2012 June 30 - Morning Manna

And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
(Ephesians 2:1-13)

Today's Morsel: We may feel like we aren't good enough to be an example to others. We may realize that we need other people, but find it hard to believe that our story of deliverance could help someone else. Paul said that we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. In order for us to have a true view of where we fit into the scheme of things, we need to realize that God has a purpose for each of our lives. My purpose may be totally different from yours. We each need to find out our purpose or we will soon become frustrated and quit. God created each of us with certain talents and abilities. And when He saved us, He knew what they were and for what purpose He desired to use them for His kingdom. God had already prepared Hiram for the work of the temple before Solomon was chosen to be King. He had the talent and the abilities. Paul likened us to the human body. Eyes, noses hands, feet, etc. all work together to achieve a purpose. And Paul said that wike the part of the natural body, we, in the church, all need each other. If the kingdom of God is going to grow, we each need to find where we are to be and put our talents and abilities to work.

Sing: Jesus use me, O' Lord don't refuse me; for surely there's a work that I can do. And even though its humble, Lord help my will to crumble, though the cost be great, I'll work for You.