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Not-So-Happy Campers
by Chris Keating
Exodus 17:1-7

According to Exodus, things are starting to heat up in the wilderness. “The people quarreled,” the text says, to which Moses may have added, “You can say that again.”

First, they cried that the Egyptians were going to kill them. Then they got thirsty and can only find bitter water to drink. Then they started reminiscing about their fleshpots back in Egypt. “There’s not enough bread,” they said. “And not much meat, either!”

I love Thanksgiving. I cherish the traditions, I love the quality of family reunion, and I enjoy the food. I have hundreds of fond memories of Thanksgiving holidays past, and I look forward to the Thanksgiving that is a few months away.

But it is a few months away. I may be looking forward to it, but that doesn’t mean that I am doing any grocery shopping for it yet. We all recognize that it would be premature for us to put the turkey in the oven this weekend in preparation for November’s Thanksgiving celebration.

Exodus 17:1-7
Americans want to make it on their own. As recently as in 2011 in a poll conducted by Pew Research Center it was indicated that 62% of Americans (as compared to less than 50% of western Europeans) believe that success in life is determined by factors we control. In fact, as this lesson makes clear, we are dependent on God for the good things we have. If we only depend on ourselves, we are asking for trouble and misery. Famed Puritan of the Colonial era, the great revivalist, Jonathan Edwards had it right:

Contents
“If It’s Worth Telling …” by David O. Bales
“An Over-Abundance Of New” by David O. Bales


If It’s Worth Telling …
by David O. Bales
Psalm 25:1-9

“Let me tell you a story.”

“No, no, no. That’s not the way to start a story. Try again.”

“I’ve got a great story to tell you.”

“You’re still missing it badly.”

“But I just introduced the story.”

“Which of the two did what his father wanted?” (v. 31)

Note: The instructions will explain who you are to be speaking too. Most of all, have fun with this!

Let’s have some fun this time and do some acting. And I think it is really going to take some good acting because I know that none of you ever behave like one of the children in this story behaves. This is a story Jesus told about a man and his two sons, so let’s begin by finding our actors for those roles. Don’t worry, I’ll help you know what to say and do.

Double Trouble was the smallest of the litter of puppies. He was also the most mischievous. When the old lady saw him, she couldn't resist the way his ears flopped over his face or the way his tail wagged incessantly.