gifts he has given you.

4. Faithfulness also means that we have to do our part.
   
5. Everything Points to Jesus … so may our lives be about Jesus.

Jesus said to them, 'Very truly I tell you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. From the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.' John 6: 32-33 (NIV)
Then Jesus declared, 'I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.'     John 6:35 (NIV)

ACTION PLAN: Did the Holy Spirit challenge you through this message to let go of some sweet rice that you're holding onto? Pray, asking him to show you the freedom that will be yours when you release your grip. Ask for his help to let go.