31 October 2011 - Morning Manna

If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth: and if the tree fall toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be. (Ecclesiastes 11:3)

Today's Morsel: It's amazing to me the amount of clouds that you must paststhrough when flying to reach your cruising altitude.  These clouds are sometimes clear and fluffy while other times they are black and dreadful.  Jude  said,  "Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.  He said that these men were clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever." (Jude 1:3-13).  Jude called them clouds without water.  Clouds, when filled with water, stand still until they empty themselves.  Some folks are being carried about with every wind of doctrine because they are not filled with the Holy Ghost, that living water.  I think that it's time that we start empting ourselves out into the work of the Lord.  A cloud is nothing more than water.  Therefore, we must be filled with the living water, the Holy Ghost, and then empty ourselves unto every facet of the kingdom of God.  Are you filled?

Sing: Revival! Revival! My hearts on fire for revival. Revival! Revival! My hearts on fire for revival. Pour out! Pour out! Pour it out, Wow, Wow!  Pour out! Pour out! Pour it out Wow, Wow! Hi-o Silver, away!

2011 October 29 - Morning Manna

"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish."(Psalms 1:1-6)

Today's Morsel: What season would you say that you are in right now?  Let me explain. Summer is hot and muggy; winter is cold and dreary; fall is cool and colorful; and spring is green and growing.  Whether we like it or not, we are in one of these seasons all the time depending on our attitudes.  As born again believers, we should spend the majority of our time being in the Spring or Fall.  Because we are filled with His Spirit  and we trust in Him, we should be colorful and growing.  As Jeremiah informs us, "Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit." (Jeremiah 17:7-8).  The Psalmist also encourages us that, "The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing; To shew that the LORD is upright: he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him" (Psalms 92:12-15).  Palm and cedar trees are evergreens, meaning they always show forth life.  Because our source of life comes from the Lord, we should always be living with joy and excitement.  To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven. 

Sing:  It's a new season, it's a new day. A fresh anointing is flowing my way. It's a season of power and prosperity. It's a new season coming to me.

2011 October 28 - Morning Manna

Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days. (Ecclesiastes 11:1)

Today's Morsel:  I have read articles where people have pulled bottles from the ocean or rivers with notes in them from people from thousands of miles away.  When these people are contacted, they are amazed at how far the bottle had traveled.  Solomon said to cast your bread upon the waters, for thou shalt find it after many days.  Bread here can represent many things. It can be the money we give to missions, or it can be food to feed the hungry, or it could mean the Word of God, as Jesus is the Bread of Life, or it can be your time, talent, or abilities. The law of sowing and reaping applies to everyone, not just to the Christian.  You always reap what you sow.  Paul said, "But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver"(2 Corinthians 9:6-7). The more of God's Word we sow, the more Godly things will come back to us.  The more seed we plant, the more harvest we reap.  Have you done any sowing lately?

Sing:  Give and it shall come back to you, good measure, pressed down shaken together and running over; give and it shall come back to you, when you give, you give to the Lord.

2011 October 27 - Morning Manna

"Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her" (Luke 10:38-42)

Today's Morsel: Have you even been invited to someone's home and when you get there they seemed to have no time for you?  And you start thinking to yourself, "Why am I even here?"   When their phone rings, they answer it and forget all about you.  Or they start texting to their friends while you are sitting there.  Sometimes they may even have their kids entertain you by showing you their toys, books, or something that the kids know how to do (which is fine), except they themselves are occupied doing other things.  And then they will say, "I'm sorry, but I'm just so busy."  Hummmm!  I am of the belief, that if you don't have time for folks, then don't invite them to your home.  When Jesus came to the home of Martha and Mary, Martha was cumbered about much serving.  In other words, she was dragging all around, that is (figuratively) to be distracted with care.  But on the other hand, Mary seemed to be at peace with the visit and thus she found time to sit and listen and talk with Jesus.  If  Martha had only known Jesus didn't come to be served, but to serve.  Even in our churches, people don't seem to have time for visiting anymore.  Many have become so busy that they don't even have time for their own families.  Meals or on the run or fast food.  Hellos and goodbyes are sent by text messaging.  When husbands and wives forget each other's birthdays and anniversaries, or don't know what each other is doing from day-to-day, something is on the verge of breaking.  And we wonder why some homes are fragmenting and children  are becoming more disrespectful to their parents?   It's because the children don't know them.  Because there is no time for each other, the children see them as strangers.   If you are too busy to visit with someone, especially your own family, you are just too busy.

Sing:  Take your burdens to Jesus, your burdens He'll bear, tell him your troubles, your troubles He'll share;  He's waiting just to bless you, with an outstretched hand, tell him your troubles, He'll understand.

2011 October 25 - Morning Manna

Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
(Psalms 51:6-13)

Today's Morsel:  It has been stated that most people think nothing of their heart until it stop beating!  In scripture, the heart is often, and most times, referred to as the mind, the intellect, or the will of a person.  And so we could say that most people do not think too much of their mind until it stops working.  What would you say caused David's mind to stop working to the point that he committed adultery with Bathsheba and had her husband killed? At what point would you say that people's minds stop working that they can walk away from God?  Do we put so much information into our brain that like a computer, we have a brain crash? Is that what causes it, memory overload?   Isn't it amazing that sometimes you can ask folk what they did yesterday and many of them can't tell you.  They can only remember one or two details.  That's because we are putting too much into our intellectual bank and it can't process it all because we are overloading it with data.  I read a story in which Satan told his demonic force to pound peoples' minds with the news 24 hours a day, to see that their driving moments are consumed with billboards, to have every mail box crammed with junk mail and mail ordered catalogs, and to see that every store and restaurant in the world plays non-Christian music as loud as they can to jam the minds of people.  As Children of God, we need to stop and give our minds time to rest or else we may have a crash.  "A mind is a terrible thing to waste", so take time to refresh your mind with the Word of God.  

Sing: Create in me a clean heart, Oh God, and renew a right spirit within me. Create in me a clean heart, Oh God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, Oh Lord, take not Thy Holy Spirit from me, restore unto me the joy of Thy Salvation, and renew a right spirit within me.

2011 October 24 - Morning Manna

Then said they unto him, Who art thou? And Jesus saith unto them, Even the same that I said unto you from the beginning. (John 8:25)

Today's Morsel: Who are you?  Do you really know who you are?  I have asked people why they did certain things that got them into trouble, and they always reply, "I don't know."  Do you do a constant evaluation of yourself to see who you are?  I sometimes ask kids what they want to be when they grow up?  And to my surprise, they have no clue.  If we never know who we are, we will never knowwhat we desire to become; as it takes a good understanding of self to develop oneself.   Why don't folks know who they are?  If we are born again, then John says that we are sons of God (1 John 3:1-3);Paul calls us saints (Romans 1:7); and Jesus calls us His friends (John 15:15).  When they asked Jesus who He was, He told them, "Even the same that I said unto you from the beginning."  In other words, I'm the one that spoke this world into existence.  I'm the one you call Father.  I'm the one that lead your forefathers out of the land of bondage to the Promised Land.  Do you know who He is?  Do you know who you are?  The next time someone asks you who you are just tell them......I'm a child of the King!

Sing:  Oh yes! Oh yes! I'm a child of the King, His royal blood now flows through my veins, I who was wretched and blind now can sing, Praise God! Praise God! I'm a Child of the King!

2011 October 22 - Morning Manna

And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested. (1 Chronicles 4:10)

Today's Morsel:  Most people are aware of the book written, "The Prayer of Jabez."  Sometimes, in the book of Chronicles, God just dropped little tidbits of information and inspiration in between all those families and names and if we aren't careful we can miss some very important details for our lives.  Jabez's prayer is a wonderful prayer in dark surroundings.  He asked the Lord to bless him and enlarge his coast, that the hand of God would be with him, that God would keep him from evil, and that he be not grieved.  And God granted it to him.  There isn't anything special about this prayer if you know what we call the Lord's Prayer.  Jesus said to ask and it shall be given.  Jabez's prayer isn't a selfish prayer.  It's just a request for expansion, guidance, and protection.   When the disciples of Jesus asked Him to teach them to pray, Jesus simple taught them to say, "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).   A few days ago, I said that some folks make the things of God too hard.  Some feel that if they aren't weeping, mourning, yelling, screaming, and speaking in tongues during their prayers, that God isn't hearing them.  Isaiah said that the Lord's ear isn't deaf that He can't hear (Isaiah 59:1).  For me, when I pray, I just like talking to God in the same tone of voice that I talk to other people with.  But whatever you do, don't stop praying.  Prayer is your life line to God.

Sing: Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus, He is a friend that's well known; You have no other such a friend or brother, tell it to Jesus alone.

2011 October 21 - Morning Manna

"Now the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me. But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD" (Jonah 1:1-3).

Today's Morsel: While living in Japan, it was always amazing to me the price it cost to fly from Okinawa to Mainland Japan.  A thousand mile trip cost almost as much as it cost to fly round trip to California.  Some folks don't realize it, but they are paying a great price for failing to do what Jesus has asked them to do.  Jonah was called of God to go to Nineveh to give them warning, but Jonah chose to go to Tarshish.  But after his encounter with God and three days in the belly of the whale, he was ready to go do what God had told him to do in the first place. "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul", Jesus said (Matthew 16:26)?  What would you say that your soul is worth?  Just what price do you place on your life?  Friend you are more important to God than you will ever know, so don't let the world consume 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 October 20 - Morning Manna

"In the seventh month, in the one and twentieth day of the month, came the word of the LORD by the prophet Haggai, saying, Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and to the residue of the people, saying, Who is left among you that saw this house in her first glory? and how do ye see it now? is it not in your eyes in comparison of it as nothing? Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the LORD; and be strong, O Joshua, son of Josedech, the high priest; and be strong, all ye people of the land, saith the LORD, and work: for I am with you, saith the LORD of hosts: According to the word that I covenanted with you when ye came out of Egypt, so my spirit remaineth among you: fear ye not. For thus saith the LORD of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land; And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts" (Haggai 2:1-7)

Today's Morsel:  Jerry Lee Lewis wrote a song in 1957 entitled, "A Whole Lot of Shaking Going On. " I don't know about you, but it seems that our world is shaking.  Earthquakes in diverse places. Wars and rumors of wars. Distress of nations. The Lord told the prophet Haggai to speak to the governor of Judah, to the high priest, and the people of the land to work.  In other words, get the house of God ready.  Get it back to teaching and preaching truth and get the ways of the world out of it, because it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land; And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts.  I don't know about you, but I sense that God is sending out a call for workers.  If you are one of those who remember what your church use to be like and looked like when the people looked and behaved like true children of God, start working now and get it back that way, because God desires that His glory dwell among His people.

Sing: Let the glory of the Lord, rise among us, let the glory of the Lord, rise among us, let the praises of the King, rise among us, let it rise, let it rise; oh, oh, oh, let it rise.

2011 October 19 - Morning Manna

  Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end. Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart. Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight. Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness. Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way. Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear. Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are good. Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness. (Psalms 119:33-40)

Today's Morsel:  Let me see, no child left behind.  The only reason I can see  a child being left behind is if the child and his or her parent don't care if they get left behind.  Having just finished reading the book, "Gifted Hands", the true story of Dr. Carson.  Ben Carson, M.D., works medical miracles. Today, he is one of the most celebrated neurosurgeons in the world.  He was the first neurosurgeon to separate Siamese twins connected at the brain.   In Gifted Hands, he tells of his inspiring odyssey from his childhood in inner-city Detroit to his position as director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital at age 33.  As a child in school, he received D's and F's.  But he had a mother who couldn't read  because of only very little education that would not allow her two sons to do poorly in school.  He had a mother who was involved in every part of their education.  It shows that people can learn if encouraged to do so and given directions.

   

What would you say is the number one cause for spiritual amnesia?  The Psalmist requested eight things of the Lord. (1).Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end. (2) Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.  (3) Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight. (4) Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness. (5) Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way. (6) Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear. (7) Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are good. (8) Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness.

 

If we will follow this advise and seek God for the same wisdom and guidance, we will never suffer from spiritual amnesia.

Sing:  More, more about Jesus, More, more about Jesus; More of His saving fullness see, more of His love who died for me.

2011 October 18 - Morning Manna

Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. (Acts 8:29-31).

 

Today's Morsel:  Many people have asked the question, "How do you know that the Bible is true?"  Some have said, "I don't understand the Bible."  While others have said, "It is just too confusing for me."  Paul said, "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned" (1 Corinthians 2:14).  To understand what is written in the Bible, you need to have the Spirit of Christ, because the Bible is a Spiritual book.  Peter said, "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost" (2 Peter 1:20-21).  As Jesus told Nicodemus, you must be born again.  When the Spirit sent Philip to the Eunuch in the desert, the Eunuch was reading the book of Isaiah, but he didn't understand what he was reading.  He thought the prophet had written about himself or someone else.  And so when Philip asked him if he understood what he was reading, the Eunuch replied, "How can I, except some man should guide me?"  How well do you understand the Bible?  Do you have trouble with its meaning, understanding, and wording?  Hopefully you have a pastor that can lead you and guide you into all truth.  The next time you are reading the scriptures and you come across something that you don't understand, why not go to your pastor and get clarification so that you may grow thereby.

Sing:  Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.

  

When I feel afraid, and think I've lost my way, still, you're there right beside me.  Nothing will I fear, as long as you are near, please be near me to the end.

 

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.

2011 October 17 - Morning Manna

"Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles. And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad. But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness. For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner. King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds" (Acts 26:22-29)

Today's Morsel:  Who persuaded you to become a Christian?  What was the drawing card?   I'm sure there are many of us that can testify of the one person who influenced us and made us think about the life we were living and caused us to see that we needed a Savior and that we needed to make a change.  It has been stated that when asked by those who do not believe why they don't believe, they said, "I've never met a Christian, and those who say that they are aren't."  King Agrippa knew what Paul was talking about, but because of those around him, he rejected truth.  He told Paul, "Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian."  To which Paul replied, "I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am."  Paul was a believer and follower of Christ and he wanted everyone else to be too.  Paul understood that his mission was to preach the Gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15-18), whether kings, governors, queens, or other stately officials, as well as others no matter where he found himself.  It didn't matter to Paul who a person was.  He saw them as needing Jesus more than others, as few men and women who fill these offices display the traits and character of a child of God.  Let me encourage you today, don't hold back from telling people about Christ, you just may be the one that helps save a shattered life or one that is heading for destruction.

Sing: This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine. This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine. This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Hide it under a bushel, oh no, I'm gonna let it shine. Hide it under a bushel, oh no, I'm gonna let it shine.  Hide it under a bushel, oh no, I'm gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!

2011 October 15 - Morning Manna

O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself; but in me is thine help. (Hosea 13:9)

Today's Morsel:  It has been stated, " I have met the enemy, and he is us."  We are our own worst enemy.  I wonder just how many of our problems are being caused by we ourselves.  When we make wrong decisions and wrong choices that go against God's Word we are destroying ourselves.  Greed, lust, envy, jealousy, and other workings of the flesh destroy from within before they destroy without.  Solomon said, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof" (Proverbs 18:21).  Even what we say can destroy us.  If we speak evil to ourselves and say things about us that aren't true we can become defeated.  The Psalmist said, "I remembered God, and was troubled: I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed" (Psalms 77:3).  Many people have become habitual complainers. They are never satisfied about or with anything.  This must not be in a child of God.   How do we destroy ourselves?  In our everyday decisions.  Decisions that deal with our integrity.  Anytime we are not honest, open, and candid with ourselves and others, we are destroying ourselves. Anytime we withhold truth and agree for personal gain, pleasure, and self-gratification, we are killing ourselves.  Some people have lied to themselves for so long, and have been lied to for so long, that they can no longer discern truth from err.  They think they are living in truth but are living a lie.  Paul said that if we walking the Spirit, we will not fulfill the lust of the flesh (Galatians 5:16).  Is there something in your life that you are doing that you know goes against the Word of God?  Then why not go to Jesus and allow Him to help you; He is the only one that can save and satisfy your soul.

Sing: I was sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shore, very deeply stained within, sinking to rise no more; but the Master of the sea, heard my despairing cry, from the waters lifted me, now safe am I.

 

Love lifted me! Love lifted me! When nothing else could help, love lifted me; love lifted me, love lifted, me, when nothing else could help, love lifted me.

2011 October 14 - Morning Manna

Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up. After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight. Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.
(Hosea 6:1-3)

  

Today's Morsel:  I've noticed that everyone seems to be looking for something. Some are looking for the economy to get better, others are looking for a better place to live or to get a better job. Some are looking for promotions, while are looking for a cure or remedy for their pain and suffering.  Still others are looking for deliverance, freedom, acceptance, and peace.  And there are even  those  who at one time or another who had a relationship with Jesus are now trying to reconnect to Him.  What are you looking for.  Peter said that as Christians, we are looking for that new heaven and new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness.  They were looking for Jesus to return during their life time.  Israel, which is a type and shadow of the church, had gotten themselves so far from the Lord that they didn't know what to do. They couldn't see the Lord at work in anything they were doing because the world had blinded their hearts.   They had allowed the world's ways to overtake them and cause them to suffer for their lack of obedience to God and His Word.  Many today are suffering for the same reason.  "For without me you can do nothing saith the Lord: (John15:5).  But thanks be to God that there are those who are saying, "Come, and let us return unto the LORD."  There are many people who have made mistakes and strayed away from the Lord, but thanks be to God that they are coming to themselves and realizing that they need to come back to the Lord and allow Him to heal their broken-hearts and bind up their wounds.  He is the only one that can revive the dead and raise them to walk in newness of life.  What are you looking for?

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

2011 October 13 - Morning Manna

 "And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king. And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice. Now therefore, I pray thee, pardon my sin, and turn again with me, that I may worship the LORD. And Samuel said unto Saul, I will not return with thee: for thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD hath rejected thee from being king over Israel. And as Samuel turned about to go away, he laid hold upon the skirt of his mantle, and it rent. And Samuel said unto him, The LORD hath rent the kingdom of Israel from thee this day, and hath given it to a neighbour of thine, that is better than thou"(1 Samuel 15:22-28)

Today's Morsel:  I have noticed that when most people are rejected, they become bitter, envious, jealous, and downright mean.  From the time that Saul was rejected, an evil spirit came upon him and he became a mad man. He tried to kill both David and Jonathan, and he slew the priest and anyone else that he thought was trying to help David become king.  How do you handle rejection? I believe that many who are incarcerated were rejected at some point in their lives.  Maybe it was during school and they knew the answer to a question but the teacher kept calling on someone else and they began to feel a sense of rejection.  Or maybe when they brought their report card home and they had a "C", their parents scolded them for not doing better.  Maybe they were never chosen to be on the team.  Some folks can deal with rejections while others cannot.  When some folks are rejected, they receive it that as they were not good enough.  Jesus said that offenses will come.  In other words, attacks upon you will happen.  One of those attacks may be rejection.    Isaiah said of Jesus, "He is despised and rejected of men"(Isaiah 53:3).   Jesus didn't allow their rejection to cause Him to become bitter, envious, or jealous toward them.  We must follow His example of how to deal with rejection, and that is with love.  Paul said, "Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things" (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).  Rejections will come.  But we must not allow them to destroy our walk with the Lord.

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 October 12 - Morning Manna

"I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus "(Philemon 1:4-6)

  

Today's Morsel:  There are many communication devices these days.  Cell phones, TVs, radios, billboards, computers, IPods, IPads, and the list goes on.  But one of the most important methods of communication is by your life.  When people see you, what are they seeing and receiving?  Through your life and actions, is your faith in Jesus communicated to them?  Do they communicate that you are a born again believer?  Can those who don't serve the Lord see in your actions and attitude that you belong to the Living God?   Paul told Philemon that he had heard of the love and faith that he hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints.  Philemon's faith was communicating.  Paul told Timothy, "When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also"(2 Timothy 1:5).  He told him that the real and sincere faith that was in him did not begin with him, but was first in his grandmother and mother.  How did they communicate their faith to Timothy?  By their actions.  The Bible says, "Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the LORD had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, but he was a leper. And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman's wife. And she said unto her mistress, Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy" (2 Kings 5:1-3).  Here is a little girl who is a slave, a person who could be bitter and angry and even pray to the Lord that her master would be destroyed.  But no, she chose to share her faith and tell him where he could be healed and made free. What would you have done in this situation?  Would you have kept this information to yourself or told him?  Do you pray for God to destroy your enemies and those who aren't living according to His Word, or do you let your faith be seen so that others may ask you of the hope that is with you?  Remember, Jesus chose you to shine for Him. S o don't hide your faith, someone just might be looking for Jesus.

Sing: Faith can move mountains, mountains of fear and of doubt, faith can move mountains, so why don't you try your faith out.

2011 October 11 - Morning Manna

"The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness" (Proverbs 10:32)

Today's Morsel: When I was in high school, one day my English teacher gave us a paper that told us every book we had to read, the reports that would be due with the due dates, and the conduct she would and would not accept in her classoom. Therefore, if we got a bad grade for a late report or got sent to the principal's office for conduct violations, we didn't have a leg to stand on because we already knew her requirements.  

 

Solomon said, "The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable."  If we know what is acceptable, then why are so many trying to give God something that isn't acceptable.  When Cain brought his offering to the Lord, the Lord rejected it and told him, "If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him"(Genesis 4:7).  Somewhere, Cain had been taught the correct way.  He knew what the requirement was for God's acceptance of their offering.  But he chose to do it his way and it was rejected.  Then he became angry.  If one says that they are born again, then they should know what is acceptable, because the Word of God is the guide and rule book for Christian conduct and character.  Jesus 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. Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it"(Matthew 7:21-27).  So what does the Lord require of us?  "But to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, To keep the commandments of the LORD, and his statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good" (Deuteronomy 10:12-13)?

Sing: We bring an offering unto the Lord our King, we bring an offering, unto the Lord; with a grateful heart, and a spirit of praise, we bring and offering unto the Lord.

2011 October 10 - Morning Manna

"Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me "(Psalms 119:133)

Today's Morsel: I have come to realize that our lives offer us to two roads on which we must choose to travel.  One road leads to a life of success and prosperity which is heaven, while the other leads us to death and destruction, which is hell.  We are the one who chooses which road we will travel and we are the recipient of what is at the end of that road.  If we are obedient to the Word of the Lord,and a doer of His word, then our choice will lead us unto eternal life. But on the other hand, if our choice goes against God's Word, it will lead us to eternal damnation.  The Psalmist asked for the Lord to order his steps in His word.  In other words, he was saying, let my goings and my conduct and life be according to the requirements that are set forth in Your word and let me be wholly obedient to them.  Paul said, "For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace"(Romans 6:14).  Sin should never have control over a child of God, nor should it be the road we choose to travel upon.   Does it seem that many of the people you started out with on this Christian journey have fallen away and they are now no longer living their lives according to the Word?  Does it seem that many of those you held in high esteem have grown cold in their walk and, in your eyes, and are no longer someone you feel you can emulate to lead you and show you the ways of the Lord?  If our way of life is leading us into and on a road to eternal damnation, then God isn't ordering our steps.  There is only one way to eternal life.  Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (John 14:6).  Is He ordering your steps according to His Word?  Salvation outside of the Word of God isn't true salvation.  Peter admonished,  "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved"(Acts 4:12) .  If you have questions about the road you are on, why not pray and ask Jesus to order your steps in His word!

Sing: Order my steps in Your Word, dear Lord, lead me, guide me every day; send Your anointing, Father, I pray, order my steps in Your Word, please  order my steps in Your Word.

2011 October 8 - Morning Manna

"But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him"
(John 12:37)

Today's Morsel:  The Encarta Dictionary defines a miracle as an event that appears to be contrary to the laws of nature and is regarded as an act of God.    We see miracles taking place right before our eyes every day, and  yet many still do not believe that there is a God.  For example, a few months ago a tornadoe touched down here in our city and almost all the houses around ours had trees blown on their homes, roofs ripped off, siding taken off, yet nothing was done to our home.  When we stated to the people that is was a miracle of God that our home wasn't destroyed, they just looked at us like we were crazy.  Often in the church, we associate miracles with healings, such as opening of blinded eyes, lame being made to walk, cancer eradicated,  or dumb being made talk.  But what about the protection of our homes when disasters  come?  What about when people walk away from an accident unscratched?  What about a life turned from sin and heartache?  John said, "But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him." I pray that we never get to a point in our Christian walk that we think that miracle are only associated with physical healings. As Jesus told the man, except you see signs and wonders you won't believe. We need to heed Solomon's advice,  "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil" (Proverbs 3:5-7).

Sing: Now know I that the LORD saves his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven, with the saving strength of his right hand, they are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright.

 

Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God!

2011 October 7 - Morning Manna

"Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him; Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head" (John 13:1-9)

Today's Morsel: During my years in the Army, there were times that we would have a soldier that wouldn't take a shower.  And so we would have a "GI Party" to give him a shower to get him clean.  We wanted him to know that if he was going to be a part of the team, then he would have to maintain his personal hygiene.  Usually, one time was all it took.

 

When Jesus began to wash His disciples' feet, He  came to Simon Peter and Peter said to him, "Lord, dost thou wash my feet?"  Jesus answered and said unto him, "What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter."  Peter said unto him, "Thou shalt never wash my feet."  Jesus answered him, "If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me."  Peter couldn't believe that his Master would wash their feet, as this task was for servants and slaves.  But Jesus wanted them to know that He came to serve, and if they were going to be His disciples, they needed to learn that they were not above their Master nor anyone else.  When Peter rebuked Him, Jesus told him, "If I don't wash you, you have no part with me." To which Peter replied, "Then not only my feet, but also my hands and head."  Some people get baptized with just a few sprinkles of water upon their heads.  That's not baptism.  Baptism is to immerse all of you in the water.  The Greek word for baptize is baptizō, which is to wash.  John the Baptist was baptizing beyond AEnon near Salim because there was much water there ( John 3:22-23). Philip and the Eunuch went down into the water (Acts 8:35-39). Peter would later write,  "The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 3:21).  None of us have any part with Jesus if He doesn't wash us.  The New Birth requires both water and Spirit (John 3:3-5).  As Paul said,  "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost" (Titus 3:5).  He told the church at Rome, "But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his" (Romans 8:9).  " Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool "(Isaiah 1:16-18).  Has Jesus washed you?

Sing: Have you been to Jesus for your cleansing power? Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb? Are you fully trusting in His grace this hour? Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

Are you washed in the blood, in the soul-cleansing blood of the Lamb? Are your garments spotless? Are they white as snow? Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

2011 October 6 - Morning Manna

And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause? (1 Samuel 17:29)

Today's Morsel:  I often wonder what causes people do certain things, act certain ways, or just do the things that they do.  I'm sure if I was to ask them, they may tell me the cause.  When David's brother accused him of pride, haughtiness in heart, and just wanting to see the battle, David said to him, "Is there not a cause?"  He was accusing David of being prideful, when David saw that there was a need for someone to do something about God's name being blasphemed and the army of God being made a laughing stock.  I've heard people say that Christians are weak.  And in some cases, I totally agree.  Many Christians will  just sit there while others are cursing and taking the name of the Lord in vain and never say a word to them.  I know that sinners curse, swear, and do foolish things, act foolishly, and may be loud.  They may never know that they aren't suppose to do it in front of other people  because they have never been taught.  But isn't there a cause from those of us who know?  Aren't we to help them become aware?  Shouldn't we make an on the spot correction?  As the Lord told Ezekiel, "Son of man, I have set you as a watchmen to give them warning that they die not in their sins."  Remember, greater is He that is within you then He that is in the world.

Sing:  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 the world.

2011 October 5 - Morning Manna

 And David said to Saul, Let no man's heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine. And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth. And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father's sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock: And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him. Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God. David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee. And Saul armed David with his armour, and he put an helmet of brass upon his head; also he armed him with a coat of mail. And David girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him.

(1 Samuel 17:32-39)

Today's Morsel:  Are there things that are causing you spiritual hindrances?  Are there things that are preventing you from going forward?  What would you say is the number one thing that's preventing you from doing what you know God wants you to do?  Is it fear?  Is it a lack of Biblical knowledge?  Is it your job?  Is it your spouse or children?  Is it money?  Do you feel unworthy?  Just what is it?  Is it weights?  David soon realized that he couldn't wear Saul's armor and be successful against his enemy.  He had to go with what he knew how to use; a sling and some stones.  Some folks try to use other's armor to defeat their enemies, but you have to learn how to fight with your own armor and sword.  You need to know how to use your own Bible and not someone else's.  Every time you go to church without your own Bible and have to use one in the pew or rely on the projector, you are trying to fight with someone else's sword.  Every  time you try to defeat the enemy of your soul with how someone else did it, you are putting on their armor.  If you have proved your own armor, you'll know what to use to defeat any enemy that comes against you or you go out to face.   "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints" (Ephesians 6:10-18).

Sing: Unafraid because His armor is the best, but even soldiers need a quiet place to rest. People say that I'm amazing never face retreat, but they don't see the enemies that lay at your feet.  

 

They don't know that I go running home when I fall down, they don't know Who picks me up when no one is around, I drop my sword and cry for just a while, cause deep inside this armor, the warrior is a child.

2011 October 4 - Morning Manna

 

And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. (2 Peter 3:15-18)

Today's Morsel: My wife made a scale on the garage wall of the grand kids, so that each time they visit, she can determine how much they have grown.  We can measure growth in many ways. Shoe size, waist size, clothes size, pounds, and even hat sizes. One size doesn't fit all!  But how do you measure spiritual growth. What do you look for in a person who say they are a Christian?  What signs do you look for to see how they've grown?  Do you look for Biblical knowledge?  Church attendance?  Measure their attitudes? Just what do you look for?  Paul told the Hebrews, "For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil" (Hebrews 5:12-14). So I take this to say that if they aren't teaching, they aren't growing (my wording).  Peter said that we are to grow in grace and the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  So how much have you grown since you became born again?  How many people have you led to Jesus?  How many home Bible Studies have you taught?  Are you a Christian atheist?  You know, a person who says that they are a Christian, but aren't reflecting or living to your true potential.  School is now back in session.  Let's get into The Book and learn and grow.

Sing: The greatest thing in all my life is knowing You! The greatest thing in all my life is knowing You! I want to know You more, I want to know You more, the  greatest thing in all my life is knowing You.

2011 October 3 - Morning Manna

And as he talked with them, behold, there came up the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, out of the armies of the Philistines, and spake according to the same words: and David heard them. And all the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him, and were sore afraid. And the men of Israel said, Have ye seen this man that is come up? surely to defy Israel is he come up: and it shall be, that the man who killeth him, the king will enrich him with great riches, and will give him his daughter, and make his father's house free in Israel. And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God? And the people answered him after this manner, saying, So shall it be done to the man that killeth him. And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle. And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause?   (1 Samuel 17:23-29)

Today's Morsel:  Have you ever wondered why some folk gets so angry and mad at other's success?  Often, some may relate it to a person being prejudice, when in reality it's just plain envy and jealousy.  Solomon said, "Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy" (Proverbs 27:4)?  When we look at David's family, David was the youngest of the sons of Jesse and Eliab was the eldest.  When David chose to fight Goliath, Eliab became angry at him.  I believe his anger was not because David said that he would fight Goliath, but because David had already been anointed to be king of Israel over him.  He probably felt, after his rejection by Samuel the prophet that God had not chosen him to be king, that David was flaunting and rubbing his authority in his face.  When he lashed out at David with his anger, envy, and jealousy, David just simply said, "Is there not a cause?"  David did not respond in kind.  Even the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Scribes became so angry at Jesus because of His anointing that they went about to kill Him.  And they succeeded in what they desired to do.  James said,  "But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy"(James 3:14-17).  We are not called by God to get angry at another's success, but to rejoice with them.  So the next time someone is rewarded or elevated for their success, don't get angry, but rejoice.

Sing: Rejoice for the steps, of a righteous man, they are ordered of God, they are ordered of God.  Rejoice for the steps, of a righteous man, they are ordered of God.

2011 October 1 - Morning Manna

The burden which Habakkuk the prophet did see. O LORD, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save! Why dost thou shew me iniquity, and cause me to behold grievance? for spoiling and violence are before me: and there are that raise up strife and contention. Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth never go forth: for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceedeth. Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvellously: for I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told you. (Habakkuk 1:1-5)

Today's Morsel: There just seems to be so much wicked injustice these days.  Sometimes it can make one wonder if God is even watching and listening to our prayers.  The prophet Habakkuk was faced with the same things we are facing today.  He cried out, "O LORD, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear!"  He wanted instant results.  He wanted God to take care of the situation right then.  But God's ways are not our ways, are they?  Paul said, "For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry" (Hebrews 10:37).  The Lord told Habakkuk," Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvellously: for I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told you."  God is going to do a work, if we let Him.  We don't need to rush and try to push God to destroy the wicked.  His Word already tells us that the wicked will perish.  But it is our job to try and turn the wicked around so that they will serve the Lord.  Life is too precious to be lost forever.  Every day we have an opportunity to make a difference.  Jude said, "And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh" (Jude 1:22-23).  Don't pray that the wicked be destroyed, pray that God saves them and then do your part to tell them.  For as the Lord told Ezekiel, "Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul. Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous man, that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live, because he is warned; also thou hast delivered thy soul" (Ezekiel 3:17-21).

Sing: Dear Lord, I'll be a witness, if You will help my weakness, I know that I'm not worthy, Lord, of Thee.  By eyes of faith I see Thee, upon the cross of Calvary, Dear Lord, I cry, let me Thy servant be.

 

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