2011 July 30 - Morning Manna

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

If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: (Ephesians 4:21)

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

(2 Timothy 2:15)

Today's Morsel: In many places of the world, school will soon start again.  Many will be purchasing school supplies in hopes of being ready for the starting day.  Many will be happy, because this will be their last year and they will obtain their diploma of completion.  We should see the church as a school.  A place where we can learn and grow.  Solomon said that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, while Paul informs us that if we've been taught by Jesus then we should know where the truth lies, in Jesus.  He told Timothy to study to show himself approved of God.  He further stated, "But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge" (1 Corinthians 8:6-7).  Why doesn't everyone know that Jesus is God?  Why doesn't everyone believe this truth?  How much of your study do you spend seeking and looking for truth?  Jesus said, "I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins" (John 8:24).  Wouldn't it be nice if everyone had an AA, was "Apostolic Apostle"; or a BA, "Born Again"; or a MA, "Master of the Book of Acts"; or a PHD, a "Pentecostal Holiness Disciple"; or a DD, a "Doctor in the Lord's Doctrine".  If we all sought these degrees, I think our world would be in a better position than it is, our families would be more in tune to each other, our schools would be run by godly instructors, and our government would be led and ruled in the fear of God.  "Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people" King Solomon said (Proverbs 14:34).

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

Refrain: O deeper yet, I pray, and higher every day, and wiser,  blessed  Lord, In Thy precious, holy Word.

2011 July 29 - Morning Manna

And there came an angel of the LORD, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained unto Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites. And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him, and said unto him, The LORD is with thee, thou mighty man of valour. And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the LORD be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt? but now the LORD hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites. And the LORD looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee? And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house. And the LORD said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man. And he said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, then shew me a sign that thou talkest with me. (Judges 6:11-17)

Today's Morsel:  Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant, of the university of Alabama, said, "In a crisis, don't hide behind anybody or anything. They are going to find you anyway."  In other words, you can't hide from disaster, you are going to  have to deal with it.  Israel, because of their continual rejection of God, found themselves being defeated by their enemies.  And now they found themselves in  a fearful state.  We will always see our enemies as greater than we are when we don't obey God's Word.  Gideon wasn't chosen because of his might, but because God wanted to use His chosen people to show the enemies of God that his people were still mighty.  Israel was faced with a crisis; either get back to what they knew to do, or continue to let their enemies torment and imprison them.  God wanted to encouraged them that He had not forgotten His promise to their forefathers.  And so, He just found a man who was willing to do something to keep from dying.  Gideon was thrashing wheat.  And God wanted Gideon to know, that he could thrash his enemies the same way.  What crisis are you running from?  Are you hiding behind somebody or something to keep from facing it?  Sooner or later it is going to find you, so you might as well face it and allow God to defeat it for you.  In life, you're going to have your back up against the wall many times, so you might as well face it.

Sing: He's an on time God, yes He is! He's an on time God, yes He is! He may not come when you want Him, but He'll be there right on time, I tell you, He's an on time God, yes He is!

2011 July 28 - Morning Manna

Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. (Psalms 100:1-5)

 

Today's Morsel:  One of the things I always like to ask people when they are working, whether as a checkout clerk at a store, a waiter, or some other employee, "Are you having fun?"  Oftentimes I catch them by surprise because it's not what they are looking for.  I am of the belief that no matter what you are doing, you should be having fun at it.  When we see the joy in what we are doing, it relieves the stress and makes time pass faster and we have a better day.  I don't know about you, but I don't like doing stuff that doesn't have any fun in it.  I guess that is why I love serving Jesus so much, it's lots of fun.  David said that we should serve the Lord with gladness and come before His presence with singing.  It is said that it takes more muscles to frown than to smile.  Did you know that laughter is the best medicine?   Let me encourage you, even though we should be serious about what we are doing, we must always remember that a merry heart does good like a medicine.  Are you having fun yet?

 

Sing: I get joy, joy, joy when I think about the Lord, when I'm standing in His presence I say give me more and more. Well, it starts in my hands and it moves down to my feet, I've got the joy, joy, joy all over me.

2011 July 27 - Morning Manna

And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man, of Kabzeel, who had done many acts, he slew two lionlike men of Moab: he went down also and slew a lion in the midst of a pit in time of snow: (2 Samuel 23:20)

Today's Morsel:  On the last day of the year in 1967, The Green Bay Packers defeated the Dallas Cowboys in a championship game that came to be known as the "Ice Bowl."  Played on the frozen Lambeau Field in Green Bay Wisconsin, the game was a test of man against nature.  In his pregame speech, Coach Vince Lombardi warned his players, "To be a winner, you've got to be bigger than the weather." 

     

King David had developed some mighty men.  When you study these guys, they were at first depressed, indebt, and discontent. But under David's leadership, they became a force to reckon with.  Scripture says that Benaiah went down also and slew a lion in the midst of a pit in time of snow.  What would make a man jump into a pit with a lion on a snowy day knowing that the odds were against him?  Maybe to prove a test of will versus size and strength.  Or maybe David had told them about how he killed the lion and the bear with his bare hands at such a young age.  We don't know why he did it, but Scripture says that he did, and I'll label him as a valiant man.  Sometimes our adverse conditions can make us feel like failures before we ever try, and we become afraid to even try.  Some are willing to let their adverse conditions destroy them rather than take them on.  We must realize that greater is He that is within us then he that is in the world.  Jesus said, "Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you" (Luke 10:19).   So let me encourage you today, take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God and go defeat your adversities.

Sing: Let God arise and his enemies be scattered! Let God arise and his enemies be scattered! Let God arise and his enemies be scattered! Let God, let God, arise!

2011 July 26 - Morning Manna

And he must needs go through Samaria. Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour. There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her,  Give me to drink. (For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.) Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans. Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water? Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle? Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: 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. The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw. (John 4:4-15).

Today's Morsel:  Many people today aren't aware of having to draw water from a well.  But I am of the generation where I remember having to draw water from a well.  Tying a rope to a bucket and lowering it down into a hole in the ground to get water was a joy as well as a task sometimes.  When the woman came to the well to draw water, Jesus was sitting on the edge of the well. Because He had nothing to draw with, He asked the woman for a drink.  She replied, "How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans."  The Jews and Samaritans didn't get along. They were, in a sense, enemies.  But one of the reasons Jesus had need to go through Samaria was to break down the wall of partition between them.  From their conversation, the woman realized that Jesus wasn't just a Jew, but He was someone that understood something about the whole drawing water process and caring for others.  When Jesus told her, "If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water."  His reply to her was basically, "If it was you and you asked me, I would give to you. Not only would I give you this water, but living water."  The whole process here isn't about drinking water, it's about breaking down walls between people of different races so that God's will can be done in the earth, and so that everyone can receive what God has for them all, the gift of Holy Ghost.  If we allow our prejudices to control us, somebody isn't going to drink.  Our churches should be multicultural, with no barriers of prejudice keeping anyone from receiving The Living Water.

 

Sing: It's bubbling, it's bubbling, it's bubbling in my soul; I feel it, the Spirit, since Jesus made me whole; some folks don't understand it, but this one thing I know, it's bubbling, bubbling, bubbling, bubbling, bubbling in my soul.

2011 July 25 - Morning Manna

Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint. (Proverbs 25:19)

Today's Morsel:  About two months ago, my wife and I were at church doing a few thing around the office.  As we were heading down the stairway to exit, I accidently missed one of the steps and rolled my ankle.  For the next few weeks it was hard for me to do anything because of the nagging pain.  Solomon said that confidence in an unfaithful man is time of trouble is like my ankle, painful.  It really hurts when you have put confidence in someone and they don't come through for you.  It's really painful when you need someone and they aren't there.  Paul said that the Lord is faithful.  He will be there when you need Him.  The prophet told King Asa that the Lord will be with you while you are with Him.  As David said, "The LORD hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee; Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion" (Psalms 20:1-2).  If we are faithful to God, you can rest assured He will be right there every time you need Him.

 

Sing: He's been faithful, faithful to me; looking back, His love and mercy I see.  Though in my heart, I have questioned, even failed to believe, yet He's been faithful, faithful, to me.

2011 July 23 - Morning Manna

He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls. (Proverbs 25:28)

Today's Morsel: One of the things about the ministry is that I get to hear lots of people talk about how stressed they are.  One thing is certain about stress, if you don't manage it, it will manage you. There are as many different ideas about stress as they are people who experience change in their lives.  Stress, quite simply,  is the way we react both physically and emotionally to change.  Like change, stress can either be good or bad.  Because people have developed within themselves such hectic lifestyles, it's no wonder some people think of stress as a way of life.  But if stress becomes a constant, ongoing cycle, your health and well-being are going to suffer.  You need to learn how to manage stress and be more in control of your life.  Solomon said that he that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.  If you don't learn some self control, you are going to destroy yourself.  Not God, the devil, nor anyone else, but you.  Stress is a killer.  The body can only take so much pressure before it break sdown.  Let me ask you a few questions.

1. What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and yet lose his soul?

2. How long do you think the people you work with and for will remember you when you die?

3. If ill health happened to you right now, how many of the people you work for will help take care of you?

 

I want to encourage you today.  I'm not saying what you are doing isn't important, and that you shouldn't do the best job that you can at what you've been asked and are paid to do.  I'm just saying there is a thing called stress that if not managed properly, will destroy you.  So somewhere within that 24 hour a day period, you need to find some time where you can get out and smell the roses and play in the dirt. 

 

Sing: 1. I must tell Jesus all of my trials, I cannot bear these burdens alone; In my distresses He kindly will help me, He ever loves and cares for His own. (Refrain)

 

2. I must tell Jesus all of my troubles, He is a kind, compassionate Friend; If I but ask Him He will deliver, make of my troubles quickly an end. (Refrain

 

Refrain:
I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus! I cannot bear my burdens alone; I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus! Jesus can help me, Jesus alone.

2011 July 22 - Morning Manna

Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen (Matthew 22:9-14)

Today's Morsel:  While living in Japan for 16 years, I came to realize that the employees don't wear just anything to work.   They all dress very nice and tidy.  If they are white collar workers, they will be in suits and ties, or dressed in what we call business casual.  The ladies will be in a nice skirt or dress or business suit.  If they are manual labors, they will have the uniform of the company to whom they belong with the company logo and name on it.  They just don't dress any way they want.  Weddings, if done right, can be some of the most beautiful events held.  I got to get a short glimpse of the wedding that recently took place in England.  Can you image all the preparation that went into getting it pulled off.  If you'd noticed, everyone that had a part was in wedding attire.  They had been invited to attend and they knew that the appropriate attire was required.  They couldn't wear just anything and be a part of the wedding.  When Jesus told the parable of the kingdom of heaven being like a wedding, the first set of guests made excuses why they couldn't come and so He sent his servants to go into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.  But when he came in to inspect the guests, there was one there with inappropriate attire and so the servant was told to escort him out.  He was invited, but he made no preparation to adjust his attire.  I've heard many people say "just come as you are."  I think this passage refutes that teaching, because Jesus expects us to change.  Even Aaron, the high priest, couldn't just walk into the temple in any attire.  He had certain garments he had to put on.  When Joseph was summoned by the king, he changed his garments, washed himself, and shaved.  They knew you just can't appear before the king dressed and looking any old way.  Don't let people tell you that you can come just as you are.  The Master may ask you to be taken out.  We should desire to give God our best, even in our outward attire.   "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new"(2 Corinthians 5:17). 

Sing:  Put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, lift up your voice to God; pray in the Spirit, and with understanding, Oh magnify the Lord.

2011 July 21 - Morning Manna

There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. (John 3:1-5)

Today's Morsel: Ever since I was a kid, I can remember that you had to have a ticket to get into the movies, get into the race, get into the game, or get into the fair.  My parents would always say, "Don't lose your ticket or else you can't get in."  That little piece of paper was like a gold nugget.  And even today, I have some old tickets that I have held on to for souvenirs.  Tickets give us access. In many ways, faith is like a ticket.  Paul said it best when he said that we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God (Romans 5:2). With faith, we can just walk in to the unmerited love of God.  Jesus told Nicodemus that to enter the kingdom of God, a man must be born again of the water and the spirit.  In other words, repentance, water Baptism in the name of Jesus and the in-filling of the Holy Ghost is like a ticket, if you don't have it, don't expect to get in.  Even five of the ten virgins thought they could get in without a ticket only to find out they had missed out.  Do you have your ticket?

Sing: Sign me up for the Christian jubilee, write my name on the roll, I've been changed, since the Lord has lifted me, I want to be, want be ready when Jesus comes!

2011 July 20 - Morning Manna

When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (Acts 1:6-8)

Today's Morsel: The 181 streamers attached to the Army Flag staff denote campaigns fought by the Army throughout our nation’s history. Each streamer (2 ¾ inches wide and 4 feet long) is embroidered with the designation of a campaign and the year(s) in which it occurred. The colors derive from the campaign ribbon authorized for service in that particular war.  The Church has fought many campaigns from her inception.  She has always been given a watchword for the spiritual campaigns she would fight, and that word is "Power."  A watchword is a word or slogan that encapsulates a mode of action, a set of beliefs, or membership of a group.  It's a word or phrase that somebody has to say or have to prove a right to be in a place with restricted access. The church is to be full of  power so that man can rebuke sin (Micah 3:8), she is to operate in power (Luke 10:19), and she is to manifest and project her power ( 2 Samuel 22:30).  She is mightier than any physical force (Zechariah 4:6), and the Captain of the host is Jesus.  The Lord said, "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."  When we understand that we are the church, and that we are called to be witnesses for Him, then we understand why we need power.

Sing: I may never march in the infantry, ride in the Calvary, shoot the artillery, I may never soar over the enemy, but I'm in the Lord's army, Yes, Sir!

2011 July 19 - Morning Manna

And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice. If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:12-14)

Today's Morsel: MetLife is an insurance company that I hold a policy with.  Their website says that they are focused on the "If's in life!"  It gives you an opportunity to create a policy for those 'what if's' that may come along.  Those times of uncertainties.  What if a tornado comes?  What if my bread winner dies?  What if my home burns down?  The what if's could go on and on.  The Lord told King Solomon, "If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."  Notice, God put some if's in there.  The first three if's speak to God's miraculous power, that if God did these things, they would destroy everything you have.  But the fourth if speaks to those who are insured with Him and by Him.  In other words, if you're a born again believer, and if you are a part of the people of the name of Jesus, you are insured with Him and your policy covers those other if's.  Are you insured against the what if's?  If not, you can be. "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 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 2:38-39).  As the Lord told Moses,  "And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt" (Exodus 12:13).

Sing:  I am covered, covered, covered by His blood, I'm walking by faith, I'm living in love.  I am covered, covered, covered by His blood, Jesus has rescued me.

2011 July 18 - Morning Manna

And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse, When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole. And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague. And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes? And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing. But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth. And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague. (Mark 5:25-34).

Today's Morsel:  I have been in many countries to minister, and in some of them the people will do about anything so that the ministry can touch them and pray for them.  Because they don't have money for doctors, or because their illness has gotten worse, they believe that if they can be touched by a man of God, they will be healed.  They exercise their faith in hope that a miracle will take place in their lives.  I'm always excited when I see people who place their trust in God and believe in His word.  The woman with the issue of blood said, "If I can just touch his clothes."  I wonder if she would have had the same faith if she hadn't spent all and hadn't gotten worse.  I wonder if she would have had the same faith if she could have gotten more credit to keep seeking a cure.  I wonder if she would have had the same faith if one of the doctors had told her that she was getting better and to just wait and the blood would stop.  You see, I believe that in many cases people don't give Jesus the time to work on their behalf before they start looking for a cure elsewhere.  Because of our impatience, we want immediate relief from the problem, and so we aren't willing to wait.  But Isaiah said, "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint" (Isaiah 40:31).  If you reach out and touch Jesus now and He heals you, is He still going to find the same faith in you when He returns?

Sing:  Reach out and touch the Lord, as He passes by, you'll find He's not to busy to hear your heart's cry; He's passing by this moment, your need to supply, reach out and touch the Lord, as He passes by.

2011 July 16 - Morning Manna

Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up? Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands? Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. (Daniel 3:14-18)

Today's Morsel:  Would you take a stand for God if the odds were against you.  Would you be willing to tell of His love if you knew you were going to be cast into prison or into a fiery furnace?  I'm told that daily some people are giving their lives for the love of Jesus and to represent Him.  I knew a man who spent 12 years in prison in China for his faith in Jesus.  If we say that we love Him, then we shouldn't be afraid to take a stand for our faith as well.  The enemy's goal is to make you fear others when it comes to your love for God.  It would have been easier for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to bow as everyone else, but they made a choice not to.  Paul ask us, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:35-39). Nothing should separate us from the Lord, especially from His love.

Sing:  Stand up and tell it if you love my Jesus, stand and tell it if  you love my Lord; I want to know, yes, I want to know, if you love my Lord.

2011 July 15 - Morning Manna

I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them. (Deuteronomy 30:19-20)

 Today's Morsel: If you ever follow and listen to sports, you may sometimes notice that they get into those crunch times where they have to make some major decisions.  In football, it may be whether to go for the foot on fourth down, or to for the two points to tie the game, so that it will go into overtime and they will have a chance in hoping to win.  In baseball, it make be to have your best hitter bunt rather than go for the home run.  In life, some people have to decide if they will retire, or keep working to make ends meet.  Some decisions may require you to relocate, while others may require you to stay put.  Moses told the children of Israel, "I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live."  He said, you have got a choice, life or death, blessings or cursing, the ball is in your court.  Joshua said, "Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" (Joshua 24:14-15).  What is your choice?  Do you want to be blessed?  Do you want to live?  Or do you want death and cursing?  If you choose Jesus and obey His word, you will obtain not only blessings, but you will receive eternal life as well.

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

2011 July 14 - Morning Manna

And as they departed from Jericho, a great multitude followed him. And, behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David. And the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace: but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David. And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you? They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened. So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him. (Matthew 20:29-34)

Today's Morsel:  What would you like for Jesus to do for you today?  Many folks want Jesus to provide  the things that they want instead of saying to Him, "Lord, Your will be done in my life."   What we all need is to see.  The religious leaders in Jesus time thought they were seeing, but Jesus told them they were blind.  He told them, "Because you say that you see, you sin remain."  He said of the church Laodicea. "Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked" (Revelations 3:14-16).  Paul said, "But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them"(2 Corinthians 4:3-4).   When we do not have a true understanding of the gospel, we are blind to truth.  We need to see.  We need a complete understanding of the gospel.  Isaiah had his eyes opened when King Uzziah died (Isaiah 6).  Jesus asked the blind men that called to him, "What will ye that I shall do unto you?"  They said, "Lord that our eye may be opened."  And Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.  If you want to be a follower Jesus, you need to allow Him to open your eyes.  If your eyes are never opened, then your sins will remain.  And Jesus said that if the blind follow the blind, they shall both fall into the ditch.  So get those spiritual eyes open.

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; to see You high and lifted up, shining in the light, of your glory, pour your power and love as we sing holy, holy, holy, as we sing, holy, holy, holy, I want to see You!

2011 July 13 - Morning Manna

Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding. (Proverbs 23:23)

  

Today's Morsel: I've noticed that this time of year, many people are having estate, garage, and yard sales.  They are getting rid of things that they feel no longer need.  We seem to accumulate a lot of stuff during our lifetimes.  Many people say that they don't have anything, yet they find that they need to get rid of stuff to make room for more stuff.  Granted, we do outgrow certain things, but we never seem to be satisfied.  I'm sure that those who are having these sales have to decide what to keep, what to throw away, and what to let go of.  Solomon said, "Buy the truth and sell it not."  He also states, "Remove not the old landmarks which thou fathers have set up."  Are you holding on to the truth? Remember, the truth will make you free.  Truth is like the get out of jail free card on the Monopoly board game.  It's like the express way pass for the toll road.  Truth clears the way for you to keep going without delays.  So don't sell the truth. The Word of God is truth.  When you sell truth, you are telling Jesus that He isn't  important to you anymore.

Sing:  Jesus is the answer for the world today, above Him there's no other, Jesus is the way; Jesus is the answer for the world today, above Him there's no other, Jesus is the way.

2011 July 12 - Morning Manna

The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth. The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd. And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh. Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. (Ecclesiastes 12:10-14)

Today's Morsel:  I've heard people say when they have read certain books or watched certain movies, "I knew how the end would turn out after a few chapters or  a few minutes into it."  Some people seem to have that insight and are able to pick-up on such things.  Some authors will leave you hanging so they can publish a sequel to the first book.  Either way, we want to know the end.  Many people read the book of Revelations first in the Bible because they want to know the end.  And when they read it, they are confused because they have no understanding as to what John is referring to in his writings.  Solomon said that we should get wisdom and with all our getting get and understanding (Proverbs 4:7).  He said that he sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth.  He said that the words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.  He said the words of the wise will prick you or cause you to go in the right direction like a herder prodding his cattle.  He said they come from one shepherd.  The gift of the spirit is the word of wisdom.  And so he concludes by saying, "And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.  Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil."  When we reverence God and do the things He asks of us, we'll see that the end will work out for us and we will reign with Him forever!

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

2011 July 11 - Morning Manna

"Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. "(Habakkuk 3:17-19)

Today's Morsel:  Are you still a worshipper and a praiser of  God when things aren't going the way that you hoped they would?  What do you think caused Elijah to become disheartened and so distressed that he requested to die ( 1 Kings 19:4)?  Why did he lose his zeal for the things of God? Often, if we aren't careful, we can get so caught up in what God has asked us to do, they we start seeing it as a task and burden rather than joy and excitement.  The enemy of your soul wants you to think that serving and living for God is hard and that there is no joy in it.  Most people don't look for the joy in serving God.  They see every church service as a burden. I don't know about you, but God has done too much for me for me not to serve Him at every opportunity.  People will shout, "Thank God it's Friday!" when they leave their secular jobs, but will not thank Him for the other six. When we understand that Jesus is the Lord of the Sabbath, then we understand that the Sabbath of rest is Jesus.  If we want rest for our souls, then we have to have Jesus.  Habakkuk said that no matter if things aren't going the way he'd like, he said, "Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places." He said that God will still take him higher.  The more you worship God, the better you will feel and the lighter your burdens will be.

Sing:  I worship you, Almighty God, there is none like You. I worship You, Oh Prince of Peace, that is what I long to do.  I give You praise, for You are my Righteousness; I worship You, Almighty God, there is none like You!

2011 July 9 - Morning Manna

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)

Today's Morsel:  The just shall live by faith. This declaration of the Christian's principles is found four times in the Bible: Habakkuk 2:1-5; Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:10-11; Hebrews 10:38.  In Habakkuk we see the difference between the lives of the unrighteous and the righteous. The unrighteous are puffed up and live by their own self-sufficiency.  But the righteous live by their faith. Their confidence is in God. To them, faith is more than a philosophy of life; it is the very principle of life.  The just must live their whole life by faith.  They are saved by faith; kept by faith; and live by faith.  His faith will be tried many times and in many ways and he will count it all joy because he knows that it is working patience within him.  Faith says that God is working out His perfect will in my life, and I can wait, endure, and suffer while He does it.  Faith doesn't make anything easy, but it does make all things possible.  If you will notice, the letter "I" is the middle letter in the word "Faith." That means my faith is predicated upon me to make it happen.  So the next time you feel as though you are losing your faith, search yourself.  It is up to you to get it back to a higher level.

Sing: Have faith in God, have faith in God; have faith in God for deliverance, having faith in God.

2011 July 8 - Morning Manna

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: (1 Peter 3:15).

 Today's Morsel:  Have you ever encountered one of those people who, as soon as they see you they want to talk, they tell you all about what the Lord is doing in their lives?  I like these types of folks.  It shows that they aren't afraid to share their faith.  It shows that they are spending time with Jesus and are devoted to His Word and church.  They seem to be excited and full of joy.  In many ways, I think that Joseph may have been this way.  He was sharing his dreams so much with his brothers that they got mad and sold him into slavery.  When Pharaoh's wife tried to seduce him, he said, "I can't do this evil and sin against God."  When Pharaoh had a dream and was told that Joseph could interpret dreams, Joseph said, "It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace."  His focus was on talking about what God said and what God could do.  Peter said that we should, "Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear."  Are you timid and shy when someone asks you about Jesus or starts talking about Him.  Are you drawn into the conversation or do you withdraw from it?  Let me encourage you, don't hid your light, there may be someone on the brink of giving up and you may be the spark that they need to hear to keep them in the fight.

 

Sing:  Let's talk about Jesus, The King of kings is He, The Lord of All Supreme, throughout eternity;  The Great I Am, The Way, The Truth, The Life, The Door, let's talk about Jesus, more and more!

2011 July 7 - Morning Manna

Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. (Revelation 2:4-5)

O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? (Galatians 3:1-3)

Today's Morsel:  I had a man once tell me he believed that once a person was saved, they were always saved.  I asked him how that could be when scripture totally goes against such teaching.  We are not always saved.  I told him that repentance, water baptism, and the infilling of the Holy Ghost, only gets us into the church.  And then we have to obey also 1 Corinthians 6:9-12 and Hebrews 12:14, which says,  "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any"(1 Corinthians 6:9-12).  Therefore, we have to separate ourselves from this world.  We must also, "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:14).  When people hear that you are always saved, it is then easy for them to think that they can do anything and still make it into heaven.  But scripture refutes this type of teaching.  Jesus Himself even said, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity" (Matthew 7:21-23).  He further stated, "If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned "(John 15:6) .  I don't ever take my salvation for granted.  That's why every day I go about living to ensure that my life is aligned with God's Word.  I don't want to hear Him say "Depart from me, I knew you not."  I want to hear Him say, "Well done good an faithful servant."  Let me encourage you, don't take for granted that you are always saved based on man's teachings, but work out your own salvation with fear and trembling based on the Word of God!

Sing:  I'm going to lift up the name of Jesus, I'm going to sing of my joy since he came; I'm going to tell of His power every day, and every hour, I'm going to lift up that wonderful name.

2011 July 6 - Morning Manna

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

(1 Timothy 2:1-4)

Today's Morsel: Whether you realize it or not, our world is in a complete mess.  Every country is trying to figure out what has gone wrong. The answer lies in that we've turned our back on God.  To many Christians have become lackadaisical in their relationship and walk with God.  The things of God aren't important to them anymore.  Church prayer time is seen as a violation of personal time and sleep.  Many Christians want to pray when it's convenient for them and not the pastor or others in the church.  Trying to get some people to pray is like pulling a nail out of a board with a nail file.  Due to a lack of prayer in the home, divorce is on the rise, children are rebellious and disrespectful to their parents, teen pregnancy is up, adultery and fornication has run amok, and everyone is lying to each other.  The old bumper sticker is still true, "The family that prays together stays together."  If your children don't listen to you, and they are ignoring you, ask yourself, how's prayer in our home.  Do my children hear me and see me on my knees talking to God for them and others?  Do the people I work with know that I'm praying for them and that they can call me at anytime if they need someone to pray for them?  My 3 year old grandson and 5 year old granddaughter always want to pray at every meal and at the end of devotions.  It's almost a war between them as to who gets to go first.  It's amazing just listening to them.  Jesus said that we should have faith as a child.  They aren't afraid to just put what comes to their mind out there.  But we adults feel that we have to have the right words.  There are no rules as  to the way we should pray.  Jesus taught his disciple how to pray in what some call the Lord's prayer.  He told them, "After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen" (Matthew 6:9-13).  Jesus said, in this way pray.  God makes it easy for us but we turn around and make it hard.  Paul said, "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth."   I believe that once we establish a routine of prayer and talking with God, our prayer life will manifest itself not to others, but to God.  If we will pray for the leaders of our nations, asking God to step into their pathway and turn their heart to Him, I believe that our nations can be healed.  It's time that we PUSH!  Pray Until Something Happens.  So don't let the fire of prayer go out of the altar.

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

2011 July 5 - Morning Manna

And it came to pass, that he went through the corn fields on the sabbath day; and his disciples began, as they went, to pluck the ears of corn. And the Pharisees said unto him, Behold, why do they on the sabbath day that which is not lawful? And he said unto them,  Have ye never read what David did, when he had need, and was an hungred, he, and they that were with him?  How he went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar the high priest, and did eat the shewbread, which is not lawful to eat but for the priests, and gave also to them which were with him? And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath: Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath. (Mark 2:23-28)

Today's Morsel:  I like to go to the Old Testament and read about King David.  We first see him on the scene being anointed to lead the nation of Israel.  Next, we see him facing the giant Goliath and killing him.  Then he's thrust into the light of killing as a warrior and onto Kingship.  Yes, David made mistakes but the Lord seems to use him a lot in His teachings; not to focus on David's mistakes, but for us to focus on his leadership and relationship with the Lord.   David left a legacy for Christians to observe  about worship, leading, giving, and forgiveness.  When the Pharisee's  accused Jesus and his disciples for eating and violating the Sabbath day, Jesus ask them had they not read what David did when he was hungry?   The wisdom here  is you're not using good sound judgment when you are hungry and you know where food is, but you don't go get it and eat it because of the day it is.  David didn't steal the bread, it was given to him by the priest ( 1 Samuel 21:1-6).  Many people are starving for  spiritual food, but yet they refuse to go to the house of God to get it.  God had never said that they shouldn't eat on the Sabbath day, there was only to be no work on the Sabbath day.  Jesus told them that the Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.  The Sabbath was so that man would rest, as the body always needs to rest itself both naturally and spiritually.  Therefore, Jesus is Lord also of the Sabbath.   Jesus said that He was Lord of the Sabbath.  The Holy Ghost is the born again believers rest (Isaiah 28:11-12;Act 3:19).  Man was not made for Jesus, but Jesus came to the earth for mankind.  Do you need rest?  Then Jesus is the one you need.

Sing:  He is Lord, He is Lord; He has risen from the dead and He is Lord; every knee shall bow, every tongue confess, that Jesus Christ is Lord.

2011 July 4 - Morning Manna

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen. Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life (1 Timothy 6:6-19).

Today's Morsel:  Often when I am talking with people and ask them what they want to become, many of them say, "I want to be rich so I don't have to work."  Paul said that the love of money is the root of all evil and I agree.  I have come to realize that people are in prison for robbery, killing, etc, and it's associated with money.  People even quit attending church over money. We hear a lot in politics these days about money.  Balance the budget.  Make others that are rich pay more.  If you go to school earn a degree and get a good job that pays you for what you do, why should you be required to pay a higher percentage?  Shouldn't the system be the same for all?  Didn't Jesus tell us to do unto others as we would have them do unto us.  It has been stated that Jesus taught more about money than anything else and that He never took up an offering to support Himself.  He even sent Peter to the river to catch a fish with a coin in its mouth to give into the coffer for Himself and Peter.   God doesn't measure our wealth based on our money, He bases it on our work and our giving.  So let me encourage you, become rich in the things of God and money won't control your life.

Sing:  He paid a debt He did not owe, I owed a debt I could not pay, I needed someone to wash my sins away; and now I sing a brand new song, Amazing Grace, for Jesus paid a debt that I could never pay.

2011 July 2 - Morning Manna

And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.
(Genesis 3:8).

 Today's Morsel:  Trees. There are many types of trees.  There are hardwood, softwood, evergreen, and even fruit trees.  Trees serve many purposes: Wood to keep us warm in the winter; some provide food and shade, such as the Elm and Weeping Willows; we use trees for the construction of our homes, and even making weapons.   The Bible says "And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil"(Genesis 2:9).  But oftentimes when the Bible when  refers to trees, it is associated with men.  Men are seen as trees.  When Ezekiel returned to the brink of the river, there were trees on the banks of the river.  When Jesus  took the blind man by the hand, led him out of the town; and He had spit on his eyes and put His hands upon him, He asked him what he saw.  And the man looked up, and said, "I see men as trees, walking" (Mark 8:23-24).  John records in Revelation 21:1-2, "And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations".  Notice, trees and the leaves of the tree were for healing of the nations.  Jesus has sent us forth to heal and to set the captives free.  When we understand that we are one in Christ, we are to be strong.  Other times we are to be soft and compassionate.  We must provide shelter and shade our families from every wind of doctrine and the fiery darts of the wicked one. Our lives must display the fruit of the Spirit, and we must be as the evergreen, full of life.  Zacchaeus got up in a tree so he could see Jesus.  Many people are hiding among the trees like Adam and Eve, they don't want their sins to be revealed.  They hear the voice of Jesus, "Asking where are you', but they know that what they have done goes against God's Word and so they are hiding from God among the trees.  They hear His voice, but they are afraid to come out.  But if a person wants to be completely delivered,  they've got to come out from among the trees.

  

Sing:  He says come unto me all who are weary, and I will give you rest.  Bring what hurts, bring your scars, bring the load that you carry, and I will give you rest.

2011 July 1 - Morning Manna

At the end of every seven years thou shalt make a release. And this is the manner of the release: Every creditor that lendeth ought unto his neighbour shall release it; he shall not exact it of his neighbour, or of his brother; because it is called the LORD'S release. Of a foreigner thou mayest exact it again: but that which is thine with thy brother thine hand shall release; Save when there shall be no poor among you; for the LORD shall greatly bless thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance to possess it: Only if thou carefully hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all these commandments which I command thee this day. For the LORD thy God blesseth thee, as he promised thee: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, but thou shalt not borrow; and thou shalt reign over many nations, but they shall not reign over thee.... And it shall be, if he say unto thee, I will not go away from thee; because he loveth thee and thine house, because he is well with thee; Then thou shalt take an aul, and thrust it through his ear unto the door, and he shall be thy servant for ever. And also unto thy maidservant thou shalt do likewise.

(Deuteronomy 15:1-6;16-17)

Today's Morsel:   To release means to let go; to free; to liberate; to discharge.   When we look at scripture, the Lord implemented laws so that one man would not have complete control over another man.  It was called the law of release.   Every seven (7) years, they were to be given the opportunity to be let go.  No matter what their debt was, they were to be given the chance to depart.  But if they chose to stay, then they were to be placed upon a door post and with an awl they were to have a hole placed in their ear, and they would be slaves forever to their master.   I believe that this is where this practice comes from,  and so many people today are get holes in their ears.  They think it's cool, and being in the in-crowd, but I see it as remaining captive to the enemy of your soul.  It puzzles me how so many people can say that they are Christians and yet still act like, look like, and do everything that the people who don't know Jesus do.  Jesus said, "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. .. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed" (John 8:32;36).  So my question to you today is, are you free?  The Bible says a good man is satisfied from Himself.  Take a step away from you!  Stop talking about your past hurts and problems, you are free.

 Sing:  Once like a bird in prison I dwelt, no freedom from my sorrow I felt, then Jesus came and listened to me and glory to God he set me free.

 

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