Morning Manna by Rufus Parker: 2011 March 11

Friday, March 11, 2011

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.

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About Morning Manna

And it came to pass, as Aaron spake unto the whole congregation of the children of Israel, that they looked toward the wilderness, and, behold, the glory of the LORD appeared in the cloud. And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel: speak unto them, saying, At even ye shall eat flesh, and in the morning ye shall be filled with bread; and ye shall know that I am the LORD your God. And it came to pass, that at even the quails came up, and covered the camp: and in the morning the dew lay round about the host. And when the dew that lay was gone up, behold, upon the face of the wilderness there lay a small round thing, as small as the hoar frost on the ground. And when the children of Israel saw it, they said one to another, It is manna: for they wist not what it was. And Moses said unto them, This is the bread which the LORD hath given you to eat (Exodus 16:10-15).

“Morning Manna” is a short daily devotion which began in 2002, with just a short note of encouragement to a friend who was facing difficulties at the time. Through their response, I was encouraged to begin a daily devotion via email and send it to people who asked to be put on the distribution list. It is now reaching around the globe. Its birth came about during Morning Prayer. The Lord revealed to me that I should forward my friend a word of encouragement, since it is through patience and comfort of the scripture that we find hope. Thus, I forwarded him the words the Lord had given to me for him, and he forwarded it on to someone else who was having difficulties in their life as well, and thus the original list began.

The goal of “Morning Manna” is to provide people with a quick, thought provoking Word from the Lord, as well as provide encouragement from His Word that can help them through the day and during unexpected trails and circumstances in their daily lives.

Several years ago, Jesus moved on my heart to start writing daily devotions; thus began “Morning Manna”. Today, many people are receiving these daily devotions and many of these people are forwarding it on to their family and friends. It is my hope to encourage even more through posting the devotions to this blog-page.

I pray that you, too, will enjoy reading the manna from this site.