1 February 2010 - Morning Manna

Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear unto my cry; hold not thy peace at my tears: for I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner, as all my fathers were. O spare me, that I may recover strength, before I go hence, and be no more.  (Psalms 39:12-13)

Today’s Morsel: The woman we know as Sojourner Truth was born into slavery in New York as Isabella Baumfree (after her father's owner, Baumfree). She was sold as a slave several times, and while owned by the John Dumont family in Ulster County, New York, she married Thomas, another of Dumont's slaves. What was unique about slavery was that slaves often times were given the last name of their masters. Sojourner had five children with Thomas. In 1827, New York law emancipated all slaves, but Isabella had already left. In 1843, she took the name Sojourner Truth, believing this to be on the instructions of the Holy Spirit and became a traveling preacher (the meaning of her new name). The word sojourner means a short stay at a place. The Apostle Paul said of the patriarch of old, “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city” (Hebrews 11:13-16). They saw themselves as strangers and pilgrims in this earth. They did not put down their stakes upon this earth, but they looked for a better place. Always remember that Jesus is the truth and that we are of Him. He’s gone to prepare a place for us and will soon come again to take us to the place He has prepared for us. Therefore, we are sojourners of truth in this land until Jesus comes and takes us to that better and permanent place. So don’t put your stakes down to deep for you tomorrow you might be out of here.

Sing: I’m getting ready to leave this place, I’m getting ready for those gates of pearls, keeping my record straight, watching both day and night, well I’m getting ready to leave this place.

30 January 2010 - Morning Manna

The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him. The LORD will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged. Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it. I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree (Psalms 37:32-35).

Today’s Morsel: If you have read my book, “If God Be For Us, Who Can Be Against Us,” in the story of “Satan’s Convention”, you will notice that Satan told his demonic force to pound people with the news 24 hours a day. If you are a Christian, then you may be getting a little upset and angry at the things that you see and hear that are taking place in the land these days. But let me ask you a question, do not wicked people do wicked things and foolish people do foolish things? Do not sinners sin? So why get upset and angry when you see it happening? When you get upset and angry, you are the major recipient of the pain that it causes. Never think that the wicked are getting over and getting away with something, they are soon cut down like a branch if they are not warned of their wicked ways. If you will notice in scripture, the same things we see taking place today were taking place in Jesus' day, too. However, Jesus didn’t focus on their wickedness unless it was taking place in the temple. He let His light shine and caused many to turn from the wickedness and follow Him. Jesus’ command to us was go preach the gospel to every creature. You see this gospel can turn the wicked heart back to God the same as it did you and me. Prayer and being a good witness can work wonders. But what I see today is that the church seems to be more focused on what the wicked are doing instead of praying and warning them. The Lord told Ezekiel, “Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul” (Ezekiel 3:17-19). If there has ever been a time to be a light in a dark world, it is now. The harvest is plentiful, but the labors are few. So don’t spend too much time focusing on what the wicked are doing, but focus on what you can do to deliver them from their wickedness that they perish not.

Sing: O sinner seek the Lord, repent of all your sin, for thus he hath commanded, if you would enter in; and then if you should live a hundred years below, up there you’ll not regret it, you settled long ago.

Long ago, down on my knees; long ago, I settled it all; yes, the old account was settled long ago; and the records clear today, for He washed my sins away, when the old account was settled long ago.

29 January 2010 - Morning Manna

I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed

(Psalms 37:25-26).

Today’s Morsel: If you were asked what does it mean to be blessed, how would you describe it? Do you consider yourself blessed or do you consider yourself as lacking? Me, I’m always blessed and highly favored of the Lord. Speaking of Abraham, the writer of Hebrews said, “For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee” (Hebrews 6:13-14). God told Abraham that He would bless him. Paul said that when we are baptized into Christ, we become Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise (Galatians 3:27-29). If you are His seed, then you are blessed. Even if in your eyes you don’t think that you are, you really are. The blessing of the Lord isn’t about material things all the time. It’s more about a relationship and understanding of God. When we know Jesus and have an understanding of Him, blessing from the throne begins to flow to us. Each day that we awake we are blessed. I’m sure you’ve all heard the saying, if you don’t think that you are blessed, ask the man that has no shoes to put on his feet. Or, if you don’t think that you are blessed, ask the homeless who have no where to sleep. If you don’t think that you are blessed, think about the person who doesn’t have eyes to read this Manna as you do. As Jesus told His disciples, many eyes hath desired to see the things that you see and have not. Think about!

Sing: I am blessed, I am blessed, every day that I live I am blessed; when I wake up in the morning, til I lay my head to rest, I am blessed, I am blessed.

28 January 2010 - Morning Manna

And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever (Genesis 3:22).

Today’s Morsel: After Adam and Eve sinned in the garden and received their punishment for their disobedience, God said that now they know the difference between good and evil and if they were to take hold of the tree of life they would live forever. If you will notice, the tree of life was already in the midst of the garden, the same as the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. “And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil” (Genesis 2:9). They could have eaten from this tree from the beginning and lived forever, it was never forbidden. The only tree they were told to not eat from was the tree of the knowledge of good in evil, because God said that in the day that you eat thereof you shall surely die. Notice here, the tree is given the name 'knowledge of ood and evil. What we find here is that just because something looks good it may not be good for you. For example, look how beautiful a bee is, a bee produces honey that is good for you, but if he stings you, he can kill you. The same holds true with many things. Paul said, all things are lawful, but all things are not expedient nor do they edify me. When Eve saw that the tree was good for food (lust of the flesh), pleasant to the eye (beautiful) (lust of the eye), but then it would make one wise (pride of life) she took it. Notice that everything presented itself as something good, but God knew that it would bring about evil and so He told them to not eat from it. Friend, if God says you will die, you will die. What I have found about disobedience is as soon as you do wrong, you know it. God has made us so that when we do wrong we know. Adam and Eve immediately knew that they were naked and looked for a place to hide when they heard God’s voice. The sin of disobedience always makes you want to hide. God’s word pierces you when you have done wrong and you hear it. There is something inside of us that triggers our “You’ve done wrong button.” Jesus is the tree of life, and once you do wrong, if you are going to live, you are going to have to put forth your hand and take a hold of this tree and repent. Let me encourage you today. Just because something looks good to you, study it out before you partake of it, as it may be deadly for your soul and spirit.

Sing: I’ll say yes, Lord, yes, to your will and to your way. I’ll say yes, Lord, yes, I will trust you and obey; when your spirit speaks to me, with my whole heart I’ll agree, and my answer will be yes, Lord, Yes.

27 January 2010 - Morning Manna

And I commanded you at that time all the things which ye should do. And when we departed from Horeb, we went through all that great and terrible wilderness, which ye saw by the way of the mountain of the Amorites, as the LORD our God commanded us; and we came to Kadeshbarnea. And I said unto you, Ye are come unto the mountain of the Amorites, which the LORD our God doth give unto us. Behold, the LORD thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged

(Deuteronomy 1:18-21).

Today’s Morsel: I really like reading the book of Deuteronomy. It is a recollection by Moses telling the children of Israel what the Lord had done for them and what He had commanded them to do. A few weeks ago in service, our pastor was reflecting on the tragedies that they had been through in their lives and how the hand of God was with them through them all. He said, “'Somehow' God brought us through." The saying hit me like a ton of bricks. It was as though God said to me, "Stop and reflect on where I’ve brought you from." There were times of danger, there were times of loss, there were times of hardships, but somehow, somehow God brought me through. Oh! If we would only reflect on what God has done for us and not despise the day of small things, we would stand in awe of what God has done. Our Wisconsin State Superintendent for UPCI, Brother John Putnam, ministered that same Sunday saying, “Just One Simple Step.” We all took that one simple step to God and look what He has done in each of our lives. There are things that I have seen and places that I have been that if I had not taken that first step to God, I probably would never have seen or gone. We never know what God has in store for us, but if we will take that first step, God will do wonders in our lives. Moses wanted the children of Israel to know what God had done for them, and so he said, “And when we departed from Horeb, we went through all that great and terrible wilderness, which ye saw by the way of the mountain of the Amorites, as the LORD our God commanded us; and we came to Kadeshbarnea. And I said unto you, Ye are come unto the mountain of the Amorites, which the LORD our God doth give unto us. Behold, the LORD thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged.” He wanted them to know that even though it was tough, God brought them through. So let me encourage you today, you may feel like it is a wilderness walk, but God is taking you to a better place and you are going to be able to look back and say, "Look what the Lord has done!"

Sing: Look what the Lord has done, look what the Lord has done, He healed my body, He touch my mind, He saved me just in time. I’m going to praise His name, each day He’s just the same, I’m going to praise Him, I’m going to praise Him, look what the Lord has done.

26 January 2010 - Morning Manna

Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool. Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth

 (Proverbs 19:1-2).

Today’s Morsel: The Bush Administration began a program entitled, “No Child Left Behind.” The focus was on educating all children. This wasn’t anything new. Jesus had already told us to go into all the world and teach all nations. He knew that a soul without knowledge of Him would be destroyed and lost. Solomo said that it is not good that the soul be without knowledg. The church is to be a training ground. From the youngest to the oldest, everyone needs to be educated. So what should the church teach? The first two lessons that I believe every church should teach first is “Knowing Who Jesus Is”, because everthing flows from this founational knowledge. All doctrines and having an abundant life flows from this knowledge of Him. Second lesson that I believe every church should teachis “Knowing Who You Are In Christ.” Daniel said that the people who do know their God shall be strong and do exploits (Daniel 11:32). If you never know who Jesus is, you will never know who you are and this causes many so-called Christians to struggle and never obtain the victory in their relationship and walk with the Lord. The apostle Paul called for education when he said, “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:5-11). The greatest lesson you will ever learn in your life is knowing who Jesus Christ truly is. As Paul said, “Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame” (1 Corinthians 15:34). When a soul is without this knowledge, it is not good.

Sing: Deeper, deeper in the love of Jesus, daily let me go; higher, higher in the school of wisdom, more of grace to know. O deeper yet, I pray, and higher every day, and wiser, blessed Lord, in Thy precious holy word.

25 January 2010 - Morning Manna

Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying, Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast. There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them. Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest (Joshua 1:1-9).

Today’s Morsel: There are times when we all need a little confirmation in our lives about what we have been called to do. Joshua was no exception. He saw what a challenge it was to lead God’s people, and he wanted to ensure that what he was about to do he did right. If you will notice, the Lord issued Joshua a command, and that command was to be strong and of a good courage. From a military stand point, a command must be obeyed or stern punishment can be issued for failure to obey the command or order which was given to you. Jesus, who is our Commander in Chief, has issued this same order to us, be strong and of a good courage. And being soldiers in His army and knowing that He has our best interest at heart, we should follow this order to its fullest. Daniel said, “And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits” (Daniel 11:32). Do you know your God? Then we should not have any trouble obeying what He tells us to do. What I usually find about leadership is that when they issue an order, they’ve already studied it out and know what they are telling you to do is for your good as well as that of the organization. If we are strong and of a good courage, we will have a good outlook on life and our morale is revealed to all.

Sing: Jesus, Jesus, you know what's best for me, so lead on, Jesus, I’ll go wherever you lead!

23 January 2010 - Morning Manna

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak (Matthew 26:41).

Today’s Morsel: How much time do you spend in prayer? Jesus and the apostle Paul, along with the prophet Daniel, seemed to be men of strong prayer. Prayer is the glue that holds spiritual things together in your life. Even when we are commanded to put on the whole armor of God, Paul ends by saying, pray with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit. He told Timothy, “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:1-4). Jesus said that we should pray so that we will not enter into temptation. Prayer connects us to Jesus and helps us by preventing us from falling into temptation. Prayer can protect us from falling into the temptations of buying things that we really don’t need, going into places we shouldn’t go, doing things that we really shouldn’t do, or saying things that we really shouldn’t say. If you are a person that seems to want, or feel you need to purchase everything that you see, you might want to check your prayer life, as you may have a problem with lust, which is an offspring of temptation. It may not seem like it is, but many people are distressed, in debt, discontent, divorced, homeless, and even suicidal because theyhave allowed temptation to overpower them, which began with the lust of the eye and the lust of the flesh. Your flesh is weak Jesus said. But you can take that same flesh and turn it around and make it strong for Christ through much prayer and a strong relationship with Him. So let me encourage you today, keep you prayer life intact so that temptation doesn’t get a foothold. If the enemy of your soul can get a foothold into your life, he will bring the next foot through your door and wreck everything in your life.

Sing: Sweet hour of prayer, sweet hour of prayer, that calls me from a world of care, and bids me at my Father’s throne, make all my wants and wishes known; in seasons of distress and grief, my soul has often found relief, and often escaped the tempter’s snare, by thy return sweet hour of prayer.

22 January 2010 - Morning Manna

Then Joseph could not refrain himself before all them that stood by him; and he cried, Cause every man to go out from me. And there stood no man with him, while Joseph made himself known unto his brethren. And he wept aloud: and the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard. And Joseph said unto his brethren, I am Joseph; doth my father yet live? And his brethren could not answer him; for they were troubled at his presence. And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt. Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life (Genesis 45:1-5).

Today’s Morsel: The U.S. Coast Guard Rescues Team's motto is, “So that others may live.” In other words, they are willing to sacrifice themselves at sea under the worst of conditions so that other people may live. What a sacrifice for someone that they may not even know. And many of them have lost their lives so that others may live.

In reality, this is what the apostle Paul was willing to do, give his life that others may live (Acts 20:24). I believe that the entire church's motto should be this motto. Are you aware that God has chosen you to preserve life? Jesus said, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:15-16). When you go teach and preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, when people believe it and are baptized, Jesus said that they would be saved. This means that when you go, you are going that you may preserve life. You are saving people from eternal damnation. The Gospel is the word of reconciliation to bring people back into a relationship with Jesus, because without Him you cannot live nor do anything. Joseph told his brethren not to be angry with themselves for selling him into slavery, because God sent him before them to preserve life. The place that you are right now, you may see it as a place you don’t want to be, but know that nothing happens in your life that God isn’t aware of. The place you are right now, that you feel you don’t want to be, God may have sent you there to preserve life. So open your spiritual ears and listen. There may be someone there that is trying to recover themselves from the snares of the devil and God has sent you there to help them. Let me encourage you today, witness and tell others about Jesus, become a Sunday school teacher, give a Bible study to someone, or just befriend the so called out cast, you just mighty preserve someone else’s life.

Sing: Jesus use me, Lord don’t refuse me, for surely there’s a work that I can do, and even though its humble, Lord help my will to crumb; though the cost be great, I’ll work for you.

21 January 2010 - Morning Manna

And Jacob their father said unto them, Me have ye bereaved of my children: Joseph is not, and Simeon is not, and ye will take Benjamin away: all these things are against me. And Reuben spake unto his father, saying, Slay my two sons, if I bring him not to thee: deliver him into my hand, and I will bring him to thee again. And he said, My son shall not go down with you; for his brother is dead, and he is left alone: if mischief befall him by the way in the which ye go, then shall ye bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave

(Genesis 42:36-38).

Today’s Morsel: Do you ever feel as though there are a lot of things against you? Have you been doing a lot of soul searching lately trying to find out why the things that are coming against you are taking place the way they are? Does it seem like your joy and morale is being stripped of you? If so, then chances are there is an enemy counter attack coming against you. A counterattack is a re-attack by the enemy against you. Once we get the victory, we can’t let our guard down. We must be on the alert to ensure the enemy doesn’t return and get the victory over us again. Just because you are on the mountain top does not mean that the enemy cannot reach you with his long range artillery. It may be coming through someone or somthing else, but it may be the enemy of your soul launching the attack. Jacob had lost Joseph his much beloved son and Simeon, and now they were asking for Benjamin. Benjamin was Jacob’s last son in his old age by Rachel, his love; the woman he had worked for many years to obtain. Benjamin represents your last bit of hope of retain some identity of what you’ve worked so hard to obtain. When people start to exit the church doors, or the kids start backsliding, or divorce rates start to climb, it can knock the wind right out of your sails as this represents Benjamin. It was okay for Jacob to lose one or two sons while in the process, but now to lose his final bit of hope was something a little bit too hard for him to swallow. Jacob felt that all these things were against him and he was not about to let it go. What about you? Are you willing to let go of your last bit of hope not knowing what may come next? Well, let me encourage you today, trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto your own understanding and in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path. If you feel a release from God to let it go, then let it go, as God is better than 10 sons. But if you don't feel that release from God, hold fast!

Sing: I know the Lord will make a way for you, I know that Lord will make a way for you. If we live a holy life, shun the wrong and do the right, I know that Lord will make a way for you.

20 January 2010 - Morning Manna

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage (Galatians 5:1).

Today’s Morsel: I’m sure you’ve heard the say, "If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything." Paul said, "And having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." You have to learn how to stand for what you believe, and Paul said that this begins by having your loins girt about with truth. If you don’t know truth, you will fall for anything. Jesus said that Truth makes you free. When you know truth, you know when someone is telling you a lie or not. It’s amazing to me the number of people who say that they are born again believers but yet will not stand for truth. For example, the apostle Paul said whatsoever you do in word of deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Some people who say that they are born again and are Christians (which is to be a believer and follower of Jesus), when they are called upon to pray in public settings become fearful of offending others and so they pray a generic prayer, by saying and I quote, “ We give you thanks and we pray that you will be with us, in your name I pray.” They never mention Jesus’ name. These are men and women who do not stand for anything. Their ministry is for a pay check or career advancement, and not for the elevation of Christ. You see Jesus said, if I be lifted up, I will draw all men unto me. But if we are not willing to lift Him up, then others will never get to know Him. Are you going to stand for Jesus? If not, you’re going to fall for anything.

Sing: Stand up, stand up for Jesus, you soldiers of the cross, lift high the royal banner, it must not suffer loss. From victory unto victory, His army shall He Lead, till every foe is vanquished and Christ is Lord indeed.

19 January 2010 - Morning Manna

These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full (John 15:11).

Today’s Morsel: Isn’t it amazing that the things we often look for, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, humility, and self-control, are already inside of us? I believe that we need to stop looking elsewhere for the things that Jesus has already put inside of us. As Paul told Timothy, stir up the gift that is with you (2 Timothy 1:6). Jesus said these things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. You see, when you got the Holy Ghost, joy came with it. So if you want joy, you just need to prime the pump within you and bring it forth. As a born again believer, you just need to do an inventory and see what is in the treasure chest that Jesus has already given you. If we will just read the word of God, and apply it to our lives, we will see that Jesus did not leave out anything that we would need for our life and survival. I don’t pray for strength nor do I ask anyone else to pray for me for strength, because I’ve already determined that the joy of the Lord is my strength and that it is within me. I don’t ask for nor do I pray for patience, because it already there inside of me. I have to teach myself to wait on God and let the Holy Ghost do its job in me. Paul said “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us” (2 Corinthians 4:7). The Holy Ghost is Christ within us, and with that, we are able to do exceeding, abundantly above all that we may ask or think according to the power which worketh in us. We have so much more beyond what we can think or ask within us. If you are missing anything, you don’t need to ask anyone else. Jesus said to ask Him that your joy mighty be full. If you are feeling down today, then let me encourage you, look within, as joy is not in things but rather in you.

Sing: The joy of the Lord is my strength. The joy of the Lord is my strength. The joy of the Lord is my strength. The joy of the Lord is my strength.
He fills my mouth with laughter, HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! He fills my mouth with laughter, HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! He fills my mouth with laughter, HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! The joy of the Lord is my strength.

18 January 2010 - Morning Manna

And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying, This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you. Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house: And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbour next unto his house take it according to the number of the souls; every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb. Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats: And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening. And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it. And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it. Eat not of it raw, nor sodden at all with water, but roast with fire; his head with his legs, and with the purtenance thereof. And ye shall let nothing of it remain until the morning; and that which remaineth of it until the morning ye shall burn with fire. And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the LORD'S passover. For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD. And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt (Exodus 12:1-13).

Today’s Morsel: Insurance companies all seem to offer you the best policy. Some will tell you that you need whole life verses term life. Whole life means that the policy is supposed to pay face value of the policy's premium at death to whomever you choose to be the beneficiary. Term life serves for a specified period of time. When it comes to your salvation, if someone were to ask you what policy do you have, do you know which type you have? I don’t know about you, but for me, when it comes to my salvation, I want a whole life policy. And that is why Jesus will always be my insurance man and His church my insurance company. Jesus and His insurance men (His disciples) didn’t come selling term life; they came selling whole life; and when I heard what they were offering in their policy, I couldn’t refuse. I took a whole life policy immediately. When the Lord was ready to take the children of Israel from out of Egypt, He told Moses, "the blood will be a token upon the house where you are: and when I see the blood I will pass over you and the plague will not destroy you." The Blood of Jesus Christ served as a whole life insurance policy for them, and the same is true for us today. We must take out a whole-life policy and not allow our policy to lapse. We must pay on time (tithes and offerings, vows and any other commitments we make), so that when we die, our policy will pay full dividend; eternal life.

Sing: I am covered, covered, covered by His blood, walking by faith, living in love. I am covered, covered, covered by His blood, Jesus has rescued me.