2010 May 31 - Morning Manna

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. ...But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived....(2 Timothy 3:1-17)

Today's Morsel: In your opinion do you think the world we live in will get better or worse? Do you think it will get alot better, or alot worse? Do you think we should be concerned with how bad it is getting, or just hold on because it will get better? Would you say since you see what is taking place, that people are drawing closer to Jesus, have maintained about the same pace, or drawing further away? Would you say that the true church is hard to be found based on the current world condition? What steps are you taking to ensure that you don't get sucked into the world's ways of murmuring, bickering, and complaining? The apostle Paul said that in the last days dangerous time would come; and that evil seducers will wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. Would you say that we are in the time that Paul spoke of? Many of the things that Jesus and the apostles spoke of that would happen just prior to the last days, are being revealed right before our eyes today. Now is not the time to roll over and hit the snooze button. It is time to ensure your salvation is intact and you are ready for that trumpet to blow.

Sing: All of heaven's getting ready, for the last and final call, heaven's choir is all assembled, an invitation to one and all; we're waiting with anticipation, it can happen any day, all in the blink of an eye from the eastern sky, we're gonna hear our savior say!

Chorus: Get up! (get up) Get ready! (get ready) We're getting ready to go. Get a move on time, cause in a little while, we'll be going home. I made up my mind, I'm not wasting time, the trumpet's about to blow, so get up, (get up) Get ready, (get ready) we're getting ready to go.

2010 May 29 - Morning Manna

Then answered one of the people, and said, Thy father straitly charged the people with an oath, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food this day. And the people were faint. Then said Jonathan, My father hath troubled the land: see, I pray you, how mine eyes have been enlightened, because I tasted a little of this honey. How much more, if haply the people had eaten freely to day of the spoil of their enemies which they found? for had there not been now a much greater slaughter among the Philistines? (1 Samuel 14:28-30)

Today's Morsel: Have you ever been faced with trying to stay positive when others around you are negative? Negative people can be a challenge to be around. They can bring you down and drain your energy. A negative person can throw your best plans to be positive right out the window. Whether your children or spouse has an occasional negative day or you deal with a family member, friend, or co-worker that is chronically negative, there are things you can do to remain positive in the face of negativity. First, let the negativity pass. Whatever you do, don't argue with a negative person. Arguing with someone who is negative only adds fuel to the fire. A negative person will feed off any negativity that will strengthen their bad mood or negative attitude. As their negativity intensifies, the situation will only get worse not better. Sometimes the best thing to do is just remain silent and let it pass. Negative people need love. But how do you show love when someone is negative towards you? A negative person often times has difficulty receiving love from others, but offer them a hug anyway, even if you get rejected. Don't take the rejection of your love personally. Probably the best thing we could do is just stay away from negative people altogether, but that is not always possible. If you have negative people in your life that are critically affecting your mental and physical health and always pulling you down, then you need to evaluate whether or not you want these people in your life. Some people, to include some so called Christians, are so chronically negative that you have no other choice but to remove them from your life if you plan to make it to heaven. You can always find another job if your boss or other co-workers are bringing you down, or another church if the members are all chronically negative and lack faith. But others, such as your children and spouse, are difficult to remove from your life. However, in this instance, if they are negative and are bring your down, you may want to seek professional counseling. King Saul somehow lost his love for the people and what God had called him to do, and he had become very negative in his leadership role and it was affecting the people. But Jonathan, his son, was not about to let the negativity of his father destroy him. What about you?

Sing: Would you be free from your burden of sin? There's power in the blood, power in the blood; would you over evil the victory win? There's wonderful power in the blood.

There is power, power, wonder working power in the blood of the lamb; There is power, power, wonder working power in the precious blood of the lamb.

2010 May 28 - Morning Manna

If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain (James 1:26).

Today's Morsel: How many times would you say that you have been hurt or negatively affected by someone else's words? The writer of Hebrews says "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart"(Hebrews 4:12). If God's words cut deep, imagine what the negative and unhelpful words of a Holy Ghost filled person do to the receiver when they are spoken. Let me go on the record here and say that if I have said anything or spoken in a negative or unhelpful way to any, I'm sorry and I ask for forgiveness, as it was never my intent to do such a thing. If we are not careful, the intonation of our voice, and the things we say, trying to get our children and others to listen and obey us, can sometimes come across harsh, and we do more damage than help. Let me share with you some words that can hurt more than help:

1. Is that all the praise you can give God?
2. Can't you clap any louder than that?
3. Oh! Come on! You can do better than that! Is that the best you can do?
4. Are you that stupid? Why did you go and do a stupid thing like that?
5. What rock did you crawl out from under?

James said, "For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell" (James 3:2-6). Notice that our tongue is a little member, but it can defile the whole body. Not only our body, but the body of Christ as well. Therefore, we all must exercise temperance when it comes to our words or else our religion is empty and without Christ.

Sing: I'm gonna lift up the name of Jesus, I'm gonna tell of my joy since He came; I'm gonna tell of His power every day and every hour, I'm gonna lift up that wonderful name!

2010 May 27- Morning Manna

For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up; and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me (Psalms 69:9).

Today's Morsel: Why do you attend church? Do you love attending church or do you struggle with attending? Here are a few tips in helping you answer. If you get your clothes ready the night before Sunday service, you love attending. If you are running late and you call your wife or husband and say, pick something out for me to wear to service tonight, you love attending. If your favorite seat is close to the front of the church, you love attending. But on the other hand, if you would just as soon stay home when you are running late or you don't make any effort to attend when you are late, you are struggling in your walk and you don't love attending. If you find it hard to get out the door on Sunday and you are yelling and screaming at your family because they aren't getting ready in a timely manner, you are struggling and you don't love attending. If you would just as soon sit in the back of the church, then you don't love attending. If others in the church bother you because of their mannerisms, then you are struggling in your walk and attending church doesn't fit in your priority of life, and you would just as soon stay home. If we say that we are Christians, then there should be an eagerness and zeal in our life for the house of God in all situations. Luke said that Jesus had a custom, and that custom was that on the Sabbath day He went to the house of God (Luke 4:16). Are you a follower of Christ?

Sing: I was glad when they said unto me, I was glad when they said unto me, I was glad when they said unto me, come let us go to the house of the Lord!

2010 May 26 - Morning Manna

A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones (Proverbs 17:22).

Today Morsel: It seems that everyone that I talk with or visit, is on some kind of medication. People seem to be taking medication for everything from weight loss, aches and pain, to headaches. Everyone seems to be plagued by some type of ailment. I keep telling people that medical personnel are only "practicing medicine", but no one seems to listen to me. You tell them (medical personnel) where your pain is, what you feel like, they ask you a few questions, and then they say, "Let's try this and see if it work." When you return and say it didn't work, they give you another prescription to try. That's practicing.

Jesus just asked, "Will thou be made whole?" And it happened. Jesus knew what the problem was and He took care of it. He didn't send people away with a bag of pills. Solomon said that a merry heart doeth good like a medicine. If you keep yourself uplifted with the Joy of the Lord in your heart, and think on good things verses evil things, and you let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord, and whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him; your trips to the medical facility are going to be minimal, as Jesus is the antidote for all your troubles.

Sing: One touch of His hand and my troubles are gone, one touch of His hand, and I'm not left alone; Every heartache must flee at the Master's command, Hallelujah, I'm free, at the touch of His hand.

2010 May 25 - Morning Manna

The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:47-58).

Today's Morsel: Why do we humans have such a problem with adjusting to change? God created the four seasons so we could get use to change. Change is good for us because it keeps us from getting into a rut and becomin stressful. Many people are distressed and perplexed because they don't like or adjust easily to change. From the time we are born, we begin to change. Our growth, our bodies, our looks, our hair, and our eyes all begin to change. Paul said, "Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed." One day Jesus is coming back for His church, and Paul said we are going to be changed. You are not going to be the same person. You are going to put on a new body. No more pain. No more suffering. We will be changed to be like Him. If we begin now, by making the correct changes to our life by become holy unto the Lord, we won't fear dying, and our next change will be easy for us to accept.

Sing: He's changing me, my blessed Savior, I'm not the same person that I use to be; well it's been slow going, but there's a knowing, that someday perfect I will be!

2010 May 24 - Morning Manna

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity (1 Corinthians 13:1-13).

Today's Morsel: We just finished having a slab of concrete poured so that we could put in a storage shed. I asked the contractor how long would it take it to harden before we could use it for the shed. And he said, "Oh, it will be hardened by this afternoon." I thought to myself, that is really fast. Wouldn't it be neat if our love for one another was cemented that fast? Well it should, if we say that we are born again, because God is love. When we look at 1Corinthains 13, The Love Chapter of the Bible, as some call it, Paul lists some important things about love, and each of them is worth a daily review. First, we must notice that Paul had just finished explaining to his listeners, the Corinthians, the use of the gifts of the Spirit, how they should be used, and how they should operate in the church. But then he tells them, "But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way" (1 Corinthians 12:31). Then he begins to show and to teach them that the greatest of all gifts that one can have or possess is the gift of love. Because if we do not have love, we are nothing, he says. In other words, I can be the best preacher in the world, I can be the best teacher, the best singer, the best administrator, or I can speak in tongues until I'm blue in the face, but if I do not have love, I am nothing. Jesus said, "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another" (John 13:35). If (Insert your name) does not have love, (insert your name) is nothing. We must be controlled by the laws of love. We must love God first and our neighbor as ourselves.

Sing: I told Him I loved Him, it was easy to say, but harder to prove it when temptation came my way; for what good are broken promises, I count them all but loss, when I caught a glimpse of true love hanging on an old rugged cross.

Chorus: I love Him too much to fail Him now! Too much to break my vow! For I promised the Lord that I would make it somehow, and now I love him to much to fail Him now!

2010 May 22 - Morning Manna

Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord (Acts 3:19).

Today's Morsel: There is nothing like finishing working in the yard and your wife brings out to you a good cold glass of water or sweet ice tea. Those are times of refreshing to the body. Peter said that there would be a time of refreshing to the soul. I believe that every church service should be a time of refreshing to the soul. They should be times that you are revived and go away full and satisfied. Jesus said, "But the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life" (John 4:14). Anything that Jesus gives to you is for the refreshing of the soul. Ezekiel saw living waters gushing from the altar (Ezekiel 47). John the Revelator saw a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb (Revelation 22:1). Living water should always be being poured out in the house of God. Is your soul thirsty today for more of God? Does your soul need to be refreshed today with living water? Peter said that people should repent and be converted that their sins may be blotted out, because there would be a time of refreshing coming from the Lord. Jesus said, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30). Isaiah said, "For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear" (Isaiah 28:11-12). The gift of the Holy Ghost speaking with other tongues is the refreshing for your soul.

Sing: I thirsted in a barren land of sin and shame and nothing satisfying there I found; but to the blessed cross of Christ one day I came, where springs of living water did abound.

Drinking at the springs of living water, happy now am I, My soul is satisfied; drinking at the springs of living water, O what a wonderful and bountiful supply.

2010 May 21 - Morning Manna

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance (Acts 2:1-4).

Today's Morsel: Did you speak with other tongues when you were filled with the Holy Ghost just like those in the upper room did on the day of Pentecost? Luke, the author of the book of Acts, said that they were all filled. Even Mary, the mother of Jesus, was in the upper room and was filled with the Holy Ghost speaking with other tongues, according to Luke (Acts 1:14). Today, many church leaders play down the importance of being filled with the Spirit of God. Some never stress to their followers that they need to be filled, possibly because they themselves have never been filled. Paul said, "But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his" (Romans 8:9). One of the most joyous feelings a person can experience is that of knowing that God has placed His Spirit inside of them and that He confirms it to us by us speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance. The Holy Ghost is a gift that is for everyone, and you can have this precious promise, you just have to ask Jesus for it!

Sing: I've got the Holy Ghost down in my soul, just like the Bible said; I've got the Holy Ghost down in my soul, just like the Bible said; well I've been to the water and I've been baptized in Jesus name, my soul got happy and I'm so satisfied, I wouldn't take nothing for my journey now, just like the Bible, just like the Bible, just like the Bible said!

2010 May 20 - Morning Manna

The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it (Proverbs 16:14).

Today's morsel: The word "pacifier" comes from the word "pacify" which means to calm somebody who is angry or agitated, or soothe violent or angry feelings. This is why when a baby is crying, often times the parents will give them a pacifier to calm them in their angry or agitated state. Solomon said that the anger of a king is as messengers of death, but a wise man will pacify it. In other words, a wise man will disannul, forgive, be merciful, pardon, and put off the anger. The Bible says that the wise in heart shall be called prudent and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning (Proverbs 16:21). The prudent is not reckless, nor does he show forth anger without a cause, but he is careful, cautious, sensible, and discreet. His words are sweet to the hearer as well as himself. He doesn't allow anger to control him as he knows that anger rests in the bosom of fools. If you have no rule over your spirit, you will soon destroy yourself and hurt others. The Holy Ghost works as a pacifier in us, to help us keep our anger under control. So keep the pacifier in so that you do not become angry.

Sing: Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, oh Lord!

2010 May-19 - 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: Some people are like roller coasters, up and down at a very fast pace. If they aren't traveling at 100 miles per hour, they don't know what to do. But we, as born again believers, must live our lives at a stable and consistent pace. We are not to be up and down, but we must remain steadfast. Paul said that we are to be steadfast and unmoveable. To be steadfast is to be unwavering, persistent, committed, dedicated, and firm. James said, "He that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed" (James 1:6). You can't build anything if you are always on the go and have no stability. We must be built on the solid foundation and one that is unmovable. We must be built on Jesus Christ, as He is the chief cornerstone. When you became born again of the water and spirit, Jesus made you free from the things that caused you to be unstabled. Now you must choose to not go back to those things, as they will cause you to come under bondage and be yoked again in sin. So let me encourage you today, Jesus saw the hold that Satan had on you and He purchased your freedom, don't let Him down by going back.

Sing: He set me free, yes, He set me free, He broke the bonds of prison for me, I'm glory bound my Jesus to see, glory to God, He set me free.

2010 May 18 - Morning Manna

And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:1-8).

Today's Morsel: How much grace would you say that you need. Often we hear people say that grace is the unmerited love of God. But really the word grace in the Greek is "charis", khar'-ece, which means: graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude): - acceptable, benefit, favour, gift, grace (-ious), joy liberality, pleasure, thank (-s, -worthy). When we look at the Greek meaning of grace, we can understand what David meant when he wrote, "Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's" (Psalms 103:1-5). So David could be saying, do not forget God's, benefits. He also informed us "Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah. He that is our God is the God of salvation; and unto GOD the Lord belong the issues from death" (Psalms 68:19-20). Notice here that David said it is the God of our salvation that daily loadeth us with benefits (grace) and the same that delivers us from death. Paul said that we were dead in our trespasses and sins, but God, (Jesus Christ, the One in whom neither is salvation in any other Acts 4:12), who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, by grace ye are saved. The Holy Ghost is a gift, and that gift is for everyone. Do you need His grace today?

Sing: By His grace, all things are possible. By His grace, all things work for good. Without His grace, I would be drifting, like a ship, without a sail.

2010 May 17 - Morning Manna

"And it came to pass in the morning, that David wrote a letter to Joab, and sent it by the hand of Uriah. And he wrote in the letter, saying, Set ye Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retire ye from him, that he may be smitten, and die. And it came to pass, when Joab observed the city, that he assigned Uriah unto a place where he knew that valiant men were. And the men of the city went out, and fought with Joab: and there fell some of the people of the servants of David; and Uriah the Hittite died also" (2 Samuel 11:14-17).

Today' Morsel: How many people would you say are dying because of your sin? Your sin doesn't just effect only you, it effects others as well. If your children start doing wrong things or start becoming rebellious, you might want to do a check to see if you are allowing little traces of sin to come into your life. The things you watch and read, the places you go, or people you visit with, (those that may seem alright, but whose life advocate sin), can all become a means of putting sin in you and your family's heart. It has been stated that we become more a part of what we see than what we hear. You must be careful, as other's sin can kill you and your loved ones. We are called to not partake in another man's sin. When Achan took the forbidden garments, silver, and gold from Jericho, not only did it cost him his life, but his family as well. Joab, following the command of David to have Uriah the Hittite killed, became a partaker of David's sin, and later in His life, he too was killed by David's son Solomon . Paul said that sin shall not have dominion over you. So let me encourage you today, keep a very short list of what you will and will not watch, read, or participate in, as sin will not only destroy you, but others as well.

Sing: Heaven is a holy place, filled with glory and with grace, sin can never enter there; all with-in its gates are pure, from defilement kept secure, sin can never enter there.

Sin can never enter there, sin can never enter there; so if at the judgment bar, sinful spots your soul shall mar, you can never enter there.

2010 May 15 - Morning Manna

And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me. When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her (Ruth 1:16-18).

Today's Morsel: I saw a Marine Corps billboard the other day that said, " We don't take applications, just commitments!" What a great slogan. As I read that, I immediately thought about Ruth and her commitment to follow her mother- in- law Naomi back to Bethlehem. In so many ways, this is what Jesus is asking each of us. He doesn't want you to sign some card or shake some hand to become a part of Him. He wants a commitment from each of us. He said, Except you take up your cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciples. Cross bearing requires commitment. So I ask you today, just how is your commitment to the things of God? Are you committed to following through with the vows you make? Are you committed to tithe your time, talent, and treasures to the Lord's work? Isn't it amazing that commitment only has one "I" in it? And that "I" points to each of us. Commitment must begin with each of us first, and God will take care of the rest. Ask Ruth.

Sing: I'm going through! Yes, I'm going through! I'll pay the price, no matter what others may do. I'll take the way with the Lord's despised few; I started out with Jesus, and I'm going through.

2010 May 14 - Morning Manna

Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah. But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him. And Saul's servants said unto him, Behold now, an evil spirit from God troubleth thee
(1 Samuel 16:13-15).

Today's Morsel: If you are wondering what Saul's evil spirit was, it was the spirit of jealousy. Saul became jealous of David because he did not know how to handle spiritual leaders. God had given Saul some of the mightiest men for warfare you could ever want. But because he failed to obey the commandment of God and God removed His Spirit from him, he saw David as a threat against his leadership and kingdom. Instead of seeing David as an added greatness to his force, he saw him as a threat. And because others liked David, Saul began to see them as even more of a threat. Because of his jealousy against David, Saul lost his ability and effectiveness to lead. Jealousy is an evil spirit because you see others as being better than you. Jealousy leads to envy, hatred, bitterness, and distress. The spirit of micro-management is birthed out of the spirit of jealousy, as well as the spirit of fear. When you see someone as a threat to you, it creates fear in you. So let me encourage you today, don't allow the spirit of jealousy to rein in your life because while you may hurt others or see them as a threat, you yourself will become the biggest loser. Remember, in God's kingdom, we are all on the same team.

Sing: I'm so glad I'm a part of the family of God. I've been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His blood! Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod, I'm so glad I'm a part of the family of God.

2010 May 13 - Morning Manna

After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had. And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years. When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? (John 5:1-6)

Today's Morsel: Could you use a little bit on wholeness in your life today? If Jesus were to ask you if you wanted to be made whole, what would your answer be? Often, we may think that there are areas in our life that do not need correcting or changing, and so if Jesus were to ask us such a question, instead of saying yes, we may start to question Him as to what areas we need wholeness in. We may start giving Jesus our excuses the same as the man at the pool did when he said, "Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me." Jesus did not ask him about what was taking place at the pool, nor as to why he couldn't get into the water first, He simply asked him if he wanted to be made whole. Jesus already knew what had taken place in this man's life for 38 years. And He knows what you are going through, too. So when Jesus asks you a question, your reply should be either "Yes!" or "No!" You don't need to provide Him with an excuse, He already know all things before He asks us or we ask Him. When we are made whole, we become vessels of honor and fit for His use.

Sing: Make me an instrument , an instrument of worship, I lift up my hands in your name. All glory and honor, to Jesus forever, I lift up my hands in Thy name.

2010 May 12 - Morning Manna

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith (Romans 12:1-3).

Today's Morsel: When I was in the military and we had a service member who had a problem with alcohol and drugs, or a problem that rendered them ineffective, we would send them to the rehabilitation center in hopes to have them rehabilitated and get them back on track and become good soldiers. But what I found with most soldiers was that the majority of them were never rehabilitated because they never changed their thinking after the classes, and oftenthey were placed back into the environment that caused them the problem in the first place. Therefore, I have now concluded that people who have problem with drugs, alcohol, pornography, and any other problem cannot really be rehabilitated without a total transformation. When one is transformed, he is completely changed, his mind and thinking are renewed. As scripture says, "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he" (Proverbs 23:7). The apostle Paul said that we should not conform to the world but that we should be transformed by renewing of our mind. When one's mind is made up, chances are he will follow through. So get your mind made up and keep it on Jesus and you body will follow.

Sing: I've been changed, I am new born now, all my life has been rearranged; what a difference it made when the Lord came to stay, in my heart, oh yes, I've been changed.

2010 May 11 - Morning Manna

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over them are not aware of them (Luke 11:44).

Today's Morsel: It's amazing to me the number of Christians that have no knowledge or understanding as to what their church's doctrine or teachings are. They spend no time studying or searching to see if what is being taught is according to the word of God, or if it is man made. Many churches today are still living and operating under the Old Testament Law, even if some may think they aren't. The Scribes and Pharisees were holding to Old Testament ways, and Jesus wanted them to see that their teachings were doing nothing but digging graves (burying people), and people would be walking in them and not know it. We all must be aware of teachings, as a grave is a place of death. Living under doctrines and teachings that do not strengthen you and cause you to become more like Jesus in holiness and purity, and separation from the world, are doctrines of death. So let me encourage you today, don't sit on that pew and just listen only, but open the Bible, study the doctrine and teachings you are being taught, and see if it's in accordance with the Word of God. Remember, Jesus came to give us life, not death.

Sing: God's not dead, He is alive, God's not dead, He is alive; my God's not dead, He is alive, I feel Him and He's keeping me alive.

2010 May 10 - Morning Manna

The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here (Luke 11:31).

Today's Morsel: When we look at King Solomon, Solomon was a man of great wealth and riches. Not only that, Solomon was a man of wisdom. Solomon's wealth came not because he asked God for wealth when he was chosen to be king, but because he asked for an understanding heart to lead God's people; "And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment; Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days"(1 Kings 3:11-13). Jesus told the religious leaders that a greater than Solomon was among them, referring to Himself. There is none greater than Jesus. John said "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made" (John 1:1-3). When we understand that Jesus was God manifested in flesh (1 Timothy 3:16), we understand that there is none greater than He. Do you know Him?

Sing: The splendor of a King, clothed in majesty, let all the earth rejoice, all the earth rejoice. He wraps himself in light, and darkness tries to hide, it trembles at his voice, trembles at his voice.

How great is our God? Sing with me, how great, is our God? And all will see, how great, how great is our God.

2010 May 8 - Morning Manna

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him (Hebrews 11:1-6).

Today's Morsel: When I visited the "Grand Canyon", the lady asked me if I would like to purchase a pass that would allow me access to all the National Parks in America. With this pass, I would never have to purchase another ticket to enter a North American park. But because I was living overseas at the time, it would not have benefited me. What about our faith? Our faith is like a forever pass. Paul said "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God" (Romans 5:1-2). Faith gives us access into God's unmerited love and peace. What a ticket. Anytime I desire it, I can get it. I can come before Jesus anytime I want, because I have a permanent pass. And whatever I ask of Him, He hears me. But without faith, I can't get in and He's not pleased with me. This is one permanent ticket that no one can do without. Have you lost your entrance pass? Well, you can get another one before you get to the gate. So don't wait until you get to the gate and don't have it. Remember the 5 virgins? They couldn't get in when they returned; the gate was closed. Faith is the substance, it is your confidence and assurance, of the things you are hoping for.

Sing: I believe God! I believe God! That He will do just as He said; trust and obey, believe Him and say, I believe, I believe God!

If you need salvation now, or the Holy Ghost and power; just trust and obey, believe Him and say, I believe, I believe God!

2010 May 7 - Morning Manna

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time (1 Peter 1:3-5).

Today's Morsel: They say that the reason an elephant doesn't pull the stake out of the ground with his power is because when he is a baby the owners attached a larger rope or chain to his leg and attached it to a stake. When the Elephant tries to pull away, he feels the struggle and he stops trying. He got it in his mind that he is trapped,and it became a snare to his mind, so he stopped trying to pull away. And now, anytime he has anything around his leg he feels trapped, he senses that he is snared and cannot get loose. I wonder what would happen if we would all get it into our minds that we are kept by the Holy Ghost (Power of God), through our faith unto salvation? What if we became like that elephant and just locked it in our minds that we can't get loose from Jesus and become like the psalmist, when he said, "Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence"(Psalms 139:7)? We must become shackled to God, and be like that elephant. When we feel that tug of the Holy Ghost at our hearts, must become content and know, as the apostle Paul said, Nothing shall be able to separate me from the Love of God which is in Christ Jesus my Lord.

Sing: Jesus, lover of my soul, Jesus, I will never let You go. You've taken me, from the miry clay, You've set my feet upon the rock and now I know, I love You, I need You, Though my world may fall I'll never let You go. My Savior, my closest Friend, I will worship you until the very end.

2010 May 6 - Morning Manna

Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

(1 John 5:1-4)

Today's Morsel: "Winning is not everything, it is the only thing!" said Green Bay Packer coach, Vincent Limbardi. Where did he get this phrase ? If I were a betting man, I would say many of the quotes he used came from the Bible. Often times when we hear notable quotes, we may think that people just dreamed them up. But not so. Probably 99.9% of notable quotes are clichés taken from scriptures. Many of them are Proverbs spoken by King Solomon that people have put their own personal twist to. One reason people should read their Bibles is that as wisdom and faith come by hearing the Word of God. Just think, you could pen your own quotes. John said, "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." John was saying that when we apply our faith, we can overcome the world. As the apostle Paul said, sin shall not have dominion over you. Winning over the world is not everything, it is the only thing. Friendship with the world makes you the enemy of God. This is one victory that every child of God must achieve. You must believe that the things of God are more important to you than the things of the world. And with your faith, you must keep it as the number priority in your life. If you gain the whole world and lose your soul, what have you accomplished? Since you already know that you brought nothing into the world and you can carry nothing out, it shouldn't take much faith to overcome the world. You just have to remember that everything before your eyes is temporal and fading away fast. Are you planning to spend your life with Jesus when this life is over? Then winning is the only thing. Make yourself a plan and stick with it. Because, "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail."

Sing: Victory in Jesus, my Savior forever. He sought me, and He brought me, with His redeeming blood. He loved me e'r I knew Him, and all my love is due Him, He plunged me to victory, beneath the cleansing flood.

2010 May 5 - Morning Manna

“The elder unto the well beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth. Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” (3 John 1:1-4).

Today's Morsel: Often when we hear the word prosper, we think and associate it with money or wealth. Many churches preach a prosperity message, and lead people to think that if they give more money to the church, they will prosper in more money. And so when people give more money and they don’t receive more money in return, they are left feeling as though God isn’t fair and God doesn’t honor His Word and that the minister lied to them. God never promised to give you money back if you give. He simply says, 'give and it shall be given to you,' and in that verse, God isn't talking about money, even though we should give of our finances; He's talking about forgiveness. The words, 'money will be returned to you,' are not mentioned or associated with your giving. We hear people in the church often say, "You are suppose to prosper as a child of God", but they don’t tell you how to prosper. And so when people hear this they think, here we go again with wanting more money.

As a child of God, you should always prosper if you are prospering for the right reasons. John's, writings unto the well beloved Gaius, said, “Whom I love in the truth. Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” Notice here, first John said I love you in the truth. Gaius was an associate of the apostle Paul (Romans 16:23), and is now walking in the truth. Then he said, “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” The word "Prosper" here, has nothing to do with wealth. In the Greek, it is, euodoō; yoo-od-o'-o, which means: To help on the road, that is, (passively) succeed in reaching; figuratively to succeed in business affairs: - (have a) prosper (-ous journey). So John is saying to him, I love you in the truth and above all things, I’m praying that on this road or on your journey to your destination, that you will be successful in reaching it; and that you will have a prosperous journey. He said, I'm praying that you prosper even as your soul prospesr. If your soul(your will, your intellect, your mind) isn't prospering, then you are not going to prosper. The mind is a terrible thing to waste. When we understand that we are made up of body, soul, and spirit, if we feed the body (flesh) we are not going to prosper, because the flesh is enmity against God. However, if we feed the spirit, then we find favor with God, we walk in the spirit, and we prosper on our/this journey to heaven in all things. Beloved, I love you in the truth, and I'm praying that you propser on your journey to heaven and hopefully I will see you over on the streets of gold!

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

2010 May 4 - Morning Manna

Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father (Romans 8:12-15).


Today's Morsel: They say that the majority of households are in debt because of the charge card. People are easily given credit to keep them spending. It is said that with the charge card people feel at liberty to spend because they know that they can get it now and pay later. But it's the later, they say, that has caused many people to remain in debt. Because of the later, people feel as though they will have time to pay it, later. What if Jesus comes before the later? Owe no man nothing scripture says. Paul said, "Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it" (Hebrews 4:1). Many people continue to charge, making only the minimum payment not realizing that the majority of their payment is going towards a high interest rate. So they will never recover from the debt without paying in full. Paul cautioned us to "Take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to them that are weak" (1 Corinthians 8:9). If you are a weak Christian, your liberty to spend and use credit could become a stumbling block for you. One of the worst things for a Christian is to not be able to see daylight for being under a financial strain. We are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die. But if ye through the Spirit to mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live, Paul said. Remember, we are debtors to the Lord, and not to your flesh.   That charge card may be that one world currency that everyone is waiting for.

Sing: He paid a debt He did not owe. I owe a debt, I could not pay. I needed someone to wash my sins away, and now I sing a brand new song, amazing grace; for Jesus paid a debt, that I could never pay.

2010 May 3 - Morning Manna

The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God (Deuteronomy 22:5).

Today’s Morsel: There’s an old saying in the world, that when a man was asked by other men to go with them someplace, and the man would say that he didn’t know if he could or not, the men would say to him, “Who wears the pants in your house?” Meaning, who is the head in your home, you or your wife? Moses informed the children of Israel, “The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.” In every culture, women and men’s attire has always been distinct and different. For example, this past winter, I purchased a nice looking Polor-Tech winter vest without looking at it closely. The size was the right sizes, but when I got home I noticed the zipper was on the wrong side. It was a ladies' garment. The Bible says that if a woman wears men’s garments or a man wear women’s garment, it is an abomination to the Lord. The Word abomination in this scripture means something disgusting (morally). Let me encourage you today, be careful of the garments you purchase. Unisex garments aren't God’s way, so don’t be deceived. God wants our garments to be different for each sex and we sure don’t want to make God sick.

Sing: Put on the garment of praise, for the spirit of heaviness, lift up your voice to God, pray in the spirit and with understanding, O’ magnify the Lord!

2010 May 1 - Morning Manna

"Remember Lot's wife" (Luke 17:32)

Today's Morsel: Scripture has very little to say about Lot's wife. We don't even know her name. Scripture doesn't tell us where she was from, nor who her parents were. The only thing we know from scripture is that she was told to flee with her husband from Sodom and Gomorrah and to not look back. But scripture tells us that for some reason Lot's wife looked back and became a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:15-26). In His teaching about the world's condition at His second coming, Jesus was using the story of Noah and then he changed to speak of what it was like when Sodom and Gomorrah was destroyed. He cautioned us of the importance of not looking back when we come out of the world, and He says, "Remember Lot's wife." She looked back and was destroyed. What is there in the world that have you are attached to that you can't let it go? Just what is there? Is it the world's music? Is it amusement parks? Is it movies? Is it sports? Is it financial gain? Is it friends? The apostle Paul said, "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:13-14). Solomon said, "I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit" (Ecclesiastes 1:14). He says that it's all emptiness and unsatisfactory and even transitory. It's here for a little while and then it's gone. And he ends by telling us, "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil" (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). Just what is behind you that you keep looking back?

Sing: I have decided to follow Jesus; I have decided to follow Jesus; I have decided to follow Jesus; no turning back; no turning back.

You can take this old world, but give me Jesus; You can take this old world, but give me Jesus; You can take this old world, but give me Jesus; No turning back, no turning back.