2010 April 30 - Morning Manna

A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just (Proverbs 13:22).

Today’s Morsel: The U.S. Marine Corps says that they are looking for “A few good men.” Where have all the good men gone? What happened to the man that would tip his hat to a lady? What happened to the man that would stand to greet a lady? Or the man that would hold the door open for her? What happened to the man that would reach out and help his neighbor with a project around his house? What happened to the man who would be an usher, deacon, elder, and laborer in the Lord’s house? What happened to the man whose word was his bond? Even though there may be women’s liberation, men must still be men. The woman, Peter said, is still to be honored and respected, because she is the weaker vessel. The weakness of the female sex is not just the reason she should be defended, honored, and respected; but because she is a creation of the Lord Jesus Christ and because she was taken from man. Solomon said, “A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children.” In other words, he saves something to pass to his grandchildren. Dad, what inheritance are you leaving for your children's children? What will your children and grand children say about you when you are gone? Who are you leaving your Bible to? Who gets your preaching and teaching notes? Remember, as the apostle John said, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” (3 John 1:4). It will be the truth of Jesus that they will respect you for in the years to come in their lives. David said, “One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts” (Psalms 145:4), and that will come through a godly inheritance!

Sing: Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so, little to one to Him belong, they are weak, but He is strong.

Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! For the Bible tells me so.

2010 April 29 - Morning Manna

Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed (Proverbs 13:21).

Today’s Morsel: Blood hounds are trained for one purpose, to follow scents. No matter if it is a person or an animal, once the blood hounds have the scent in their nose, and can pick up on that scent, they will follow it until they locate what they are looking for. Evil is like a blood hound, and the scent it looks and smell for is sin. That’s why evil is always associated with sin. If you are one that practices sin, or is associate with those who are sinners, evil will find you. Paul told the church at Philippi “Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision” (Philippians 3:2). Notice, beware of dogs. Satan has turned his pack of hounds loose and they are looking and scenting for anyone that isn’t covered by the blood of Jesus. The only way a person who is trying to get free and away from the evil that is pursuing them, is to run to the water and get baptized in Jesus name; Jesus only gives off a sweet smelling odor. Once you have been baptized in His name and you put Him on, Satan loses your scent and will stop looking for you if you stay holy and under the blood of Jesus.

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.

2010 April 28 - Morning Manna

He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed (Proverbs 13:20).

Today’s Morsel: Who are you hanging with? Who’s your 'boy'? Is that really your 'home girl'? These are terms we usually hear younger folks saying, but even some 'not so young' say these things these days. But really, who are your companions? Are the people you associate yourself with edifiers or destroyers of your good name and spirituality? There are many people who are serving prison terms because they were guilty by association. In other words, they were arrested and charged with a crime because they were present with others who were guilty. Solomon said, “My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not” (Proverbs 1:10). You don’t want your good name to be evil spoken of. He also said, “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.” As born again believers, we must be careful of our associates. Just because some may say they are Christians, it may be only an outward look of godliness but within they are rottenness as dead men’s bones. The apostle Paul said that Satan has transformed into an angel of light. John tells us to not believe every spirit, but to try them (1 John 4:1-2). Jesus said “ Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them” (Matthew 7:16-20). Is the fruit of the spirit prevalent in the life of those you are associating with? If not, you may want to select friends who do have the fruit of the spirit. The apostle Paul tells us, “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1). Don't let your associates keep you out of heaven. There is a friend that sticks closer than a brother, and His name is Jesus!

Sing: What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry, everything to God in prayer! O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.

2010 April 27 - Morning Manna

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified (Isaiah 61:1-3).

Today's Morsel: One of the things I have noticed in some saints of God is that it is hard for them to be godly examples when they are burdened. Granted, when we are burdened we should look within to see where we have erred, or may be starting to go astray, but it should not control our lives. Burdens are heavy and weighty, the same as wet sand. Sand is so light when dry, but boy add a little water to it and it becomes heavy real fast. The prophet Isaiah said that the Lord hath anointed us to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent us to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn (Isaiah 61:1-3). But this is hard to do when you are burdened. God knew that we would face difficult times in our lives and so He gave to us a garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that we might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He might be glorified. When we thank God on a continual basis for His love, mercy, compassion, grace, and forgiveness, it lifts our heaviness. Remember, God isn't going to allow you to carry what you cannot bear. He will always step in to assist you. But you have to do your part as well, as you are yoked together with Him. When Jesus made clay of spittle, and put it in the blind man's eyes, He asked him what did he see, and the blind mind said, "I see men walking as trees." When you have been planted by the Lord, you shall be called a tree of righteousness, as they that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God and bring forth fruit in their season. Every tree has to endure the storms of life if they are going to produce fruit, and you are no different. So the next time a heavy burden comes upon you, begin to praise God and maintain your praise as you are always justified by your faith in God.

Sing: Praise Him! Praise Him! Praise Him in the morning, praise Him in the noon time; praise Him, praise Him, praise Him when the sun goes down.

2010 April 26 - Morning Manna

And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom. And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives. Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad. But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee. Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended. Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples (Matthew 26:26-35).

Today's Morsel: Simon Peter seems very confident of himself when he tells Jesus that he will never be offended because of Him. Loyalty is always tested in the heat of battle. Peter failed to realize that he had slept in the prayer meeting in the garden, and his flesh was now weak. When people sleep more than pray, their flesh is more powerful and they will run out on you in the heat of the battle for fear to protect themselves. Loyalty is not shown by speech or boastfulness, it is shown by actions. It is shown in the hidden manner of the heart. It is knowing what you have signed up and doing it without any fanfare or reward. If you have a continual prayer life and a strong relationship with the Lord, you won't buckle under pressure, but your loyalty will remain intact, You will follow through and be supportive of those closest to you.

Sing: Here I am, Lord, here I am! I give all myself to you, here I am! Here I am, Lord, here I am, let your spirit move through me, here I am!

2010 April 24 - Morning Manna

The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil

(Proverbs 13:19).

Today’s Morsel: Have you ever noticed that when you have a task, job, or something that needs to be done that after you have accomplished it that you feel much better about yourself? The hardest part about doing anything is getting started. Once we are started and on our way you soon realize that it’s not as hard as you thought it was going to be. I’ve heard people say that serving God is hard. They say, “I just can’t learn those scriptures.” Or they say “I can’t leave my friends to serve God. Sunday is my day off and I need rest.” The key to learning scriptures, letting go of the world, and attending church, is to stick with it once you start. Everything in life has a beginning. And pretty soon you will begin to understand what you are doing and it will become much easier for you, and you will begin to feel a peace within yourself at what you are accomplishing in the Lord. Remember, Jesus won’t put more on you than you can handle. He said, “When ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, we are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do” (Luke 17:10).

So the next time you are working on something, set some steps or goals so you can see what you are accomplishing. That way you will feel much better about yourself as you see each step being completed.

Sing: I feel good, I feel good, just to know I've been redeemed makes me feel good. I feel good, I feel good, just to know I’ve been redeemed makes me feel good.

2010 April 23 - Morning Manna

Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox

(Proverbs 14:4).

Today's Morsel: The story is told of a very cold Russian winter. The story goes that there was a Russian farmer that had many cows. As he began to put his cattle in the barn to protect them from the harsh cold winter, he noticed that they would not all fit. And so he decided to place the remaining cows in his living room, much to his wife's dismay. She said, "You are not putting those cows in my living room." He assured her that it was only for the night and that he would get them out first thing in the morning when the weather warmed up soon and clean the living back up. He rationalized with her that if they didn't put them in there, they would die from the harsh weather. So the wife agreed for the night. But the weather got worse and the cows were allowed to stay in the living room, with the stench getting worse and worse. But after a while, the stench became normal to the couple and the cows spent the entire winter in the living room.

If we are not careful, we can allow things which are not like the Lord to come into our lives and they can be a stench in our nose at first, but if we allow it to remain long enough it will become normal and we will let it stay. When you put Satan out of your home and life, make sure you have him take his bags and anything else he brought in with him out. Because if you let it stay, he'll be back to get it and cause the stench to start afresh and anew. Solomon said, "Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox." Keep the cows out of your living room.

Sing: Cleanse me, O God, and know my heart today; try me, O Savior, know my thoughts, I pray. See if there be, some wicked way in me; cleanse me from every sin and set me free.

2010 April 22 - Morning Manna

Then said Elkanah her husband to her, Hannah, why weepest thou? and why eatest thou not? and why is thy heart grieved? am not I better to thee than ten sons? So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk. Now Eli the priest sat upon a seat by a post of the temple of the LORD. And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore. And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head. And it came to pass, as she continued praying before the LORD, that Eli marked her mouth. Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken. And Eli said unto her, How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy wine from thee. And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD. Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto. Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him. And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad. And they rose up in the morning early, and worshipped before the LORD, and returned, and came to their house to Ramah: and Elkanah knew Hannah his wife; and the LORD remembered her. Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the LORD (1 Samuel 1:8-20).

Today’s Morsel: Hannah had been mocked because she had no children. The book of Proverbs says that there are four things which are never satisfied, and one of those things is the barren womb (Proverbs 30:16). When the womb is barren, we look for something to fill it and bring about contentment. A woman wants a child, the church wants saints, and our souls want the Holy Ghost. Peter 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” (2 Peter 1:5-8). When we add spiritual things to our lives, we are never barren nor unfruitful in our knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who supplies all our need.

Once Hannah knew that she was going to have a child, she prayed and said, "My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation." Even though she was mocked, she still worshipped and praised the Lord. When we rejoice in Jesus, who is the God of our salvation, we are exalted over our enemies in every area. Maybe you are feeling barren today, let me encourage you, don’t stop worshipping and praising the Lord, but be like Habakkuk when he said, “Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places” (Habakkuk 3:17-19). Praise always keeps you from being barren an unfruitful.

Sing: He is exalted! He is exalted! He is exalted on high, creation shall praise him, the saints shall adore him; for He is exalted on high.

2010 April 21 - Morning Manna

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men (1 Corinthians 1:18-25).

Today’s Morsel: There is both power and wisdom in the cross. The cross is symbolic and pictorial of the tabernacle in the wilderness. When you observe how the items were to be placed by Moses in the tabernacle, it is a replica of the cross. This is where wisdom comes in. Solomon said, get wisdom and with all thy getting get an understanding (Proverbs 4:7). Notice, you always come to the foot of the cross first. When the children of Israel came to the tabernacle, they came in from the east. “From the rising of the sun until the going down of the same, the Lord's name is to be praised” (Psalms 113:3). T he sun rises in the east. Next, they entered the court. “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name” (Psalms 100:4). Once in the gate and into the court, they encountered the brazen altar. Death of their sacrifice, repentance. “And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent” (Acts 17:30). Next, was the brazen laver. Washing. Baptism. All New Testament saints are to be born again of the water and the spirit; and that doesn’t mean from your mother’s womb, nor as a baby. “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:3-4). Then you entered the Holy place. The table of shew bread. Twelve loaves representing the twelve tribes of Israel and Jesus as the Bread of Life (John 6:35). The golden candle sticks. Light. “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12). Next was the altar of incense. The sweet smelling savor, our praise. “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name”(Hebrews 13:15). Then they entered the Holy of Holies where we find the Ark of the Covenant and the mercy seat over shadowed by two angels. Noah built an Ark. Moses' mother placed him inside of an Ark. Inside the Ark of the covenant was Aaron’s rod that budded; the resurrection and the life (John 11:25). The table of stone (Ten Commandments); the word of life (1 John 1:1). And a pot of manna; the bread of life (John 6:35). The angels are ministering spirits sent forth to minister to the heirs of salvation (Hebrews 1:14). The mercy seat is where God sits. "God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God. Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work" (Psalms 62:11-12). So, no matter how you look at it, there is wisdom and power in the cross. Remember, the cross is to be carried, not worn.

Sing: At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the light, and the burden of my heart rolled away. It was there by faith I received my sight, and now I am happy all the day

2010 April 20 - Morning Manna

Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard (Proverbs 13:15).

Today’s Morsel: Friend, be not deceived, sinning isn’t easy, it’s hard. Sinning places such stress upon the human mind that many contemplate suicide, are filled with unrest, and live a life of hopelessness. Because Satan is the originator of sin, he seeks but to kill and destroy every human that God has made. He hates the Christian so much that he will do anything to prevent you from gaining an abiding relationship with Jesus. Sin should not have dominion over you. You were baptized in the name of Jesus and sin should no longer control you. Your love and adoration is to be to and for Jesus and not to this world. Jesus brought you out to bring you in. The reason sinning is so hard is because it forces you to be something that God didn’t intend for you to do and to be, and that is to love this world. Sinning causes you to strive to maintain pace and stay in step with the world's system. A sinner's focus is on pleasure and the appeasement of the flesh. The flesh will never be satisfied because it is enmity against God and you can not please God in the flesh. If you try to please your flesh, you have no rest and peace from the pull of the world. This is why you must walk in the Spirit. Jesus came to seek and to save sinners because He knew that it is a hard way of life. He was willing to give His life so that sinners could be saved. Don’t be deceived, movies stars and actors aren't happy with what they are doing, it’s all a façade. Many of those actors are having face lifts every year trying to maintain their youth, so they can maintain pace with the world. Millions and millions of hard worked for finances are spent by many on cosmetics, clothing, vehicles, alcohol, and pleasure, trying to keep pace with the world. I pray that no born again believer has been drawn into this trap. James said, “From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God” (James 4:1-4). Friend, let me encourage you today, if you are stressed or you have much unrest in your life, why not stop and take inventory to ensure that you are not trying to please your flesh which can lead to sin in your life. Jesus admonishes us as He did Simon Peter to, “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41).

Sing: There is a fountain filled with blood, drawn from Immanuel's veins; and sinners plunged beneath that flood, lose all their guilt and stain. Lose all their guilt and stain, lose all their guilt and stain, and sinners plunged beneath the flood, lose all their guilt and stain.

2010 April 19 - Morning Manna

O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it (Psalms 139:1-6).

Today’s Morsel: It amazes me how much God knows. I’m like the psalmist when he said, such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it. He knew when David sinned with Bathsheba, He knew when Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery, and He even knows what you are doing right now. The Bible says that there is not a sparrow that falls to the ground that He isn’t aware of. We know that Jesus knows everything about us, should we not therefore put our trust in Him? David also said of the Lord, "You know me." God knows everything we are going to do. And because He has given us a free will, He will not stop us from exercising that will. God knows everything about us and there is nothing hidden from Him. So let me encourage you today, knowing that He knows you, and that you will someday appear before Him to give an account of the things you have done in this life, why not start now following His ways now, so that when you appear before Him, you won't be surpised at what He says to you.

Sing: He knew me, yet He loved me, He whose glory makes the heavens shine. I’m so unworthy, of such mercy, yet, when He was on the cross that day, you and I were on His mind!

2010 April 17 - Morning Manna

I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee. I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name. In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul. All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O LORD, when they hear the words of thy mouth. Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the LORD: for great is the glory of the LORD. Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me. The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands (Psalms 138:1-8).

Today’s Morsel: The football position of wide receivers and running backs requires that the men who play these positions have sure hands. Sure hands mean that once the ball is thrown to them, or is handed to them, they won’t drop it. Jesus has sure hands. He said, “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand” (John 10:28). Friend, Jesus won’t drop you nor will He let you go. Once He takes a hold of you in His hands, you should not scramble or fight to get loose. The defensive player’s job is to punch and grab, to get the ball loose from the receiver and the running backs causing a fumble. Satan will do everything he can to get you out of Jesus' hands, as he did Job. If you do not fight against the receiver, Jesus, then Satan will never be able to jar you loose. David said, “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.” Friend, you are in sure hands with Jesus. So don’t worry when things come against you. He won’t drop you, but will carry you all the way to the end zone. As the insuranc company State Farm says, "Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there." You can count on Jesus to be there .

Sing: I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee, Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend; And I know that Thou art with me, wilt be with me to the end.

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him! How I’ve proved Him, o’er and o’er! Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus! O for grace to trust Him more

2010 April 16 - Morning Manna

Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves? When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness (Luke 22:52-53).

Today’s Morsel: Jesus said that this is the world’s hour and the power of darkness. When we look at our world today, it seems as though darkness is advancing hour by hour. Wicked rulers seem to be in authority in every country. With all the complaining, murmuring, shootings, murders, wars, and unrest in this world, darkness is abounding. But Paul said, "Where sin did abound, grace did much more abound." God’s grace is always sufficient for us. Paul also said that evil seducers would wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived in these last days. Jude informs us that, “These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever” (Jude 12-13). My! My! My! Darkness is upon us. Jesus said that because of wicked injustices, the hearts of many shall wax cold. These are dark times around you, my brothers and sisters, but you have been called to the kingdom for such a time as this, that your light may shine brighter and brighter unto that perfect day. Let not your hearts be troubled about what is happening around you. It not time to run, but as Jude again tells us “But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen” (Jude 1:20-25). Keep the Holy Ghost lamp burning in your life and follow Jesus. For He said, "I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. "

Sing: When in service for my Lord, dark may be the night, but I’ll cling more close to Him, He will give me light; Satan's snares may vex my soul, turn my thoughts aside, but my Lord goes ahead, He leads wherever betide.

Oh, I want to see Him, look upon His face, there to sing forever of His saving grace; on the streets of glory, let me lift my voice, cares all passed, home at last, ever to rejoice.

2010 April 15 - Morning Manna

Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish (Proverbs 12:1).

Today’s Morsel: How do you handle corrective criticism? Do you become angry when someone tells you what you are doing is wrong and that you need to make adjustments, or do you accept it and drive on? Solomon said that he that hates criticism or being reprimanded is violent. He said that anger resteth in the bosom of fools (Ecclesiastes 7:9). Even the religious leaders in Jesus day hated that Jesus was criticizing them for their hypocrisy, and they went about to kill Him, and they succeeded. When people are not willing to accept correction, they are filled with pride, conceit, and arrogance; And Solomon said that this sets them up for an immediate fall (Proverbs 16:18). If someone is willing to call you on something that you’ve done that they see isn’t right, before you get angry, maybe you should check and see if what they are saying to you is true. As the apostle Paul admonishes us, “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12). Solomon also tells us, “He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy” (Proverbs 29:1). So let me encourage you, don’t let your good be evil spoken of, but listen when someone offers you corrective advice. As the transportation safety board says, “The Life you save, may be your very own.” So buckle up!

Sing: Have Thine own way Lord, have Thine own way! Thou art the Potter, I am the clay: Mold me and make me, after Thy will, while I am waiting, yielded and still.

2010 April 14 - Morning Manna

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all (Ephesians 4:1-6).

Today’s Morsel: If you listen to the news media by any of today’s technology, it can drive you completely crazy. No matter what country you are from, if you listen to it long enough, you are going to become angry and outraged over what you hear. I don’t think you need to bury your head in the sand as an ostrich, but you need to monitor what you listen to and what you watch. These are all ploys of the enemy of your soul to distract you, wear you out, and cause you to break unity in the body. Political parties now have Christians fighting against each other. The media has driven a wedge right into the hearts of believers and we didn’t see it coming. Satan has us so confused that we don’t know who to trust anymore. Jesus said, “And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold” (Matthew 24:12). My friend, the gospel has not changed. Therefore, I as a prisoner of the Lord Jesus Christ, I beseech, I beg, I plead with you, I ask of you, I’m requesting of you, that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. As the apostle Paul said, “Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me. For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:1-3). Do not err my beloved brethren.

Sing: You’re my brother, you’re my sister, so take me by the hand, together we will work until He comes. There’s no foe that can defeat us, when we’re walking side by side, as long as there is love, we can stand.

2010 April 13 - Morning Manna

For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Until I make thy foes thy footstool. Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation (Acts 2:34-40).

Today’s Morsel: How much of your tax dollars would you think go to saving the spotted owl, panda bear, bald eagle, fish, or some other animal or mammal? It seems as though there is more push to save wildlife then human life. I mean, animals are now given EKG’s, heart transplants, surgery, and their food costs you more than a steak dinner. Don’t get me wrong, I love animals, but there is no where in scripture that tells me to save them. On the Day of Pentecost, after the outpouring of the Holy Ghost in Jerusalem, Peter preached the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the people asked him what should they do? Peter didn’t rush out and say, go save the animals, he said, “Save yourselves from the untoward generation.” If there has ever been a time to ensure that your salvation is based on the Word of God, it is now. Perverseness, corruption, killing, robbing, and debauchery have plagued this earth. With the devastations we've seen in the past few months and weeks, it is not a time for the saints of God to head to the world, but you need to head to the church and get rooted in grounded in truth. As the writer of Hebrews admonishes us, “Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him” (Hebrews 2:1-3). This is not a time to be Dick and Jane and chase after Spot. This is the time to be a God chaser!

Sing: Saved and I’m happy today, thanks be to God, for this I can say; that I’m saved and I’m happy today, I’m walking up the Kings highway!

2010 April 12 - Morning Manna

“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore” (Psalms 121:1-8).

Today’s Morsel: A few weeks ago, I had to go in for an eye exam and get new glasses. I guess the older you get, the more the eye sight grows weaker. I never thought I would get to the point of needing glasses, since I always had perfect vision until just a few years ago. But thank God for optometry that can help in this area as I need my eyes. The Psalmist said, I will lift mine eye unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. May I ask you a question, where do you look when you need help? Do you run to the doctor, pastor, counselor, or a friend? All these are good and can aid us in times of need, but what about help for our spiritual eye sight? What about help in maintaining that peace that passes all understanding? What about when we feel snowed under or weighed down, where do we turn for help? The psalmist said, "I will lift my eyes unto the hills from whench cometh my help." For me, I’m going to look to Jesus . I’m going to go down on my knees and do what the psalmist admonishes us to do in Psalm 24,when he said, “Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.” (Psalms 24:7-10). Do you need the to Lord to come in? Then "open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it saith the Lord” (Psalms 81:10).

Sing: I will lift up mine eyes to the hills from whence cometh my help, my help cometh from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. (2X)

Chorus: My help! My help! My help! All of my help cometh from the Lord.

2010 April 10 - Morning Manna

All the commandments which I command thee this day shall ye observe to do, that ye may live, and multiply, and go in and possess the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers. And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no. Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day: Lest when thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelt therein; And when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied; Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the LORD thy God, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage” (Deuteronomy 8:1-2& 11-14)

Today’s Morsel: The disease of Alzheimer’s affects approximately 5 million people in the U.S. Misplacing car keys, not remembering familiar names, or not recognizing familiar face are just a small portion of this disease. Alzheimer's disease gradually destroys a person's memory and ability to learn and carry out daily activities such as talking, eating, and going to the bathroom. As the disease progresses, individuals may also experience changes in personality and behavior. Unfortunately, there are no cures for Alzheimer's disease at the present time and there is no way to predict how fast someone will progress through the stages of the disease. Many people in the church today seem to be suffering from what I would like to call Spiritual Alzheimer’s. They have forgotten what the Lord has done for them, what His Word says, and how to be a Christian. They have become like the children of Israel, they have eaten, become full, and have forgotten God. They have become intoxicated with Babylon, this world. Yes, we may go to church, but many have forgotten God in our daily living. Many seem to be suffering from spiritual Alzheimer, they have forgotten that Jesus made them free and they are still living in bondage to this world. Moses told the children of Israel whatever you do, do not forget God. The Lord told the church of Ephesus, “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent” (Revelation 2:4-5). Have you forgotten what the Lord has done for you? The good news is that while there is no cure for the disease of Alzheimer’s, there is a cure for Spiritual Alzheimer's (forgetfulness) and that is repentance.

Sing: Jesus I’ll never forget what you’ve done for me. Jesus I’ll never forget how you set me free. And Jesus I’ll never forget, how You brought me out. Jesus I’ll never forget no never!

2010 April 9 - Morning Manna

And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed. (Genesis 2:25)

 

And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? (Genesis 3:7-11).

Today’s Morsel: The word “gymnasium” comes from the Greek word Gymnos, which means “naked.” That is how the ancient Greek athletes all practiced, in the raw. So, now you know why when you go to the gym, everyone is naked. Hummm!! If you notice, once Adam and Eve ate of the forbidden fruit and they immediately knew that they were naked. But prior to that, they were not ashamed of their nakedness. After they disobeyed God, they realized they were naked and they tried to hide themselves. Sin always reveals to you that you are open and naked before God. This is why we always feel bad within ourselves when we do wrong. Sin may always present a beautiful picture to you, but once you partake of it, it is going to reveal who you really are. Sin always attacks your integrity. Disobedience is a violation of your integrity because it shows you that you cannot be trusted by your own self. Jeremiah said, the heart is deceitful and desperately wicked who can k now it (Jeremiah 17:9). So let me encourage you today, get yourself covered in the blood of Jesus and stay there so that your nakedness will not be revealed before Him. Your sin will surely find you out, and it is only through His blood, the blood of Jesus, that we are made whole.

Sing: The blood, that Jesus shed for me, way back on Calvary, it’s the blood that gives me strength from day to day; it will lose its power. For it reaches to the highest mountain, and it flows to the lowest valley, it’s the blood, that gives me strength, from day to day, and it will never lose its power.

2010 April 8 - Morning Manna

In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke. Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts

(Isaiah 6:1-5).

Today's Morsel: How do you think you would have reacted if you saw what Isaiah saw? Would you be ready for such splendor and grandeur? Often, I don't think that many people believe that Jesus is going to come again. But He has warned us in His word, "But as the days of Noe(Noah) were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe (Noah) entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh" (Matthew 24:37-44). Isaiah was so afraid and awestruck when he saw the Lord that he cried out, "Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts." Maybe Isaiah saw himself as being destroyed because of gossip, lying, or being a false witness. Whatever it was, he saw at that very moment his life as being destroyed. What will you say when you see Him face to face?

Sing: I saw the Lord! I saw the Lord! He is high and lifted up and His trained filled the temple; He is high and lifted up and His training filled the temple. The angels cried holy; the angels cried holy; the angels cried holy unto the Lord.

2010 April 7 - Morning Manna

The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God. For the needy shall not alway be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever (Psalms 9:17-18).

Today’s Morsel: We have all at one time or another heard or read jokes about heaven and hell. We’ve heard or read jokes about people going to hell and Satan offering them a deal; or they go to heaven and Saint Peter meets them at the gate and gives them a quiz to get in. And we all laugh, as humor is good medicine. But even though people may joke about heaven and hell, heaven and hell are no joke. They are both real places. When Jesus told the parable of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke chapter 16, He said that after their death; Lazarus is in Abraham’s bosom, and the rich man is in hell. He told this parable to enlighten us as to both places and to let us know that we decide which one we will dwell in after this life. The psalmist said that the wicked and all nations that forget God shall be turned into hell. The children of Israel was warned by Moses, “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates. And it shall be, when the LORD thy God shall have brought thee into the land which he sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give thee great and goodly cities, which thou buildedst not, And houses full of all good things, which thou filledst not, and wells digged, which thou diggedst not, vineyards and olive trees, which thou plantedst not; when thou shalt have eaten and be full; Then beware lest thou forget the LORD, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage” (Deuteronomy 6:4-12). He told them do not forget God. But we know, according to scripture, that they forgot all about God and the Bible tells us their end. What about you, have you forgotten God and what He’s done for you? Paul said: “It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself. Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:11-15). I pray that you never forget God. You will never find anything else to replace Him, nothing else will satisfy your soul and be a dear friend to you.

Sing: Jesus, I’ll never forget what you’ve done for me. Jesus, I’ll never forget how you set me free. Jesus, I’ll never forget how you brought me out; Jesus, I’ll never forget, no never.

2010 April 6 - Morning Manna

For all our days are passed away in thy wrath: we spend our years as a tale that is told. The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. Who knoweth the power of thine anger? even according to thy fear, so is thy wrath. So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom (Psalms 90:9-12).

Today’s Morsel: If you could see the scale of your life, how many days would you say that you have left upon the earth? The psalmist says that we live our life as a tale that is told. James says, “Go to now, ye that say, Today or tomorrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away” (James 4:13-14). James said our lives are as vapors which are quickly gone. Since none of us know just how much time we have, what are you doing with your time? Like some cell phone minutes, ou time doesn’t roll over. Either you use it or lose it. Are you spending time with Jesus? How much of the 1440 minutes did you let drop that could have been used to strengthen your relationship with Jesus today? How much time are you spending with family and friends? Are you devoting all your time to your career and work, building no memories with your loved ones or Jesus? How will they tell the story of your life? Hebrews 11 is written so that you know that they did not waste their time. They used it wisely. They redeemed every moment of it. It is a said that your employer and those with whom you work with will only say about 30-60 second about you at your funeral, but after that, nothing will be mentioned, and that is if you are still working with them when you die. But your family will continue to remember you and talk about you as long as they live. The psalmist said, “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.”

Sing: Jesus said, Here I stand, won't you please let me in, and you said, I will tomorrow. Jesus said, I am He, who supplies all your needs; and you said I know but tomorrow. (Chorus)

(Chorus) Tomorrow, I’ll give my life tomorrow, I thought about today, but it’s so much easier to say, tomorrow. Who promised you tomorrow, better choose the Lord today, for tomorrow very well might be today.

Jesus said, here I stand, won’t you please take my hand; and you said, I will tomorrow. Jesus said, I am He, who supplies all your needs; and you said I know, but tomorrow (Chorus)

And who said tomorrow would ever come, for you, still you laugh and play and continue on to say: Tomorrow; forget about tomorrow,, won’t you give your life today, Please don’t turn and walk away. Tomorrow, tomorrow is not promised, don’t let this moment slip away. For your tomorrow , very well may be too late.

2010 April 5 - Morning Manna

When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet (Proverbs 3:24).

Today’s Morsel: Lately I’ve been listening to and hearing folks talking about having trouble sleeping at night . Some people say it’s because we have so many lights that are left on in our houses during the night. You know, all those little digital lights on the clock, microwave, cell phones, night lights for the kids to see how to get to the bathroom, and outside lights used for burglar protection all hinder many people from being able to get to sleep. Just what is the problem and why can’t people sleep? We see many advertisements to purchase the right mattress to help you get to sleep. Eating the right food before bed is suppose to help. Taking a certain pill is said to help. All these things are being advertized to help people sleep. How in the world have the children of God gotten themselves into such a knot that they can’t rest and find a peaceful night sleep? Solomon said, “Thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet." So where have we missed the mark? I conclude that when I lie down, I’m suppose to go to sleep. And not only that, but I'm also suppose to have sweet sleep. I shouldn't need to count the sheep jumping over the fence. I don’t need to count to one hundred backwards. I just lie down and I crash. Our rest is to be worry free and without problems. David said, “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters” (Psalms 23:2). Green pastures are a place of rest and relaxation. If you are having trouble sleeping, then why not try spending some time with the Lord before you go to bed, as He always gives His beloved peace. Jesus said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). If you need rest, Jesus is your answer. Always remember, “Jesus will keep you in perfect peace, if you keep your mind stayed on Him and you trust in Him (wording mine) (Isaiah 26:3).

Sing: Sweep over my soul, sweep over my soul;, sweet Spirit, sweep over my soul. My rest is complete, while I sit at his feet; sweet Spirit, sweep over my soul.

2010 April 3 - Morning Manna

Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. (Acts 12:1-4)

Today's Morsel: The Bible says that Herod had killed James and he intended to do the same to Peter, but not until after Easter. The word Easter means the Passover. But prayer was being made by the church for Peter. Easter is a time for deliverance. Jesus died to make men free and He arose so that we, too, can walk in newness of life. The Passover was instituted when the children of Israel, departed Egypt. It was a day to be established as a memorial and never to be forgotten. Easter is a time that we all should reflect as to what took place that led to this time of what some would classify as a day of infamy. A day of disgrace to some, but a day of victory for the church. Isaiah said of Jesus, " He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth" (Isaiah 53:3-9). The Ethiopian Eunuch asked Phillip in Acts 8 as he was reading this passage, "I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing" (Acts 8:34-39). This Eunuch partook of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and he went away rejoicing. Easter is all about the Resurrection. Not only the Resurrection of Jesus, but it must be about your's as well.

Sing: I serve a risen Saviour, He's in the world today; I know that He is living, Whatever men may say; I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer, And just the time I need Him, He's always near. (Chorus)

In all the world around me I see His loving care, And tho my heart grows weary, I never will despair; I know that He is leading, Thro' all the stormy blast, The day of His appearing Will come at last. (Chorus)

Chorus:
He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today! He walks with me and He talks with me along life's narrow way. He lives, He live, salvation to impart! You ask me how I know He lives: He lives within my heart.

2010 April 2 - Morning Manna

Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years (Revelation 20:6).

Today's Morsel: Have you partaken of that first resurrection yet? You see, some people say that you do not need to be baptized in Jesus name to be saved. But have they missed the point? Simon Peter, the one given the keys to the kingdom, wrote, "The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 3:21). Notice, if we were to remove the phrase in parenthesis, (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) this scripture would read: "The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us by the resurrection of Jesus Christ." Comments or words placed in a sentence in parenthesis are usually for emphasis or clarification. The apostle Paul wrote to the church at Rome: "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:1-11). Baptism in Jesus Name is our burial with Him into His death. And when you come up out of that watery grave, you are to walk in newness of life. You died to the world and you buried the old man and his sinful nature. Therefore, you are to be a blessed and holy people and your next death will have no power over you. But on the other hand, if you have not been baptized in Jesus name, that old sinful nature still has control over you and your second death will have power over you as well, as sin cannot enter there. Easter is the best time of the year to bring your life into compliance and a strong relationship with Jesus. And it begins the same way it did on the Day of Pentecost when they said to Peter and the rest of the Apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call" (Acts 2:37-39). Have you partaken of the first resurrection? Until you do, sin is going to have control over you.

Sing: To be like Jesus! To be like Jesus! On earth I long, to be like Him. All through life's journey, from earth to glory, I only ask to be like Him.

2010 April 1 - Morning Manna

Then Job answered and said, I have heard many such things: miserable comforters are ye all. Shall vain words have an end? or what emboldeneth thee that thou answerest? I also could speak as ye do: if your soul were in my soul's stead, I could heap up words against you, and shake mine head at you. But I would strengthen you with my mouth, and the moving of my lips should asswage your grief (Job 16:1-5).


Today’s Morsel: Can you image being Job and your friends are ridiculing you as to why you are in pain and suffering? Their action is if they are trying to make or cause Job to confess to something that he did not do. It’s as if Job is on trial and the prosecutor is trying to get him to confess to something even though he did not do it. Job said to them, "I have heard many such things: miserable comforters are ye all." Instead of them being comforter to Job, Job said they were miserable comforters. They became more of a hindrance to help then a help. As Paul said, like a thorn in the flesh. Job said to his friend, "I also could speak as ye do: if your soul were in my soul's stead, I could heap up words against you, and shake mine head at you. But I would strengthen you with my mouth, and the moving of my lips should asswage your grief." In other words, Job was saying, If I were in your place and you were in mine, I would say things that would help ease or alleviate your suffering, not words that add more suffering and pain. We can learn a lot here. Our words are to be as apples of gold in pictures of silver. Our words must be spoken for edification and not destruction. Job's friends seemed more intent on tearing him down than building him up. How do you speak to someone when they are suffering or may have done something wrong? Do you ridicule them with harsh words, or do you look for words to comfort so that you get your point across and they are edified and willing to make a change? Remember, you always win more flies with honey than you do vinegar.

Sing: Let the words of my mouth and the mediation of my heart; be acceptable in thy sight, Oh Lord. May the words that I say, be encouraging today, to show someone else the way; and be pleasing unto Thee, Oh Lord.