2011 February 28 - Morning Manna

Moreover from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year even unto the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that is, twelve years, I and my brethren have not eaten the bread of the governor. But the former governors that had been before me were chargeable unto the people, and had taken of them bread and wine, beside forty shekels of silver; yea, even their servants bare rule over the people: but so did not I, because of the fear of God. Yea, also I continued in the work of this wall, neither bought we any land: and all my servants were gathered thither unto the work. Moreover there were at my table an hundred and fifty of the Jews and rulers, beside those that came unto us from among the heathen that are about us. Now that which was prepared for me daily was one ox and six choice sheep; also fowls were prepared for me, and once in ten days store of all sorts of wine: yet for all this required not I the bread of the governor, because the bondage was heavy upon this people. Think upon me, my God, for good, according to all that I have done for this people. (Nehemiah 5:14-19)

 

Today's Morsel:  Nehemiah was motivated by three factors as he carried out his duty as governor.  He feared God, he was sensitive to the needs of the people, and he desired the blessings of God in his life.  These same factors should govern every one of us as leaders in our homes, churches, and communities.  If we approach advancements and promotions with the same basic motivations and mindset as Nehemiah, we, too, will have the key to maintaining our spiritual and psychological balance and stability.  If we as Christian are sensitive to others, we'll not take advantage of them.  We will never use our position or power to exploit them.  Nehemiah was in charge, which meant that all the privileges of power were his to enjoy.  But he had learned a concept Jesus would later put into words, "And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many"(Mark 10:44-45).  Nehemiah put this into practice.  This is the way of God.  The principles that Jesus taught in the parable of the talents will always hold true, "Thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord"(Matthew 25:21).  If we will concentrate on doing right before ourselves and others, God will open the door to fulfillment and opportunity when we're ready for it. With every opportunity, we should look to help people and to advance the Kingdom of God.  When we are motivated by the factors and thinking of Nehemiah, we should be able to handle any promotion or position without being deceived by Satan's tactics.

 

"Adversity is hard on a man; but for one man who can stand prosperity, there are a hundred that will stand adversity." Thomas Carlyle.

Sing: I am weak but Thou art strong, Jesus keep me from all wrong; I'll be satisfied as long, as I walk, let me walk close to Thee.

   

Just a closer walk with Thee, grant it, Jesus, is my plea; daily walking close to Thee, let it be, dear Lord, let it be.

2011 February 26 - Morning Manna

Then the king sent and gathered together all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem. And the king went up into the house of the LORD, and all the men of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the priests, and the Levites, and all the people, great and small: and he read in their ears all the words of the book of the covenant that was found in the house of the LORD. And the king stood in his place, and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep his commandments, and his testimonies, and his statutes, with all his heart, and with all his soul, to perform the words of the covenant which are written in this book. And he caused all that were present in Jerusalem and Benjamin to stand to it. And the inhabitants of Jerusalem did according to the covenant of God, the God of their fathers. And Josiah took away all the abominations out of all the countries that pertained to the children of Israel, and made all that were present in Israel to serve, even to serve the LORD their God. And all his days they departed not from following the LORD, the God of their fathers (2 Chronicles 34:29-33).

Today's Morsel:  Do you attend the conferences that your church hosts?   Attending conferences and church gatherings gives us the opportunity to interact, hear the Word of God, and meet new saints and be with  brothers and sister of like precious faith.  Our faith always comes by hearing the Word of God.  The children of Israel had gotten away from the things of God, and were growing more worldly and sinful in their day to day activities because no one was reading and heeding the Word of God.  But once the scriptures were found, and brought to the king and he heard what they said, King Josiah took away all the abominations out of all the countries that pertained to the children of Israel, and made all that were present in Israel to servethe LORD their God.  And all his days they didn't depart from following the LORD, the God of their fathers.  This is what the Word of God is designed to do.  It is to cause us to see if  we are not in line with the Word of God and then help us to make the correct adjustments in our lives.  God cannot sustain His freedom and blessings upon any nation, which we love and pray for, unless the church will take the right approach first.  We are the church, it must always begin with us.  If you want to see revival in your nation and churches, start by praying for yourself that God will change your own heart first.  Revival always begins with us.

Sing: Revive us again; fill each heart with Thy love; may each soul be rekindled with fire from above.  Hallelujah! Thine to glory! Hallelujah! Amen! Hallelujah! Thine to glory! Revive us again.

2011 February 25 - Morning Manna

Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof six cubits: he set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon. .. Wherefore at that time certain Chaldeans came near, and accused the Jews. They spake and said to the king Nebuchadnezzar, O king, live for ever. Thou, O king, hast made a decree, that every man that shall hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, shall fall down and worship the golden image: And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth, that he should be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the province of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; these men, O king, have not regarded thee: they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. Then Nebuchadnezzar in his rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Then they brought these men before the king. Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up? Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands? Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.
(Daniel 3:1, 8-12-18)

 

 

Today's Morsel:  Imagine being in a sold out stadium with thousands of ravenous hometown fans, and you are the only one wearing the opposite colors. That is what it would have been like for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.  These guys were slaves. They were in captivity. Their heads could be lifted from their shoulders at any moment that the king said so.  But they seem to have had a little spunk about them. They aren't afraid to state their minds. They have backbone. There's no jellyfish in these guys.  They know their God and even in slavery are willing to take a stand for Him.  Our children face a world that at ever corner is offering them to compromise their faith for this world's images. When you look in the eyes of you children knowing that tomorrow is at stake when the choice is up to them, will they have the strength to say we won't bend and we won't break, we won't water down our faith; we won't compromise in a world of desperation, what has been we cannot change, but for tomorrow and today we must be a light for future generations.  It's time that every born again believer build a strong base of truth and character that we can pass on to our children so they will make sound and moral choices.   Sooner or later as a child of God, you're going to find yourself as the only one in the crowd and either you are going to standout, or you are going to bow.  Once you bow, you will carry the guilt of that bow in your heart forever.  So purpose in your heart right now, I will not bend and I will not break.  Because if you bend and you break, it's not only going to affect you, it's going to affect your family and your future offspring's.  

Sing: We won't bend and we won't break, we won't water down our faith, we won't compromise in a world of desperation. What has been we cannot change, but for tomorrow and today we must be a light for future generations.

2011 February 23 - Morning Manna

In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke. Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts. Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged. Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me. (Isaiah 6:1-8)

Today's Morsel:  If you are like me, no doubt you have heard this passage preached time and time again.  But no matter how many times we hear it or read it, Isaiah saw something awesome and mind boggling.  Maybe this is what the church needs today, we just need to get a real glimpse of God's awesome splendor.  Uzziah had been king for what seemed like forever; longer than any Jewish king mentioned in the Bible.  He took the reins when he was sixteen years old and rein for fifty-two years.  That means he was now 68 years old.  Isaiah probably didn't know another king, and Uzziah's death, and how he died, probably shook Isaiah's mind.  And he was in total disbelief at what he saw when he died.  It may have seemed impossible to him.  But Isaiah said, " In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke. Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts."  He probably felt if what Uzziah did cost him his life, I'm sure in serious trouble now that I have seen the Lord.  Whenever God appeared to men in Bible times, the results were the same, an overwhelming sense of terror and dismay, a gut wrenching sense of sinfulness and guilt. When God spoke to Abraham, he bowed to the ground and listened (Genesis 18:2).  When He spoke to Moses, he hid is face in fear to look upon God (Exodus 3:6).   Paul cried out, "Who art thou Lord" (Acts 9:5)?  Peter said, "Depart from me for I am a sinful man, O Lord"(Luke 5:8).  And Isaiah said, "Woe is me for I am undone!"  He said, I'm finish.  I've seen God.  But to his surprise, he heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?"  At this point, Isaiah may have felt that he had a chance to redeem himself.  And so he said, "Here am I; send me."  When we fear God, it will kill all other fears and cause us to go at God's bidding.  Sometime soon, go to your favorite and quietest place and spend some time with the Lord and allow Him to surround you with His presence and you will come away realizing just how awesome God truly is, and why you should want to witness for Him.

Sing:  There is none like You. No one else can touch my heart like You do. I could search for all eternity long, and find, there is none like You.

2011 February 22 - Morning Manna

My friends scorn me: but mine eye poureth out tears unto God. O that one might plead for a man with God, as a man pleadeth for his neighbour! (Job 16:20-21)

 Today's Morsel:  Job's patience is legendary.  Even people who give little thought to the things of God know a little bit about his story.  But those of us who know more can hang around and see a whole lot more than the patience of Job.  We can see that it takes more than perseverance to get through a trial, it takes knowing  that God will come through.  When we are going through a difficult time, it's nice to have friends.  Unless they are like Job's friends!  Even though Job's friends pointed fingers and accused him, it was still good for Job to have them there to help keep his mind off the pain and suffering he was going through.   At least they were there.  Some of the others didn't even show up.  Some times we may stop short of reaching out to those who are hurting, not sure of what to say and to do, or even show our concern.  But almost always, it isn't your words that matters, just your presence that shows you care.

 

Sing:  A friend, a friend, friend of mine and yours, out of all the love, in the world , no one could love you more . Sometimes, there's no one to talk to, no one else I can find, but He's always there, He's everywhere, I'm talking' bout a friend of mine.  Problems seem like they never end, you have no one to turn to , but you can lean on Him, He'll never let you fall and all you've got to do is call Him, He's just a friend. A friend, a friend, friend of mine and yours, out of all the love, in the world , no one could love you more.

2011 February 21 - Morning Manna

After these things did king Ahasuerus promote Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him, and set his seat above all the princes that were with him. And all the king's servants, that were in the king's gate, bowed, and reverenced Haman: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence. Then the king's servants, which were in the king's gate, said unto Mordecai, Why transgressest thou the king's commandment? Now it came to pass, when they spake daily unto him, and he hearkened not unto them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai's matters would stand: for he had told them that he was a Jew. And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath. And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had shewed him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai. (Esther 3:1-6)

Today's Morsel: Many diseases are silent killers in that they are silent (no symptoms or only vague symptoms), and they are deadly.  There are a number of diseases that are known as "silent killers" because they gradually consume you without causing any serious symptoms in the early stages.  Regular medical checkups and early diagnosis of unexplained or vague symptoms can save your life.  Hypertension is also called "high blood pressure".  Hypertension is a silent killer because it is deadly and has no  significant early symptoms.  The danger of hypertension is the extra load on the heart, leading to complications such as hypertensive heart disease.  Hypertension can also seriously damage the kidneys.  And it does all this silently, without any major symptoms, except when the high blood pressure gets extreme.  But there is also another silent killer, and that is prejudice.  Prejudice is a silent killer, because most people don't think that they are.  Many people of all races try to hide their prejudices openly for fear of repercussion, being labeled as such, or job loss.  But within, this deadly disease eats away at them. Their minds are constantly thinking evil, causing high blood pressure, sleep deprivation, worry, loneliness, and even  nervousness.  Not only does prejudice kill you physically, it will kill you spiritual, because you can't have a relationship with Jesus if you have respect to persons.  James said that you commit sin, and the wages of sin is death.  Haman was prejudice against the Jews.  He hated Mordecai, not only  because he was a Jew, but because he would not bow to him.  This drove him crazy.  But when he had a gallows built to hang Mordecai, those same gallows were used to hang him.  That's what prejudice does.  Prejudice tells you to do evil and to hate others who aren't like you, and pretty soon it will becomes a gallow.  And if you aren't careful, you will find yourself hanged by what you desired to do to others. Remember, we always reap what we sow.

Sing: Create in me a clean heart, O' God, and renew a right spirit within me. Create in me a clean heart, O' God, and renew a right spirit within me.  Cast me not away from Thy presence Oh God.  Take not Thy Holy Spirit from me, restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and renew a right spirit within me.

2011 February 19 - Morning Manna

"If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets"(Matthew 7:11-12)



Today's Morsel: We can judge people in many ways. We can judge them by how they live, by the color of their skin, the way they speak, how they dress, how they eat, and can even judge people by their children. But I think the test that we will receive from God when we are judged is how did we treat them. Jesus said that we should treat others the same way that we desire to be treated. James tells us, "If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors"(James 2:8-9). He further states, "My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? (James 2:1-6); If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? (James 2:15-16). You can't be a supporter of every cause, but you can visit a nursing home or veteran's hospital. You can write a letter to soldiers fighting for your freedom. You can skip a meal and feed a homeless person. You can offer someone a ride for church. You can call and follow up on the sick and shut-in. You can send colors, paper, and pencils to a missionary in a foreign country to help less fortunate children. Don't wait for another guilt trip from a missionary coming through telling some sad story, catch this one right now, and allow the love of God rule and lead your heart.

Sing: Give and it shall be given, good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over; give and it shall be given, when you give, you give to the Lord.

2011 February 18 - Morning Manna

And he came to Jerusalem in the fifth month, which was in the seventh year of the king. For upon the first day of the first month began he to go up from Babylon, and on the first day of the fifth month came he to Jerusalem, according to the good hand of his God upon him. For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments... (Ezra 7:8-10)

So the priests, and the Levites, and the porters, and the singers, and some of the people, and the Nethinims, and all Israel, dwelt in their cities; and when the seventh month came, the children of Israel were in their cities. And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded to Israel. And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month. And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law. Nehemiah 7:73-8:3)

Today's Morsel: Most of us have a Bible in our house and some of full of dust. We have no way of understanding how precious that the scroll was to Ezra. We probably don't even have a way to feel the full affect and weight of those precious words in the same way he did. When he read it, everyone knew he was doing what he loved. Have you ever heard someone say, "I was driving home and I was so tired and I don't know how I got home?"  Is that the way Bible reading is to you?  Do you read and then have no recollection as to what you just read or you can't remember what it was all about?  Maybe you should try what Ezra did, read it out loud to yourself, adding your ears to the audience, and see if don't you enjoy reading the Word more.

Sing:  Deeper, deeper, in the love of Jesus daily let me go;. Higher, higher in the school of wisdom, more of grace to know.

Oh deeper yet, I pray, and higher every day, and wiser, blessed Lord, in Thy precious holy word.

2011 February 17 - Morning Manna

And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites, which had brought him down thither. And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand. And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand. And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field. And he left all that he had in Joseph's hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favoured. And it came to pass after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me. But he refused, and said unto his master's wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand; There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God? (Genesis 39:1-9)

Today's Morsel: Potiphar's wife wasn't just flirting with Joseph, she was coming on to him big time.  She wasn't faking, dhe was serious.  Thank God that Joseph had a relationship with God, that he wasn't willing to compromise his integrity.  It's often at this juncture that many men and women fail the test when they are seduced by the opposite sex.  When we read scriptures, it's hard to miss God's call for purity.  As Paul told Timothy, keep yourself pure.  Purity must be the goal in every believers life.  When  we understand who we are in Christ, it makes all the difference in our ability to remain pure.  Paul describes us as the temple of God.  When we look at the temple, everything in it was pure.  Pure olive oil for the lamps; pure incense for worship; pure animals for sacrifices; pure gold for the overlay.  The Lord calls for us to have pure hearts, pure religion, and pure relationships with each other.  Purity is good for all.  We need to set clear rules and guidelines for our lives before temptation comes our way.  Remember, Satan is subtle, and we should understand, that all the world's pleasure can only offer us is found in its slick advertising. Underneath the smile and the swimsuit and machoism you see on TV, internet,  and in magazines, is pain, loneliness, heartaches, and emptiness.  That's a strange way to define pleasure.  But that's the way the world offers it to you.  But we must heed Nancy Regan's advice and just say, "NO!"

Sing: Holy! Holy! Holy!; Holy! Holy! Holy!; Holy is the Lord, God Almighty. Holy! Holy! Holy!; Holy! Holy! Holy!; Holy is the Lord, God Almighty!

2011 February 16 - Morning Manna

And he rose up that night, and took his two wives, and his two womenservants, and his eleven sons, and passed over the ford Jabbok. And he took them, and sent them over the brook, and sent over that he had. And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day. And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him. And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob. And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there. And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved. And as he passed over Penuel the sun rose upon him, and he halted upon his thigh. Therefore the children of Israel eat not of the sinew which shrank, which is upon the hollow of the thigh, unto this day: because he touched the hollow of Jacob's thigh in the sinew that shrank. (Genesis 32:22-32)

Today's Morsel:  Did you have an easy life growing up or did you come up through the ranks of hard knocks?  Was your life filled with adversity and a state of misfortune and afflictions when you were growing up, or was it all a bed of roses?  Life wasn't easy for Jacob.  He was confused by his mother, threatened by his brother, and tricked by his father-in-law; he had to learn things the hard way.  But Jacob had a determination about him.  He wasn't a man willing to quit when it came to the things that he wanted, and God saw this in him.  Jacob got away with some tricks at a young age in his life, as this seems to have been his operating procedure.  But  now we see that God is going to see just how bad he wants the blessings of God.  Jacob had to wrestle with God in order to get a hold of his calling.  Jacob needed some answers.  When you need some answers, you may have to get into a wrestling match with God.  When you wrestle with God, it's going to dislocate your self-made plans, dreams, desires, and it will probably hurt when it's all over.  This match will show you a more superior power.  The mark of a true man or woman of God is their spiritual walk after they've been to the mat.  You might notice a limp about them if they have been in a wrestling match with God trying to get  a hold of their calling.  If you want to answer God's calling on your life, then you must pursue it with the same tenacity that drove Jacob to wrestle with God all night.  Maturity doesn't come with age but with striving to know the Lord (Jeremiah 9:23-24; Philippians 3:10-14).  When you prevail from your wrestling match, you should be able to say as Jacob, I have seen God face to face and my life is preserved.

Sing:  Hold to God's unchanging hand.  Hold to God's unchanging hand.  Build your hopes on things eternal, hold to God unchanging hand.

2011 February 15 - Morning Manna

And all the souls that came out of the loins of Jacob were seventy souls: for Joseph was in Egypt already. And Joseph died, and all his brethren, and all that generation. And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them. Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph. And he said unto his people, Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we: Come on, let us deal wisely with them; lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that, when there falleth out any war, they join also unto our enemies, and fight against us, and so get them up out of the land. Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses. But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel. (Exodus 1:5-12)

Today's Morsel:  How do you handle afflictions?  How do you handle those conditions of great physical or mental distress being placed on you.  The Bible said of Moses, "By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward" (Hebrews 11:24-26).  Moses saw that God's reward outweighed the treasure in Egypt.  He was willing to endure the hardship for the Lord's reward.  He didn't cave in to pressure.  The Psalmist said, "The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all" (Psalms 34:18-19). God won't allow you to go through more than you can handle.  He will deliver you.  The Psalmist further state, "Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope. This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me" (Psalms 119:49-50).  The Word of God is given to us to comfort us in our times of distress, anguish, suffering, torment and agony.  It is where we find our hope.  If you are battling afflictions today, get yourself a scripture and recite it to yourself and learn to live it, "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged 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).  I promise you, it will make you free!

Sing:  Lord lift me up and let me stand, by faith on heaven's table land; a higher plane, than I have found, Lord plant my feet on higher ground.

2011 February 14 - Morning Manna

And Isaac came from the way of the well Lahairoi; for he dwelt in the south country. And Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide: and he lifted up his eyes, and saw, and, behold, the camels were coming... And Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah to wife, the daughter of Bethuel the Syrian of Padanaram, the sister to Laban the Syrian. And Isaac intreated the LORD for his wife, because she was barren: and the LORD was intreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived. |
(Genesis 24:62-63;25:20-21)

  

Today's Morsel:  There's not a lot about Isaac, the chosen son, in the Bible. We see him being offered as a sacrifice by his Dad, Abraham, he is 40 when he gets married, he has to deal with the men in the land over his wells, and we see his son Jacob tricking him for his brother Esau's birthright.  But Isaac was a man of prayer.  Isaac went out into the field and meditated, and entreated God for his wife Rebekah for a child.  Not only did God hear and answer him, He gave him twins, Jacob and Esau.  How's your prayer life? Many of our nation's leaders has being ridiculed and made fun of because they pray or ask their nation to pray for them.  Jesus said that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; (Luke 18:1).  He told Peter, "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak"(Matthew 26:41).  Regular communication with God is essential in the lives of all those who love Him.  If we say that we have fellowship with Him, then we will have an attitude of prayer.  Our first thoughts and actions of each day should be to offer up praise and thanksgiving for His mercy, compassion, long-suffering, and love.

Sing:  Are you weary, are you heavy laden?  Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus; are you grieving over joys departed? Tell it to Jesus alone.

Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus, He is a friend that's well known; you have no other such a friend or brother, tell it to Jesus alone.

2011 February 12 - Morning Manna

If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. (James 2:8-9)

Today's Morsel:  Valentine's Day is a day set aside to show our love for others.  I've been focusing on love lately.  It seems as though many are starting to lose their love for one another.  The world seems to be at unrest and Jesus said that this would happen.  He said, "And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold" (Matthew 24:12).  In other words, because of illegality, that is violation of law or (generally) wickedness amongst people these days, the love for one another will no longer be there.  If I have love, I can overcome any opposition.  With God's love, there is nothing impossible for me to do.  How do you exercise your love toward others?  We should always think how we would like others to treat us, and then treat them that same way.  If we practice this law, love will always be in our hearts and we will display it to other.

Sing:  I was sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shore, very deeply stained within, sinking to rise no more; but the Master of the sea heard my despairing cry, from the waters lifted me, now safe am I.

Love lifted me! Love lifted me! When nothing else could help, Love lifted me! Love lifted me! Love lifted me! When nothing else could help; Love, lifted, me!

2011 February 11 - Morning Manna

And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose. And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years. There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown. And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them. But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.(Genesis 6:1-8)

Today's Morsel:  So you think you are having a bad day."  In a hospital's Intensive Care Unit patients always died in the same bed on Sunday morning, at about 11:00 am, regardless of their medical condition. This puzzled the doctors and some even thought it had something to do with the supernatural.  No one could solve the mystery as to why the deaths occurred around 11:00 am on Sunday, so a worldwide team of experts was assembled to investigate the cause of the incidents.  The next Sunday morning, a few minutes before 11:00 a.m., all of the doctors and nurses nervously waited outside the ward to see for themselves what the terrible phenomenon was all about.  Some were holding wooden crosses, prayer books, and others holy objects to ward off the evil spirits.  Just when the clock struck 11:00, Pookie Johnson, the part-time Sunday sweeper, entered the ward and unplugged the life support system so he could use the vacuum cleaner.

Ever think that it can't get any worse?  Believe it or not, it has been worse.  So worse that God destroyed all living creatures upon the earth, all except Noah and his family and the animals he chose.  When God singled out Noah to help keep human history afloat, he was asking Noah to be obedient while everyone else was being evil.  It took Noah over 100 years to build the Ark. The Bible calls him a preacher of righteousness, and we don't see any of humanity saved but his own family.  Eight souls, the Bible says (1 Peter 3:20-21).   Could you have been obedient during this evil time?  Well things haven't changed that much.  As a matter of fact, they are worse.  Paul said that evil seducers shall wax worse and worse.  Yet these days of darkness and evil that we are living in are also days of opportunity for you to let your light shine.  What makes these days days of opportunity is the power of light in you to pierce through this darkness.  Jesus said, "I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life" (John 8:12).  He said that we are lights of the world, cities set on a hill which cannot be hidden (Matthew 5:14).  But our light is dependant upon His light.  We should be asking ourselves what can we do to shine for Jesus in this darkened world.  Just how can I treat this crisis as an opportunity, and focus my light into this present darkness.  We need to ask ourselves when will we finally be ready to forsake everything that keeps us from being faithful follower to God, and make the adjustments.  If we don't do it now, when?  It's time that we live righteous in this present generation.

Sing: Lily of the Valley, let your sweet aroma fill my life.  Rose of Sharon show me, how to grow in beauty in God's sight.  Fairest of ten thousand, make me a reflection of your light.  Daystar shine down on me, let your love shine through me in the night.  

2011 February 10 - Morning Manna

And Abram went up out of Egypt, he, and his wife, and all that he had, and Lot with him, into the south. And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold. And he went on his journeys from the south even to Bethel, unto the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Hai; Unto the place of the altar, which he had made there at the first: and there Abram called on the name of the LORD. And Lot also, which went with Abram, had flocks, and herds, and tents. And the land was not able to bear them, that they might dwell together: for their substance was great, so that they could not dwell together. And there was a strife between the herdmen of Abram's cattle and the herdmen of Lot's cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land. And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren. Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left. And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar. Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other. (Genesis 13:1-11).

Today's Morsel: If anyone had earn the right to choose the best land, it was Abraham.  He was the one who had left home when God told him to at all cost.  Lot was just along for the ride.  But I guess that since Lot had been with him after the death of his father, he felt as though he had earned some rights.  How about you, do you always want to be first in the choosing process?  Jesus said that the first shall be last and the last first.  Jesus is the first and He is the last.  Sometimes we fuss at our children for wanting their way, fighting over who gets to go first, but what about us?  Most people never outgrow wanting things to go their way, and so they struggle with it.  The next time you see a child ruining his whole day over something that seems insignificant, think about the things you get upset over such as a parking space, uncooked food, a bad call when we are playing a game, you don't get to sing, or be the leader, or someone goes before you.  Why not stop and see if there is a more peaceable way and be like Abraham and tell them to go first.  The golden rule must always be applied in every situation.  Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.  John Calvin said, "Whenever there is a disposition to quarrel, there you can be certain God does not reign."  Many folk do not grow spiritually because they prefer to choose what they think is right instead of relying on God to choose for them. We need to say to Jesus, "Lord, You know what's best for me."

  

Sing:  Jesus! Jesus! You know what best for me.  So lead on, Jesus; I'll go wherever You lead.

2011 February 9 - Morning Manna

"And David said, Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may shew him kindness for Jonathan's sake? And there was of the house of Saul a servant whose name was Ziba. And when they had called him unto David, the king said unto him, Art thou Ziba? And he said, Thy servant is he. And the king said, Is there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may shew the kindness of God unto him? And Ziba said unto the king, Jonathan hath yet a son, which is lame on his feet. And the king said unto him, Where is he? And Ziba said unto the king, Behold, he is in the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel, in Lodebar. Then king David sent, and fetched him out of the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel, from Lodebar. Now when Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, was come unto David, he fell on his face, and did reverence. And David said, Mephibosheth. And he answered, Behold thy servant! And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father's sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually. And he bowed himself, and said, What is thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am? Then the king called to Ziba, Saul's servant, and said unto him, I have given unto thy master's son all that pertained to Saul and to all his house. Thou therefore, and thy sons, and thy servants, shall till the land for him, and thou shalt bring in the fruits, that thy master's son may have food to eat: but Mephibosheth thy master's son shall eat bread alway at my table. Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. Then said Ziba unto the king, According to all that my lord the king hath commanded his servant, so shall thy servant do. As for Mephibosheth, said the king, he shall eat at my table, as one of the king's sons" (2 Samuel 9:1-11).

Today's Morsel:  King David, weary from constant demands on his time, finally gets a few minutes to himself.  He sits down, takes a deep breath, and starts to think.  Maybe he began to ponder the strategy for the next battle. Or maybe he was thinking about how bad his men needed a break.  But then something deep within hit him.  Maybe he began to think about his closest friend, Jonathan.  Maybe that last battle was tough and he thought to himself, if I only had Jonathan, we could have really waxed them.  But something gripped his heart.  Was there any left of Saul's household that he could show kindness to.  David, a man after God's own heart, was gripped by compassion.  He became concerned for the house of Saul.  Sympathy got a hold of his heart strings and he wanted to show kindness.  Compassion is the quickest way to the heart of God.  Over and over in the Bible, it is confirmed throughout history, that when we show kindness and consideration for others, it touches the deepest part of the heart of God.  Compassion costs you.  It costs you to provide that needed meal.  It costs you to share some of your time.  It costs you to help where others won't.  It costs you giving a hug or a warm hand shake when others are hurting.  Mother Teresa said, " I have come more and more to realize that being unwanted is the worst disease that any human being can experience."  If we are to be like Christ, we must renew our compassion for the lost and hurting each day.  It's only by keeping our minds stayed on Jesus that we understand how it is possible to fulfill the royal law and love our neighbors as ourselves.

Sing:  They were so tired and weary, lost and scattered everywhere, to the Master they were just like sheep, without a Shepherd's care.  He felt of their infirmity, so much, that it made him weep, His heart was filled with pity and compassion for His sheep.

Chorus: Lord, please move me with compassion for the lost I pray.  For the millions who are lost and cannot find their way.  Melt my calloused heart with love no matter what the cost, Lord, please move me with compassion for the lost.

2011 February 8 - Morning Manna

And it was told the king of Egypt that the people fled: and the heart of Pharaoh and of his servants was turned against the people, and they said, Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go from serving us? And he made ready his chariot, and took his people with him.. And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the LORD. And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt? Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness. And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.... And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.
(Exodus 14:5-6;10-14;21).

Today's Morsel: You've probably seen the movie "Moses" with Charlton Hesston, playing Moses.  Wave after wave of Israelites joyfully taking their first steps to freedom from Egypt's bondage.  But they were hardly out of town before the dancers turned daggers pointing at Moses.  And those daggers were sharp.  Piercing words of disdain, and disregard for his role as their leader.  It's almost like watching people shout and dance in church and as soon as you ask them to do something, the knife comes out.  One of the most challenging frustrations of leadership is realizing that those who follow don't often see things the way you do.  With the Egyptians thundering down on one side and the waves lapping the shore on the other, the Israelites saw a dead end.  But Moses saw two protective walls of water and a clear path to God's deliverance.  When others don't share your enthusiasm or your willingness to sacrifice for an unseen, uncertain goal, do what Moses did; stand still and communicate your vision with clarity and conviction.  And trust the Lord to bring His results to pass.

Sing:  My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus' name.

On Christ the solid Rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand.

2011 February 7 - Morning Manna

And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband's, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name was Boaz. And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after him in whose sight I shall find grace. And she said unto her, Go, my daughter. And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech. And, behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said unto the reapers, The LORD be with you. And they answered him, The LORD bless thee. Then said Boaz unto his servant that was set over the reapers, Whose damsel is this? And the servant that was set over the reapers answered and said, It is the Moabitish damsel that came back with Naomi out of the country of Moab: And she said, I pray you, let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves: so she came, and hath continued even from the morning until now, that she tarried a little in the house. Then said Boaz unto Ruth, Hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another field, neither go from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens: Let thine eyes be on the field that they do reap, and go thou after them: have I not charged the young men that they shall not touch thee? and when thou art athirst, go unto the vessels, and drink of that which the young men have drawn. Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger? And Boaz answered and said unto her, It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother in law since the death of thine husband: and how thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore. The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust. Then she said, Let me find favour in thy sight, my lord; for that thou hast comforted me, and for that thou hast spoken friendly unto thine handmaid, though I be not like unto one of thine handmaidens. And Boaz said unto her, At mealtime come thou hither, and eat of the bread, and dip thy morsel in the vinegar. And she sat beside the reapers: and he reached her parched corn, and she did eat, and was sufficed, and left. And when she was risen up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not: And let fall also some of the handfuls of purpose for her, and leave them, that she may glean them, and rebuke her not. So she gleaned in the field until even, and beat out that she had gleaned: and it was about an ephah of barley. And she took it up, and went into the city: and her mother in law saw what she had gleaned: and she brought forth, and gave to her that she had reserved after she was sufficed. And her mother in law said unto her, Where hast thou gleaned to day? and where wroughtest thou? blessed be he that did take knowledge of thee. And she shewed her mother in law with whom she had wrought, and said, The man's name with whom I wrought to day is Boaz. And Naomi said unto her daughter in law, Blessed be he of the LORD, who hath not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead. And Naomi said unto her, The man is near of kin unto us, one of our next kinsmen. And Ruth the Moabitess said, He said unto me also, Thou shalt keep fast by my young men, until they have ended all my harvest. And Naomi said unto Ruth her daughter in law, It is good, my daughter, that thou go out with his maidens, that they meet thee not in any other field. So she kept fast by the maidens of Boaz to glean unto the end of barley harvest and of wheat harvest; and dwelt with her mother in law.(Ruth 2:1-23)

Today's Morsel:  Old Testament men don't commonly come off as being kind.  But Boaz was a big exception.  His example of putting a priority on people still has a lot to speak to us today.  In reality, Boaz was much more than a kind, loving man who gave Ruth free run of his field.  He was a kinsman-redeemer.  He was one who, by law, had the right to buy lands and possessions of bankrupt relatives to keep it in the family.  In the same way, Jesus Christ is the one who has met us in our bankrupt life and assumed the role of kinsman-redeemer to rescue us from the prison of sin by making full payment and redeeming us from death to keep us in the family by His blood.  Not only did Boaz redeem the land, but Ruth also.  And because of this possession, scripture says, "So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bare a son. And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed be the LORD, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel. And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of thine old age: for thy daughter in law, which loveth thee, which is better to thee than seven sons, hath born him. And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it. And the women her neighbours gave it a name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David" (Ruth 4:13-17).  And King David is the father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ according to the flesh.  Our Redeemer.

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

2011 February 5 - Morning Manna

Then the lords of the Philistines gathered them together for to offer a great sacrifice unto Dagon their god, and to rejoice: for they said, Our god hath delivered Samson our enemy into our hand. And when the people saw him, they praised their god: for they said, Our god hath delivered into our hands our enemy, and the destroyer of our country, which slew many of us. And it came to pass, when their hearts were merry, that they said, Call for Samson, that he may make us sport. And they called for Samson out of the prison house; and he made them sport: and they set him between the pillars. And Samson said unto the lad that held him by the hand, Suffer me that I may feel the pillars whereupon the house standeth, that I may lean upon them. Now the house was full of men and women; and all the lords of the Philistines were there; and there were upon the roof about three thousand men and women, that beheld while Samson made sport. And Samson called unto the LORD, and said, O Lord GOD, remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen me, I pray thee, only this once, O God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes. And Samson took hold of the two middle pillars upon which the house stood, and on which it was borne up, of the one with his right hand, and of the other with his left. And Samson said, Let me die with the Philistines. And he bowed himself with all his might; and the house fell upon the lords, and upon all the people that were therein. So the dead which he slew at his death were more than they which he slew in his life. (Judges 16:23-30)

Today's Morsel:  Samson blew it big time. Here is a guy with everything in the world going for him, and he throws it away.  For a thrill.  For a kick.  For a woman.  But here is the living proof that even at the very end, even at the very bottom, people can change.  And God can still hear.  Every picture you see of Samson is of this massive, hulk, carving up Philistines with a jawbone of an ass, or snapping gates and doors off their hinges, tying fox tails together and burning up wheat fields, or just shaking and the enemy running. Sometimes he acts like the street kid bully, and then he acts as though he is superman.   Samson had internal powers that his enemy did not have. Therefore, they resorted to trickery to find the key to his strength.  They resorted to every means to find out his inner strength. What is inside that makes you tick?  Samson knew that he was only as strong as God let him be.  How dangerous it is when we see more within ourselves than is really there.  Micah said, "Truly I am full of power by the spirit of God" (Micah 3:8).  They gave credit to whom credit is due, God.  Paul asked the church at  Galatia, "O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? (Galatians 3:1-3).  The end of Samson's life is a solemn reminder to all of us that there are consequences to sin.  For twenty years, Samson assumed he could ignore all the secret faults that lay beneath the surface of his life, but he was wrong.  He thought he could get away with a few minor indiscretions from time to time, but he was wrong.  At one time or another, we all tend to believe  that we can ignore our sins, but the fact remains, our sins will not ignore us.  As Moses told the children of Israel, "But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out" (Numbers 32:23).

Sing:  Change my heart Oh God, make it ever true, change my heart O' God, may I be like you.

2011 February 4 - Morning Manna

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. (1 Corinthians 1:18)

 Today's Morsel: My great-niece told her mom, "Mom, I don't want to go to La Crosse to visit Grandma." Her mother asked her, "Why?" She said, "Because I might die." Her mom said to her, "Why do you think you will die if you go to La Crosse?" She said, "Well, Jesus went to La Crosse and He died." She had heard in Sunday school about Jesus dying on the cross, and so when she heard that they were going to La Ccrosse, the city where we now live, to visit, she only heard going to "the cross."

 

Someone said that Jesus defeated the devil with three nails and two sticks. Jesus told Nicodemus, "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life" (John 3:14-15).  In order for the children of Israel to be saved from their sins, they had to look to the serpent which Moses placed on the pole in the midst of the camp if they were bitten by a serpent.  Satan, that old serpent, is biting and inflecting many today with sin.   Sin is his sting, the sting of death.  But if when he inflicts us with it, we would look to Jesus, repent of our sins, and allow Him to cover us with His blood and heal us, we can eradicate that sting and live.  Paul said, "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God."  He said to talk about how and why Christ died on a cross to people who are lost is foolish. It doesn't pass the common sense test to them for one to die this way to save others.  But God's ways aren't our ways, are they?  But then Paul said that unto us which are saved, we understand that if Christ had not die, we could not have His Spirit, which is the Holy Ghost, and the Holy Ghost is power.  So until you take up your cross and follow Him, you are powerless!

 

Sing:  Alas, and did my Savior bleed? And did my Sovereign die? Would He devote that sacred head for such a worm as I?

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

2011 February 3 - Morning Manna

Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance. Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Until I make thy foes thy footstool. Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost

(Acts 2:22-38).

Today's Morsel: The martyred Apostles were not afraid to share the truth about Jesus.  They knew that they had been chosen to share the truth of the Messiah that many had long for and desired to see.  Jesus had told them to go into all the world and to preach the gospel.  On the Day of Pentecost, Peter began to preach and to teach about Jesus.  Stephen was willing to teach them by taking them all the way back to the book of Genesis and walking them through to Christ (Acts 7).  After his conversion, the Apostle Paul said, " I have made known to you all the counsel of God." He further stated, "And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified" (1 Corinthians 2:1-2).  They wanted the people to know that it wasn't about them, but that it was all about Jesus Christ.  The story of the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, must be spoken by all born again believers.  It is the gospel that will make men free.  Paul said that some have not the knowledge of Christ and I speak that to your shame (1 Corinthians 15:34). Until people have a knowledge of Jesus, their lives will remain in a dim and be a foggy mess.  Light will always show them the way.

Sing:  Tell me the story of Jesus, write on my heart every word, tell me the story most precious, sweetest that ever was heard; tell how the angels in chorus, sang as they welcomed His birth, glory to God in the highest! Peace and good tidings to earth.

2011 February 2 - Morning Manna

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).

 Today's Morsel: What happens when we believe something with all of our heart?  Belief fuels enthusiasm, and enthusiasm explodes into passion.  It fires our souls and lifts our spirits.  Passion is having a love for what you are doing.  It's being enthused, excited, and obsessed each time you think about it.  So when we believe God with all of our heart, something should rise up within us that bursts forth with continual praise and thanksgiving for all that He does for us.  When we know who He is and who we are in Him, our attitudes should show to others just how much we trust and believe Him to care for all our needs.  As born again believers, we are cut from the same mold as the apostles.  After the Day of Pentecost, they got to a point that they started to trust and believe what Jesus said they would do, and they became excited about doing what He asked them to do, and that was to go preach the gospel.  You have to have passion for this Truth or else it will just be another task on your plate that you see as boring.  But when you trust Him with all your heart, you are going to turn on those after burners and break the sound bearer with praise.

Sing:  Hallelujah! Praise the Lamb.  Hallelujah! Praise the Lamb.  My heart sings, His praise again. Hallelujah! Praise the Lamb.  

2011 February 1 - Morning Manna

Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
(James 5:13-16).

Today's Morsel:  At 211 degrees, water is hot.  At 212 degrees, water boils.  And with boiling water comes steam.  And steam can power a locomotive.  We must get to a point in our prayer life that we become so hot that things begin to happen and things start moving.  Jesus said that men ought always to pray, and not to faint (Luke 18:1).  Paul said "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth" (1 Timothy 2:1-4). The disciples wanted Jesus to teach them to pray because they saw that each time Jesus returned from praying, things started to happen.  With prayer, we can change our world.  With prayer, we can change others.  With prayer, we can change how we see things, do things, and work with things and others.  Prayer can move mountains.  Prayer can open blinded eyes to the truth of the gospel.  If we will develop a consistent prayer life and keep it effectual and fervent, we will see God working on our behalf. 

 Sing:  Prayer can move mountains, mountains of fear and of doubt, prayer can move mountains, so why don't you try your prayer out.