2012 January 31 - 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. (Judges 6:11-16)

Today's Morsel:  Gideon, like so many, was afraid to accept God's calling.  Many fear failure, others fear of responsibility, while others fear having to tell others to do things, or peer pressure.  Gideon was afraid of failure.  When we look at the leaders that God chose, Joshua and David seem to be the only two that weren't afraid and who didn't try to find an excuse for why they couldn't do what God was asking them to do.  Moses said that he had a speech problem. God said, Good you won't talk too much!!  Gideon said, I'm the least in my father's house.  God said, Good, that way when great things start happening, you won't be able to say you did it. ( My wording in these).  When they asked where is Saul, "And the LORD answered, Behold, he hath hid himself among the stuff" (1 Samuel 10:22).  God said, He's hiding.  God tried to encourage Gideon by calling him a mighty man of valor.  He did miracles before him to let him know that He was going to be with him.  And Gideon still kept trying to find an excuse.  Fear will cause you to look for why you can't rather than why you can. Someone noted that an excuse is just an opportunity to be lazy, as the carnal person often offers an excuse instead of action.  God will never use a person who offers excuses instead of availing themselves.  It has be stated that there are two components of personal growth in the kingdom of God: First there is discovering your calling, and second, accomplishing your calling.  God isn't going to call you to do something that you aren't capable of doing.  So don't fear if He calls you, He will enable you.

Sing:  Here I am, Lord, here I am, I give all myself to You, here I am. Here I am ,Lord, here I am, let your spirit work through me, here I am.

2012 January 30 - 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. (1 Timothy 6:6-8)

Today's Morsel:  I was browsing through the web and came across these sayings and thought I would share them with you.  After Eden we have never been fully satisfied with anything on earth.  And we’re still not satisfied thousands of years later. We always want something different.

·         If we’re young, we want to be older.  If we’re old, we wish we were younger.

·         If it’s old, we want something new.  If it’s new, we want something newer.

·         If it’s small, we want something bigger.  If it’s big, we want something really big.

·         If we have a hundred dollars, we want two hundred.  If we have two hundred, we want five hundred.

·         If we have an apartment, we want a condo. If we have a condo, we want a house. If we have a house, we want a bigger house. Or a new house. Or a
nicer house. Or maybe we want to scale down and live in an apartment again.

·         If we have a job, we dream of a better job, a bigger job, a closer job, a job with a bigger office, a better boss, better benefits, more challenge, bigger opportunity, nicer people to work for and with, and more vacation time.

·         If we’re single, we dream of being married. If we’re married, … (you can finish that sentence yourself.).

 Did any of those fit your life? What would you say it's going to take for you to be content, if your aren't already?  Paul said that if we have food and clothing  we should be content.  In other words, we should be satisfied and happy with what we have when we have it.  We should always remember what Jesus said, "Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God" (Luke 12:15-21).

Sing:  I am so satisfied!  I am so satisfied, with my Savior; He means more to me, than anything, anything, that this world could ever offer me.

2012 January 28 - Morning Manna

Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body. Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge. Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. (Hebrews 13:1-8)

Today's Morsel: Consistency is being able to maintain a particular standard without wavering. James said "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways" (James 1:2-8). We are called to be consistent in our walk with the Lord. When others see that consistency, they will know that we are men and women of truth. When we are consistent in our faith, our conversation, our charity, our patience, our temperance, and our purity, it will be revealed to others. Jesus said, "Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth" (Luke 18:8)? Are you going to be consistent in your faith when He comes? Now is not the time for wavering, because our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. Stay consistent and everything else will be easy to accomplish. Even making it to heaven.

Sing: I'm going through, yes, I'm going through, I'll pay the price, no matter what others do; I'll take the way with the Lord's despised few; I started out with Jesus, and I'm going through.

2012 January 27 - Morning Manna

Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour (Ecclesiastes 10:1)

Today's Morsel: I just hate flies. They are noisome and a pest. There's something about them that just bugs me. They land on anything and carry all kinds of germs. Solomon said dead flies. I can't think of a better state for a fly to be than for it to be dead. Solomon said, that they cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour. Apothecary is a historical name for a medical professional who formulates and dispenses medicine to physicians, surgeons, and patients - a role now served by a pharmacist. The first mention of an apothecary was in the Book of Exodus (Torah and Old Testament) in which Moses was given instructions by God for the preparation of the holy anointing oil that was to be used for consecrating the Tabernacle. This anointing represents the Holy Ghost today in our lives. If dead flies got into the mixture that was being made, it would not send forth a sweet smell, but a stench; the same as sin in a person's life will cause it to send forth a stench. Sin causes one's anointing to stink. I don't care how full of the Holy Ghost one may say they are, if sin is there, that life stinks in God's eye. I don't care how good one may sing or play an instrument, if sin is in that life, it stinks. I don't care if one can preach like Paul, and knows the Word better than anyone else, if there is sin in their life, they stink. If there is sin in your life, you stink and you are worse than a dead skunk in the middle of the road, so roll up the windows and hold your nose. "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" Paul said (1 Corinthians 6:9-12). It's time for the church to get pure and stay pure, so they send forth a sweet smelling savor.

Sing: Lord, I come to lift up Your name. Lord I come, to give You all the praise. For You alone are worthy, of the glory and the honor, Lord I come, to lift up Your name.

2012 January 26 - Morning Manna

And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things. And when the day was now far spent, his disciples came unto him, and said, This is a desert place, and now the time is far passed: Send them away, that they may go into the country round about, and into the villages, and buy themselves bread: for they have nothing to eat. He answered and said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they say unto him, Shall we go and buy two hundred pennyworth of bread, and give them to eat? He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes. And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass. And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties. And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them; and the two fishes divided he among them all. And they did all eat, and were filled. And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes. And they that did eat of the loaves were about five thousand men. And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people. And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray. And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land. And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them. But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out: For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid. And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered. For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened. (Mark 6:34-52)

Today's Morsel: What do you think causes people to have hardness of heart? Hardened is the state or quality of being tough and unyielding. The scary thing about a hard heart is that most people don't even realize that they have it. When they make comments that they don't believe the Bible or that Jesus isn't God or the Son of God, it's because their hearts are hardened. Paul said that if this gospel is hidden, it is hid to them who are lost and who the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them that believe not. For example, Jesus said, "A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it. And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear." Jesus wanted us to see that it is the matter of one's heart that is the determining factor if the Word will get in, take root, and grow or not. When a person isn't willing to forgive, it's because of a hardened heart. When a person is selfish, prejudice toward another, or who will not listen to wise counsel, their heart is hardened. Here are some examples of a hardened heart:

· You won't do the right thing.

· You struggle in your walk with God.

· You can't hear Jesus speaking to you.

· You can't hear Jesus when He draws near to you.

· You can't hear Him calling you.

· You can't perceive what God wants you to do.

· You can't understand the scripture.

· God never occupies first place in your life.

The Psalmist said, "O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker. For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness: When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my work. Forty years long was I grieved with this generation, and said, It is a people that do err in their heart, and they have not known my ways: Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest" (Psalms 95:6-11). Don't harden your heart, it will keep you out of heaven.

Sing: Come, now is the time to worship. Come, now is the time to give your heart. Come, just as you are, to worship. Come, just as you are, before your God. Come.

One day every tongue will confess You are God. One day every knee will bow. Still the greatest treasure remains for those who gladly choose you now. Come.

2012 January 25 - Morning Manna

Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings. (Isaiah 3:10)

Today's Morsel: Isn't it comforting to know that God has your best interest at heart? Are you are righteous person? You know, one of those that does right. Those that know to do good and do it. John tells us, "Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous" (1 John 3:7). If God is righteous and we do righteousness, then we belong to Him (In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother 1 John 3:10). And if we are His, that makes us righteous and all shall be well with us. So stop worrying about stuff. It's going to be well with you if you're right. When Elisha asked the Shunmite woman whose son had died, "Is all well?", she said, "All is well." How could all be well when she was coming to tell the prophet that her son was dead? Because she was righteous. And the Lord said, "Say to the righteous it shall be well with him." John wrote, "He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely" (Revelation 22:11-17). The only reason you should be worrying is if your are not doing right. Because then it's not going to be well with you.

Sing: When you see me singing, I just want to be right. When you see me testify, I just want to be right. When you see me giving God praise, I just want to be right. When you see me worshipping the Lord, I just want to be right. Be right, be right, be right, I wanna be right!

2012 January 24 - Monring Manna

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

Today's Morsel: Isaiah 6 one of my favorite passages of scripture. Isaiah's vision of what he saw in the temple carries with it some very important aspects that men and women need to observe if they are going to be used by God, or if they feel a tugging at their heart and they don't know which direction to go in their calling. I have been asked by men and women (young and old) "How do you know that you are being called by God to the ministry or to missions?" And I tell them:

1. You will begin to feel a tugging at your heart by the Holy Ghost. Dreams and visions may become regular.

2. You will begin to feel an urgency to pray more, read your Bible more, study more, fast more, and give more of yourself to the things of God.

3. You will begin to sense an urgency for witnessing to everyone you meet.

4. The things of the world will start to become dimmer and the light of Jesus will begin to shine brighter.

5. Your love for the human race and a lost people will begin to grip at your heart, and you will begin to see that you may not be doing enough for the kingdom. Even though you may be giving your best, there will be something that keeps pulling at your heart saying, "Come on up higher and I'll show you what shall be here after."

6. Attending and being at church will become an urgency and you just can't wait to get to the next service to hear what the message will be for you to obtain more wisdom, knowledge, and understanding.

God desires to use each of us the same as He did Isaiah, but we have to be willing to say as Isaiah did, "Here am I Lord, send me."

Sing: Jesus use me, O Lord 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.

2012 January 23 - Morning Manna

The horseleach hath two daughters, crying, Give, give. There are three things that are never satisfied, yea, four things say not, It is enough: The grave; and the barren womb; the earth that is not filled with water; and the fire that saith not, It is enough
(Proverbs 30:15-16).

Today's Morsel: There seems to be so many today that aren't satisfied with who they are, where they are, and what is taking place in their lives. When people aren't satisfied, they start looking for change. There just seems to be so much dissatisfaction in our world today. Not only in the world, but the church doesn't seem to be satisfied with who they are. I mean, people are spending billions of dollars on trying to make themselves satisfied. We've gone from the old traditional church building look, to buildings that don't look like churches all to please and draw people. Many churches have adjusted their service times and method of preaching trying to satisfy people. Churches are spending millions on buildings to keep up with today's technology to satisfy people, instead of spending it to send the gospel to a lost and dying world. You can't please all the people all the time. People are people and they want the right place to live. They want to right environment. They want the right church. They want the right job, all to try to appease and satisfy themselves. But even when they locate the right place to live, the right environment, and the right church, they still aren't satisfied. Solomon said, "They that loveth silver and gold, shall never be satisfied." The Rolling Stones wrote a song entitled, "I Can't Get No Satisfaction." Are you satisfied? When we turn to Jesus, we should never be dissatisfied, because it is only He that can satisfy our soul.

Sing: Only Jesus can satisfy your soul. Only He that can change your heart and make you whole: He'll give you peace you never knew, sweet love and joy and heaven, too, for only Jesus can satisfy your soul.

2012 January 21 - 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. (Timothy 2:1-4)

Today's Morsel: It amazes me how many people will look at you when you stand and pray for your meal or for someone in public. Business owners won't stop you for praying in their establishments, because they want your money. I would love to see some of the people who are so against prayer here in America, get on one of the mid-eastern airlines and stand up and tell them that they can't prayer. When on these airlines, you don't get the safety briefing until they have showed you the Muslim prayer on the monitors for the people to say. Paul said 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. How much time do you spend praying for your unsaved loved ones? How many dictators have been removed because of prayer? How many situations have been changed because of prayer? God can do more through our prayers than we could ever do with weapons or money. The battle isn't ours, it's the Lord's. God wants all people saved, so let's get our prayers flowing. Prayer can even change your situation.

Sing: Somebody's praying for you! Somebody's praying for you! When you feel you're alone and your heart would break in two, remember, someone is praying for you.

2012 January 20 - Morning Manna

No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (Matthew 6:24)

Today's Morsel: When you became a Christian did you transfer your loyalty to Jesus, too? When the children of Israel came out of Egypt, many of them never transferred their loyalty to God. They wanted to return to Pharaoh and be under his leadership and bondage each time there was a challenge or hardship. Notice scripture: "And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night. And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron: and the whole congregation said unto them, Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God we had died in this wilderness! And wherefore hath the LORD brought us unto this land, to fall by the sword, that our wives and our children should be a prey? were it not better for us to return into Egypt? And they said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt" (Numbers 14:1-4). They never transferred their loyalty. They wanted to go back. If you never transfer your loyalty to Jesus, each time you have a challenge or issue that you can't seem to find an answer for or know what to do, you will want to return to the world. Challenges and issues are for development and to see what you are made of, while also helping you learn problem solving techniques. When God called us out of darkness, we needed to come to Him with all of our loyalty, dedication, commitment and zeal no matter what uncertainty lies before us. If our God is great, and He is, and if God be for us, and He is, then when He brings us out, and says that He's taking us to a better place, we need to heed His warnings and fret not, because you can't serve two masters. "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage " Paul said (Galatians 5:1). If Jesus is your Master, then you need to let Satan go.

Sing: He brought me out of the miry clay, He set my feet on the rock to stay, He put a song in my soul today, a song of praise, Hallelujah!

2012 January 19 - Morning Manna

And Abishai the brother of Joab, he was chief of the three: for lifting up his spear against three hundred, he slew them, and had a name among the three. Of the three, he was more honourable than the two; for he was their captain: howbeit he attained not to the first three. 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: also he went down and slew a lion in a pit in a snowy day. (1 Chronicles 11:20-22)

Today's Morsel: When I was in the Army, I was sent to Alaska for Northern Warfare Training. This training was designed to train us and develop us for fighting our enemies in snowy, cold, and arctic weather and environments. I will tell you that this is one soldier who was glad when this training was over. I don't think I have ever fallen so much, eaten as much snow, and kissed as many trees as I did trying to learn to ski. Thank God for snowshoes and skis for moving in and through snow. It's tough fighting in this kind of environment. My son gave me a book for Christmas entitled, " In the Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day." Even before I began to read it, the title grasped my heart and brought back memories of my training in Alaska. I thought to myself, "What kind of person would get into a pit with a lion on a snowy day?" A lion's paws are designed to prevent him from slipping in this pit, but not man's feet even with the proper footwear. The lion would already have the advantage. But then I thought to myself, "What was Benaiah trying to prove." Many people are doing just that. They are jumping into a pit with the enemy of their soul not realizing that he has the advantage. They are trying to fighting while standing in snow. Snow is slippery and mushy. You can easily fall and your opponent can obtain the advantage over you. Peter said that Satan is as a roaring lion and we can only defeat him by standing fast in the faith (1 Peter 5:8-9). So let me encourage you, if you decide to get into the pit and take Satan on, make sure you're prepared with the Word of God and that your faith is solid.

Sing: My God is so big! so strong and so mighty, there's nothing my God cannot do. My God is so big! so strong and so mighty, there's nothing my God cannot do.

The mountains are His, the rivers are His, the stars are His handy work too. My God is so big! so strong and so mighty, there's nothing my God cannot do.

2012 January 18 - Morning Manna

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)

Today's Morsel: It has been stated that kids do not forget the things you tell them that you will do for them. And I know this to be true from firsthand experience. I have had each of my kids say to me, "Dad you said," or "Dad you promised" and I have to follow through. When Jesus told His disciples to remain in Jerusalem until they received the promise, (And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high) (Luke 24:49), they went to Jerusalem and waited for what Jesus said they would receive. And they were not disappointed because Acts 2:1-4 reveals that the promise was the Holy Ghost. Boy! What a promise. When Peter preached and told the people that the same promise that Jesus made to them was also for them and their children as well, some of them wanted it. When God makes us promises, He keeps them. The same way that Jesus didn't just die for those during the time He was on earth, but for us that would come later, and should the Lord tarry, for everyone else that will be born in years to come. The writer of Hebrews said, "For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee. And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec" (Hebrews 6:13-20). Have you received the Holy Ghost since you have believed? It was promised to you by God over 2,000 years ago. God hasn't changed. His promise will always be there for you. Jesus said, "If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?"(Luke 11:11-13). May I suggest that you ask Him for it.

Sing: I've got the Holy Ghost, down in my soul, just like the Bible says. I've got the Holy Ghost, down in my soul, just like the Bible says. And I wouldn't take nothing for my journey now, I've got to make it to heaven somehow, cause I'm so satisfied, Cause I've got the Holy Ghost living inside.

2012 January 17 - Morning Manna

Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another (1 John 4:7-11).

Today's Morsel: I've been pondering all the scriptures about love. God is love; For God so loved; If any man love not; Love is of God; Let us love; Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels and have not love; The greatest of these is love; Love covers all sin; Love worketh no ill; The fruit of the spirit is love; Greater love hath no man than this; Beloved, let us love; Husband's love your wife as Christ loved the church. Why is there so much emphasis in scripture on love? What is it about love that draws us to others. What is there that makes us say to someone else, "I love you?" Why can't we grasp this thing called love? I had someone ask me once, "How do I love someone who has done you wrong?" They said, "If my heart is broken, how can I love?" Why is love associated with the heart? The heart is your inner most being. It is the center of who you are. Why do certain things break our hearts? Why do certain words pierce like a sword? When we understand God, and that God is love, then we can understand all the sayings about love. What we really need to see to understand love is Calvary. God was willing to robe himself in flesh and to die for mankind to display what true love really is. Paul said, "For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:6-8). He goes on to tell us, "For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself" (Galatians 5:14). Love is really no more than putting others before you and doing your very best to allow who God is and what He has done for you show through you to others. If we do that, then divorces will decrease, abuse will diminish, and most people will get along and the church will grow. How's your love life?

Sing: Fill my way every day with love, as I walk with the heavenly dove; let me go all the while with a song and a smile, fill my way every day with love.

2012 January 16 - Morning Manna

He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: 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 40:29-31)

Today's Morsel: I asked a prison inmate, "What is the toughest thing that you've had to learn since you've been in prison?" To my surprise, he told me, Patience. He said that he knew that he had time to do, but it was going to take patience on his part to get through the tough times and times of uncertainty that he had before him. There are many people who do not have the patience to wait. Paul said, "But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God" (Romans 8:25-27). Patience is like character, it isn't developed in the heat of battle or a moment of crisis. It grows out of a steady application of moral values and ethical behavior in one's life. Patience grows when we trust in the Lord with all of our heart and lean not unto our own understanding. Patience grows when we allow the Word of God to be our light and our lamp. When we hide the Word in our heart, patience grows. When we are willing to say, not my will Lord, but Thy will be done, patience grows. Develop patience in your life before you need it!

Sing: Learning to lean, I'm learning to lean; I'm learning to lean on Jesus. Finding more power, then I'll every need; I'm learning to lean, on Jesus!

2012 January 14 - 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: If you had to give an account of your faith level, where would it fall on the scale if 10 was the highest and 1 was the lowest? I often wonder why Christians can't maintain the level 10 at all times. Why is it that some folk's faith is like the mercury in a thermometer. Up and down. Jesus said, "I would that you were either cold or hot." So how do we get our faith to stay at the level 10? First, we need to start trusting in the Lord with all our heart and not in our self and others above Him. Secondly, we need to understand that God's ways aren't our ways. He causes it to rain on the just and the unjust (Matthew 5:45). And thirdly, we need to get to the point in our lives that we know that God has our best interest at heart and no matter what comes our way God is working all things for our good. Habakkuk records that if everything that he depended upon failed, that it would not stop him from joying and rejoicing in the Lord. Because the Lord was his strength. Do you retain your joy and rejoicing if things begin to fail in your life? Have you allowed sickness or something else to decrease your faith level? If you maintain a 10 on your faith scale you'll have less time to focus on the pain.

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

2012 January 13 - Morning Manna

When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake. Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved. Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake. He then lying on Jesus' breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it?
(John 13:21-25)

Today's Morsel: I have heard many people say that once they reach heaven, the first thing they are going to do is ask Eve and Adam why in the world they ate the forbidden fruit. Then they are going to ask Paul how he was able to endure such pain and suffering. When Jesus said that one of His disciples would betray Him, they wanted to know who it was. So Peter asked John to ask Jesus who it was, since John seemed to be closer to Jesus. And so John said, "Lord, who is it?" Do you question who it is that keeps lying on you? Do you question who it is that every time you want to do good evil comes against you? Do you question who it is that seems to know everything you are going to do before you do it? John seemed to be close to Jesus. He is called the disciple whom Jesus loved. He is the disciple who is exiled to the island of Patmos and given a glimpse into heaven and he is the writer of the book of Revelation. Our lives shouldn't be any different than John's. We should all walk as close to Jesus as we can, and be willing to lay on His breast and hear His heart beat. We should feel so close to Jesus that we can ask Him anything. "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. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 2:1-5). The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)

Sing: Just to be close to you! Just to be close to you, is my desire! Just to be close to you! Just to be close to you, is my desire.

2012 January 12 - Morning Manna

And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen. (John 21:25)

Today's Morsel: The invention of the computer has made it easier to store information and data. On such a small micro-chip you can now store gigabits of information, books, and other data. With a click of a mouse, one can locate and read everything about anything in the world.

There have been many books written trying to bring people into a relationship with Jesus Christ. Many of these books stress the remedy for stress, depression, rejection, loneliness, abuse, and hurting. Many books use stories from the Bible trying to encourage and increase the faith of believers and nonbelievers alike. And some try to bring you into a daily walk with God. John said, "And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written." The world couldn't contain the books if all that Jesus did was written. The Bible has been condensed into one book so that each of us can get just enough of what Jesus did do to increase our faith and encourage us. From the story of creation to Calvary on to the letters to the churches are all one needs to see what Jesus has done. Many other things that Jesus did that aren't written, John said, because the world couldn't contain the books if they were. What would you say some of those things are? I know some: He saved me from a life of sin and shame; He found me worthy to put me into the ministry; He saved my life so many times I can't even tell it all. But He had Paul write in his letter, "Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord." (Romans 16:13). That's all I need to know to make me see He's for real!

Sing: There was a time on earth when in the book of heaven, an old account was standing for sins yet unforgiven, my name was at the top, and many things below, I went unto the keeper and settled long ago.

Long ago, down on my knees, long ago, I settled it all, yes, the old account was settled long ago, and my record's clear today for He washed my sins away, when the old account was settle long ago.

2012 January 11 - Morning Manna

The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus. Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus. And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. (John 12:21-23)

Today's Morsel:During the Vietnam war, many entertainers would be brought by the United Service Organization (USO) to Vietnam to entertain the troops. Many of the troops couldn't wait to see Bob Hope, Martha Rae, and some of the others as they always made them laugh and forget the time of war.

Jesus often, made the comment that His time was not yet. In other words, it wasn't time for Him to depart out of this world, because some had not come to know Him and to seek after Him. But when the Gentiles came to Philip and said, "Sir, we would see Jesus", Jesus commented to His disciple, "The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified." He was saying that now is the time that I will be lifted up and depart out of this world; now is the time that I will reveal to you who I truly am. Now will the scripture be fulfilled which says, "And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life" (John 3:13-15). Many are still looking for Him today and it is up to each of us to reveal Him to them. Are you looking for Jesus today? Where have you been looking? Jesus said that you can find Him, when you search for Him with all your heart. When He's your desire and hope, nothing can stop you from finding Him.

Sing: Oh I want to see Him, look upon His face, there to sing forever of His saving grace, on the streets of glory, let me lift my voice, cares all past, home at last ever to rejoice.

2012 January 10 - Morning Manna

Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die (Genesis 3:1-3)

Today's Morsel: Many times I have heard people say that Eve gave the wrong message to Satan when she said that God said that they should not touch the tree lest we die. Well, after looking at the scriptures, she did really botch the message. First, God never told them to not touch the tree, nor did He tell them that they could not eat of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden. God said, "Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die" (Genesis 2:16-17). God told them that they could eat of every tree freely, but the tree of the knowledge of good and evil they shouldn't eat of because they would die if they did. He never said they couldn't touch it, nor did He even mention anything about the trees in the midst of the garden. God just said to not eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. We have to make sure that we have the message right.

I've heard people say that they will baptize people based on what Jesus said in Matthew 28:19-20 before they will do what the apostle Peter said in Acts 2:38. I'm sure Eve probably thought that she had the message right, too. But because Satan knew that she had already botched what God said, and she wasn't faccurate in relaying what God said, he was able to convince her that she would not die if she ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Because so many don't know what Jesus said, it makes it easier for Satan to convince them to take his bait. Well, he says, if you aren't for sure about how to be baptize and if it's even essential for your salvation, then you don't need the Holy Ghost to be born again either. All you need to do is just confess Jesus and you'll be saved. And because you aren't sure about your salvation and how to be saved, he tells you to do whatever you want, just do it in moderation and God will forgive you. Because Eve wasn't for sure, she ate, and gave to Adam and he ate and their eyes were opened and man has died ever since. Disobedience is sin, and the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). "For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire" Peter said (2 Peter 2:20-22). Make sure you've got the message right before you listen to Satan, because he will twist God's words if you aren't for sure.

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

2012 January 9 - Morning Manna

"This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit" (Galatians 5:16-25)

Today's Morsel: Every so often, I like to look up the Greek meaning for what some of the English words we read in the King James Version of the Bible mean. And so I looked up the word 'witchcraft'. The Greek word for 'witchcraft' was: pharmakeia, far-mak-i'-ah, medication(“pharmacy”), that is, (by extension) magic (literal or figurative): -sorcery, witchcraft. Notice Pharmakeia, from where we get out word Pharmacy. And then I looked up the word for Pharmacy, pharmakeus. far-mak-yoos' ,pharmakon (a drug, that is, spell giving potion); a druggist(“pharmacist”) or poisoner, that is, (by extension) a magician: -sorcerer. Somewhat surprised by the meaning, as I have always associated witchcraft with witches and Halloween, my mind began to wonder. I have noticed that throughout the world, all of a sudden, there has been a major increase in the number of places to dispense medications and prescription drugs. I began to ask myself if have we become blind to another one of Satan's tricks. Why does it seem that very few people trust God for healing any more. Everyone seems to be depending on medical professionals for their healing. And I've noticed that almost everyone that visits medical personnel seem to walk out needing to have some type of medication, or it is being recommended to purchase certain medications, pain relievers, or some health drug. Is witchcraft at work here? Is Satan up to his old tricks? I s he stirring up some evil brew? Is he camouflaging evil with good. Why are there so many children on medication at such an early age. Many people never review the side effects of drugs. Why are the elderly being pulled in with drugs for sexual gratification? Why are so many people being diagnosed with the same conditions when they are sick. Does one sickness fit all? Is there something hidden here? Jude cautions us, "But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life" (Jude 1:17-21). Peter cautions us: "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world" (1 Peter 5:8-9). Are you keeping yourself in the love of God and walking in the spirit? Are you being cautious? "But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ," Paul said (2 Corinthians 11:3). Stay focused, my brethren.

Sing: Greater is He that is in me, greater is He that is in me, greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world.

Satan's like a roaring lion walking to and fro, seeking whom he may devour, the Bible tells me so. Many souls have been his prey to fall in some weak hour, but God has promised us today, His overcoming power.

Greater is He that is in me, greater is He that is in me, greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world.

2012 January 7 - Morning Manna

O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth. Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day. (Psalms 96:1-2).

Today's Morsel:   What songs do you sing when you are hurting, sad, or lonely?  The psalmist said to sing unto the Lord a new song.  I don't think God wants to hear the old songs of murmuring and complaining.  I don't think He wants to hear me mourning over my troubles. I don't even think He wants to hear me singing about Moses going down into Egypt's land and telling old Pharaoh to let His people go.  He doesn't want to hear my singing the blues!  The problem with some so called gospel and contemporary gospel music today is  it doesn't  proclaim the gospel.  It seems to only elevate one's self.  If it's called a gospel song, shouldn't the lyrics mention the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ?  Shouldn't Jesus be the main focus in the song?   Has the blood lost its power?  Doesn't the old rugged cross still make a difference?  Isn't there still victory in Jesus?  Isn't Jesus still the sweetest name you know?  Didn't He call you friend?  So what happened to, " What a friend we have in Jesus?"  Isn't the church going to move up higher one day? Didn't Jesus say that in the last days He would pour out His spirit upon all flesh?  So what happened with the song, "Baptize me Jesus with the Holy Ghost?"  Why do we only sing "O' come all ye faithful" at Christmas time, and "Christ Arose" at Easter?  Maybe that's why we only see some people at church on Christmas and Easter.  I guess that's why they come during those days as they see themselves as being faithful.  They're CEOs - Christmas and Easter Only (my humor).  You see, the old songs had a message with them.  They were called gospel songs because when you sang them, they lifted up Jesus and gave you strength to endure the trials and situations you faced on a day to day basis.  They caused you to realize what Jesus has done for you, while giving  you hope for tomorrow.   If you are battling depression or sickness in your soul these days, and if you listen to the songs that are called gospel music today, you are going to be more depressed because the instruments often over-power the words and you can't hear what is being said.  And if you do hear the lyrics, they often talk about how the singer feels rather than the power of Jesus in a person's life.  Jesus didn't record in His word to "not remove the old landmarks which your fathers sat up" for nothing.  I believe that that may even include our music.  So let me encourage you, let's go back to the old land marks and get Jesus back into our singing.  After all, only Jesus can satisfy your soul.

Sing: Only Jesus can satisfy your soul; only He can change your heart and make you whole: He'll give you peace you never knew, sweet love and joy and heaven, too, for only Jesus can satisfy your soul.

2012 January 6 - Morning Manna

"Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever" (Psalms 73:25-26)

Today's Morsel:  Health issues seem to take center stage these days. Many people are sick and don't know what the causes are.  Many want answers to their ailments, but don't seem to be able to locate the solution to their problem.  The Psalmist said, "My flesh and my heart faileth."  Was he sick?  Was his mind troubled?  Were there things that were coming against him that he didn't understand?   Job said that that thing which he greatly feared had come upon him ( Job 3:25-26).   Our flesh is not designed to last forever.  Peter tells us that this earthen tabernacle (tent) must one day fold up.  "Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me"(2 Peter 1:14).  Even Moses told us, "The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away" (Psalms 90:10).  So no matter the pain, suffering, aliments, and even infirmities, that may bring with it a lack of strength, vitality and weakness, we still need to say as the Psalmist, "Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee... for God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever."

  

Sing: God is the joy and the strength of my life, removes all pain, misery and strife, He promised to keep me, never to leave me, He'll never ever come short of His Word.  I've got to fast and pray, stay in the narrow way, I'll keep my life clean every day, I want to go with Him when He comes back, I've come too far and I'll never turn back.

God is, God is, God is, God is my all in all.