2011 June 30 - Morning Manna

In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke. Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts. Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged. Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me. And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not. Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed. Then said I, Lord, how long? And he answered, Until the cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land be utterly desolate, And the LORD have removed men far away, and there be a great forsaking in the midst of the land. But yet in it shall be a tenth, and it shall return, and shall be eaten: as a teil tree, and as an oak, whose substance is in them, when they cast their leaves: so the holy seed shall be the substance thereof. (Isaiah 6:1-13)

Today's Morsel:  Having read the book of Isaiah over and over, Isaiah probably presents to us that Jesus is God more than any other book in the Bible.  Often when I speak to people and tell them that Jesus was God manifested in flesh, they are confounded and confused.  This is due to their lack of understanding of scripture.  Jesus said, "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life" (John 5:39-40).  He was speaking to Old Testament scripture because the New Testament wasn't written.  He was saying to search the Old Testament as this will show us who He truly was.  When Isaiah saw the Lord high and lifted up and His train filled the temple, and then after he was toughed from the altar he said, "Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me. And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not. Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed."  Paul said, "Wherefore I give you to understand that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord but by the Holy Ghost."  You need the Spirit of God to understand the Bible.  Jesus, speaking to this passage that Isaiah wrote said, "And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them. (Matthew 13:10-17).  Notice what Jesus said in the bold print I've made.  If they covert I should heal them.  Do you need to be healed in your understanding?  Jesus is able to do it for you.

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, holy; holy, holy, holy, I want to see you.

2011 June 29 - Morning Manna

And they returned from searching of the land after forty days. And they went and came to Moses, and to Aaron, and to all the congregation of the children of Israel, unto the wilderness of Paran, to Kadesh; and brought back word unto them, and unto all the congregation, and shewed them the fruit of the land. And they told him, and said, We came unto the land whither thou sentest us, and surely it floweth with milk and honey; and this is the fruit of it. Nevertheless the people be strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there. The Amalekites dwell in the land of the south: and the Hittites, and the Jebusites, and the Amorites, dwell in the mountains: and the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and by the coast of Jordan. And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it. But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we. And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature. And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight. And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night. And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron: and the whole congregation said unto them, Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God we had died in this wilderness! And wherefore hath the LORD brought us unto this land, to fall by the sword, that our wives and our children should be a prey? were it not better for us to return into Egypt? And they said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt. Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the children of Israel. And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of them that searched the land, rent their clothes: And they spake unto all the company of the children of Israel, saying, The land, which we passed through to search it, is an exceeding good land. If the LORD delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey. Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not. But all the congregation bade stone them with stones. And the glory of the LORD appeared in the tabernacle of the congregation before all the children of Israel. (Numbers 13:25-14:10)

 

Today's Morsel:  When I was a kid, I used to love going to watch drag racing.  Those high performance cars were something to watch, accelerating speeds of over 250 miles per hour (mph) in a quarter of a mile was something.  But most of the time, I watched a lot of drivers  pull up and quit before they crossed the finish line because the other car was already cross the line.  

 

The same is with many Christians, they quit before they cross the finish line.   Solomon said, "The race is not given to the swift, but to him that endure unto the end."  Paul said that we should not grow weary in well doing for we will reap if we faint not.  We must retain our courage even though if it looks like we are losing.  If you read the back of The Book, you will see that we win.  Always remember, "Winners train, losers complain."  The children of Israel were right on the door of the finish line and they threw in the towel and quit.  All they needed was one more burst of faith and they could have walked across.  But they let others talk them out of the victory.  I think this old poem says it best:  "When things go wrong, as they sometimes will, When the road you're trudging  seems all uphill,  When the funds are low and the debts are high, And you want to smile, but you have to sigh, When cares are pressing you down a bit, Rest, if you must, but don't you quit.  Life is queer with its twists and turns,  As every one of us sometime learns,  And many a failure turns about, When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don't give up though the pace seems slow--You may succeed with another blow.   Often the goal is nearer than, It seems to a faint and faltering man, Often the struggler has given up,  When he might have captured the victor's cup, And he learned too late when the night slipped down,  How close he was to the golden crown.   Success is failure turned inside out--The silver tint of the clouds of doubt, And you never can tell how close you are, It may be near when it seems so far, So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit--  It's when things seem worse that you must not quit."

 

Sing: I'm going through! Yes! I'm going through! I'll pay the price not matter what others do. I'll take the way with the Lord's despised few, I started out with Jesus and I'm going through.

2011 June 28 - Morning Manna

And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these parables, he departed thence. And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works? Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things? And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house. And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief. (Matthew 13:53-58).

Today's Morsel:  Scripture doesn't tell us much about Jesus' childhood, but we know that He had to have one.  We even see that Mary and Joseph had more children.  The people in the temple asked about Jesus, "Is not this the carpenter's son?  Is not His mother called Mary? and His brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?  And his sisters, are they not all with us?"   I often wonder what Jesus' childhood was like at home.  Did he get spankings for disobeying His parents?  Did He and His siblings get into trouble for playing tricks on their parents like other kids?  I bet there was never a shortage of food at their house!  Imagine if Jesus took two fish and five loaves and fed 5,000 plus, their table at home was probably always filled with food.  Mary was chosen by God for a special purpose, but once that purpose was fulfilled, her life as a wife and mother was the same as any other wife and mother.  She had kids to take care of and a home to look after.  Yes, she knew that Jesus was special, yet she also knew that she needed the Holy Ghost the same as everyone else.  That is why she was in the upper room on the day of Pentecost along with her other children (Acts1:14).  If ever there was a scripture to show us the importance of needing God's Spirit within us it Acts 1:14).  Just think, if Mary needed it, you and I definitely need it.

Sing:  They were in an upper chamber, they were all in one accord, when the Holy Ghost descended as was promise by our Lord.  Oh Lord send the power just now!  Oh' Lord send the power just now! Oh Lord send the power just now, and baptize everyone.

2011 June 27 - Morning Manna

But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.  (Romans 8:25) 

 

Today's Morsel:  Most people doesn't like delays. I have watched folk at the airline check in, and when they are told that the plane will be delayed because of maintenance problems, they go into an outrage.  Me, I just say, "Praise the Lord, thank God that they found out there was a problem before we got 35,000 feet in the air!"  My  Bible says lo I am with you always. (humor)  Why don't we like delays?  What is God trying to teach us during our delays?  Is He trying to teach us patience? Is He trying to show us that He's watching out for our well being?  Does He know that the enemy has a trap set for us and He wants us to slow down so we will be able to see it when it comes.   When Israel was facing a major battle with the Philistines, King Saul and all the people with him began to fear.  And when the prophet Samuel delayed his coming for seven days, Scripture says, "And Saul said, Bring hither a burnt offering to me, and peace offerings. And he offered the burnt offering. And it came to pass, that as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him, that he might salute him. And Samuel said, What hast thou done? And Saul said, Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that thou camest not within the days appointed, and that the Philistines gathered themselves together at Michmash; Therefore said I, The Philistines will come down now upon me to Gilgal, and I have not made supplication unto the LORD: I forced myself therefore, and offered a burnt offering. And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the LORD thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the LORD have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever. But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the LORD commanded thee" (1 Samuel 13:9-14). Because he couldn't wait, it cost him the kingdom.  Maybe you are waiting on God to answer your prayer or provide something for you.  Don't take matters into your own hands, but wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart. Wait, I say, on the Lord.

Sing:  They that wait upon the Lord, shall renew their strength, they shall mount up as wings as eagles. They shall run and not grow weary, they shall walk and not faint, teach me Lord, teach me Lord, to wait.

2011 June 25 - Morning Manna

And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities. Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? Jesus answered and said unto them,  Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me. And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.  He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. (Matthew 11:1-15)

 

Today's Morsel: During the early 70's, the Citizen Band (CB) Radio became popular across America.  Many people that owned a vehicle purchased at CB radio.  Because the speed limit had been lowered to 55 miles per hour on the interstates, people saw this as a way to help them avoid getting a speeding ticket if they were speeding because other drivers would tell them where the police were and they could slow down.  The CB also aided them in communicating with others while they were driving for long distances.   When someone wanted to talk on their radio, they would beep in or say "Break 1-9." (which was the radio channel that truckers usually used).  And then they would say, "Have you got your ears on?"  In other words, is there anyone out there listening. 

 

Are you listening?  Jesus said to the seven churches, "He that hath and ear let him hear what the spirit is saying unto the churches."  It's time that we get our spiritual ears open to what the Word of the Lord is speaking to us.  It's time that we get in tune to what heaven is doing and listen.  Many time when messages are preached they fall on death ears, because people do not listen.  We could avoid much hurt and sorrow if we'd just do a little more listening and less talking.  Jesus wanted His follower to know who John the Baptist was.  The prophet Malachi had already prophesied that the Lord would send Elijah before He came (Malachi 4:5).  And Jesus wanted them to know that Elijah had already come, and His name was John the Baptist, and that He (Jesus) was the Lord, Almighty God, which was to come.  Do you have your ears on?  

 

Sing: Jesus is here right now, reach out and touch Him.  Jesus is here right now, yours to receive.  Jesus is standing near, ready your heart to cheer, Jesus is here right now, only believe.

2011 June 24 - Morning Manna

When I would comfort myself against sorrow, my heart is faint in me. Behold the voice of the cry of the daughter of my people because of them that dwell in a far country: Is not the LORD in Zion? is not her king in her? Why have they provoked me to anger with their graven images, and with strange vanities? The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved. For the hurt of the daughter of my people am I hurt; I am black; astonishment hath taken hold on me. Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered? (Jeremiah 8:18-22)

 Today's Morsel: Health issues seem to be center stage these days.  Many people seem to be facing health problems.  Finding the cure for ailments have many people puzzled.  This is really nothing new.  Even in Jeremiah's time he wrote asking if there was no physician in Gilead.  Is there not a doctor there.  The  priests and prophets were to be the physicians.  They were the balm.  They were to have healing in their hands.  And so the Lord asked, if they are there, then why aren't my people recovered?  Why aren't my people healed?  If you are born again, God has sent to you heal.  Jesus said that He came to heal and to preach the gospel (Luke 4:18).  This gospel of Jesus Christ opens blinded eyes, unstops deaf ears, makes the lame to walk and the dumb to talk.  This gospel sets the captive free.  This gospel heals man's hearts.  This gospel saves man's life. Jesus said that we shall lay hands upon the sick and they shall recover.  He said that the works that He did, we shall do also and greater.  So where are the apothecaries?  Is there any balm in your area?  If not, what are you doing to cause it to come about?  David said, "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God" (Psalms 42:11).

 

Sing: He was wounded for our transgressions! He was bruised for our iniquities! Surely, He bore all our sorrows, and by His stripes we are healed.

2011 June 23 - Morning Manna

And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint (Luke 18:1).

Today's Morsel:  From the time that Jesus taught His disciple to pray, prayer seemed to be their focused.  They understood that more things were done through prayer than the arm of man.  When the division arose in Acts 6, because the Grecian widows weren't being used in the daily administration of the church, scripture says, "Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word" (Acts 6:2-4). Sorry, they said, but we don't have time for this, you need to choose others to care for this matter, because it's not worth us leaving the Word of God to serve tables.  We will give ourselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word.  Are you so caught up with doing things that you don't have time for prayer and ministering the Word of God?  Someone said that seven day without prayer makes one weak.  Through much counsel with many Christians who struggle in their faith and walk with God, they always say to me, 'I don't pray as often or as much as I should.'  Isn't it amazing that they already know what their problem is.  Many Christians seem to be lazy when it comes to prayer.  Maybe it's because they don't know how to pray. Even the disciples of Jesus asked Him to teach them how to pray.  Do you know how to pray?  Prayer isn't about time, it's about quality.  It's the quality of time you spend with Jesus.  It's allowing Him to talk with you just as much as you talk with Him.  If you are presenting your needs to Him, what do you do when He presents His needs and desires to you?  You may say that Jesus doesn't have any needs. Yes, He does.  He needs you to be faithful and an example  in prayer  and a witness for Him before others.  He may even need you to go and tell others about Him.  But if you don't listen for His needs, how will they know?  The old adage the family that prays together stays together is true.  If a husband and wife and children don't pray together, they won't stay together, but they will soon be fragmented and separated.  Jesus said that if you pray you won't quit.  Having troubles in your home?  Try praying together and see what happens.

Sing: Hear my cry O' God, attend unto my prayer, from the ends of the earth will I cry unto thee, and when my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to that Rock that is higher than I, so much higher than I!

2011 June 22 - Morning Manna

And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died. Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against thee; pray unto the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people. And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live. And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived. (Numbers 21:6-9)

Today's Morsel: When we look at the life of Moses in leading the children of Israel, Moses was a very meek and humble man.  Most of us would never have put up with what he went through.  They accused him for every bad thing that they felt was happening to them.  They never complemented him on the good, they always found fault with him when things weren't going their way.  And yet, when God began to punish them for their complaining, murmuring, and disrespect, they ran to Moses asking him to intercede to God for them, and Moses did just that each time. Even when God saw their rebellion and told Moses to remove himself so that He could destroy them and give him new children to lead, Moses stood in the gap for them.  What a true man of God.  How do you think you would have handled the situation?  Most of us would have just removed ourselves and said, "Have at it God! Wipe the slate clean!"  But not Moses.  Moses is an example of a true intercessor.  The trait of a true intercessor is being able to plead with God for the good instead of the worst.  It is being able to let God see your heart for the good of others instead of being concerned for yourself.  It is being a selfless servant instead of being self-centered.  When you can cause God to see that it is more for the good of others than for yourself, you'll touch the heart of God.  Whether you believe it or not, God does have a weak side, and it's called compassion.  And when your compassion meets His compassion, there is forgiveness, healing, and deliverance.  Ask the Syrophoenician woman whose daughter was possessed with a devil (Matthew 15:21-28).

 

Sing:  When gloom and sadness whispers, you've sin, no use to pray, I look away to Jesus, and He, tells me to say!

I see a crimson stream of blood, it flows from Calvary. It's waves which reach the throne of God, are sweeping, over me.

2011 June 21 - Morning Manna

And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way. And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread. And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died. (Numbers 21:4-6)

Today's Morsel: I've had people who've lost loved ones, some have lost their job, some have had homes and businesses that were destroyed by a tornado or earthquake, and they ask me, "Pastor, why did God allow this to happen?"   There's really no answer to give someone when these things happen.  Most people aren't looking for answers, they just want someone to comfort them during these times.  We do know that scripture says that God causes it to rain on the just and the unjust (Matthew 5:45), but to blame God is the wrong approach.  We need to establish a Job attitude, and say as Job said, "Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly" (Job 1:21-22).

 

The children of Israel now found themselves in a discouraging state, because they were not allowed to enter the "Promised Land,"  all because of their own unbelief.  They now found themselves having to do another forty years in the wilderness. And so they began to speak against God and Moses, His servant.  Both God and Moses had their best interest at heart.  But salvation and deliverance and entering the Promised Land comes by believing not through unbelief.  One would think that what the children of Israel had seen God do for them from Egypt to this point of entering the Promised Land would have caused them to believe that God could do anything.  But they allowed murmuring and complained on the route and an evil report by the spies that Moses sent to espy the land to destroy their faith. And now, all they saw was that they had been brought out to die instead of given newness of life.  Let me encourage you today, no matter how bad it looks, don't blame God, nor your pastor, for what is taking place in your life.  Just keep believing and God will bring you into the land of promise.

Sing: Keep believing, cause His word is true; keep believing, you know the Lord will see you through. When troubles rise in your life, and you don't know what to do, you'll be find, if you just keep on believing!

2011 June 20 - Morning Manna

And the LORD came down in a cloud, and spake unto him, and took of the spirit that was upon him, and gave it unto the seventy elders: and it came to pass, that, when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied, and did not cease. But there remained two of the men in the camp, the name of the one was Eldad, and the name of the other Medad: and the spirit rested upon them; and they were of them that were written, but went not out unto the tabernacle: and they prophesied in the camp. And there ran a young man, and told Moses, and said, Eldad and Medad do prophesy in the camp. And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, one of his young men, answered and said, My lord Moses, forbid them. And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the LORD'S people were prophets, and that the LORD would put his spirit upon them!
(Numbers 11:25-29)

Today's Morsel:  As the people of Israel grew in number,  Moses found himself having to deal with more and more situations and problems.  Trying to meet the needs of all the people, and keep them in the straight and narrow, and learn to live in obedience was wearying him out.  You have to realize that Moses isn't young during this period. He's approaching about 80 years old at this point, and his old bones are taking a beating.  And so when he seek the Lord for help, God tells him to select seventy elders from the people and that He will take some of his spirit and place upon them.  WOW!  What a man.  Moses must have possessed a great attitude and spirit, that God would take some of his spirit to place it upon the seventy that he chose.  What part of your spirit is God transferring upon others that you choose?  Followers are a direct representation of their leadership.  If leaders don't worship, followers won't either.  If leaders don't give, followers won't either.  Everything rises and falls on leadership.  Don't forget that you are also the leader of your home and you transfer your spirit to your family.  If you murmur, complain, yell, scream, and nag at your children and spouse, it is going to be transferred to them.  Whereas if you live a peaceable life, have patience, and a calm demeanor, that too will transfer to them.  When Eldad and Medad began to prophecy in the camp, Joshua told Moses to make them stop.  But Moses said, "Would God that all the LORD'S people were prophets, and that the LORD would put his spirit upon them!"

 

On the day of Pentecost, after the outpouring of the Holy Ghost when the Spirit of God came upon them and they were accused of being drunk, Peter said, "But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy" (Acts 2:16-18).  The Holy Ghost will cause you to speak for God and to lead and direct others in the correct way to go.  Moses had God's Spirit upon him, and so when God took some of Moses' spirit, He was taking His Spirit to put upon the seventy.  Have you received His Holy Ghost?  If you have, then it's time for you to start speaking for God in the camp.

Sing:  On the day of Pentecost, a mighty rushing wind, blew into the upper room and baptized all of them.  With a power greater than any earthly foe, I'm so glad I've got it too, I'm gonna let the whole world know.

Greater is He that is in me! Greater is He that is in me! Greater is He that is in me! Then he that is in this world.

2011 June 18 - Morning Manna

Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. (James 4:17).

Today's Morsel:  Are you sinning and don't know it?  What comes to your mind when you think of doing good?  James said that if you know to do good and do it not, it is sin.  Jesus calls for us to become perfect, and part of that perfection process is learning to do what we know to do is right.  There will always be the temptation to do wrong.  Ever since Adam and Eve sinned in the garden, that Adamic nature is around to tempt us.  But when we are born again, we must become like Christ, who did not sin and neither was guile found in Him.  Part of Christ's character is goodness.  If we say that we know Him, than we, too, must become as He is, and learn to do good.  When the rich young ruler called Jesus "Good Master," Jesus told him that there is none good but God.  Jesus wasn't telling him that He wasn't good, rather He was trying to give him an insight as to who He was.  He told His disciples, "Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet" (John 13:13-14).  Peter said that Jesus went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil.  (Acts 10:38).   James said, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning" (James 1:17). When we understand who Jesus really is and what He wants us to do and become, we will understand what the writer meant when he said,  "But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased" (Hebrews 13:16).  "You'll never go wrong in life if every decision you make is predicted on, 'Would my mother and father be proud of me?'" Ken Venturi, Golf Player and Broadcast/ Analyst.

Sing:  You know the Lord's been good!  He's really been good! He's been so good to me, I just can't let Him down, I can't let Him down, I can't let Him down, He's really been good to me.

2011 June 17 - Morning Manna

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you  (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Today's Morsel: Arnold Palmer, one of golf's greatest, said, "Know the importance of when and how to say thank you."  Very rarely do we hear people saying, "Thank you" any more.  I wonder what would happen if we all got in the habit of saying "Thank you" when the cashier checks us out at the store, the mechanic fixes our car, the policeman gives us a traffic violation. We could thank the pilot and his crew for getting us to our destination safely, our children for cleaning their rooms or getting good grades at school, our spouse or mom for keeping the house clean and preparing our meals or doing your laundry. Or how about your father or dad for providing for you. Do you think it would make a difference?  Why did Paul say that it is the will of God for us to give thanks in everything?  Because our gratitude reflects our attitude and our attitude reflects our outcome in life.  Our attitudes also reflects our thinking and our thinking reflects our emotions and our emotions reflects our action.  When the one leper returned to say "Thank you" to Jesus, he was not only healed, but made whole!  When we learn to be thankful in all things,  it's just another form of praise.  Care to give it a try.

Sing:  Thanks! Thanks!  I give you thanks, for all you have done. I am so blessed, my soul has found rest, O' Lord, I give you thanks.

2011 June 16 - Morning Manna

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. (Romans 8:28-29)

Today's Morsel:  There is a doctrine called the doctrine of predestination.  This doctrine teaches that God already knows and has even pre-determined who is going to be saved and who is going to perish in hell, therefore go out and do what you want. This doctrine has many people confused.  As Jesus told His disciples, "Beware of false doctrine."  Paul said, "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them"(Romans 16:17).   Jesus has predestinated us to be conformed to His image.  This is why Paul said, "And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly" (1 Corinthians 15:49).  This is because when we are born into this world, we all took on the image of the first man Adam.  But after we are born-again, we then take on the image of the second Adam, Jesus Christ.  After our new birth experience, we are risen to walk in newness of life, reflecting Christ's image.  Are you conforming to the image that He predestinated you to be?  What do people see when they see you?  Do they see Christ in you, the hope of glory? Are you reflecting His character?  "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure" (1 John 3:2-3).  

Sing: To be like Jesus! To be like Jesus! On earth I long, to be like Him; all through life's journey, from earth to glory, I only ask, to be like Him!

2011 June 15 - Morning Manna

Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy. (Proverbs 20:28)

Today's Morsel:  The word 'preserve' comes from the Greek word, nâtsar (naw-tsar) which means to guard.  So we can see that mercy and truth guard the king.   In other words, they establish who He is and uphold Him in His rightful place.  Solomon said, "By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil" (Proverbs 16:6).  The psalmist also said, "Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy.."(Psalms 62:12).  The prophet Jeremiah said,  "It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness"(Lamentations 3:22-23).  Mercy says a lot about who God really is. When we don't get what we deserve for our wrong, God is showing us mercy.  Peter said that the Lord is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.  God just keeps extending mercy, hoping that all will see His love and turn to Him.  Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (John 14:6).  Understanding, as Paul said of Jesus, "Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords" (1 Timothy 6:15), we then understand  that when we walk in truth and exercise mercy, we are displaying our king in our lives,  and upholding His throne.  The Ark of the Covenant had a mercy seat above it where God descended upon.  Make no mistake, God is full of mercy and truth and He expects those who say that they are His to be likewise.

 Sing:  Mercy said no, I'm not gonna let you go, I'm not gonna let you slip away, you don't have to be afraid, Mercy said no, sin will never ever take control, Life and death stood face to face, Darkness tried to steal my heart away, Thank You, Jesus, Mercy said no.

2011 June 14 - Morning Manna

After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold. And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle. And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created (Revelation 4:1-11).

  

Today's Morsel: When members of the Army are promoted, their orders read, The Secretary of the Army has reposed special trust, confidence, and fidelity of such person, and in view of these qualities I therefore promote  him/her to said rank.  These individuals are being honored for their service before others.

On the Island of Patmos, John is given a glimpse of heaven.  And he observes the worship that is taking place before the throne of God.  John said that the twenty-four elders fall down and cast their crowns before him that sit on the throne of God and worship Him without ceasing, saying, "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created."  Jesus told Peter whatsoever things are loosed on the earth would be loosed in heaven.  This heavenly scene is a reflection of what is taking place on the earth.  Somewhere in the world, twenty-four hours a day, someone, somewhere, is worshipping and giving God the praise.  Are you doing your part.  Scripture says,  "From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD'S name is to be praised" (Psalms 113:3).  When the sun comes up in the east, God is to be praised.  And when it goes down in the west, God is to be praised. The Lord said, "Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God" (Psalms 50:23).    David said, "Early will I rise up and seek thee."  The psalmist also encourages us, "Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness. Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals. Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD" (Psalms 150:1-6).

Sing:  Thou art worthy!  Thou art worthy!  Thou art worthy, O' Lord.  To receive glory, glory and honor, glory and honor and praise.  For thou hast created, hast all things created, thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure, they are created, Thou are worthy, O' Lord.

2011 June 13 - Morning Manna

Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength. (Nehemiah 8:10)

Today's Morsel: When I first arrived on Okinawa in 1993, what I noticed more than anything, was the longevity of life of many of the Okinawan people.  It wasn't uncommon to see someone that was a 100 years old.  Many of these elderly were out early exercising, working in the fields, and just enjoying life.  I was also surprised by many of their diets. Pork, rice, seaweed, vegetables, sweet potatoes, and fish just to name few of their dietary items.  So I have concluded that good exercise and eat what you want will give you the strength that you need, and may even extend your life.

 

Nehemiah told the workers that helped him rebuild the wall around the city to eat the fat, drink the sweet and send portions to others.  In other words, while you are rejoicing in the victory that God has given you and your accomplishments, don't forget the poor and others, because the joy of the Lord is your strength. When we share with others what the Lord is doing in our lives and all He has given us, it gives us strength. When we give to missions so that they can build the wall and establish a stronghold for Jesus, we glean strength.  Some people don't like to talk about what God has done and is doing in their life to others.  But when a person is excited about what God is doing, it gives them strength, and I will not try to discourage them by not listening.  So don't be sorry if others don't want to listen, keep talking about Jesus and what He's doing because the joy of the Lord is your strength.

Sing: The joy of the Lord is my strength! The joy of the Lord is my strength! The joy of the Lord is my strength! The joy of the Lord is my strength!

2011 June 11 - Morning Manna

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:1-4)

Today's Morsel:  They say that we have already exceeded the record for tornadoes here in America compared to years past.  The meteorologists are perplexed as to so many tornadoes at such an early time in the season.  These destructive winds are destroying homes, businesses, and other material possessions.  Many are losing all. 

When Nicodemus came to Jesus by night and talked with Him, he wanted to know how a man could be born again.  It had to be of water and Spirit.  When Nicodemus asked Him, "How can these things be?"  Jesus told him, "The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit" (John 3:8).  He told him that when one is born of the Spirit, it would be like wind blowing.  You would hear it, but wouldn't be able to tell where it came from.  Luke said in Acts 2, "And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."  And then he said, "Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language" (Acts 2:6).  Many churches and believers denounce speaking in tongues.  And some even teach that it's not for us today, or they don't make any mention of it.  And some says that this  was only for the apostles and the first century church.  But Peter said, "For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call" (Acts 2:39).  Have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed?  If not, remember that it is a gift promised from the Lord that is still available to you today.

Sing: Like a mighty rushing wind, Lord, move us.  Like a river of life, flow through us.  Like a hot burning fire, consume us.  Lord, touch us, and make us like You.

2011 June 10 - Morning Manna

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

Today's Morsel:  I'm told that in many of the mid-eastern countries, the birth of a son is valued more than the birth of a daughter.  And that they will search for a name of greatness to give to this son.  In some cases, they will seek for a Biblical name of men of renown.  

 

Isaiah, prophesying of Jesus said, For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.  If you will notice, these aren't names, they are titles by which Jesus would be described. When Matthew records that we are to baptize in the name of the father, and of the son, and of the Holy Ghost, we see again the descriptive titles that identify Jesus; and this is why baptism was administered in the name of Jesus after the day of Pentecost.  The disciples knew who Jesus was.  When Jesus met the two men on the road to Emmaus, "He said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself"(Luke 24:25-27).  Notice here, Jesus said, "Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory." Matthew, also wrote that Jesus said, "When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left" (Matthew 25:31-33).  There cannot be more than one glory.  There will be only one who will rein in glory, and that will be Jesus.

Sing: Wonderful! Wonderful! Jesus is to me, Counselor, Prince of peace, Mighty God is He.  Saving me, keeping me, from all sin and shame, Wonderful is my Redeemer, praise His name.

2011 June 9 - Morning Manna

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. (2 Timothy 3:1-5)

Today's Morsel:  Each day that I sit and read the paper or check the news on the web, there seems to be lots of danger out there in the world.  Paul's instructions to Timothy seem to take center stage.  Jesus had warned us, "And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold" (Matthew 24:12).  And then He said, "And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken" (Luke 21:25-26).  This seems to be the time that Thomas Paine said would try men souls.  This seems to be the times that will test the church to see what we are built upon.  The warning signs were given that these times would come.   But like other times, many are rolling back over and hitting the snooze button; the enemy of their souls has lured them back to sleep.  Daniel said, "And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws"  There are so many laws being changed . These are the times that Isaiah spoke of, "Judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter. Yea, truth faileth; and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey: and the LORD saw it, and it displeased him that there was no judgment" (Isaiah 59:14-15).  I'm somewhat like Daniel, my congitations much troubled me, and my countenance changes in me: but I am keeping the matter in my heart (Daniel 7:25-28), because I know that as Paul said, "At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:10-11).  Either you stand firm or burn, it's your choice!

 Sing:  Living below in this old sinful world, hardly a comfort can afford; striving alone, to face temptation sore, where could I go but to the Lord.

Where could I go, O' where could I go, seeking a refuge for my soul, needing a friend, to help me in the end, where could I go but to the Lord.

2011 June 8 - Morning Manna

For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

Romans 3:3-4)

Today's Morsel:  Have you ever had anyone tell you that they don't believe in God or Jesus?  How did you feel?  Were you disappointed with them?  David said, "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good"(Psalms 14:1).  How in the world can anyone living not understanding that there is a God and put their trust in Him.  Although we can't see God with our human faculties, we can see Him in His creation around us.  Paul said that just because some people don't believe it should not make the faith of God without effect. We should still believe that God is able to do exceeding, abundant above all we could ask or think of Him.  We shouldn't allow how others feel or don't feel affect our faith and trust in God.  This is one of the reasons that Solomon said that we should trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not to our own understanding.  You are going to encounter many who may not believe in these times because we are living in a time that every man does what is right in his own eye, and many will test you to see if you are really real.  But don't let them affect your faith.  As Solomon said, "If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small"(Proverbs 24:10).

Sing:  I believe God! I believe God! That He will do, just as He said. Trust and obey, believe Him and say, I believe! I believe God!

If you need salvation now, or the Holy Ghost and power, just trust and obey, believe Him and say, I believe! I believe God!

2011 June 7 - Morning Manna

Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. (Romans 16:17)

  

Today's Morsel: The other day, I was focusing on doctrine. I was trying to make sure that I wasn't drifting away from the doctrine of Christ, because I see that so many are in these last days.  How did we get so many doctrines in the church and how does one doctrine differ from another.  So my question to you today is this, what is your church's doctrine?  Do you believe that doctrine in a church setting is important?  What would you do if you discovered that the doctrine you have been taught was all wrong?  Have you really took the time to see if your church's doctrine is in line with Jesus and the apostles?  Some people attend a church and never question the leadership about their doctrine.  Just because a church has a good choir, their doctrine may be totally wrong.  Just because the preacher is a good orator, his doctrine may be totally wrong.  Jesus said that not everyone that saith to Him Lord, Lord shall enter the kingdom of heaven.

   

Paul told Timothy, "But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience" (2 Timothy 3:10). And then he concludes by saying, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works" (2 Timothy 3:16-17).  Why was Paul so adamant about doctrine?  Because doctrine determines if you are in accordance with higher instructions and to see if you are enforcing the standard.  I've come to realize that some churches don't have any standards for how people should live and conduct themselves.  And this is one of the reasons that divorce rate is so high, drug and alcohol abuse is on the rise,  and that teen pregnancy is out of control.  I conclude that this is because they don't know the doctrine of Jesus and the apostles.  When we understand the doctrine of Jesus and the apostles, we don't look any-old-way in our dress and appearance, we don't partake in every activity just because it looks like fun, nor do we watch everything that set before our eyes.  We understand the importance of self-control and self-discipline.  If you get a really good understanding of the doctrine of Jesus and the apostles, I promise you, you aren't going to be the same person that you use to be.  So let me encourage you, read your Bible, and ask God for wisdom so that you will know truth.  It is the Truth that will  make you free.

Sing: He's changing me, my Blessed Savior, I'm not the same person that I use to be; Well it's been slow going, but there's a knowing that someday perfect I will be!

2011 June 6 - Morning Manna

This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalms 118:24)

Today's Morsel: June 6, 1944, 160,000 Allied Troops landed along a 50-mile stretch of heavily-fortified French coastline to fight Nazi Germany on the beaches of Normandy, France.  General Dwight D. Eisenhower called the operation a crusade in which “We will accept nothing less than full victory.”  More than 5,000 Ships and 13,000 aircraft supported the D-Day invasion, and by day’s end on June 6, the Allies gained a foot-hold in Normandy.  The D-Day cost was high; more than 9,000 Allied Soldiers were killed or wounded -- but more than 100,000 Soldiers began the march across Europe to defeat Hitler.  D-Day is a term often used in military parlance to denote the day on which a combat attack or operation is to be initiated.  "D-Day" often represents a variable, designating the day upon which some significant event will occur or has occurred;  The initial D in D-Day has had various meanings in the past, including Deliverance.  Do you remember the day that Jesus came to deliver you?  Do you know where you were?  The day that He set you free is your "D-Day."  I have listened to many people speak to the deliverance the allied force brought them and many of them were so appreciative of it. They had been bound, abused, and left to die. But once they were delivered, they realized that they had not been forgotten.  Israel was in bondage  for over 400 years, but then their D-Day came.  God sent Moses to deliver them from bondage.  After Jesus was tempted 40 days in the wilderness, Scripture says, "And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about. And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all. And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord" (Luke 4:14-19).  It was their D-Day, but they didn't want to be delivered.  So many today are like that.  They see that they are in bondage to the things of this world and it's ways, but they keep rejecting their Deliverer.  Each day that the Lord tarries His return is a day for you to be made free.  As the Psalmist said, "This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."  God has set a special day for you, do you want to be made free?

Sing:  He set me free yes, He set me free.  He broke the bars of prison for me.  I'm glory bound my Jesus to see, glory to God, He set me free.

2011 June 4 - Morning Manna

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers. This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them. Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. (John 10:1-10)

Today's Morsel:  A story is told of a man who died and went to heaven.  As he was being led to his room, he was passing by many doors.  He asked Peter what was in all those rooms.  "Oh, you don't want to know," said Peter.  They passed room after room.  Finally the man said to Peter, "I've just got to know what's in this room, it has my name on it."  And so Peter says, "Alright, I'll show you."  When he opens the door, there were many boxes that filled the room. The man was so surprised to see so many boxes with his name on them.  He asked, "What are in all these boxes?"   Peter said, "Well, you kept praying asking God for gifts, but you just kept moving and would not remain in one place long enough to receive them and so they were returned."  Like this story, so many people pray for God to do things for them, but they don't give God the time to respond to their request and they move on.

 

Jesus said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber."  No one can come in without passing through Him.  How did you get into the fold?  Did you come through the correct door?   Solomon says,  "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death"(Proverbs 14:12).  Just what did you find when you came through the door?  Did you find love?  What about mercy and truth?  What about joy and compassion.  Did you locate and see integrity, grace, passion, long-suffering, faith, kindness, and self-control?  If you saw none of these when you entered the door, quickly get out because you've entered the wrong one.

Sing:  Beyond the open door is a new and fresh anointing, hear the Spirit calling you to go. Walk on through the door for the Lord will go before you, Into a greater power you've ever known before.

2011 June 3 - Morning Manna

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. (1 John 4:1-4)

Today's Morsel:  Mohammad Ali, one of the greatest boxers of all times, would always shout, "I am the greatest."  Because few had beaten him in boxing, he held the world heavyweight boxing championship for many years.

 

If someone were to ask you how great is your God, what would you tell them?  Paul said that we should be ready to give an answer to everyone that asks of the hope that is within us (my wording).  During Israel's departure from Egypt, all the nations of the world during that time were afraid of them because they knew how great a God the God of Israel was.  Even the harlot who hid the spies that Joshua sent out to spy out the land told them, "I know that the LORD hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you. For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed. And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath" (Joshua 2:9-11).  They knew how great God was just by what they had heard.  James said, "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble" (James 2:19).  Friend, you are serving a Mighty God and there isn't anything that He cannot do.  If the devils are afraid of Jesus, image how they feel about you who have His Spirit dwelling within you.

Sing:  How great is our God?  How great is His name?  He's the Greatest One, forever the same.  He rolled back the waters, of the mighty Red Sea, and He said, I want to lead you, so put your trust in Me!

2011 June 2 - Morning Manna

But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

(Ephesians 2:13-18)

Today's Morsel:  When we were  missionaries living in Japan, we befriended a young lady from Mongolia.  And when we would visit Mongolia, we would visit with her family who lived in a western-style home instead of a "Ger", the Mongolian homes made like a round tent.  This young lady told us that she did not like living in their new home as much as the Ger, because it had walls and  she couldn't always see her mother and that she felt separated from her.  Inside of the Ger there are no rooms or walls, it's just one open space and thus everyone can see each other and she said that you are more connected as a family.

Paul said that Jesus Christ has broken down the middle wall of partition between us.  There should now be no divisions between us when it comes to the church.  If we have been born again of the water and the Spirit no matter the race, creed, national origin, or language we are to all be one in Christ .  Paul further said, "For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named" (Ephesians 3:14-15).  One thing I've learned about the Gospel is that it breaks down walls that divides.  If there is a wall between you and anyone else in your church, what was in the Gospel you received?  The Gospel of Jesus Christ reconciles us to each other.   Don't allow the enemy to cause you to build walls within your home or church, because the person on the other side of that wall needs you just as much as you need them.  If you disagree,  ask for forgiveness, because if you build a wall, the enemy of your soul will help you build yet another one.

Sing: Let me live close to Thee, guide me all along the way; Let me live close to Thee, let me walk close to Thee each day.

2011 June 1 - Morning Manna

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.  (Hebrews 12:1-3)

Today's Morsel:   Simply put, you can't run with weights on.  Weights are for training to build the muscles.  But the day of the race, the weights must be removed or you take a strong and almost certain chance that you will lose.  So it's time to unload the weights.  It's time to reach down and undo them.

Weights are things that you are carrying:

ü Other peoples problems and attitudes

ü Family situations

ü Concern about backsliders

ü Non-committed family members

ü Past abuse

ü Divorce

ü Job loss

ü Sickness

ü Housing concerns

ü Insurance

ü Debts

ü Careers

ü Economy

Where did we get so many weights?  How did you allow them to get put on you?  Paul said that it's time to lay them aside.  It's time to remove them so that you can run.  We have got to get our minds on Christ and stop worrying about everyone else's problems and picking up things that don't belong to us.  Yes, we need to listen to others, but not carry their burdens.  I know Paul tells us to bear one another burdens.  But there comes a time that they've got to link up with Jesus and take His yoke on them and let their burdens become light.  Solomon said:  "A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool's wrath is heavier than them both" (Proverbs 27:3).  You need to get that stone and weight of anger out of you. You can't run with it attached to you. You're going to lose the race.  "Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy" (Proverbs 27:4)?  So come on my brother, come on my sister, cast it away so that you may run and obtain.

Sing: I 'm running for my life!  I been running for my life! I'm running for my life!  I been running for my life!  If anybody asks you, what's the matter with me, tell them I'm saved, sanctified, Holy Ghost filled, and water baptized, I got Jesus on my side, and I'm running for my life.