2011 April 30 - Morning Manna

And Simon and they that were with him followed after him. And when they had found him, they said unto him, All men seek for thee. (Mark 1:36-37)

Today's Morsel:  I don't hear children talking about the outside games that they play anymore.  I don't see kids playing Kick the Can, Red Rover, Simon Says, Hide and Seek, Stick Ball.  These outdoor games gave kids lots of exercise and kept them very active.  But now days, kids spent so much time indoors on computers and watching TV and playing the WII.   Often in scripture it seems as though Jesus was playing hide and seek with His disciples. He would hide Himself in the crowd, or He would show up and they would wonder how He got there.  There was something about Jesus that everyone was looking for Him. Even those that hated Him were looking for Him in hope to find fault against Him.  Peter and the other disciples told Him that all men were seeking for Him.  They said everyone is looking for you.  Are you one of those looking for Him?  He said that we can find Him when we seek for Him with our whole heart.  He also said that we should search the scriptures for they all testify of Him.  Paul said that He's not far from any of us.  Jesus even said, "Where two or three is gathered together in My name, there I AM in the midst of thee."  Scripture says, "And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast: The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus" (John 12:20-21).  Let me encourage you today, the next time you go to church, see if you can find Jesus.  If you can't, you may want to look elsewhere.

Sing:  I have found the way! I have found the way! O' Glory Hallelujah, I have found the way.

2011 April 29 - Morning Manna

And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.

(Mark 1:35)

Today's Morsel:  Often when I'm reading through the Bible, I will come across a passage where someone left home and it was a long time before they returned.  For example, can you imagine what Isaac and Rebekka must have felt, knowing that their son Jacob was gone for twenty years.  Or Jacob having not seen Joseph for all those years he was missing down in Egypt.  Do you ever wonder how long the prodigal son was away from home? What about you?  How long has it been since you've been home? How long has it been since you've spent some quality time with the Lord in prayer and told Him what is on your heart?  Does He still know you as His friend, or has it been so long since you were last at home that He isn't sure if you still consider Him your friend?  Few people get excited about rising early to pray.  But those same few will not think twice about about rising early for secular employment.  Scripture says that Jesus rose a great while before day, and went out into a solitary place and there prayed.  Do you allow the flesh to control you when it is time for prayer?  If the flesh can tempt you to not rise for early morning prayer, it will tempt you to cutoff someone's ear the same as Peter.  Remember it was Peter who slept in the prayer meeting.  

Song:  How long has it been, since you talked with the Lord, and told him your heart's hidden secrets. How long since you prayed, how long since you stayed, on your knees till the light shone through.   How long has it been since your mind felt at ease, how long since your heart knew no burden.  Can you call Him your friend, how long has it been, since you knew that He cared for you

How long has it been, since you knelt by your bed, and prayed to the Lord up in heaven? How long since you knew, that He’d answer you, and would keep you the long night through?  How long has it been, since you woke with the dawn and felt that the day’s worth the living? Can you call Him your friend, how long has it been, since you knew that He cared for you?

2011 April 28 - Morning Manna

And Moses said unto Hobab, the son of Raguel the Midianite, Moses' father in law, We are journeying unto the place of which the LORD said, I will give it you: come thou with us, and we will do thee good: for the LORD hath spoken good concerning Israel. And he said unto him, I will not go; but I will depart to mine own land, and to my kindred. And he said, Leave us not, I pray thee; forasmuch as thou knowest how we are to encamp in the wilderness, and thou mayest be to us instead of eyes.
(Numbers 10:29-31)

Today's Morsel:  One of the things I really love about my wife is that she is a woman of great wisdom. Not only wisdom in helping others deal with situations in this world, but more importantly, she is filled with godly wisdom.  In our quest and zeal to obey and do what God is asking of us, we need to seek out such people that will counsel with us and keep us on the right path.  I can remember when I was going to conduct our first men's conference.  Everything was set for the conference, but only a few folks signed up to attend.  When I looked at the cost, the participates didn't measure up to the cost.  When I told my wife that I was considering cancelling the conference because of this she said, "Let's talk about it."  First, she asked if I had heard from God.  My answer was yes.  Then she asked me if one man became a better father, a better leader, and better man of God, would it be worthy the effort and cost of holding the conference. Again, the answer was yes.  Then she said, "You need to have the conference.  It's not about numbers and money, but about what is best for the kingdom of God."  Great wisdom, and year after year we had great men's conferences from that time on.

 

Moses asked his father-in-law to come with them because he knew how they were to camp in the wilderness.  God had given them instructions as to what tribe was to position themselves where around the Tabernacle and Moses knew that his  father-in-law knew how to get it done.  He said, "You will be to us instead of eyes."  What we see may not be what God desires of us and so we need your wisdom, knowledge, and understanding, he was saying.  Many people's eyes have fooled them into thinking what they were getting was the real deal, only to find out that it was false and unreal.  They thought they saw a knight in shining armor, only to find out later that it was a bucket of rusty bolts and weight to carry.  They thought they saw Cinderella in silver slippers, only to find out later it was the wicked witch of the west.  They thought they saw the pot at the end of the rainbow, only to find out later it was a bucket with holes in it.  So let me encourage you today, always seek Godly wisdom before you make a major decision, there may be something that you really didn't see.

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

2011 April 27 - Morning Manna

As for the oblation of the firstfruits, ye shall offer them unto the LORD: but they shall not be burnt on the altar for a sweet savour. And every oblation of thy meat offering shalt thou season with salt; neither shalt thou suffer the salt of the covenant of thy God to be lacking from thy meat offering: with all thine offerings thou shalt offer salt. (Leviticus 2:12-13)

Today's Morsel:  I love how the Lord is always so detailed in His instructions to us.  If you aren't a person for detail and the smaller matters, you may miss God's point to you for your salvation. 

My instructors in the Army used to tell us, "Minor details will make you or break you."  The Lord said that it's a little leaven that leaventh the whole lump.  The Lord told Moses, "And every oblation of thy meat offering shalt thou season with salt; neither shalt thou suffer the salt of the covenant of thy God to be lacking from thy meat offering: with all thine offerings thou shalt offer salt. In other words, every offering or gift must be offered with salt."  Jesus said, "Ye are the salt of the earth" (Matthew 5:13).  Therefore, when we bring our gift or offering, we must bring it freely with and from ourselves.  Anything that we offer to the Lord, must be freely given of our own freewill or else it will be rejected.  It must be presented as a sweet smell unto Him.  With every offering and gift, we must always ask ourselves if we would accept this if someone was giving it to me.  If our answer is no, then we must examine ourselves so that we approach God the correct way with our offerings.   Jesus said, "For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt. Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it?  Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another" (Mark 9:49-50).  Jesus said to have salt in yourself.  The Greek word for salt here is halas, which means prudence.  Prudence is cautiousness, carefulness, discretion, good sense, forethought.  We need to use good sense and give forethought to what we bring to the Lord and how we present it or else it will be rejected the same as the Lord told Cain, "If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door" (Genesis 4:6-7).  Cain didn't do right in bringing his offering to God.  Apparently, he gave no forethought to his offering to the Lord  as his Brother Abel did.  We must always pay attention to the details of what God asks of us.  He has a plan, and we must follow it. 

Sing:  Lord, prepare me, to be a sanctuary, pure and holy, tried and true; and with thanksgiving, I'll be a living, sanctuary, for you!

2011 April 26 - Morning Manna

It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High: To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night, Upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery; upon the harp with a solemn sound. For thou, LORD, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands. O LORD, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep. A brutish man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this. When the wicked spring as the grass, and when all the workers of iniquity do flourish; it is that they shall be destroyed for ever: But thou, LORD, art most high for evermore. For, lo, thine enemies, O LORD, for, lo, thine enemies shall perish; all the workers of iniquity shall be scattered. But my horn shalt thou exalt like the horn of an unicorn: I shall be anointed with fresh oil. Mine eye also shall see my desire on mine enemies, and mine ears shall hear my desire of the wicked that rise up against me. The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing; To shew that the LORD is upright: he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him. (Psalms 92:1-15)

  

Today's Morsel:  Most pictures we see that represent a unicorn are often white horse like with a horn located in the top center of its forehead. Its horn is round at the base and pointed at its tip.  The horn symbolizes strength and power.  The horn on the unicorn is his weapon of protection.  It's located upon his head.  Like the Unicorn, the helmet of salvation is the protection for our minds.  When our minds are stayed on Christ Jesus, we are kept in perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3).  We win with our head.  The way we think when we are facing trials, circumstances, and problems will determine if we win or lose, it is all based on our minds.  When we allow the mind of Christ to be in us (Philippians 2:5), and renew our minds (Romans 12:1-2; Ephesians 4:23), and think on good things (Philippians 4:7-8), we are sharp and ready for battle.  Solomon said that as a man thinketh in his heart so is he (Proverbs 23:7).  The psalmist understood the strength of the horn of the unicorn, and so he said, "But my horn shalt thou exalt like the horn of an unicorn: I shall be anointed with fresh oil."  Fresh oil was to be brought to the temple daily for the light (Exodus 27:20-21).  Paul said that we are the temple of the Holy Ghost (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).  Therefore, when we are anointed with fresh oil daily, we burn bright, our light shines forth of Who is inside of us, and our strength is renewed like the unicorn.

Sing:  Anointing, fall on me.  Anointing, fall on me. Let the power of the Holy Ghost fall on me, anointing fall on me.

2011 April 25 - Morning Manna

Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's (Psalms 103:1-5).

Today's Morsel:  It is my opinion that some businesses today hire people on a temporary basis so that they do not have to provide them with benefits.  I'm of that same opinion, that insurance company's suggest that you purchase "Term life" policies in hope that you will outlive the term of the policy so they do not have to pay the benefit.   David said, "Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits."  When we labor for the Lord, our benefit package is filled with good things.  David only lists a few of the things that God provides in hope to wet your appetite to come onboard.  What a package!  Forgiven of iniquities, healing from diseases, a saved and abundant life, lovingkindess, tender mercies, abundance of food.  Not to mention His blood for the remission of our sins.  His compassion, love, grace, and mercy.  All in the benefit package to the laborers.  God knows that we have a craving, and thus He fills us with what we need.  There are so many benefits from God for us, yet so many today don't seem to want them.  Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah. (Psalms 68:19).  What benefits are in your work package?

Sing:  How can I say thanks for the things You have done for me?  Things so undeserved, yet You gave to prove Your love for me; the voices of a million angels could not express my gratitude, all that I am, and ever hope to be; I owe it all to Thee.

To God be the glory, to God be the glory, to God be the glory for the things He has done.  With His blood He has saved me; with His power, He has raised me; to God be the glory for the things He has done.

Just let me live my life, let it pleasing, Lord, to Thee; and if I gain any praise, let it go to Calvary.  For with His blood He has saved me; with His power, He has raised me; to God be the glory, for the things He has done.

2011 April 23 - Morning Manna

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction (Proverbs 1:7).

Today's Morsel:  President George W. Bush ran part of his second presidential campaign on the educational theme of "No Child Left Behind."  Education is key and essential for every child to learn and to grow, especially to a child of God.  If the world's system doesn't want to leave a child behind, shouldn't the church feel the same way? Abraham Lincoln said, "When you reach the top, turn around and help someone else up."   Some people mistakenly think that Sunday School is for kids. But Sunday School is really necessary and for all ages.  I learn more at Sunday School then I do at any evangelistic service.  Preaching edifies, but teaching grounds you in doctrine and truth.  Solomon said that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.  When God is reverenced, it brings about an awareness.  As God begins to enlighten us, we learn more information about Him and the true facts about Him and His relationship to us.  We get an understanding as to who God is, and who we are in Him.  As Paul said, we become able to  comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that we might be filled with all the fulness of God (Ephesians 3:18-19).   So let's not neglect the assembling of ourselves together for the study of God's Word.  The more you know, the more you grow.

Sing:  One! Two! Three! Jesus loves me. One! Two! Jesus loves you.  Two , three, four, He loves you more, more than you've ever been loved before.

HAPPY EASTER TO EVERYONE!

2011 April 22 - 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 (Acts 12:1-4)

Today's Morsel:  The Greek word for Easter here is the word pascha, pas'-khah which means the Passover (the meal, the day, the festival or the special sacrifices connected with it).  The Passover was instituted in Exodus 12 with the last plague upon Egypt.  It was one of those feasts that God required that His children obey and never forget.  He told Moses,  "And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the LORD'S Passover.... And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance forever." (Exodus 12:11-14).  We celebrate the Passover, on the Friday  that some call "Good Friday."  It was good because that is the day that Christ died for our sins. "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him" (2 Corinthians 5:21).   "And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission" (Hebrews 9:12-22).  But the third day,  is the day He rose again.  Easter is a time that every believer should celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. As Jesus told Martha, "I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live" (John 11:25).   Easter represents newness of life.  When we have died with Him through repentance, and have been buried with Him in baptism, we are then risen to walk in newness of life.  Are you celebrating ?

Sing: Go ahead, drive the nails in my hands, laugh at me where you stand;  Go ahead and say it isn't me; the day will come when you will see!  Cause I'll rise again; Ain't no power on earth can tie me down; yes I'll rise again, death can't keep me in the ground!

2011 April 21 - Morning Manna

For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee. (Titus 2:11-15)

Today's Morsel:  What is your understanding of Grace?  How does Grace save us?  The Greek word here for grace is "Charis," which means the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude.  Paul said that the grace of God hath appeared to all men.  The Gospel, which points out God’s infinite mercy to the world, is termed the grace of God; for it is not only a favor of infinite worth in itself, but it announces that greatest gift of God to man, the incarnation and atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ.  Peter said that neither is there salvation in any other (Acts 4:12).  This Gospel teaches us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.  God's grace pardons and cleanses within.  How much of His grace is reflected in your life?  The determining factor if you relish God's grace, is how you feel about it on the inside and what you show to others on the outside.  So how does grace save us?  Look to Calvary.

 

Sing: Grace! Grace! God's grace.  Grace that will pardon and cleanse within.  Grace ! Grace! God's grace.  Grace that is greater than all our sins.

2011 April 20 - Morning Manna

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

Today's Morsel:  It seems that there was a little old church out in the countryside that was painted white and with a high steeple.  One Sunday the pastor noticed that his church needed painting.  He checked out the Sunday ads and found a paint sale.  The next day he went into town and bought a gallon of white paint.  He went back out to the church and began the job.  He got done with the first side.  It was looking great, but he noticed he had already used a half gallon of the paint.  He didn't want to run back in town and being the creative person that he was, he found a gallon of thinner in the shed out back and began to thin his paint.  It worked out great.  He finished the remaining three sides with that last half gallon of paint. That night, it rained: it rained hard. The next morning when he stepped outside of the parsonage to admire his work, he saw that the first side was looking great, but that the paint on the other three sides had washed away. The pastor looked up in sky in anguish and cried out, "What shall I do?" A voice came back from the heavens saying, "Repaint, and thin no more!" Humor is the best medicine

Peter said that we should repent and be converted, that our sins may be blotted out.  Many today don't seem to be doing anything to eradicate sin from their lives.  So many seem to be returning to the ways of the world the same as Israel desired after God had delivered them from bondage.  Once we repent, we are no longer to live in sin, but we are to be separated unto God.  Sin cannot enter heaven.  The longer you allow sin to hang around, the harder it is going to be for you to get rid of it and the wages of sin is death.  Jesus came that we might have life and that more abundantly.  In order to obtain eternal life, our lives here upon the earth must be free from sin.  Just what are you doing to remove sin?  Peter said we must repent.  Paul said, "Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.... Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?" (Romans 6:6;16).  So who's controling you?

Sing:  The load of sin was more than I could bear, He took them all away, He took them all away, and now on Him I roll my every care, He took my sins away. 

 

He took my sins away, He took my sins away, and He keeps me singing every day!  I'm so glad He took my sins away, He took my sins away.

2011 April 19 - Morning Manna

And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly. And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace: For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.
(Acts 18:24-28)

Today's Morsel:  I've noticed that when you try to share with other believers a bit of truth from the Word of God, they sometimes become angry at you, and reject you possibly thinking to themselves that you are a know all and are trying to convert them to your way of thinking and doctrine.  We need to understand as Isaiah said, "For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little" (Isaiah 28:10).  We never know who God will use and who He will send to give us more wisdom and understanding to His Word.  I sure don't understand it all, and no matter what church I attend, I always come away with a little bit more knowledge then when I went in.  And not only that, I've gleaned insight for future messages, and even words of encouragement to share with others.  So don't be too quick to reject what others are telling you or what they are saying. 

When Aquila and Priscilla heard Apollos preaching and teaching diligently the things of the Lord knowing only the baptism of John the Baptist, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly. Apparently, Apollos didn't know that they were to baptize in the name of Jesus, since the scripture says that he only knew about the baptism of John.  And he apparently didn't know that Jesus was the Lord, since scripture says that he was only instructed in the ways of the Lord.   Apollos didn't reject what they told him, but after they spoke to him, he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, showing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.  Are you missing a piece of the puzzle to your ministry or life.  Don't reject what someone tells you, but be as those Berean, who were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. (Acts 17:11)

Sing:  O' sweet wonder! O' Sweet wonder! Jesus the Son of God; how I adore Thee! O' how I love Thee! Jesus the Son of God.

2011 April 18 - Morning Manna

The children of Israel brought a willing offering unto the LORD, every man and woman, whose heart made them willing to bring for all manner of work, which the LORD had commanded to be made by the hand of Moses. And Moses said unto the children of Israel, See, the LORD hath called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah; And he hath filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship; And to devise curious works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, And in the cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of wood, to make any manner of cunning work. And he hath put in his heart that he may teach, both he, and Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. Them hath he filled with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of work, of the engraver, and of the cunning workman, and of the embroiderer, in blue, and in purple, in scarlet, and in fine linen, and of the weaver, even of them that do any work, and of those that devise cunning work. (Exodus 35:29-35)

Today's Morsel: Hidden in the ranks of the children of Israel was a man by the name of Bezaleel.  His name means in the shadow of God.  God saw what he was capable of doing and knew his knowledge, skills, and abilities, and so God chose him to make the tabernacle in the wilderness.  What an awesome task to be selected by God for, to build the house of God.  Bezaleel probably figured that his building days were over after departing from Egypt.  Maybe he had learned how to cut  and set stone and do great works of carving wood while in Egypt, and now God would use his skills for His Kingdom, to build His church.  Many people have learned great skills and abilities while in the world, but when it comes to the church, they seem hesitant to use all their knowledge, skills, and abilities.  You would think that if a person is an educator in the world school system, they would be great Sunday School teachers or Sunday School superintendents; or if they are  computer operators, they would keep the church's computer up to date and running as well; as a city bus driver, they would drive the  Sunday School bus; as an administrator, they would be the church's administrator, and etc.  But it seems that so many people take a back seat when it comes to the church.  Paul said, "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ"(Colossians 3:23-24).  Bezaleel was filled with the spirit of God in wisdom, in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship.  When God fills you with the Holy Ghost, He doesn't change what you've already been trained to do, He just brings wisdom, knowledge, and understanding to you in how to use it for His Kingdom.  Are you willing to give your best for God and use your talents, abilities, and training to further His Kingdom?  If you don't want to work in the front, do it from the back.

Sing:  If you can use anything Lord, you can use me.  If you can you use anything Lord, you can use me.  Take my hands, Lord, and my feet, touch  heart Lord speak to me, If you can use anything Lord, you can use me!

2011 April 16 - Morning Manna

As I live, saith the Lord GOD, Sodom thy sister hath not done, she nor her daughters, as thou hast done, thou and thy daughters. Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good.
(Ezekiel 16:48-50)

 

Today's Morsel:  The story is told of a Texas rancher who was doing agricultural consulting for a farmer in Germany.  He asked the German farmer about the size of his property, to which he replied, “About a mile square.”  When the German asked the Texan about the size of his ranch, the rancher explained that if he got in his pick-up truck at dawn and drove until sunset, he would still be on his ranch.  Not to be outdone, the farmer replied, “I used to have an old truck like that!”

 

Humor the best medicine!

 

When God told Abraham that He would destroy the cites of Sodom and Gomorrah, most have come away thinking that it was because of their sodomy.  This was true, but God enlightens us through the prophet Ezekiel on more of Sodom's problems. "Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good."  She was prideful, full of wealth, lazy, and didn't consider the poor and needy.  She was arrogant and committing abomination.  And so God said that is why He destroyed her.  Are any of these evil things in your life?  Our world seems to be following the ways of Sodom.  Will God find ten righteous in our land when He comes to destroy?  Let me encourage you today, "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God" (2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1).

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

2011 April 15 - Morning Manna

And Moses said unto the LORD, See, thou sayest unto me, Bring up this people: and thou hast not let me know whom thou wilt send with me. Yet thou hast said, I know thee by name, and thou hast also found grace in my sight. Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people. And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest. And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence.
(Exodus 33:12-15)

Today's Morsel:  Moses seems to have a good relationship with God.  It seems that Moses is able to talk to God face to face and to present his case to God.  Moses seems to be able to seek God in having Him change His mind when it comes to the children of Israel.  Moses knows that God loves this people and that God has their very best interest at heart.  But because of the people's continual stiffneckedness, Moses finds himself constantly before God interceding for this people.  God is so fed up with the people, that He tells Moses, "I'll send an angel before you, Unto a land flowing with milk and honey: for I will not go up in the midst of thee; for thou art a stiffnecked people: lest I consume thee in the way" (Exodus 33:3-4).  To get God this angry, these people must have been really bad.  But because Moses had a relationship with God, and through his life of humility, he was able to again present his case to God.  And Moses calls God on His promise to him.  He said, "Yet thou hast said, I know thee by name, and thou hast also found grace in my sight. Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people. And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest. And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence."   Moses said, God if you aren't going with, then don't take us either.  What a divine display of love for God and His people.  Talk about an intercessor.  One man, Moses, who was willing to interceded for others.  One man who realized the importance of God's presence on and during the journey.  One man who knew what it meant to have God leading and guiding them.  One man, Moses, who was willing to hold God to His promise. What about you?  Are you willing to lead a life that so you can talk open and face to face with God?  When we pray, it shouldn't be repetitious, but we should be able to be open before God and talk with Him face to face.  David said, "The Lord grant all thy petitions."  God knows what He's told us.  Now, it is up to us to hold Him to His word, but we must be obedient to what He has asked us to do and not in a rebellious state.

Sing: Lead me, Lord, I will follow. Lead me, Lord, I will go. You have called me, I will answer, lead me, Lord, I will go.

2011 April 14 - Morning Manna

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints"
(Ephesians 6:10-18)

 Today's Morsel:  Most people today do not know that North and South Korea are still at war.  Since 1951, they haven't declared that the war is ended, they have only signed an armistice agreement at Panmunjom.  Technically, the two countries remain at war since the conflict ended without a peace agreement.  The United States is still at war with terror and many have rolled over, hit the snooze, and gone back to sleep.  We are still at war.  And many in the church today, have forgotten that we are at war with the enemy of our soul, too.  Satan and his demonic force is wreaking havoc amongst the church, and people don't acknowledge or know that we are in a warfare.  The enemy has taken the church by surprise.  Many people don't know what to do about their situations and circumstances. Sickness, ill health, divorce, sodomy, fornication, excessive lust, anger, indebtedness, distress, and discontentment has broken through the perimeter and have killed and wounded many more. The saints are stunned.  Tactical and technical  training of warfare and how to defend ourselves is missing.   Saints have abandoned their posts.  They've gone AWOL, running from the enemy of their soul.  The are captivated by what they see coming on the earth.  Earthquakes in divers places, wars and rumors of wars, fighting amongst ourselves.  Hate, murder, and loss of life have taken center stage.  But now is not the time to run.  Rather now is the time to do as Paul said and Stand!  We must arm ourselves with the whole armor of God, because anything that will be shaken will be shaken.  It is time to dust off our shields of faith and get our sword of the spirit (the Word of God) off the shelf and polish it up.  It is time to fight the good fight of faith and to lay hold onto eternal life.  God is looking for a few good men, will you be counted among them?

 

Sing: I got my foot on the Rock and my mind's made up, though I walk through a lowly valley, though I drink from a bitter cup; when the devil comes a knocking trying to show me an easier way; I stand right flat on my feet, I throw my head in the air, I look him, straight in the eye, I say my foot's on the rock and my mind's made up.

2011 April 13 - Morning Manna

 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: (James 1:19)

 

Today's Morsel: A  pastor just fresh from Bible College, was invited to speak at a chapel service in a prison.  He was very excited but being his very first time, he was very nervous as well.  He thought hard about how to introduce his message.  On the day he arrived at the prison, he was greeted by a large group of prisoners waiting to hear him.  As the young pastor walked and stood behind the pulpit, he said, ‘Good morning.  It’s so good to see you here!’

 

Sometimes those slips of the tongue can be embarrassing and hard to overcome.  Depending on our audience, we may feel like crawling under a table or running for cover.  James tells us to let every man be swift to hear, and slow to speak.   Because we are snared by our words, we must choose them carefully.  James' warning should alert us to be cautious with our tongue.  He says it can set on fire the course nature and it is set on  the fire of hell.  People get hurt, lives are shattered, and wars begin all because of words spoken at the wrong time or with the wrong intonation. Probably the best thing to do when someone says something that we don't like is to just let it go, or make sure that our reply is god-like and not man-like.  A word fitly spoken how good is it?  Solomon says it's like apples of gold in pictures of silver.  Don't feel as though you have to have the last word.  Jesus said that it is more blessed to give than to receive.  Therefore, it more blessed to give your attention to others than to think you always have to speak.  If you speak when you are angry, your words will probably not be godly.  We must choose them carefully, because once spoken, we can never retrieve them.

 Sing:  Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, Oh God.

2011 April 12 - Morning Manna

Then Job answered and said, I know it is so of a truth: but how should man be just with God? (Job 9:1-2)

Today's Morsel: Do you ever wonder how you can get it all right with God?  I've had people say to me, "I'm trying pastor, believe me I'm trying, but as soon as someone says something that I don't like, there's something inside that comes out of me." Hummm!  And so I say to them, "So there is something  that is inside of you, what is it?"  And they say, "I just don't know."  Ever feel like that?  There's something there, but we don't know what it is.  James said,  "Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish" (James 3:13-15).  Have you opened yourself back up for evil spirits to come back in?  This is why we are told to come out of the world after we are born again of the water and the spirit.  Solomon said, a good man is satisfied from himself (Proverbs 14:14).  Bildad the Shuhite had just finished talking with Job and telling him, "Behold, God will not cast away a perfect man, neither will he help the evil doers" (Job 8:20), to which Job tells him, "I know it is so of a truth, but how should man be just with God?"  In other words, how can man get it right?  How can we get our lives in line with God?  Solomon said, " Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word" (Psalms 119:9).  Jesus said, " Now you are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you (John 15:3). Therefore, if you want to be right with God, you have to obey His Word.  You have to bring your life in line with His life.  You have to be Holy the same way He is holy.  We must let the mind of Christ be in us.  If there's something inside of you that keeps rising up every time someone says something that you don't like, or you feel a little bit of temper taking place, you need more Word inside of you.  You'll never be right with God until you are right with yourself.  John tells us, "Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. 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 3:7-10).

Sing: 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 April 11 - Morning Manna

And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable, but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves. And the soldiers' counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape. But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land: And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land. (Acts 27:41-44).

Today's Morsel: It's amazing to me how certain objects can stay afloat on water.  A piece of iron will sink, but if it is put together and made into a boat, it will float.  Boards, life preservers,  and even people can float. 

 

After Paul and the 275 other people that were with him on this ship to Rome encountered a tempestuous storm, they all hope that they would be saved come morning was lost.  Can you image battling a storm for 14 days of treacherous winds, waves, rain, blackness of night and billows?  Not being able to see where you are, where you are going, what lies before you, and if anyone is hurt or missing?  Sometimes we find ourselves in these storm when we are disobedient to God's Word.  We hear it, but we fail to heed it.  Paul had given these men warning that there would be loss to the ship, but they believed the captain more than Paul. Oftentimes, preachers words falls on deaf ears until the storm hits.  But when the ship ran aground and broke into pieces, the people used the boards and broken pieces as life preserver to make it safely to shore.  The church is the old ship of Zion, it's the hope for the lost and the dying, it's a soul saving station, it's the tower of salvation.  It's the church triumphant and it's built by the hand of God.  Therefore, if the ship breaks into piece, get a piece of it and hold on.  It's a life preserver.  If all you know is, "For God so loved the world," hold on to that.  If all you know is, "Jesus saves," hold on to that.  If all you know is, "Repent and be baptized," hold on to that. If all you know is, " I can do all things." hold on to that.  If all you know is "God is my light and my salvation," hold on to that.  If all you know is but a small portion of the Word of God, hold on to it, because Jesus said that Heaven and earth shall pass away but my word shall not pass away(Matthew 24:25).  If you hold to the word of God, you'll make it to shore safely.  For Jesus is theWord and the Word is a life preserver.

Sing:  You're going to make it, God already said that I would.  He walks beside me, and heaven, is in my view, oooh, you're gonna make it through.

2011 April 9 - Morning Manna

What is my strength, that I should hope? and what is mine end, that I should prolong my life? Is my strength the strength of stones? or is my flesh of brass? Is not my help in me? and is wisdom driven quite from me? (Job 6:11-13)

Today's Morsel:  Do you ever feel as though you've lost your strength?  One of the things I learned in the military was that it's always mind over matter.  No matter how hard things were, if I didn't let it get to my mind, I was alright.  But as soon as I said to myself, "I can't," I would easily quit and give up and give in.  Job asked, "What is my strength, that I should hope? And what is mine end, that I should prolong my life?  Just what is your strength?  Isaiah said that the Lord Jehovah is an everlasting strength (Isaiah 26:4).  David said that God is our strength (Psalms 46:1).  Having an understanding here, gives us a deeper understanding to Job question, "Is not my help in me?"  When we understand what our strength is, and who our strength is, and who is within side of us, we understand where our help is.  Inside of us.  The Holy Ghost inside of you is your help, the comforter that Jesus said would come.   Jesus said, "If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him" (John 14:23).  He told the woman at  the well in John chapter 4, "But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life" (John 4:14).   Your help is inside of you.   Paul told Timothy, "Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands" (2 Timothy 1:6).  Peter said that if we repent and are baptized in the name of Jesus, God would fill us with the gift of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:38).  If you feel as though you are losing your strength, or your strength is gone, why not stir up the gift that is within you.  When you add prayer, reading the Word, worship, and praise together, strength is bound to reignite itself and get you back on fire. Care to give it a try?

  

Sing:  My life is in you Lord, my strength is in you Lord, my hope, is in you Lord, it's in you, it's in you.

I will praise you with all of my life.  I will praise you with all of my strength, all of my life, all of my strength, all of my hope is in you.

2011 April 8 - Morning Manna

For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me. I was not in safety, neither had I rest, neither was I quiet; yet trouble came. (Job 3:25-26)

Today's Morsel:  How do you handle unexpected troubles?  What do you do when your car doesn't start?  What do you do when your teenager comes in and says, "Mom! Dad! I need to talk with you, I'm pregnant."  What do you do when you get a pink slip that tells you your job is over?  What do you do when death knocks on your door?  Job was a man that reverenced God.  Job loved God.  He did things that were right before God.  But even in all his righteousness, trouble still came into his life. I t rains on the just and the unjust (Matthew 5:45).  The Apostle Paul said that we are troubled on every side (2 Corinthians 4:8).  Why do we see it as trouble when it comes and not a blessing?  Why do we see it as distress, anxiety, and a hassle in-lieu-of  a change in our thinking and direction?  Job said that thing which I greatly feared has come upon me.  Like so many, even Job feared the loss of his health, the death of his children, and the loss of his material possessions.  Job was human the same as the rest of us.  So what is the key to enduring trouble when they come?  Well, Peter tells us to cast all our cares upon the Lord.  James tells us to count it all joy when we fall into divers temptations.  Paul tells us that it's only for a moment and that it's working a more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.  But Jesus said, "Fret not little flock, for it is your fathers good pleasure to give you the kingdom."  So when trouble comes, don't allow it to deter you, but stay focused and keeping worshipping God. The psalmist said, "Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation" (Psalms 91:14-16).

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

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

2011 April 7 - Morning Manna

And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God (Luke 12:16-21).

  

Today's Morsel:  Do you take for granted the granted?  Do you think that every day will be just like the day before?  Have you considered eternity lately?  We got a call from our bank that our credit card had been compromised.  Someone had tried to use it to purchase a ticket to Mexico.  After owning this card for over a decade, someone was able to access it.  We had, in most part, taken for granted that this would never happen to us.  But wrong we were.  But thinks be to God for a banking system and the airline agency we use that saw and caught the error.  In many cases, we take so many things for granted.  We think our health will always be good.  We think that our finances will always be good.  We think that our spouse will always love us.  We think that our job will be there until retirement.  We think that our children will always live for the Lord and do right.  We think that all born again believers will do right.  And we often think those who are suppose to be professionals will be professional and do what they know is right.  All these granteds we take can be a letdown and a heart breaker when they don't come to be true.  Jesus told the parable of a rich man whose land brought forth plentifully.  And the man thought within himself saying, "What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?  And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."   No one would judge the man for doing what he intended to do.   If we have more then we have room for, we have to expand and build bigger or waste what God has provided to us.  The issue isn't the barn building, the issue is he wasn't expecting to die any time soon and had made no previsions for heaven.  And so Jesus is really speaking to us.  He's warning us and cautioning us to be ready for His coming.  Because no man knows the minute nor the hour when Jesus will come.  Are you ready? Have you considered eternity lately?  You need to plan as though He isn't coming for a thousand years, but you need to act as though He's coming this very moment.

Sing: I'm getting ready to leave this place.  I'm getting ready for the gates of pearls.  Keeping my record right, watching both day and night, well I'm getting ready to leave this place.

2011 April 6 - Morning Manna

Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them, And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives. Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul. And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to depart thence also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice, and there to winter; which is an haven of Crete, and lieth toward the south west and north west. And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete. But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon. And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive. (Acts 27:9-15)

Today's Morsel:  Hurricanes and typhoons all originate out in the sea. They start with just a little bit of wind and breeze.  But as they begin to pick up velocity and strength they become a force to be reckoned with.  By the time they exit the sea and come on land, they are at a strength to do much damage, and anything in their pathway is subject to destruction.  Luke said that they encountered a storm called Euroclydon.  This massive unrest of the sea is packing a punch and they figured that all hope of them being alive come morning was lost.  Even in our lives, storms are sometimes unexpected.  They come when we least expect them.  Maybe someone turns on us or lies about us.  Maybe  you unexpectedly lose a loved one, or your child gets sick.  Unpleasant news from afar.  Whatever the storm of life is, they shake us.  In many cases, they rip the wind right out of our sails and we are left with no means to control how we steer our lives to safety.  We become hopeless and feel as though we will lose our own lives.  But you must always remember what the Lord spoke through the prophet Isaiah,  "But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour" (Isaiah 43:1-3).  Jesus isn't going to let you go through anything you can't handle.  He'll be with you.  When there is a storm is in your life, keep the faith and enjoy the ride.

Sing: There's a storm out, on the ocean, and it's moving, this away. If your souls not, anchored in Jesus, you will sure drift away.  

2011 April 5 - Morning Manna

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)

Today's Morsel:  They say that when a prisoner is on death row, and when he has used all his appeals and has been given a death sentence, that on the day he is to be executed, as he is being led down the prison halls to the room where the execution will take place, that the guards escorting  him will shout out, "Dead man walking."  Meaning this is the last time you will see him alive.  But for the Christian, when we die in Christ, it's not the last time you will see us alive.  But we rise and walk in newness of life.  When we repent of our sin and are baptized in the name of Jesus, Paul said that we are buried with Christ and risen to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:1-7).  Paul  was a dead man walking until he encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus.  We must be as Paul, dead to the flesh and this world, but alive to Christ, His Spirit, and our calling.  We must now live by our faith and not by our sight.  The things that we see happening around us must not sway us nor deter us from what Jesus has asked and called us to do.  Faith is being able, in every situation and circumstance that may not look promising, to see God leading and guiding us.  Paul had moved to a point in his life that he knew that Jesus loved him, had given His life for him, (Paul) and he wanted to reciprocate  for what Jesus had done for him.  How do you feel about what Jesus has done for you?  Are you willing to reciprocate to Him?  How much passion do you have for what He asked you to do?  When our passion for the things and work of God exceed our passion for the things and works of the world, we are then dead to the world, and alive to Christ.

Sing:  If you want to be happy and be saved to the uttermost, just repent and be baptized and be filled with the Holy Ghost.  I was lost but Jesus found me, I was dead but now alive; Oh, glory, glory, glory, to the great eternal God.

2011 April 4 - Morning Manna

And thou shalt make a vail of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen of cunning work: with cherubims shall it be made: And thou shalt hang it upon four pillars of shittim wood overlaid with gold: their hooks shall be of gold, upon the four sockets of silver. And thou shalt hang up the vail under the taches, that thou mayest bring in thither within the vail the ark of the testimony: and the vail shall divide unto you between the holy place and the most holy. And thou shalt put the mercy seat upon the ark of the testimony in the most holy place. (Exodus 26:31-34)

Today's Morsel:  When God gave Moses the instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle in the wilderness, there was to be a veil dividing the holy place from the most holy.  Some may ask why.  And the answer is that the children of Israel did not yet know how to approach God.  They had  not yet been taught.  Therefore, the high priest was the only one who could come before God to represent the people.  But after Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection, the veil was removed and now we should all know how to come before the Lord and approach His throne.  Paul said "Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec" (Hebrews 6:17-20).  He said that there was an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the veil. What is this Anchor?  It is Jesus Christ.  When we connect to Him, He becomes our anchor (Rock) and we are not easily moved.  Behind the veil was the Ark of the covenant.  Inside of it were the tablets of stone, the pot of manna, and Aaron's rod that budded.  These were representing the word of life, bread of life, and the resurrection and the life.  When we connect to The Anchor, we will have everything that we need to keep us in Him.

Sing: When darkness seems to hide His face, I rest on His unchanging grace; in every high and stormy gale, My anchor holds within the veil.

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

2011 April 2 - Morning Manna

And thou shalt command the children of Israel, that they bring thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamp to burn always. (Exodus 27:20)

Today's Morsel: Most automobile manuals says that you should change your oil every 3 months or 3000 miles. Why?  Because the oil breaks down and doesn't keep the parts in the engine lubicated the way that it should.  When  I was in the Army as a fuel handler, one of the things I learned was that water is heavier than oil.  You can teach kids in Sunday school how to make lava lamps with cooking oil and water in a bottle.  Because water is heavier, the oil will always rise to the top.  When you have been anointed with the Holy Ghost, you are to always be on the top.  Moses said that God would make you the head and not the tail.  You are suppose to always be on the top.  The children of Israel were to bring pure oil.  Pure oil burns clean and gives off a brighter light; there isn't a lot of smoke.  Too many Christians today are burning without pure oil.  They say that they have the Holy Ghost, but they are sending forth to much smoke and not enough light.  They get angry as soon as something doesn't go their way.  They complain and murmur about everything.  Their light is only a flicker.  Their paths are dark.  Isaiah said that God hath given to us the oil of joy for mourning for those times of lamenting and lamentation (Isaiah 61:3).  Each day, we must bring new oil  for the lamp if we are going to burn bright.  We must come before His presence with singing and into His courts with praise.  Do you need to change oil?  You only have to if your don't have the real oil in you.

 

Sing:  He gave me beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise, for the spirit of heaviness, that we might be called, trees of righteousness, the planted of the Lord, that he might be glorified.

2011 April 1 - Morning Manna

Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice? She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths. She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors. Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man. O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart. Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things. For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips. All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them. They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge. Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it. I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions. The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate. Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength. By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth. I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver. I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures. The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was. When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water. Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth: While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world. When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth: When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep: When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth: Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him; Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men. Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways. Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD. But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.

(Proverbs 8:1-36).

Today's Morsel: Got Wisdom?  Whoso find wisdom finds life and obtains favor of the Lord.  Are you living?  Wisdom!  It's the principle thing. Don't leave home without it.

Sing: I can hear my savoir calling, I can hear my savior calling, I can hear my savior calling, "Take thy cross and follow, follow, Me."