2011 March 31 - Morning Manna

And for Aaron's sons thou shalt make coats, and thou shalt make for them girdles, and bonnets shalt thou make for them, for glory and for beauty. And thou shalt put them upon Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him; and shalt anoint them, and consecrate them, and sanctify them, that they may minister unto me in the priest's office. And thou shalt make them linen breeches to cover their nakedness; from the loins even unto the thighs they shall reach: And they shall be upon Aaron, and upon his sons, when they come in unto the tabernacle of the congregation, or when they come near unto the altar to minister in the holy place; that they bear not iniquity, and die: it shall be a statute for ever unto him and his seed after him. (Exodus 28:40-43)

Today's Morsel:  During my childhood, it wasn't uncommon to hear a mother or father say to their sons, " Boy don't you get those breeches dirty."  Pants were called breeches and a woman's or girl's dress was called a frock.  There were differences.  I had a young man ask me once why I didn't wear short pants.  I told him, first of all, I don't think anyone would want to see my ugly and scarred legs, and second, that I didn't want to expose any part of nakedness before anyone that I may have to sit before.  And besides, God call for His children to be covered.  The Lord told Moses that Aaron's son were to have on linen breeches to cover their nakedness.   No part of their nakedness was to be shown.  I'm afraid that in the church today, saints are exposing too much of their nakedness before the Lord.  I understand when saints invites a sinner to come to church and they tell them to just come as you are and their nakedness is exposed before the Lord, it is understandable.  But once they move into a relationship with Jesus, they must learn to dress modestly and not expose their nakedness to others and before the Lord.  Throughout scripture we are told to put on holy garments and to let our garments be holy.  Are you exposing yourself before the Lord and others?  The old folks didn't call a mirror a looking glass for nothing.  We might want to look in it before we venture outside.

Sing: The windows of heaven are open, God's power is falling tonight, it's joy, joy, joy in our hearts, since Jesus made everything right.  I gave him my old tattered garments, He gave me a robe of pure white, I feasting on manna from heaven and that's why I'm happy tonight.

2011 March 30 - Morning Manna

And it came to pass, when Samuel was old, that he made his sons judges over Israel. Now the name of his firstborn was Joel; and the name of his second, Abiah: they were judges in Beersheba. And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment. Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah, And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations. But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the LORD. And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them. According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt even unto this day, wherewith they have forsaken me, and served other gods, so do they also unto thee. Now therefore hearken unto their voice: howbeit yet protest solemnly unto them, and shew them the manner of the king that shall reign over them. And Samuel told all the words of the LORD unto the people that asked of him a king. And he said, This will be the manner of the king that shall reign over you: He will take your sons, and appoint them for himself, for his chariots, and to be his horsemen; and some shall run before his chariots. And he will appoint him captains over thousands, and captains over fifties; and will set them to ear his ground, and to reap his harvest, and to make his instruments of war, and instruments of his chariots. And he will take your daughters to be confectionaries, and to be cooks, and to be bakers. And he will take your fields, and your vineyards, and your oliveyards, even the best of them, and give them to his servants. And he will take the tenth of your seed, and of your vineyards, and give to his officers, and to his servants. And he will take your menservants, and your maidservants, and your goodliest young men, and your asses, and put them to his work. He will take the tenth of your sheep: and ye shall be his servants. And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall have chosen you; and the LORD will not hear you in that day. Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us
(1 Samuel 8:1-19)

  

Today's Morsel:  How much thought do you put into your vote for elected officials?  Do you vote a straight party line, or do you check up on candidates and read their platform to which they stand for and support?  Do you check their moral compass?  Are you saddened when the ones you vote for turn and do everything that goes against your values and your moral compass?  Solomon said that it is best to trust in the Lord rather than to put confidence in man (Psalm 118:8).  Israel wanted a king to rule over them just as all the other nations had.  They no longer wanted God to lead them.  They saw that Samuel's sons were not doing right, and they felt that they needed someone else to lead them.  After all those years of seeing God's provision for them, they never had gotten to a point where they trusted God to lead them.  Understanding their desire for a new leader, God told Samuel to give them their desire.  When Samuel told them what a king over them would do to them, they still said, Nay; but we will have a king over us.  Talk about a slap in God's face.  Talk about a sure rejection of the One that loved them and gave Himself for them.  The Lord told David that he that rules over men, must be just, ruling in the fear of God ( 2 Samuel 23:1-3). When leaders do not operate in such a manner, people are going to be led astray and misused.  They will enact policies and procedures to take away from the people and make them depend on them.  Therefore, in our selection process for our nation's leaders, we must ask ourselves if they are God fearing or not?  Because if they are not, they will lead us away from the principles and ways of God.

Sing:  Jesus we're depending on you!  Jesus, we're depending on you!  Jesus, we're depending on you!  Depending on you, to see us through.

2011 March 29 - Morning Manna

" The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever"(Psalms 23:1-6)

Today's Morsel:  Wouldn't it be neat if you could just pull into the service station and say, "Filler-up" and not have to worry about paying?  I never would have thought I would see the day that we would have to pay for air for our tires, water to drink, and luggage to be carried with you on an airplane.  But times change. 

 

Paul said, "My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Phil 4:19).  David said that the Lord was his shepherd, and that God would provide everything that he needed.  He said that God would even prepare a table for him in the presence of his enemies.  And that God would lead him beside still waters; that God would restore his soul when he was weary.  But more importantly, he said that God would anoint his head with oil and his cup would run over.  The Greek word for cup here is the word keece which could also mean a bag for money or weights: bag, cup, purse.  So how's your purse?  How's your money bag?  Is it running over?  Are you full?  Are you content with what you have?  Remember, little is much when God is in it.  If you have the Holy Ghost, your head has been anointed, and God will be with you all the days of your life.  So just stay in the house of the Lord and everything you have need of will be provide.

 

Sing:  He's already provided, He's already provided; everything you need, He's already provided.  Every promise you can claim,  just ask it in His name; 'cause everything you need, He's already provided it for you.

2011 March 28 - Morning Manna

The people of the land have used oppression, and exercised robbery, and have vexed the poor and needy: yea, they have oppressed the stranger wrongfully. And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.

(Ezekiel 22:29-30)

Today's Morsel:  Going! Going! Going! Gone!  Where have all the good men gone?  Can God find any real men anymore?  What has happened to them?  Where did they all go?  God says that the people of the land have used oppression, and exercised robbery, and have vexed the poor and needy: yea, they have oppressed the stranger wrongfully.  God is looking for a man that will stand in the gap before Him for the land that it should not be destroyed, but He can't find any.  We need men.  The church needs men.  The community needs men.  The school system needs men.  The home needs men.  We need men as David, who will say, "Is there not a cause?"  We need men as Joshua, who will say, " As for me and my house we will serve the Lord."  We need men as Isaiah, who will say, "Here am I Lord send me."  We need men as the apostle Paul, who will say, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ."  We need godly men.  Men who will be men and stand for righteousness, holiness, and truth.  Are you God's man?

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

2011 March 26 - Morning Manna

Then came the children of Israel, even the whole congregation, into the desert of Zin in the first month: and the people abode in Kadesh; and Miriam died there, and was buried there. And there was no water for the congregation: and they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron. And the people chode with Moses, and spake, saying, Would God that we had died when our brethren died before the LORD! And why have ye brought up the congregation of the LORD into this wilderness, that we and our cattle should die there? And wherefore have ye made us to come up out of Egypt, to bring us in unto this evil place? it is no place of seed, or of figs, or of vines, or of pomegranates; neither is there any water to drink. And Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and they fell upon their faces: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto them. And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink. And Moses took the rod from before the LORD, as he commanded him. And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock? And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also. And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.

(Numbers 20:1-12)

Today's Morsel:  Have you noticed that people seem to be murmuring and complaining more and more these days?  Why are they so unsatisfied? Why are they so discontented?  The children of Israel had seen how God could and would provide for them.  But instead of asking God, they complained and murmured to Moses.  Jesus said that we have not because we ask not.  We would rather complain  and murmur than ask.  Even though the Bible lists Moses as the most meekest man in the earth, he became so feed up with the murmuring and complaining of Israel, that when God told him to speak to the rock and it would give forth water, Moses smote the rock.  He allowed their complaining to cause him to disobey God, and he lost his leadership position to lead Israel into the Promise Land.  If you are a leader and you allow the people to get to you so much that you do something contrary to what God tells you to do, you may make it into heaven, but you may lose your position to lead God's people.  Moses was God's chosen leader and this lets us know that as leaders for God in this earth, we must obey every word that proceedd from the mouth of God and not allow the complaining and murmuring of people cause us to error.  So be ye angry and sin not.

Sing: Precious Lord, take my hand, lead me on let me stand; I am tired, I am weak, I am worn. Through the storm, through the night, lead me on, to the light, take my hand, precious Lord, and lead me home.

2011 March 25 - Morning Manna

And the LORD said unto Moses, When thou goest to return into Egypt, see that thou do all those wonders before Pharaoh, which I have put in thine hand: but I will harden his heart, that he shall not let the people go. (Exodus 4:21)

Today's Morsel:  Have you read the Bible and become confused about God's comment to Moses that He would harden Pharaoh heart?  Some people seem to think that God was causing Pharaoh's heart to be hardened.  This is one of those oxymorons.  What God was saying to Moses was that Pharaoh will reject my word and not do what I'm asking him to do, and this will cause his heart to become hardened.  When people will not listen to what God is telling them to do, they will harden themselves against what they have been asked to do.  People who do not want to listen to the Word of God and change their lives, will become atheistic.  Their hearts are hardened, and they will be as Pharaoh and say, "Who is the Lord that I should obey him?"   Anytime you go against the Word of God, it will harden your heart.  This is why the Lord tells us "Break up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorns" (Jeremiah 4:3).  When our hearts are hardened, the Word cannot be sown in it.  The heart must first be broken up.  When our hearts of hardened through pride, materialism, and worldliness, we reject what the man of God is telling us, and so God has to take a more drastic measure toward us before we will listen.  This is why the ten plagues came the way that they did.   God will get our attention one way or the other.  As He says through the prophet Isaiah, "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it"(Isaiah 1:18-20).  "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 95:6-11). The Psalmist said, "Today if you hear his voice, do not harden your heart."  In other words, when God speaks to you, listen and obey because the consequence for rebellion is always death.  Both natural and spiritual.

Sing:  I'll say yes, Lord, yes, to you will and to your way. I'll say yes, Lord, yes, I will trust you and obey. When your Spirit speaks to me, with my whole heart I'll agree, and my answer will be yes, Lord, yes!

2011 March 24 - Morning Manna

Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. (Proverbs 4:7)

Today's Morsel:  I'm sure you've heard the saying, "I know you think you heard what I said, but I'm not sure that you understood what I meant."  This happens in school alot.  Students think they understand what the teacher required of them to do, only to receive their papers back with a failing mark and they wonder what they did wrong.  Solomon said that wisdom is the principle thing; therefore get wisdom.  But then he tells us to ensure that we get understanding to go along with it.  Paul tells us to, "Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man" (Colossians 4:5-6).  Jesus said that we are to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves (Matthew 10:16).  We need to have wisdom in our lives.  But wisdom does you no good without an understanding.  Wisdom is like buying a shelf that isn't put together.  You see the picture on the outside of the box, but you read the instructions on how to assemble it or it may not look the same as it does on the box when you finish assembling it if you don't understand the assembly instructions.  Where do you get wisdom from?  Solomon said, "For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly" (Proverbs 2:6-7).  We get it from the Lord.  The apostle Paul identifies "a word wisdom" as a Gift of the Spirit ( 1Corintians 12:8), meaning it comes from God.  When we put wisdom and understanding together in our lives, then we understand  what we must be, know, and do.

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

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

2011 March 23 - Morning Manna

"And he heard the words of Laban's sons, saying, Jacob hath taken away all that was our father's; and of that which was our father's hath he gotten all this glory. And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as before" (Genesis 31:1-2).

Today's Morsel:  When God started to bless Jacob more than his uncle Laban, his cousins became jealous of him and started to accuse him of taking away their father's possessions.  After working there for twenty years, under his uncle Labans' unfairness, God began to bless Jacob.  When you've been faithful and doing what you know to do is right, God won't allow you to not be blessed.  He will bless you right before your enemies, and right before the eyes of those who have done you wrong.  Laban was blessed only because God was with Jacob during his developmental process.   But even today, when God begins to elevate a man or woman and their  ministry, and their ministry starts to grow more than the one they are under, the spirit of jealousy can easily set in by those who have been there for a while.  When David, who was under Saul's leadership, begin to defeat more enemies than Saul and the people started to give him praise, Saul became jealous and wanted to kill David.  Saul could have had a force to be reckoned with and more possessions, the same as Laban, but he allowed  jealousy to get into his heart and it destroyed him.  Paul tells us, "Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep" (Romans 12:9-15). We must not become as Saul and Laban, but we must allow God to bless whom He desires to bless and we should rejoice with them.

Sing: I am blessed! I am blessed! Every day that I live, I am blessed. When I wake up in the morning, till I lay my head to rest, I am blessed, I am blessed!

2011 March 22 - Morning Manna

"The LORD reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth between the cherubims; let the earth be moved. The LORD is great in Zion; and he is high above all the people. Let them praise thy great and terrible name; for it is holy. The king's strength also loveth judgment; thou dost establish equity, thou executest judgment and righteousness in Jacob. Exalt ye the LORD our God, and worship at his footstool; for he is holy. Moses and Aaron among his priests, and Samuel among them that call upon his name; they called upon the LORD, and he answered them. He spake unto them in the cloudy pillar: they kept his testimonies, and the ordinance that he gave them. Thou answeredst them, O LORD our God: thou wast a God that forgavest them, though thou tookest vengeance of their inventions. Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the LORD our God is holy"(Psalms 99:1-9)

Today's Morsel:  When we worship God, we are acknowledging God for who He is.  And when we praise Him, we are thanking Him for what He has done and is going to do.  When we worship, we open ourselves up for more of God.  The earth is God's footstool.  Therefore, we are in the earth and we should worship Him.  Throughout scripture, we are told to worship the Lord.  We are told to come before His presence with singing.  We are told to lift up holy hands and to praise Him.  Our forefathers were worshippers.  We must exalt the Lord our God.  When I think of the goodness of Jesus and all that He's done for me, my soul cries out hallelujah, and I thank God for saving me.  David wanted to ensure that his praise was accepted of God, and so he said, "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer" (Psalms 19:14).  Jesus was serious about us worshipping Him.  He told the woman at the well, "Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.  God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth" (John 4:21-24).  Worship just seems to bring us a little bit closer each time to God.  And the more I worship, it's going to lead me to that perfect day.

Sing: 1. I love you Lord, and I lift my voice, to worship you, O' my soul rejoice, take joy my King, in what you hear, let it be a sweet, sweet sound in your ear. (Chorus) 

2. For Thou O' Lord art, high, above all the earth, Thou are exalted, far above all gods.  For Thou O' Lord art high, above all the earth, Thou art exalted far above all gods. (Chorus) 

Chorus:  We exalt Thee! We exalt Thee! We exalt Thee, O' Lord! We exalt Thee! We exalt Thee! We exalt Thee, O' Lord!

2011 March 21 - Morning Manna

"Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick" (Luke 9:1-2).

Today's Morsel:  Where has the church erred?  Does it seem as though the church has lost its power.  We pray for people, but it seems that they aren't healed, and so we question if God is hearing us.  Jesus gave us power to tread over all the power of the enemy, and He told us, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.  He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover" (Mark 16:15-18).  So what is going on with the church? Why does it seem as though the church isn't effective?  Why does it seem as though the wicked and unjust are maintaining the upper hand?  I don't believe the church has lost its power, I believe the church has lost its love.  Jesus said, "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another" (John 13:35).  Paul said, "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).  We are the church, (not a building but a people) and if we lose our love for one another, than certain things are going to cease.   John said, "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).  And so I am of the belief that until we start to love the way that Jesus told us to love, we can pray, fast, and speak in tongues until the cows come home, yet we will be of little effect against the enemy of our soul.  I say we get back to the basics.

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

2011 March 19 - Morning Manna

"And Joseph knew his brethren, but they knew not him. And Joseph remembered the dreams which he dreamed of them, and said unto them, Ye are spies; to see the nakedness of the land ye are come. And they said unto him, Nay, my lord, but to buy food are thy servants come. We are all one man's sons; we are true men, thy servants are no spies. And he said unto them, Nay, but to see the nakedness of the land ye are come. And they said, Thy servants are twelve brethren, the sons of one man in the land of Canaan; and, behold, the youngest is this day with our father, and one is not. And Joseph said unto them, That is it that I spake unto you, saying, Ye are spies: Hereby ye shall be proved: By the life of Pharaoh ye shall not go forth hence, except your youngest brother come hither. Send one of you, and let him fetch your brother, and ye shall be kept in prison, that your words may be proved, whether there be any truth in you: or else by the life of Pharaoh surely ye are spies. And he put them all together into ward three days. And Joseph said unto them the third day, This do, and live; for I fear God: If ye be true men, let one of your brethren be bound in the house of your prison: go ye, carry corn for the famine of your houses: But bring your youngest brother unto me; so shall your words be verified, and ye shall not die. And they did so" (Genesis 42:8-20)

Today's Morsel:  I'm sure you've heard the acronym "TMI" which stands for "Too Much Information;" meaning you are providing too much information to someone else and telling them things that they did not ask you for or things they don't want to know about.  Why do we think we have to tell everything we know.  Scripture tells us. "Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few" (Ecclesiastes 5:2).  Divulging of too much information about our situations and circumstances can play into the hand of the enemy of our soul.  Satan can hear our voice, but he cannot read our minds.  Some of the people you provide information to about your situatiuon, may have loose lips, and loose lips sink ships.  When Joseph accused his brothers of being spies, scripture says "And they said unto him, Nay, my lord, but to buy food are thy servants come. We are all one man's sons; we are true men, thy servants are no spies. And he said unto them, Nay, but to see the nakedness of the land ye are come. And they said, Thy servants are twelve brethren, the sons of one man in the land of Canaan; and, behold, the youngest is this day with our father, and one is not."  They told him that they had a father, a brother still home with their father, and a brother missing, and even how many of them there were in their family.  Joseph just accused them of spying, and they gave him more information than was needed and it worked against them.  Part of interrogation is to get you to tell things about you and others.  Joseph's brother were afraid of losing their lives and so they tried to make it easy on themselves by providing information.  We need to learn to keep information about us and our situation to ourselves, and just let God work it out for us.  If we are faithful to Him, He'll bring us through, and we don't need to tell everything we know to try and make it easy on ourselves.

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

2011 March 18 - Morning Manna

"And it came to pass the third day, which was Pharaoh's birthday, that he made a feast unto all his servants: and he lifted up the head of the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants. And he restored the chief butler unto his butlership again; and he gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand: But he hanged the chief baker: as Joseph had interpreted to them. Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat him" (Genesis 40:20-23)

Today's Morsel:  How did you get to where you are today?  Do you know who helped you achieve success or placed you on the road to success.  Just who were the mentors that helped you?  I had many people who helped me, and I try not to forget them, calling them whenever I can, or even talking about them to others, sharing how they helped me.  But too often we forget people that help us.  There are no thank you notes sent or phone calls to say thanks for helping.  When Jesus healed the 10 lepers, scripture says, "And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole"(Luke 17:15-19).  Jesus wanted to know where the others were.  They quickly forgot what He had done for them.  The butler forgot all about Joseph being in prison after Joseph had interpret his dream for him.  Joseph had told him, "Don't forget me."  But it was two years later before he remembered him.  Why do we forget so soon what others do for us?  Many today have forgotten all about Calvary.  They have forgotten that Jesus gave His life so they could live.  They persecute the church and go against everything that Jesus said.  The Apostle Paul said, "Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen" (Romans 1:21-25).  Whatever you do, don't forget God, because without Him you can do nothing.

Sing:  Thank you, Lord, for saving my soul.  Thank you, Lord, for making me whole.  Thank you, Lord, for giving to me, Thy great salvation, so rich and free.

2011 March 17 - Morning Manna

Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said, Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge? Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me. Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. (Job 38:1-4)

Today's Morsel: God seems to hit Job with some pretty hard questions.  Job seemed to be dumbfounded at the questions God was throwing at him.  Job was so awestruck, that all he could say was, " Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth. Once have I spoken; but I will not answer: yea, twice; but I will proceed no further"(Job 40:4-6).  God wanted Job to know that when Job got it all figured out, to come talk with Him.  By the time God finished with questioning Job, Job just said, "I know that thou canst do everything, and that no thought can be withholden from thee..... I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee" (Job 42:2;5).  Paul said that the natural man cannot receive the things of God because they are spiritual discerned (1 Corinthians 2:14).  This is why we need the Spirit of God to understand the things that are written in the Bible.  The Bible is God inspired (1Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21).  As for me, I don't question what God has written in His word because it has proven true in my life.  We are admonished to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling.  I am encouraged by each word and page of the Bible.  I am always uplifted and  motivated by what is written.    I don't need God to ask me the hard questions as He did Job.  I just want Him to tell me, "Well done good and faithful servant enter the joy which I have prepared for you."  Because no one can contend with God.

Sing:  Oh I want to see Him, look upon  His face. There to sing forever, of His saving grace. On the streets of glory, let me lift my voice, cares all past, home at last, ever to rejoice.

2011 March 16 - Morning Manna

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)

Today's Morsel: How many of you pray for your leaders?  How much time do you spend praying for the leaders of your country?  How many of you pray for everyone you know?  I've noticed that politics makes and causes many enemies and much division, even in the church.  I wonder what God would do to the leadership of a country, organization, or business if we prayed for them.  I believe that our prayers, first and foremost, should be what Paul said about all men and that is that they would be saved.  If your leaders aren't saved, you can rest assured they aren't going to lead and govern godly.  So don't look for it nor expect it.   When Israel was in bondage under Pharaoh, they prayed to God to be delivered.  And the Lord told Moses, "I have heard the cry of my people, go and tell Pharaoh to let my people go."  Scripture says,"And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice. If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land" (2 Chronicles 7:12-14). I believe that it is time that we, the people of God, heed His word so that the land can be healed. Do I have any takers?

Sing:  Jesus, keep me near the cross, there a precious fountain, free to all a healing scream, flows from Calvary's mountain.

In the cross, in the cross, be my glory ever; till my raptured soul shall find, rest beyond the river.

2011 March 15 - Morning Manna

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God" (Romans 12:1-2).

Today's Morsel:  I have come to realize that if nothing changes, nothing changes.  If we say that we are born again, then that means that we are to be changed into the image of Jesus Christ.  But if there is no change in our actions, attitudes, affections, and affirmation, then we haven't changed.  John said, "He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked" (1 John 2:6).  If I say that I am a Christian and no one can tell it, then I probably haven't changed.  If my walk isn't the same as His walk, and I am still walking in the flesh and not the Spirit, then I haven't changed.  If I'm not carrying a cross, then I haven't changed.  Jesus died on a cross.  The flesh died, but the Spirit was made alive. Thus, when we die through repentance, we crucify the flesh, and we are now to live and walk in the Spirit and no longer the flesh.  When I picked up my cross, I died to this world.  I don't look like the world, I don't act like the world, and I don't stake claim to the world.  Repentance is death to this world.  And until we die to it, we aren't carrying a cross, we are just faking it.  Scripture says, "There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish" (Luke 13:1-5).  In other words, if we don't change our direction we are going to perish.  "Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else," Jesus said (Isaiah 45:22).  Salvation always begin with change.  And that change starts in our minds.

Sing:  Change my heart O' God, make it ever true, change my heart O' God, may I be like You!

2011 March 14 - Morning Manna

Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments: And I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God: and ye shall know that I am the LORD your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. And I will bring you in unto the land, concerning the which I did swear to give it to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob; and I will give it you for an heritage: I am the LORD. And Moses spake so unto the children of Israel: but they hearkened not unto Moses for anguish of spirit, and for cruel bondage. (Exodus 6:6-9)

Today's Morsel: Often when I read scriptures, I wonder why so many of the children of Israel never saw Moses as trying to help them instead of adding more work and burdens to them?  Scripture says that they hearkened not to Moses for anguish of Spirit, and for cruel bondage.  They accused him for what they were going through, and therefore, they wouldn't listen to him.  They said it was Moses' fault for their suffering and anguish, not Pharaoh's.  They felt if Moses had stayed in his place, they would have had the things they needed to meet their daily task.  It wasn't Moses' fault that they were in bondage, it was their own forefathers' fault for selling Joseph into slavery.   Moses was just doing what God told him to do to set them free.   Do you get mad with your leaders when things aren't going your way and then you no longer listen to them?  It's true, everything rises and falls upon leadership.  It seems that leadership suffers the blame for things that go wrong in peoples lives.  The Bible says that Moses was the meekest man, yet the people didn't see it that way.  They saw him as the cause of more cruel bondage, they never saw him as a liberator.  Even after their freedom from their Egyptian taskmasters, they still saw Moses as the cause for what they went through and for where they were now in the wilderness.  Someone said, "You couldn't please some people if you hung them with a new rope."   God is using His ministers to set us free, so don't see your pastor as someone causing you more anguish and bondage, see him as God's liberator sent to bring you freedom from bondage.

 

Sing: Come, ye disconsolate, wherever ye languish, come to the mercy seat, and fervently kneel.  Here bring your wounded hearts, here tell your anguish; Jesus said, earth, earth has no sorrow, that heaven cannot heal.

2011 March 12 - Morning Manna

And afterward Moses and Aaron went in, and told Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Let my people go, that they may hold a feast unto me in the wilderness. And Pharaoh said, Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go. And they said, The God of the Hebrews hath met with us: let us go, we pray thee, three days' journey into the desert, and sacrifice unto the LORD our God; lest he fall upon us with pestilence, or with the sword. And the king of Egypt said unto them, Wherefore do ye, Moses and Aaron, let the people from their works? get you unto your burdens. (Exodus 5:1-4)

Today's Morsel:  Many people awake each morning and head right back to their burdens.  The same way that Pharaoh told Moses and Aaron to get back to their burdens, many today are being told the same thing.  The enemy of their soul has placed the burden of  ill health, weariness, depression, loneliness, and an abundant work load upon them, and when they ask for a day off or time to rest a little, time to go to a religious conference in hopes to recover, they are told to get back to their burdens.  You see, the enemy knows that if he can control you, you will give in to his demands for your life.  Are you  feeling weighed down and troubled? Why not cast those burdens upon the Lord as He has told you to do.  Don't keep returning to the same old burdens each day.  See each day as a new day and lift yourself above the shadows and grief.  God didn't call you to be burdened.  Jesus said that the truth shall make you free.  If He makes us free, then that means we are to be free from all things.  And that includes burdens.

Sing:  I'm not sorry, I'm not sorry, I've answered the Master's call.  Jesus took my heavy load, now I'm on the glory road, and I'm not sorry, no I'm not sorry anymore!

2011 March 11 - Morning Manna

And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus' band. And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us. And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself. (Acts 27:1-3)

Today's Morsel:  Paul's journey across the sea to stand trial in Rome was probably made a little bit more bearable because of Julius the guard placed over him.  Julius seemed to be a very kind-heart man.   Just because one carries the title of a Christian, doesn't mean that they are always kind and compassionate with others, even though they should be.  I believe that kindness is one of those good and perfect gifts that comes from God.  Pharaoh showed kindness to Joseph and to his father Israel and his family. But it was the other Pharaoh that did not know Joseph that arose that got Egypt into trouble with God. 

 

Kindness is a great thing, but it's not going to get you into heaven.  Maybe Julius was at a point that he was tired of seeing so much unfair treatment and so he gave Paul liberty.  Or maybe while on ship, he heard Paul preaching to the others about Jesus.   Maybe he had parents who had taught him to respect an elder.  Who knows, but Julius showed Paul much kindness.  As our world spins, we will probably see less and less of people who are kind and compassionate.  But those who know Jesus must allow the fruit of the Spirit to manifest itself within them each and every day.  As Paul said, "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you" (Ephesians 4:32).  The desire of a man is his kindness.  Peter said that if we add brotherly kindness to our godliness and charity, we'll never be unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Why?  Because kindness is a part of God's character.

Sing:  Thy loving-kindness, is better than life. Thy loving-kindness, is better than life.  My lips shall praise Thee, thus will I bless Thee, I will lift up, my hands unto Thy name.

2011 March 10 - Morning Manna

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. (John 13:34-35)

Today's Morsel:  John was known as the disciple whom Jesus loved.  And love seems to set the stage for John's writings to us.  John seems to have found the key to Christian living, the unifying bond between different classes of people, and the mark that would distinguish the church from the world.  Paul said that we should let love be without dissemination.  In other words let it be real and sincere and without hypocrisy.  Love is the most unnatural of all virtues.  I believe that is why God has made it the defining characteristic of His people.  Jesus said that it is by this that all men shall know that you are my disciples.  So love is our mark.  Paul said that prophecy will fail, tongues will cease, and knowledge will vanish away, but love will never fail  (1 Corinthians 13:8).  Jesus isn't going to be where there is not love.  Jesus said that we are his friend, if we do whatsoever He commands us.  And He gave us a new commandment, "that you love one another as He has loved us."  You know we only obtain perfection in an area when we do the things that we know that we ought to do.   John J. Hugo said, " One's love for God is equal to the love one has for the man he loves least."   James said, "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).  John the beloved disciple also said, "In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother" (1 John 3:10). Who do you belong to?

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

2011 March 9 - Morning Manna

Then said the LORD unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no. (Exodus 16:4)

 

Today's Morsel:  On Sunday, the new young pastor arrived at church and found that only an old farmer had shown up.  After waiting a while, the disappointed pastor remarked to the old farmer, “Well, it appears no one else is coming, so we should probably cancel service today.”  The farmer, dressed in his Sunday best, looked at the young preacher and said, “Well Pastor, I don’t know much ’bout preachin’, but I do know something bout farmin’ and if I went out in the field and found only one cow, I’d still feed ‘em.” The excited the young preacher preached for the next 45 minutes a fierce fire and brimstone sermon.  Afterwords the pastor asked the old farmer what he thought.  The old farmer remarked, “Well pastor, I don’t know much bout preachin’, but I do know somethin’ ’bout farmin’ and if I went out in the field and found only one cow, I wouldn’t give ‘em the whole bale at one time.”

 

I've noticed that a lot of parents fills their children's plates during meal time to running over, and then they yell and scream at the child because they don't eat it all.  The child starts saying that they are full or that they don't like certain items on their plate.  And so the scene begins.  As a Grandpa, I can't help but think it would be easier if they put just a little bit on the plate and let the child eat that and then allow them to ask, "Mom and Dad, may I please have some more!"  Some parent think that their child's stomach is a big as theirs.  This would prevent ruining the meal and make the parent feel good about what has been prepared.

 

The Lord told Moses that the children were to gather a certain rate of manna every day to prove them.  God knows that if He gave them too much, they would just waste it.  Jesus said that your heavenly Father knows the things we have need of before we ask Him.  Remember, the last supper was only a small portion, but little is much when God is in it.  As the farmer said, If only one cow showed up, I wouldn't give him the whole bale.

Sing:  Jesus has a table spread, where the saints of God are fed, He invites His chosen people, "Come and dine!"  With His manna He doth feed us and supply our every need, tis so sweet to sup with Jesus all the time.

 

Come and dine the Master calleth, come and dine!  You may feast at Jesus table all the time. He who fed the multitude, turned the water into wine, to the hungry calleth now, come and dine!

2011 March 8 - Morning Manna

Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. (Acts 12:1-5)

Today's Morsel:  Satan's desire is to destroy the work of Christ in the earth.  One of his most effective ways to doing this is to destroy pastors and leaders in the church.  I don't care what denomination you are a part of, when a minster falls into any kind of sin, whether it be pornography, adultery, theft, fornication, or any other sin, it sends a ripple effect throughout the religious and non-religious community alike.   If Satan can bring down a leader of the church, it causes disgrace and ridicule to taint the work of Christ, and the non-religious world will not be attracted to Jesus.  Therefore, we must pray for our pastors as well as all leaders of every church.

 

E.M. Bounds said, "The men in the pew given to praying for the pastor are like poles which hold up the wires along which the electric current runs. They are not the power, neither are they the specific agents in making the Word of the Lord more effective.  But they hold up the wires upon which the divine power runs to the hearts of men.  They make conditions favorable for the preaching of the gospel."  Paul understood that his success in ministry had a direct correlation with the prayers of the saints.  He told the church at Thessalonica, "Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith."(2 Thessalonians 3:1-2). He told Timothy, " I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth"(1 Timothy 2:1-4).  Jesus told Peter, "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak"(Matthew 26:41).  If the church is to be successful and the Gospel preached to the whole world, then men and women must maintain a vigil of prayer for each other.  Especially praying for their pastor.

 

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

2011 March 7 - Morning Manna

And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.  He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. (Revelation 3:14-22)

Today's Morsel: The thought of a believer existing outside of the boundaries of the local church is hard for me to accept.  The Bible says that Jesus had a custom, and that custom was that on the Sabbath day He went to the house of God (Luke 4:16).  God's people are to be in a spiritual relationship with Him and each other, feeding on the Gospel of Christ, and exalting one another daily.  Church means the body of believers, not the building where you assemble.  It is the group with whom our children marry, where we partake of communion, learn about the character of God, and get an understanding of the doctrine.  It's the place where we grow spiritually, as well as pay our tithes and give our offerings.  It's the place where every child of God needs to renew their commitment and vows to Jesus.   I believe that it is time for Christians to understand the importance of the church.  If we truly love Jesus, then we will want to be around His people.  Paul poured his life into the church.  His relationship with the ones he started and sustained was like a father for his children.  When you read Paul's letters, you can easily see his commitment and love for the church and its people.  What could be more important for a child of God.  Jesus called for the church to reevaluate itself.  As the church, we need to reevalute just how important Jesus is to us.  Jesus gave His life for the church, and if we don't value that, we will soon lose our candle stick from its place.

  

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 a 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 a little higher; it's the church, triumphant, O Lord, and it's built by the hand of the Lord.

2011 March 5 - Morning Manna

Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour; To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour. For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: (Titus 1:1-5).

Today's Morsel:  As capable as Paul was, he never succumbed to taking on more than he could handle or isolating himself from others.  Paul didn't see himself as superman or some super hero, as some folk seem to think they are.  Paul was a leader, like his Master, Jesus, who trained others and let them carry the torch as well.  As we see in Titus, Paul was willing to relinquish authority to others so they could do what needed to be done for the kingdom.   Many folks have a "Lone Ranger" mentality.  They live with the belief that they can correct any wrong, beat the world into submission, be successful at anything, and that they never need help from anyone.  They wear a mask of denial, and their silver bullet is engraved with the word Egoist.  When Jesus sent out His first disciples, He sent them out by two.  You never see in scripture where they went alone.  We need that accountability to others.  Jesus sent them out by two because He knew that there would be support and encouragement from the other.  Solomon said, "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken" (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). Jesus didn't want them to be alone in following Him.  When Paul traveled, he brought others along with him for support, help, and encouragement.  God said of Adam, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him"(Genesis 2:18).  God has made us so that we hunger for relationships with others.  If we deny that hunger, then we endanger our own emotions and spiritual well-being.  Do you know what is the most segregated day of the week is?  Sunday.  Racism always shows it's ugly head on Sunday.

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

2011 March 4 - Morning Manna

And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him. And Aaron said unto them, Break off the golden earrings, which are in the ears of your wives, of your sons, and of your daughters, and bring them unto me. And all the people brake off the golden earrings which were in their ears, and brought them unto Aaron. And he received them at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool, after he had made it a molten calf: and they said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. And when Aaron saw it, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made proclamation, and said, To morrow is a feast to the LORD. And they rose up early on the morrow, and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play. And the LORD said unto Moses, Go, get thee down; for thy people, which thou broughtest out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves: They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them: they have made them a molten calf, and have worshipped it, and have sacrificed thereunto, and said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. And the LORD said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people: Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation. (Exodus 32:1-10)

Today's Morsel:  Commentator Matthew Henry stated that the Jews have a tradition that Aaron's colleague, Hur, opposed the construction of  this image of a calf by Aaron, and the people fell upon him and stoned him (and therefore, we never read of him afterwards) and that this frightened Aaron into compliance to make the image.  Who's the crowd you have the hardest time standing up to?  Is it the folks you work with?  Is it your friends?  What about your family?  What about saints of God?  This was Aaron's crowd that he had the hardest time standing up to, God's people.  He didn't have a problem with Pharaoh and his folks.  But when it came to the people of God, he caved in.  Why are  some folks afraid to tell saints of God they are wrong? Why do we just let them keep going and doing wrong, building their own little empires and kingdoms, crushing and micromanaging people, and we say nothing?  The apostle Paul wasn't afraid to tell the crowd or anyone else when they were wrong.  He asked the Galatians' church, "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).  He said that he told Peter (the one that God had given the keys of the kingdom to), "But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation. But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?" (Galatians 2:11-14).  Solomon said, "Open rebuke is better than secret love" (Proverbs 27:5).  You don't have to be afraid of the crowd or anyone else.  The only crowd you need to worry about and please is God.  The last time I checked, you and God make a majority in any situation or crowd.

Sing: Would you be free from your passion and pride, there's power in the blood, power in the blood; come for a cleansing to Calvary tide; there's wonderful power in the blood.

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

2011 March 3 - Morning Manna

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS. (Matthew 1:18-25)

Today's Morsel:  Does God ever speak to you in a dream?  The Bible says that He spoke to men of old in a dreams.  When King Solomon asked for wisdom to lead God's people, the  Bible says, "And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment; Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days. And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days. And Solomon awoke; and, behold, it was a dream. And he came to Jerusalem, and stood before the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and offered up burnt offerings, and offered peace offerings, and made a feast to all his servants"(1 Kings 3:10-15). It was a dream.  Elihu, Job's friend, said, "For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not. In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed; Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction, That he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man"(Job 33:14-17).  And Solomon said, "For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool's voice is known by multitude of words" (Ecclesiastes 5:3).  Certainly, dreams can come because of the day's events, or eating pizza late at night!  Yet they can also come from God.  Joseph received the news of Jesus in a dream.   Many of us want God to speak to us and give us instructions or some other assignment, but most of us don't want to change when He does.   Oftentimes, adjustments are required in one or more areas in our lives when He does give us guidance.  Adjustments may need to be made in our circumstances, finances, relationships, commitments, thinking, in our actions, or maybe even in our beliefs for His purposes.  Joseph knew his dream of Mary being pregnant was going to require some major adjustments.  Not only in his life, but also in his thinking.  And your dream from God is probably going to require you to make some adjustments as well.  To go from our ways to God's ways is going to require an adjustment in our lives.  Because His ways are never our ways, nor are His thoughts ours.

"To know the will of God is the greatest knowledge. To do the will of God is the greatest achievement" George W. Truett

Sing: Open the eyes of my heart, Lord, open the eyes of my heart, I want to see you, I want to see you.  To see you high and lifted up, shining in the light of your glory, pour out your power and love, as we sing holy, holy, as we sing holy, holy, I want to see you.

2 March 2011-Morning Manna

O LORD, thou hast deceived me, and I was deceived: thou art stronger than I, and hast prevailed: I am in derision daily, every one mocketh me. For since I spake, I cried out, I cried violence and spoil; because the word of the LORD was made a reproach unto me, and a derision, daily. Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay. For I heard the defaming of many, fear on every side. Report, say they, and we will report it. All my familiars watched for my halting, saying, Peradventure he will be enticed, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him. But the LORD is with me as a mighty terrible one: therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail: they shall be greatly ashamed; for they shall not prosper: their everlasting confusion shall never be forgotten. But, O LORD of hosts, that triest the righteous, and seest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them: for unto thee have I opened my cause. Sing unto the LORD, praise ye the LORD: for he hath delivered the soul of the poor from the hand of evildoers.(Jeremiah 20:7-13)


Today's Morsel: I believe there were days that Jeremiah would have given anything to be someone else because his calling was costing him everything. His friends, his reputation, and perhaps even his life, if some of the people had their way. And because of it, Jeremiah had just as soon let things be as they were. But there was a fire burning inside of him and he could not stay still or keep quite. He said, " For since I spake, I cried out, I cried violence and spoil; because the word of the LORD was made a reproach unto me, and a derision, daily. Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay." A true Holy Ghost filled person isn't going to sit back and let people do wrong in God's house. They are going to call them on it, even if it cost friendships, or reputation, or gets you no gifts at Christmas. The fire within must move you. When our focus is on people, and whether they follow us, favor us, respond to us, affirm us, or give us gifts and praise us, we are still going to carry some pain and disappointment. Our peace in the ministry comes from a strong and clear relationship with God. He gives us our affirmation; He covers us with His love and that should be enough. Jeremiah's main beef was with the religious establishments of his day, those priests and rulers who were suppose to be leading God's people to holiness and contentment. But in their greed and grasp for power, and in their own grip of sin, they had lost their creditability and discernment to lead as God desired of them. And even in the church today, when immorality and pride masquerade as authority , the wounded go untreated, sin escalates, the Gospel isn't preached, and pain perseveres. Therefore, only when my life is lived with His peace, can I lead others to experience His Perfect Peace as well.

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.

You ought to been there, when the Lord saved me. You ought to been there, when He gave me the victory. He put a song down in my soul, He wrote my name on the heavenly roll; you ought to been there, when the Lord save me.