2010 August 31 - 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.  (1 Corinthians 13:1-8)

Today's Morsel: Would you say that you have the love of God in your heart? When is the last time you did a love check to ensure you are in line with what the Lord desires of you? The way you can test yourself is to put yourself into the scriptures. I think I mentioned this before. So let's check ourselves based on this passage to check our love. Put your name in the blank and then answer "yes" if you do it, and "no" if you don't do it. If you come up short in an area, then you have something to pray about and work on in your life.

Though _________ speaks with the tongues of men and of angels, and has not charity, __________ is become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though _________has the gift of prophecy, and understands all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though _________has all faith, so that ________ could remove mountains, and has not charity, _________ is nothing. And though __________ bestow all his/her goods to feed the poor, and though ________ gives his/her body to be burned, and has not charity, it profiteth __________ nothing. ___________ suffereth long, and ___________is kind; ____________ envieth not; _____________ vaunteth not him/herself, ___________ is not puffed up, ________doth not behave him/herself unseemly, __________seeketh not her/his 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. ____________ never faileth.

I pray that your love is strong and intact. Remember, God is love and as His children, we must be controlled by the laws of love.

Sing: I love Him! I love Him! Because He first loved me. He purchased my salvation, on Calvary!

2010 August 30 - Morning Manna

These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren (Proverbs 6:16-19).

Today's Morsel: Why in the world would anyone in their right mind want to make God angry? Solomon says that there six things that God hates and seven are an abomination unto him. The seventh is the person that sows discord (strife) among brethren. James says, "But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work" (James 3:14-16). As saints of God, we are called to operate in unity and peace. Unity and peace in our homes and family, our churches, our communities, and our work places. Unity always begins with "U." Sowing discord should never be a part of a born again believer's agenda, as God hates discord. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and thus, we must operate as such. Always remember, evil communication corrupts good manners!

Sing: What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. O' precious is the flow, that makes me white as snow, no other fount I know, nothing but the blood of Jesus.

2010 August 28 - Morning Manna

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel. (Ephesians 6:10-19).

Today's Morsel: Are you battle ready? Are you prepared for the mission? Are you tired of the enemy's advancements on your home and your other brothers and sisters in Christ? Are you ready to take the battle to him? Are you ready to go on the offensive and get out of that defensive posture? I have noticed that the instructions God gave to Noah after the flood were to 'go forth, be fruitful and multiply.' But what did they do? They came out of the Ark and stayed in one place and tried to build a tower to heaven. So God had to confound their language so they would move forward and do what He desired them to do. Jesus told His disciples, "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth "(Acts 1:8). But what did they do? After they had received the power, they sat in Jerusalem until a man call Saul (Paul) started to arrest them and put them in jail, then they began to go forth and do what God had told them to do. You have been chosen to go forth and preach this Gospel. You may say, "but I am not a preacher." If you have the Holy Ghost, you have been anointed to preach the Gospel. Don't sit still or the enemy will come against you. If you sit still, he will keep probing your position until he finds a weakness and it will be through that weakness that he will try to destroy you. Therefore, get on your armor, move out, and draw fire. It is better that we destroy Satan's kingdom than for him to destroy ours.

Sing: Be bold! Be strong! For the Lord your God is with you. Be bold! Be strong! For the Lord your God is with you. I am not afraid, I am not dismayed, because I'm walking in faith and victory, cause I'm walking in faith and victory. The Lord, our God, is with me!

2010 August 27 - Morning Manna

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Command Aaron and his sons, saying, This is the law of the burnt offering: It is the burnt offering, because of the burning upon the altar all night unto the morning, and the fire of the altar shall be burning in it. And the priest shall put on his linen garment, and his linen breeches shall he put upon his flesh, and take up the ashes which the fire hath consumed with the burnt offering on the altar, and he shall put them beside the altar. And he shall put off his garments, and put on other garments, and carry forth the ashes without the camp unto a clean place. And the fire upon the altar shall be burning in it; it shall not be put out: and the priest shall burn wood on it every morning, and lay the burnt offering in order upon it; and he shall burn thereon the fat of the peace offerings. The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out. (Leviticus 6:8-13)

Today's Morsel: One of the things I like to do when I go with my wife to the mall is to just sit and observe folk. I can tell who's having a bad day and who's have a good one. I can tell who's lonely and who's is abused. Attitudes and outward expressions say a lot about a person. It's sad to say this, but I can also tell the same things about people in the church. For unknown reason, many born again believers have lost their inward and outward manifestation of the Holy Ghost. The Lord told Moses to command Aaron and his sons to not let the fire to go out of the altar. John said, "Beloved now are we the sons of God (1 John 3:1). That being said, we are to never let the fire go out of the altar. In other words, you have to be attentive to the altar. How much time do you spend at your altar? We must continously put wood on the fire of our altar to ensure that it does not go out. Logs of love, joy, long-suffering, kindness, peace, grace, and mercy should top our list. Reading the Word, living the word, and doing the word, should be seen in our lives. Praying without ceasing and in giving thanks in everything, will keep us hot and burning. And as long as we keep witnessing, we'll be shining bright.

Sing: Burn in me, burn in me, Holy Ghost fire, burn in me; yesterday's gone, today I'm in need, Holy Ghost fire, burn in me!

2010 August 26 - Morning Manna

For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. (Psalms 119:89)

Today's Morsel: John said, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God... And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth" (John 1:1&14). When we understand that Jesus is the Word, we understand why the Word is settled in heaven. Jesus told Nicodemus, "And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven" (John 3:13). The Apostle Paul told the church at Rome, "But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)" (Romans 10:6). Jesus is not at the right hand of the throne, rather He sits on the throne. His throne is in heaven and the earth is His footstool. Satan is the god of this world, that's why the earth is Jesus' footstool. Satan is always under the feet of Jesus, and he should be under your's, too. The wWrd is established, upright, and stands in heaven. When Jesus said that we should pray, "Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven," He was saying that the will of God has already been established in heaven. We just need to ask for it so it can be established in the earth. The psalmist said "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" (Psalms 138:2). There is nothing higher than the Word, as the Word is God!

Sing: There's not a friend like the lowly Jesus. No not one, no not one. There's not an hour that He is not near us. No not one, no not one. Jesus knows all about our struggles, He will guide till the day is done. There's not a friend like the lowly Jesus. No not one, no not one.

2010 August 25 - Morning Manna

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

(Psalms 91:1-4)

Today's Morsel: When we were kids, we played the game called "Hide and Seek." You hide and others would seek for you. I always had this one place where no one could find me. I felt that it was a really neat place, because if they couldn't find me, I would be classified as the winner. That's how it should be with the Lord. Each of us should have that special place where we can go to get alone with Him and that place where no one knows where you are. Just a place where you can enjoy His presence and not have to worry about the hustle and bustle of life. A place where you can enjoy a quiet time. A time of rest and enjoyment. A time of peace and serenity. I believe that Jesus has such a place for you and it's under His wings. I believe that when we submit our will to His will, we will find that secret place in Him. And not only that, but when you fall into Jesus' arms and allow Him to caress you, you should feel safe and secure within Him.

Now I want you to read today's scripture passage again, but this time put your name in the blank:

When __________ dwelleth in the secret place of the most High ______shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. _______ will say of the LORD, He is __________ refuge and ________ fortress: ________ God; in him will _________trust. Surely he shall deliver _________ from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover _________ with his feathers, and under his wings shalt ___________ trust: his truth shall be __________shield and buckler.

Anytime you are seeking confirmation from God's Word to aid you in your situation, just read the scriptures and put your name in them. "This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me" the psalmist said. (Psalms 119:50).

Sing: I come to the garden alone, While the dew is still on the roses, And the voice I hear falling on my ear, the Son of God discloses.

And He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own, and the joy we share as we tarry there, none other, has ever, known!

2010 August 24 - Morning Manna

Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments. They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word. I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me. Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant. Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is my delight. Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts. Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies. Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed. (Psalms 119:73-80)

Today's Morsel: What would you do if you brought a pre-fabricated building that you wanted to put together, and you got it home and it didn't have any instructions in the box to tell you how to do it? Would you be upset or would you call the place you purchased it from and ask for the instructions? Even though we may be a little upset, we would probably call for the instructions on how to assemble it. Trying to assemble something and not knowing how it is suppose to go together is useless.

The Psalmist said, "Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments." His prayer is a prayer of wanting to know how to live his life, to do right, so that when others that are doing right see him, that they, too, will be glad. And so he's saying, "God you made me, but now I need the instructions so I can learn the rules for my life and make it work right." Have you prayed and asked God for the instructions for your life? Well, the Bible is the instruction book for every life. Within its pages is everything we must be, know, and do! For me, my life has been so much better and easier to live since I learned the rules for it. It's hard to play the game if you don't know the rules or if the rules are always changing. And it's hard to live an abundant life if you don't know the rules. That's why Jesus made one Book for all - the Bible. Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth! Let me encourage you today, read it to know, and know it to live.

Sing: Show me Your ways, that I may walk with You. Show me Your ways, I put my hope in You.

Chorus: The cry of my heart is to love You more, to live with the touch of Your hand. Stronger each day, show me Your ways.

2010 August 23 - Morning Manna

Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes.  (Psalms 119:68)

Today's Morsel: Have you ever stopped to ponder why the psalmist always commented that the Lord is good? What did He do for David that he constantly says, the Lord is good? Well, He chose Him to be king over His people. He delivered him from the hand of his foes. He fed him when he was hungry. He armed him when he needed a weapon. He sheltered him when he needed a place from the storm. He made known to him his salvation. Whatever David needed, God provided. And when David sinned, God told him he didn't have to do it, all he had to do was ask if what he had was too little (My wording). Are you aware that you are no different than David? What God did for David, He will do for you as well. Goodness and mercy are always at your finger tips. You don't have to sin to get what you want. You don't even have to take matters into your own hands. Jesus said, we have not because we ask not. I believe that God will provide anything we ask of Him as long as it's isn't for something to hurt other with, or something to be consumed upon our lust. The reason Jesus is good and does good is because He cannot change who He is!

Sing: Lord you are good and your mercy endureth forever. Lord you are good and your mercy endureth forever. People from every nation and tongue, from generation to generation! We worship you, Hallelujah! Hallelujah! We worship you, for who you are. You are good, all the time, all the time, you are good. You are good, all the time, all the time, you are good.

2010 August 21 - Morning Manna

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

Today's Morsel: Well, the summer is almost over, and pretty soon autumn will be here and the leaves will begin to change color, showing off God's beautiful art work. That makes me think of what I would like to focus on today, and that is the thought that to everything there is a season. Which means that there is an appointed occasion and time for what God wants and desires to do. If you were to stop and notice everything that God creates goes through the same seasons. Let's look at the fruit tree. It starts as a seed, it grows into a twig, it faces the winter, summer, fall, and spring. It faces the cold, heat, frost, and rain. It stands alone sometimes. Others pull on it. Birds build their nests in it. Critters crawl on it. Yet it endures it's seasons for the purpose God has for it. Trials in your life can be seen as seasons. Not to harm you, but to develop you for what the Master's purpose is for your life. We don't always understand what God is doing when we are in our different seasons. But we should know that all things do work together for the good to them that love God and to them who are the called according to His purpose. Aren't you glad that troubles don't last always? You can rest assured that He has a purpose in every season of your life.

Sing: I have a message just for you, it's in His Word, and I know it's true, it doesn't matter what you're going through, I know the Lord will see you through.

And I'm so glad, that troubles don't last always. I'm so glad, that troubles don't last always. Weeping may endure for a night, but keep the faith and it will be alright. I'm so glad, yes, I'm glad, that troubles don't last always. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning light. And I'm so glad, that troubles don't last always.

2010 August 20 - Morning Manna

Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14)

Today's Morsel: Two priest were standing along the road with a sign that said, "Turn around." People ignored them, kept driving, and ran into an open ravine. Finally, after many cars drove into the ravine, one of the priest said, "Do you think we should change the sign to say, "Stop! the bridge is out!"

One of the hardest things about passing a driver's test in a foreign country is knowing the road signs. If you can master the signs, then everything else is usually pretty self explanatory. In other words, the other rules for driving, basically apply in every country. But it's always the signs that cause people to fail. Accidents are sometimes caused by people failing to see the sign. I've heard people say, "I did not see that stop sign." In Mark 16:15, Jesus said, "These signs shall follow them that believe." Are you a believer in Christ? If so, what signal (sign) are you sending to others? Does your life display "Stop" because I'm having a bad day and my attitude reflects it? Does it display "Caution" because the people that see you don't know if you will be happy or explode? Does it say, "Make a U-turn" because I really don't care to see anyone ? Or does it say, "Open for business?" If people cannot see Christ in you, the hope of glory, then you are sending the wrong signal; you are displaying the wrong sign. Gideon wanted a sign from God that He was going to deliver the Midianites into his hands (Judges 6:17). The prophet Isaiah told Ahaz to ask a sign from the Lord. But Ahaz said, I will not tempt the Lord by asking for a sign. And so Isaiah said to him, is it a small thing to weary men but you won't weary God? He said, since you won't ask, "Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." Immanuel according to the apostle Matthew means, "God with us."

Sing: I saw the Lord! I saw the Lord! He was high and lifted up and His train filled the temple; High and lifted up, and His train filled the temple. The angels cried holy, the angels cried holy. The angels cried, holy unto the Lord!

2010 August 19 - Morning Manna

Then answered Bildad the Shuhite, and said, Dominion and fear are with him, he maketh peace in his high places. Is there any number of his armies? and upon whom doth not his light arise? How then can man be justified with God? or how can he be clean that is born of a woman? Behold even to the moon, and it shineth not; yea, the stars are not pure in his sight. How much less man, that is a worm? and the son of man, which is a worm? (Job 25:1-6)

Today's Morsel: They say that China has the largest army in the world. Before the first Gulf war, Iraq was the fourth largest army in the world. Today they are trying to rebuild into an army. Job asked the shortest man in the world, Bildad the shuhite (he was the shortest man since he was only 'Shoe-height' - My humor!), "Is there any number of God's armies?" After Peter cut off the servant's ear in the garden, Jesus told him to put up his sword saying to him, "Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels"(Matthew 26:53). In ancient Rom, a legion was an army division of 3,000 to 6,000 soldiers, including cavalry. So Jesus said that He could immediately get more than 12 legion of angels if He wanted them. You do the Math! When the servant saw the host of the enemy encamped around the city, he asked Elisha, "What shall we do?" The prophet just prayed, "Lord open his eyes that he may see." And the Lord opened the young man's eyes and he saw: And behold, the mountains were full of horses and chariots of fire around about Elisha 2 Kings 15-18). You can't number God's army, it's too big because every born again believer is to be in His Army. Paul told Timothy, "Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier" (2 Timothy 2:3-4). God put you in His army, and now you must not allow things to distract you from what He's chosen you to be and do. I'll see you on the battlefield, fighting for my Lord!

Sing: God's got an army, it's marching through the land, deliverance is their song, there's healing in their hand. With everlasting joy, and gladness in their hearts; well in this Army I've got a part.

2010 August 18 - Morning Manna

O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary. Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name (Psalms 63:1-4).

Today's Morsel: Have you ever had one of those moments when you were thirsty for something and you didn't know what it was? Sometimes we don't like the wilderness experience. Wildernesses are barren and often times dry. But what I find in scripture is that every leader that God sent into the wilderness came out more powerful and ready to lead. So that lets me know that sometimes God has to get us alone to be with Him and away from everyone else. King David often found himself in the wilderness, but if you will notice, he was also looking for that living water, Jesus, to be there with him. He wanted to see God's power and glory the way he had seen it in the sanctuary before. And so he said, "Early will I rise up and seek thee." What time do you get up in the morning. Israel had to get the manna early. You see it doesn't matter where you are, if you seek for God you can find Him. As a saint of God, you have the promise that He won't leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). If you feel that you are in trouble, He says call upon me (Psalms 50:15). He says if you are weary and tired, come unto Him(Matthew 11:28-30). If you need the Holy Ghost, He says ask for it (Luke 11:13). The writer of Hebrews tells you that when you come to God, you must believe that He is a rewarder to them that seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). So to reconnect with the Source of power in the wilderness, you only have to worship and praise Him. You will see that He right there waiting on you.

Sing: Thy lovingkindness, is better than life! Thy lovingkindness, is better than life! My lips shall praise thee, thus will I bless thee; I will lift up my hands unto thy name.

Oh I will lift up my hand unto thy name. I will lift up my hand unto thy name. My lips shall praise thee, thus will I bless thee; I will lift up my hand unto thy name.

2010 August 17 - Morning Manna

Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour. (Ecclesiastes 10:1).

Today's Morsel: I hate flies. If God could have left out anything from His creation, it could have been those pesky critters. I'm sure someone is using your tax dollars to figure out their purpose for being here on the earth, and maybe someday we will know their purpose. But in the mean time, I can do without them. Solomon said that dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour. An apothecary is a person who mixes medicines or give advice in regard to medication and aliments. A pharmacist. Jesus is our chief physician. And the Holy Ghost is the anointing oil. John said, "But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him" (1 John 2:27). The Holy Ghost teaches us that we must abide in Jesus. Therefore, if you are dead in your relationship with Jesus, dead in your worship and praise, dead in your walk, and dead in your faith, you are going to send forth a stench. No one is going to want to be around you nor attend your church. You were anointed for a purpose. Jesus said, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord"(Luke 4:18-19). You are now the anointed ones. The Holy Ghost gives life. Excitement. Jubilation! Zeal! Pep! Vim! It's is the antidote for the troubled mind. As Paul told Timothy, "Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:6-7). If you say you're born again, remember God is not dead, He's alive!

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

2010 August 16 - Morning Manna

And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place. And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. And they went out, and preached that men should repent. (Mark 6:10-12)

Today's Morsel: When you are driving and looking for a certain place, how far do you go before you turn around and ask someone for the location? In each of us there is that certain feeling we have that we can find it on our own. I've heard people say, "I don't need you to tell me how to be saved, I can determine that on my own." Even in school, teachers are constantly having to tell kids to turn around and sit down. Repentance is no more than a turning around. It's realizing that you are heading in the wrong direction and making a U-turn. Notice that in America it is call a "U-Turn." "You" must make a turn around. After Jesus gave instructions to His disciples, the Bible says that they went out and preached that men should repent. Do you know where you are headed? Is the spiritual road you are on leading you into more truth and likeness of Jesus? Are you in the path that leads to brighter days? When is the last time since your initial conversion experience that you stopped and did an evaluation to ensure you are going right. Yes, all roads do come to an end, but will the one you are on bring you to your desired haven? The Apostle Peter says that there is coming a time of refreshing coming from the Lord, but you can only experience it if you repent and be converted (Acts 3:19). bvIn some places along your route, U-turns are authorized, but in some places they are not. Let me encourage you today, don't keep going until you have no place to turn around. Repentance is not going to be there forever.

Sing: Smile awhile and give your face a rest. Raise your hands, to the one you love the best. Turn around to someone new, shake their hand and smile.

2010 August 14 - Morning Manna

Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life (Proverbs 4:13).

Today's Morsel: A minister asked a little boy how to get to the Post Office. After the little boy told him, the minister said, "Why don't you come to church tonight? I'm giving instructions on how to get to heaven." After thinking a minute, the boy replied, "I don't think so. You don't even know how to get to the Post Office.”

Solomon said that we should get a firm grip on instruction and not let it go as it is our life. Solomon is speaking in regards to the Word of God. The Word of God gives us instructions and we must take heed to each of them. The writer of Hebrews tells 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; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will." (Hebrews 2:1-4) There is only one plan of salvation. Jesus identified it in John 3:3-5 as being born again of the water and the spirit. And both the apostle Peter and Paul, along with the apostle John, reinforced it in the book of Acts and also in the epistles that they wrote in the New Testament. Instructions are guidelines as to how to put things together. And since we are building our lives so that we will fix into God's plan, don't you think that we should follow the instructions that He gives us? Peter tells us that we should love one another with a pure heart fervently (1 Peter 1:22). Jude tells us to build up ourselves on our most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, and to keep ourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life; and to have compassion for people and to make a difference in others lives. He also said that we should save others with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh" (Jude 1:20-23). Therefore, we should monitor ourselves closely and be concerned for others as well. Jesus tells us to abide in Him, and let Him abide in us as we cannot bear fruit by ourselves. For without Him, He said, we can do nothing (John 15:4-5). A life apart from Jesus is a life that is a part. The Bible is a book of instructions for your life. Llet me encourage you to take hold of it and never let it go.

Sing: Something beautiful, something good. All my confusion, Jesus understood. All I had to offer Him was brokenness and strife, but He made something beautiful out of my life.

2010 August 13 - Morning Manna

A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps. (Proverbs 16:9)

Today's Morsel: As I travel, I noticed that there are also many others on the roads going someplace. I often wonder and ask myself just where all these people may be going? Maybe they are asking themselves the same question. Solomon says that a man's heart (his thinking) plans, works out, develops, and formulates his course of life. In other words, how one thinks within himself will determine where he goes and how his life will end up. Solomon also said, "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death"(Proverbs 14:12). He said that the highway of the upright is to depart from evil (Proverbs 16:17). Whatever road you get on, you must make sure that it keeps you from evil and leads you to life. You must let your thoughts be pure, as pure thoughts are the ones that will lead you to eternal life. Even though a man's heart may plan and formulate his way, God directs his steps. The Lord said, I have set before you life and death, blessings and cursing, choose life that both you and your sons may live (wording mine). Where will you end up?

Sing: Order my steps in Your word, dear Lord, lead me, guide me every day, send Your anointing, Father I pray; order my steps in Your word, please, order my steps in Your word.

2010 August 12 - Morning Manna

I will extol thee, O LORD; for thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me. O LORD my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me. O LORD, thou hast brought up my soul from the grave: thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit. Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning (Psalms 30:1-5).

Today's Morsel: One of my favorite songs is "When Morning Comes." The song mentions many things that we, as saint of God, may go through or face on a daily basis. We may even question God at times as to why they happen. Many may even turn bitter with God for allowing them to come into their lives. One verse says, "And we wonder why the test, when we try to do our best." I'm sure many of you have been asked or heard the question, "Why do bad thing happen to good people?" We really don't know, do we? But the song helps us by saying, "We will understand it better by and by." When this life is over, or maybe even before, God will reveal to us why He allowed certain things to happen the way that they did in our lives. God never promised that the road would be easy and the hill would not be hard to climb. And even if you are standing in the valley of decision and the adversary says give in, you just hold on and our God will show up right on time. The Psalmist said that He worshipped and praised God because the Lord had lifted him up, didn't allow his foe to rejoice over him, healed him, and kept him alive. He said that God's favor is to give life, weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. Jesus said, "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly" (John 10:10). If you are feeling down, hold on, joy is just around the corner.

Sing: Trials dark on every hand, and we cannot understand; All the ways that God will lead us to that blessed promised land; But He'll guide us with His eye, and we'll follow till we die, we will understand it better by and by.

By and By when the morning comes, and all the saints of God are gathering home, we will tell the story how we've over-come, we will understand it better by and by.

2010 August 11 - Morning Manna

Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. (Ephesians 5:19-21).

Today's Morsel: There's a new book on the market entitled, "Why Johnny Can't Sing Hymns." Many churches today don't sing the old traditional hymns. I have noticed that most singing in churches these days don't exalt Jesus, but exalt self. Many people call them seven-eleven song (Seven words sung eleven times). The psalms and hymns of old exalted and lifted up Jesus. Most of today's generation would have no clue of the word of the songs such as, "Jesus Loves Me," or "What A Friend We Have In Jesus," or "The Old Rugged Cross." I have noticed that today's songs are more about the sound of the beat and music than the words. Many pastor and saints are losing their hearing because of loud music. Many churches are taking pop as well as rhythm and blues songs and adding a few words about heaven and calling it gospel. Most traditional gospel songs originated in the fields being sung by slaves as a way of relieving stress and pain of the hard day's work in the seething sun, and as a means to keep their eyes on the Lord and His promise of a better place. It was a form of worship to God for deliverance, and God heard their cry. Paul said that we are to speak to ourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in our hearts to the Lord. There is always power in the songs that we sing that exalt Jesus. If you are feeling as though you are picking low cotton today, let me encourage you to sing the song below through a few times and see what a difference it will make in your life.

Sing:

1. There is coming a day, when no heart aches shall come, no more clouds in the sky, no more tears to dim the eye, all is peace forever more, on that happy golden shore, what a day, glorious day that will be. (Chorus)

2. There'll be no sorrow there, no more burdens to bear, no more sickness, no more pain, no more parting over there; and forever I will be, with the One who died for me, What a day, glorious day that will be. (Chorus)

Chorus: What a day that will be, when my Jesus I shall see, when I look upon His face, The One who saved me by His grace; when He takes me by the hand, and leads me through the Promised Land, what a day, glorious day that will be.

2010 August 10 - Morning Manna

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:28-31)

Today's Morsel: As children of God, we should never feel lonely, dejected, or walk around with low-self-esteem. As Elijah asked the Lord to open his servants eyes, his servant noticed a host of heaven surrounding them. He immediately realized that there were more for them than the enemies they were facing. God doesn't forget His promises to His children. He's not going to leave you, nor will He forsake you. Often times, you may feel that God has abandoned you, but He hasn't. When we feel abandoned, it's because we aren't focusing on Jesus, but on our surroundings and circumstances. Six minutes of each hour should be focused on Christ. A prayer for someone. A song of praise. Or just some thanksgiving, that's tithing your time. Paul said that all things work together for the good, to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. What's God's purpose for your life? Do you ever stop and analyze what the outcome of your situation is going to look like and what it will be when you come out of it? I'm told that honey never spoils or goes bad. Honey is made from nectar. The process bees use to make honey is gross. But the end product is wonderful and good for you. Your situation may be full of mess, but see the end results. So I conclude that no matter what my situation and circumstances are, if God be for me, then everyone else might as well be for me , too. Because there isn't anything or anyone that can stop what God desires to do in our lives.

Sing: If God be for us, who can be against us? If God be for us, who can be against us? If God be for us, who can be against us? Just have faith in the power of His word!

2010 August 9 - Morning Manna

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

Today's Morsel: Calvary is a portrait of true love. God Almighty willing to sacrifice His son for our sins. He that knew no sin, became sin for us. That's love. Paul said, "For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:6-8). He said that God introduced His love to us. In other words, He showed us what true love really is. Dottie Rambo said, "He left the splendor of heaven, knowing His destiny was the lonely hill of Golgotha, there to lay down His life for me. If that isn't love, the ocean is dry, there's no stars in the sky, and the sparrow can't fly! If that isn't love, than heaven's a myth, there's no feeling like this, if that isn't love." If you really want to know what true love is, look to Calvary!

Sing: I'm not on an ego trip, I'm nothing on my own. I make mistakes and often slip, just common flesh and bone. But I'll prove someday, just what I say, I'm of a special kind, for when He was on the cross, I was on His mind!

Chorus: He knew me, yet He loved me; He who's glory makes the heavens shine. I'm so unworthy, of such mercy, yet when He was on the cross, I was on His mind!

2010 August 7 - Morning Manna

And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. (Luke 11:1-4)

Today's Morsel: Many people have said that when Jesus' disciple said to Him, "Lord, teach us to pray," that the pray that Jesus taught them, which some call the Lord's prayer, was a model or an example of how we should pray and not what to pray. But what if what Jesus said, was what He meant? What if this was exactly what Jesus wanted us to do? Would we be wrong if we prayed this prayer? Is there a problem if we pray exactly as it is written in the Bible? Will God not hear us if we pray that way? Paul said, "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 11:3). Jesus didn't make things hard. He kept them simple. The reason many people don't know how to pray is because they make it hard to pray. Prayer is very simply communication. It is you listening to God and God listening to you. It is a two-way street; traffic (communication) going both ways. Jesus never said to Peter "Could you not pray one hour." What he actually said was, "What, could ye not watch with me one hour?"(Matthew 26:40). A big difference. There are no time limits as to how long you should pray. The Bible doesn't tell us how long people prayed, just that they prayed. I do believe, however, that when we have a true relationship with Jesus, we will pray and that our prayers may often times exceed an hour. Let me encourage you, don't make the things of God hard. He made them simple and easy so that we would understand and keep our life simple. But if we make thing hard, it's going to make our walk with Him harder.

Sing: Whisper a prayer in the morning. Whisper a pray at noon. Whisper a prayer in the evening, so keep your heart in tune!

2010 August 6 - Morning Manna

And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you (Matthew 24:4).

Today's Morsel: Deception is a subtle thing and can destroy many if they aren't careful. Jesus and the apostles often used the word "Beware." In other words, be careful, be cautious, and take notice of what is taking place around you. Satan knows that most Christians will be alert to some words and terms, and will avoid participating with them or using them, as many folks will quickly grasp their term and meaning. He knows that most churches are cognizant of the term, "One World Government" and " The Universal Church." The other day I was reading a "World Magazine" and I saw the term "Economic Globalization," which means the increasing world integration through trade, financial flow and knowledge or process by which the people of the world are unified into a single society and function together. And then I asked myself, "Do people in the church, understand when we use the term Globalaization? Do they really understand the difference in meaning? Has leadership done a good job in really explained this term so that there is no confusion among the saints of God, that they begin to think that we are becoming a part of some world's system?" You see from the church stand point, the term "Globalization" means taking the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the whole world by the whole church. It means that we are impacting our world with the truth of Jesus Christ. But from the article I read, the term "Globalization" is being used to bring the world's systems together under the one world governmental system. So again, I asked myself, when the people of the world get an understanding of the term "Globalization" will it be from the church view point or from a worldly view? Will this term and its use affect the church's? Will the true church be seen as part of the universal church system, catholic? What changes will the true church have to make when this happens to ensure that it isn't seen as part of the one world church system? I say that the church must be proactive by ensuring that every member understands what we mean with any new word usage in the church to advance the gospel, and to ensure that the church isn't seen as part of any world's system.

Sing: It's the old ship of Zion, it's the hope for the lost and dying, it's a soul saving station, it's the tower of salvation, well it's the Church triumphant, O Lord, and it's built by the hand of the Lord. I'm talking about the Church in the Book of Revelation, it's built on the Rock, it's got a firm foundation, it's been through the flood, and it's been through the fire, but one of these days the Church is gonna move up higher. It's the Church triumphant, O Lord, and it's built by the hand of the Lord!

2010 August 5 - Morning Manna

O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also. The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land. O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker. For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness: When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my work. Forty years long was I grieved with this generation, and said, It is a people that do err in their heart, and they have not known my ways: Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest (Psalms 95:1-11).

Today's Morsel: When you are at church, do you every hear or feel that unction to raise your hands and praise God, or maybe run around the church? Do you ever sense that maybe you should just go to the altar and pray instead of sitting in your pew? Well, sometimes God wants us to get outside of our comfort zone and worship Him. The psalmist said, "Today if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your heart." If you ever feel an unction from the Holy Ghost to come before His presence with thanksgiving and make a joyful noise unto Him with psalms, don't delay, for God inhabits the praise of His people.

Sing: Come, now is the time to worship. Come, now is the time to give your heart. Come, just as you are to worship. Come, just as you are before your God, Come.

One day every tongue will confess You are God. One day every knee will bow. Still, the greatest treasure remains for those, who gladly choose You now. Come!

2010 August 4 - Morning Manna

I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins. (John 8:24).

Today's Morsel: The incarnation of Almighty God in flesh upon the earth is confounding and confusing to many. Like Mary,they don't understand how this can be. The apostle Paul said, "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory" (1 Timothy 3:16). Paul said that it was a mystery. Mysteries must be solved. Therefore, in order to understand this mystery, you have to search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me, Jesus said (John 5:39). Remember, the New Testament wasn't written when Jesus was on earth. Therefore, the mystery is solved by studying Old Testament scriptures. "Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour. I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, that I am God. Yea, before the day was I am he; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand: I will work, and who shall let it" (Isaiah 43:10-13)? Jesus said, "For if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins." Because the only one that can forgive sins is God (Mark 2:7). Jesus, the God that saves.

Sing: The Mighty God is Jesus, The Prince of Peace is He, The Everlasting Father, The King Eternally, The Wonderful in Wisdom, by whom all things were made, the fullness of the Godhead in Jesus is displayed.

It's all in Him, It's all in Him, the fullness of the Godhead, it's all in Him. It's all in Him, It's all in Him, the Mighty God is Jesus and it's all in Him.

2010 August 3 - Morning Manna

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

Today's Morsel: Jesus doesn't want His children to be sad or down trodden. He wants us to have joy, elation, and excitement all the time. Let me share with you some ways to add joy to your life:

1. For no reason at all, laugh. Laugh as loudly and as ridiculously as you can, using all of your lung capacity and body to do it.

2. Identify someone who needs help and give that help without sticking around to receive thanks.

3. Turn off the television and shut down the computer, and go sit and talk with family members or friends about what is happening in your life for at least half-an-hour.

4. Say silently, on the hour, every hour, "Almighty God, Creator of all things, I give my life to You. Lead me to peace, purpose, and Your joy."

5. Recall the songs that you loved, especially those from your childhood, and sing them with the same enthusiasm you had when you first got to know them.

6. In the middle of any rotten situation, think of at least three ways in which things could have been worse, and then rejoice that you have not suffered those further misfortunes.

As the apostle Paul states, "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice" (Philippians 4:4). Happiness always depends on circumstances. Joy depends on Jesus.

Sing: If you're happy, and you know it, say Amen! Amen! If you're happy, and you know it, say Amen! Amen! When God's Spirit falls on you, makes you shout, "Hallelujah!" If you're happy and your know it, say Amen!

2010 August 2 - Morning Manna

Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered. (Psalms 40:5)

Today's Morsel: Do you keep a running tab on all the things that God does for you? When is the last time you stood at church and told what the Lord has done for you? I believe the problem with many is that they wait for the big things that they can actually see; when there is no doubt in their minds that God did what they see; then they thank Him and tell others about it. But born again believers should not operate as such. We know that there are many things that Jesus does for us and therefore we should tell of His goodness in every service and share them with others on our jobs. How many times has someone paid for your food? Who do you think moved on their hearts to do it? God was looking out for you. How many times has someone offered to help you? Who do you think move on their hearts to help you? It was God seeing that you needed a help hand. And the list could go on and on. The psalmist said, "Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are toward us: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered." He was saying that he just couldn't tell them all nor put them in order of their priority of goodness and greatness. This scripture alone should cause you to praise God and thank Him for His goodness. As Paul said, "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him"(1 Corinthians 2:9). Do you love Him? Are you thankful? Do you thank Him?

Sing: Said I wasn't gonna tell nobody, but I, couldn't keep it to myself; But I, couldn't keep it to myself. Said I wasn't gonna tell nobody, but I, couldn't keep it to myself, what the Lord, has done for me.