2012 July 31 - Morning Manna

This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true. 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 21:24-25)

Today's Morsel: When I walk into my library, I'm amazed at the number of books I have read since my salvation. Before my salvation, I never read a book if it didn't deal with my job or some school requirement. But after my salvation, I saw the need to study to show myself approved of God. I desire to be a workman that is not ashamed. Abraham Lincoln said, " The day you stop learning is the day you stop leading." 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." Can you image the number of books that would be written about Jesus if all His works were to be recorded? What if every born again believer wrote about what Jesus did for their life? We each hold and read our Bibles, but think about what isn't in it about Jesus. We only have the tip of the iceberg. I often wonder what the Holy Ghost did through some of the 3,000 that were converted on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:41). Or the other 500 that He appeared to after His resurrection ( I Corinthians 15:6). I wonder if Nicodemus, Timothy or Titus wrote a book? The men on the road to Emmaus said, "Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?" (Luke 24:32). Scripture also says, "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. The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth. And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing" (Acts 8:30-39). When you read books about Jesus and don't understand, pray that He will send someone to instruct and give you understanding, as wisdom without understanding is dangerous.

Sing: Tell me the story of Jesus, write on my heart every word, tell me the story most precious, sweetest that ever was heard. Tell how the angels in chorus, sang as they welcomed His birth, Glory to God in the highest! Peace and good tidings to earth.

2012 July 30 - Morning Manna

He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it. (Isaiah 25:8)

Today's Morsel: There is nothing like watching your team win. We all love winners and if you have read the back of the book, then you already know that we win. When I think of the salvation that Jesus brought for us, that's victory. Many will say, "But Jesus died on a cross, how is that victory?" The same as Paul said, dead worketh in us, but life in you. Jesus death brought victory for the believers. His death brought life. Isaiah said, "He will swallow up death in victory." Paul said, "Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord" (1 Corinthians 15:51-58). "The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death" (1 Corinthians 15:26). John said, "Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years" (Revelation 20:6). Anyway you look at it, it's a win-win situation.

Sing: Hallelujah, what a thought! Jesus full salvation brought, Victory, victory. Let the power of sin assail, Heaven's grace can never fail, Victory, victory.

Victory, yes, victory; Hallelujah! I am free, Jesus gives me victory. Glory, glory, hallelujah! He is all in all to me.

2012 July 28 - Morning Manna

And they returned from searching of the land after forty days. And they went and came to Moses, and to Aaron, and to all the congregation of the children of Israel, unto the wilderness of Paran, to Kadesh; and brought back word unto them, and unto all the congregation, and shewed them the fruit of the land. And they told him, and said, We came unto the land whither thou sentest us, and surely it floweth with milk and honey; and this is the fruit of it. Nevertheless the people be strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there. The Amalekites dwell in the land of the south: and the Hittites, and the Jebusites, and the Amorites, dwell in the mountains: and the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and by the coast of Jordan. And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it. But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we. And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature. And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight. (Numbers 13:25-33)

Today's Morsel:  I have come to realize it that in the King James Version of the Bible, two words aren't used. The words positive and negative. But we do find the words evil and good all throughout scriptures. The word evil is mentioned over 569 times in scripture and the word negative isn't mentioned at all. Maybe the world likes using the word negative because it doesn't seem as harsh as the wordevil. I think if the church were to use the word evil the way that God intended for it to be used, it would cause people to reevaluate themselves in the light of God's word and repent. The men who Moses sent to espy out the land didn't return with a negative report, they brought up an evil report. Paul didn't say that in the last days that negative seducers would wax worse and worse, he said that evil seducers shall wax worse and worse. Even though Joshua and Caleb saw the same thing as the others who brought the evil report, they knew that their God was able to deliver. Because both life and death are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:20), we need to be careful how we present our reports. Even if it looks terrible, God is good and God is able.

Sing: God is good all the time. God is good all the time. God is good all the time, for unmerited favor, I'll stand up and sing, God is good all the time.

2012 July 27 - Morning Manna

And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. (Matthew 16:17-19)

Today's Morsel: What would you do if you were given the keys to your city? Being given a key to a city is a symbolic gift from the city's administration, such as the mayor. Its purpose is to honor visitors, residents, or others coming to the city. The key symbolizes the freedom of the recipient to enter and leave the city at will as a trusted friend of city residents. Jesus, who is over the city of heaven, told Peter that He was giving him the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Not just one key, but keys, many. WOW! What an honor. And Peter could use these keys to loose and to bind upon the earth at his will. I don't know how many keys were on the ring of keys that Peter was given, but I do know that he used one of them on the day of Pentecost to unlock the church when he said, "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 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. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls" (Acts 2:36-41). How are you using the keys given to you?

Sing: Open the flood gates of heaven, let it rain, let rain; Open the flood gates of heaven, let it rain, let it rain.

2012 July 26 - Morning Manna

Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears. (Hebrews 12:14-17)

Today's Morsel: My wife has done a good job with her flower garden this year. After having me haul in a lot of dirt from the compost center, we have discovered that the dirt seems to have alot of weed seed in it. But we keep pulling away to get the roots out so that the weeds will not return. It's been a work in progress, but we are starting to get it under control. Paul said that we need to look diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled. Like those weeds in my wife's flower garden, if do not remove the root of the weed, they will return and destroy the whole garden. Like weeds, the root of bitterness in our hearts can defile and destroy us. Therefore, we must continue to search our hearts daily to ensure nothing unlike Jesus has entered in. If you don't get the root of the problem out of the soil, it will grow again.

Sing: Dig! Dig! Dig a little deeper, dig a little deeper in the store house of God's love; I want to talk like Jesus would, walk like a Christian should, I want to dig a little deeper in the store house of the Lord.

2012 July 25 - Morning Manna

In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came unto him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live. Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed unto the LORD, And said, Remember now, O LORD, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore. Then came the word of the LORD to Isaiah, saying, Go, and say to Hezekiah, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will add unto thy days fifteen years. And I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria: and I will defend this city. And this shall be a sign unto thee from the LORD, that the LORD will do this thing that he hath spoken; Behold, I will bring again the shadow of the degrees, which is gone down in the sun dial of Ahaz, ten degrees backward. So the sun returned ten degrees, by which degrees it was gone down. (Isaiah 38:1-8).

Today's Morsel: Does it really pay to pray? I saw a bumper sticker that said, "Seven days without prayer makes one weak". While did the early church place so much emphasis on prayer. Why did John the Baptist teach his disciples to pray and Jesus' disciple asked Him to teach them to pray the way that John had taught his disciples to pray? Prayer was implemented long before both Jesus and John came to earth. The first mention of prayer, I believe, was recorded in Genesis 4:26, which says, "And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call upon the name of the LORD" (Genesis 4:26). When King Hezekiah was told to set his house in order because he would die and not live, he turned his face to the wall and prayed to God and he was granted 15 additional years. Hezekiah is an example that it pays to pray. Yes, it does pay to pray as certain things only go out by prayer and fasting, Jesus said. And Paul admonishes us to prayer for all men and to never cease praying. Prayer, more than anything, shows that you trust and believe in God to do things according to His perfect will.

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

2012 July 24 - Morning Manna

And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat. And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner. And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged. And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also? And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace" (Luke 7:36-50)

Today's Morsel: When is the last time you stood in church and told the congregation what Jesus has done for you in your life? You know, we don't hear people testifying anymore. This portion of service seems to be over looked these days. If one generation is to declare to the next generation the things of God, shouldn't testimony service be a part of the service? When Jesus opened the eyes of the blind man, and also the man at the pool of Bethesda who was lame was healed, they each went to the synagogue to give God thanks so that others could see them. But today, people don't seem to share what God has done and is doing in their life. We overcome by the words of our testimony and the blood of the Lamb, John said. After Mary Magdalene poured her precious ointment upon Jesus, and Jesus forgave her of her sins. Now everyone in the church community around the world knows of and has heard of her testimony. And should the Lord tarry, others who will come will hear it, too. Don't hide your testimony of what the Lord has done for you, someone may need to hear it.

Sing: I came to Jesus, weary, worn, and sad, He took my sins away, He took my sins away, and now His love has made my heart so glad, He took my sins away.

He took my sins away, He's took my sins away, and He keeps me singing every day! I'm so glad He took my sins away, He took my sins away.

2012 July 23 - 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. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; (1 Timothy 2:1-5)

Today's Morsel: One of the things about prayer for me is that it is refreshing. I always like to begin my day with fresh prayer. Like David, when he said, "I shall be anointed with fresh oil" (psalms 92:10), I too want to be refreshed with the anointing of God daily. No matter how it turns out, I always like to begin with thanksgiving. There is nothing like thanking God for letting me see another day, roof over my head, family, and that I still have all my senses. How much of your time in prayer would you say that you sit and listen to God? Do you spend more time telling Him what you want and need than you do thanking Him? Do you pray for the lost or do you pray for laborers so the lost can be found? How much time do you pray for worldly leaders and leaders over you? I am of the firm belief that God can do more through our prayers than we could ever do on our own. When king Jehoshaphat was faced with a major situation, he went to the Lord and scripture says: " And Jehoshaphat stood in the congregation of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the LORD, before the new court, And said, O LORD God of our fathers, art not thou God in heaven? and rulest not thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen? and in thine hand is there not power and might, so that none is able to withstand thee? Art not thou our God, who didst drive out the inhabitants of this land before thy people Israel, and gavest it to the seed of Abraham thy friend for ever? And they dwelt therein, and have built thee a sanctuary therein for thy name, saying, If, when evil cometh upon us, as the sword, judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we stand before this house, and in thy presence, (for thy name is in this house,) and cry unto thee in our affliction, then thou wilt hear and help. And now, behold, the children of Ammon and Moab and mount Seir, whom thou wouldest not let Israel invade, when they came out of the land of Egypt, but they turned from them, and destroyed them not; Behold, I say, how they reward us, to come to cast us out of thy possession, which thou hast given us to inherit. O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee. And all Judah stood before the LORD, with their little ones, their wives, and their children. Then upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, came the Spirit of the LORD in the midst of the congregation; And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's" (2 Chronicles 20:5-15). God has given us exceeding, precious promises that He won't leave us nor forsake us. If you are worrying and your life is in a knot, you may be praying to the wrong god. For I am one that believes that if God be for us, everyone else might as well be also.

Sing: If God be for us, who can be against us! If God be for us, who can be against us! If God be for us, who can be against us! Just have faith in the power of the Lord.

2012 July 21 - Morning Manna

"And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house. And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:1-10).

Today's Morsel: I have noticed that many people want to see Jesus, but because of what they do (career of employment), they feel that they will never be accepted by Him. Zacchaeus no doubt had heard about Jesus, but had made no advancement as far as we know to go to Him. He was not like Nicodemus who went to Jesus by night (John 3:1-5). Maybe Zacchaeus was a co-laborer with Matthew, since Matthew was a tax collector, too. Maybe Matthew had shared something about Jesus with Zacchaeus. When I became a born again Christian, many of the people that I worked with began to ask me questions about my new found relationship with Jesus. Many of them seemed somewhat puzzled because they knew my old lifestyle. But as times past, many of them, like Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus for themselves. They didn't get into a tree, but they started to show up at church and like Zacchaeus they begin to repent of their sins and they too became sons of Abraham. "For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise" (Galatians 3:26-29). Man can only see his sins when light is present. So let Jesus shine through you and sinners will repent.

Sing: Zacchaeus was a wee little man, and a wee little man was he. He climbed in a sycamore tree for the Lord he wanted to see; and as the Savior passed that way, He looked up in the tree, and He said, "Zacchaeus , come on down, for I'm going to your house today."

2012 July 20 - Morning Manna

"These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you." (John 15:11-16)

Today's Morsel: Have you ever stopped to consider your friendship with Jesus? What about those who you call friends? Friendships are built on trust, reliability, faithfulness, and consideration. Jesus said that He has called us friends. But that friendship is predicated on one thing, if we do whatsoever He commands us. So what did He command us to do? "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature"(Mark 16:15); "Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matthew 6:31-33); "Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again" (Luke 6:37-38); "If ye love me, keep my commandments" (John 14:15); "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses"(Matthew 6:14-15); "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven"(Matthew 5:16). These are only a few of the things that He has commanded us to do. Are you are friend of Jesus?

Sing: What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer! O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry,everything to God in prayer!

2012 July 19 - Morning Manna

God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God. Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work.
(Psalms 62:11-12)

Today's Morsel: I'm amazed at the awesome power of airplanes. Every time I observe a 747, C-5 Galaxy, or B-52 bomber takeoff and land, I sit in awe of these planes ability to lift such huge amount of weight off the ground and fly around the world and back. What gives them such ability to do such? It's the power of the engines.

David said, "God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God." Jesus said, "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth" (Matthew 28:18); "Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you" (Luke 10:19); "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth" (Acts 1:8); and Micah said, "But truly I am full of power by the spirit of the LORD, and of judgment, and of might, to declare unto Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin"(Micah 3:8); Paul said, "For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake" (1 Thessalonians 1:5). So what are you doing with your power? Jesus calmed the seas, cast out devils, opened blinded eyes, made the lame to walk, and drew men unto Him. The Holy Ghost is your power to win; your power to be victorious; your power and authority to witness, testify, and to make the captives free. It's your anointing.

Airplanes and jets don't do too much good sitting on the ground or in a hanger. They were designed to fly. They were made to transport, to carry others, and to defend. The Holy Ghost inside of you is more powerful than any plane, train, ship, or rocket. You can sit in the hanger or on the runway and do nothing, or you can get fired up and carry this Gospel to the whole world, defend this truth, and help transport others to the other side. I say it time that we SOAR.

Sing: Higher! Higher! Higher! ;Higher! Higher! Higher!; Higher! Higher, Higher, lift Jesus higher. Lower! Lower! Lower!; Lower! Lower! Lower; Lower! Lower! Lower, stomp Satan lower.

2012 July 18 - Morning Manna

And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves; For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him? And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee. I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth. And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. 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 11:5-13)

Today's Morsel: It's amazing how many people are afraid to ask others for help or for something that they may need. One of the reasons we may feel this way is that we fear being rejected. I can remember when we were young, my siblings would always ask me to ask our parents if we could go certain places or have certain things because I was the youngest and they felt our parents wouldn't tell me no. It also seems to work that way in the church. Many people are afraid to ask the pastor for explanations or for better understanding of preaching and teaching and so they go through life trying to figure things out on their own. Many people will even sit on the church pew hurting, lonely, feeling rejected, and not a part of the working of the Lord because of fear and they will not ask the pastor for help or how they can be used. Your pastor has your best interest at heart, so don't be afraid of them. They desire to help you. Jesus uses the parable about a man who goes to his friend needing bread for another friend that has stopped by. But the friend is already in bed. This lets us know that the hour is late. But Jesus said that even though he is already in bed, because of his importunity he will get up and give the bread to him. This word importunity carries many meanings. First is consistency; second is being troublesomely; thirdly demandingly; and fourth insistently. But we should also focus on the fact that the men are friends, and a friend is to love at all times. Because Jesus calls us friends, the hour for salvation is never too late. Now is the acceptable time, now is the day of salvation. And so because Jesus said, I say unto you, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened." Whatever you need from God be persistent and He will come through for you. Without faith it is impossible to please God.

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 July 17 - Morning Manna

And David assembled all the princes of Israel, the princes of the tribes, and the captains of the companies that ministered to the king by course, and the captains over the thousands, and captains over the hundreds, and the stewards over all the substance and possession of the king, and of his sons, with the officers, and with the mighty men, and with all the valiant men, unto Jerusalem. Then David the king stood up upon his feet, and said, Hear me, my brethren, and my people: As for me, I had in mine heart to build an house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and for the footstool of our God, and had made ready for the building: But God said unto me, Thou shalt not build an house for my name, because thou hast been a man of war, and hast shed blood. Howbeit the LORD God of Israel chose me before all the house of my father to be king over Israel for ever: for he hath chosen Judah to be the ruler; and of the house of Judah, the house of my father; and among the sons of my father he liked me to make me king over all Israel: And of all my sons, (for the LORD hath given me many sons,) he hath chosen Solomon my son to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of the LORD over Israel. And he said unto me, Solomon thy son, he shall build my house and my courts: for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father. Moreover I will establish his kingdom for ever, if he be constant to do my commandments and my judgments, as at this day. (
1 Chronicles 28:1-7)

Today's Morsel: The term "Preferential Treatment" literally refers to the giving of job or employment preference to someone who is of the right race, ethnicity, or gender. In many ways, we can say that King Solomon was given preferential treatment. Not only by his father King David, but also by God. God told David, "Solomon thy son, he shall build my house and my courts: for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father. Moreover I will establish his kingdom forever, if he be constant to do my commandments and my judgments, as at this day." Some say that God isn't fair, and they are totally correct. God isn't fair, God is just. Even David's other sons felt shorted because Solomon was chosen to be king and to rule. Esau felt shorted by Jacob and Ishmael felt shorted by Isaac. When we become sons of God, whether Jew or Gentile, it changes our current ethnicity and culture, and we take on God's distinctiveness, we become a group of people whose shared beliefs and practices identify us with a particular people, place, class, or time to which we belong. Peter informs us, "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy" (1 Peter 2:9-10). We aren't given preferential treatment because of our current race or gender. We are given preferential treatment because of our Jesus ethnicity and culture.

Sing: O' yes! O' yes! I'm a child of the King. His Royal blood, now flows through my veins. I who was wretched, and blind now can say, "Praise God! Praise God! I'm a child of the King."

2012 July 16 - Morning Manna

As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. (Colossians 2:6-12)

Today's Morsel: You know, I don't read in Scripture where anyone had an operation for things like broken limbs, cancer, kidney, heart replacement, or any of the other things that we hear that people are having to have surgery for today. The word operation only appears three times in scripture: Psalms 28:5, Isaiah 5:12, and Colossians 2;12. Each of these relates to the workings of the hand of God. So how did we get to a point that for every infraction in life or infirmity, we are told that we need to have surgery or an operation? Paul told the church at Colossi, "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ." And then he began to discuss with them about circumcision; a covenant relationship with God. Circumcision was a sign that declared a person was in a covenant relationship with God. Although this was the purpose of outward fleshly circumcision in the Old Testament, Jesus came and made another covenant with mankind which doesn't require outward circumcision. This new covenant is based on placing our faith in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins and being born again of the water and Spirit. When we place our faith in Christ, the Bible teaches us that we're circumcised on the inside, in our hearts. The old heart is taken out and a new one is put in. "And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh: That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God"(Ezekiel 11:19-20). "A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them." (Ezekiel 36:26-27). The Old Testament outward circumcision was symbolic of what was to come. When we are buried with Christ in the water of baptism, and Jesus fills us with His Spirit, there is an operation process that takes place that only Jesus Himself can do inside of us. It is something that no one else can/could ever do. A true born again experience is an operation that only Jesus, the True Physician, can do for a perons. It is the true heart surgery.

Sing: There is a fountain filled with blood, Drawn from Immanuel's veins; and sinners plunged beneath the flood, lose all their guilty stains, lose all their guilty stains, lose all their guilty stains, and sinners, plunged beneath the flood lose all their guilty stains.

2012 July 14 - Morning Manna

And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision. And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see; And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep; That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I. And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou calledst me. And he said, I called not; lie down again. And he went and lay down. And the LORD called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And he answered, I called not, my son; lie down again. Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD yet revealed unto him. And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that the LORD had called the child. Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place. And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth. (1 Samuel 3:1-10)

Today's Morsel: I'm sure you have seen those sign along the road that say, " Thank you for your patience, work in progress." When the disciples asked Jesus why they could not cast out the devil from the young boy, Jesus told them it was because of their faith. He said, "This kind go not out but by prayer and fasting." When the religious leaders questioned Jesus about His disciples not fasting. "And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast" (Matthew 9:15). What Jesus really was saying was these are works in progress. I will be the first to tell you that I made many mistakes in my ministry when I first began because I was a work in progress. I tried to preach like my pastor and do things like my pastor because I wasn't aware in certain areas of the Word and my complete understanding of deity. But after studying God's Word, praying and fasting often, I came into an understanding of who Jesus is for myself and gained a better understanding of His Word. And even though I may still be rough around the edges in some areas, I don't need a complete renovation, I now only need tweaking! Samuel was a work in progress. After Hanna returned him to the temple to be tutored and mentored by Eli the priest for the work of God as she had promised, Samuel did not yet know the Lord, neither was the word of the Lord yet revealed to him when God called him into ministry. Even though he was raised in the temple and was close by the priest, Samuel was still lacking in to two key and essential things to be a minister: An understanding of the Word of God and the Revelation of Deity. No man or woman is ever qualified to minister for God without these two essential things in their lives. Even the Apostle Paul realized that he needed them to minister for God. Samuel was a work in progress. But once he understood the Word of God and the revelation of God he became a mighty prophet for God and one who led the children of Israel back into a relationship with God. Don't give up on people to quickly, many of them are still works in progress.

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

2012 July 13 - Morning Manna

And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt? (Exodus 3:11)

Today's Morsel: Do you every question yourself as to who you are? Do you ever have those moments when someone asks you to do something and you begin to think that you aren't good enough or you do not possess the right 'pedigree'? What is it that makes some people think that they are good enough and others think that they aren't good enough? What makes one political candidate feel that they are better qualified than the others. The answer lies in positive reinforcement. When you are told over and over that you are qualified and are good enough to do certain things, you will begin to believe it within yourself. But on the other hand, if you are told that you will never amount to anything and you believe it, it will work to your disadvantage. When God chose Moses for the job that He had for him to do, Moses said unto God, "Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh?" Moses didn't feel that he was qualified to do what God was asking him to do. When God chooses us, He already knows that we aren't qualified within ourselves. That's why He says, "I will be with you." God will never send us to do anything by ourselves. He will always give us the resources, the wisdom, the knowledge and the help to accomplish what He is sending us to do. So, the next time someone asks you to do something for the kingdom, don't say that you aren't qualified, step out on faith and trust God to be with you. See yourself doing the very best you can to do what you've been asked to do.

Sing: Who am I that You are mindful of me, that You hear me, when I call. Is it true that You are thinking of me, how You love me, it's a amazing, it's amazing.

I am a friend of God! I am a friend of God ! I am a friend of God, He calls me friend, He calls me friend.

2012 July 12 - Morning Manna

There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead. (Luke 16:19-31)

Today's Morsel: I believe that "Moreover" was a dog. The Bible says that Moreover the dogs came and licked Lazarus sores (my humor)! Whether he was a dog or not, the Bible lets us know that Lazarus was in serious trouble. But even in Lazarus' condition, he was not unnoticed by God. God sees the hurting and the suffering as well as the not so hurting and suffering. But when those who have failed to help those who are suffering, God takes special notice. The rich man did not consider the end. He only focused on the now with his goods. Paul said that in the last days, many would be lovers of them own selves and without natural affection. I believe we are living in those days. But God has called you and I to be kindly affectionate one towards others, He has called us to be tenderhearted. When we allow the Spirit of God to lead and guide us, we won't over look the hurting and needy. Are you doing your part?

Sing: I want to live the way He wants me to live. I want to give until there's just no more to give. I want to love, love till there's just no more love, I could never, never out love the Lord.

2012 July 11

For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear. (Isaiah 28:10-12)

Today's Morsel: I must admit, that after doing my lawn and my neighbors lawn, I was beat. I don't know when I have been so tired or where my energy went. I really need rest. I can usually operate on three or four hours of sleep, but for some unknown reason, this day just zapped me.

It seems as though many people in the church these days are tired. They seem to be completely worn out. When you look at them, it seems as though it's taking every bit of their effort to even keep moving. Their expression says, "Where can I get away and find rest?" Isaiah said that the Holy Ghost is the rest that will cause the weary to rest and it is the refreshing, but people will not hear. The Holy Ghost is the Spirit of God operating in our lives. If we are going to maintain the cutting edge of battle in spiritual warfare, then we need to be refreshed daily with the Spirit of God. Jesus said, "For without me you can do nothing" (John 15:5).

Sing: Anointing fall on me, anointing fall on me, let the power of the Holy Ghost fall on me, Anointing fall on me.

2012 July 10 - Morning Manna

For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me. I was not in safety, neither had I rest, neither was I quiet; yet trouble came.
(Job 3:25-26)

Today's Morsel: What do you do when that which you have heard about becomes reality? You know it's easy to sometimes slip back into worrying about tomorrow, dwelling on the "what ifs" and the "if onlys" and "I wished I hads." Each new day brings things that we cannot change. There will always be circumstances and situations that we have no control over. We have to face the reality of who we are - human beings. And we are going to go through things that sometimes are going to rock our cradle. I believe that every story in the Bible, as Paul said, is for our learning and example. The story of Job is to let us know that none of us, no matter how much a relationship we have with God, what our status in life is, or where we come from, can prevent unwanted hardship should God allow it to come our way. Job said that the thing which he feared had come upon him. He said that even though he felt secure, trouble still came into his life. If we keep our focus on Jesus and live according to His Word, even when troubles come we will be able to say as Paul: "But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God" (Acts 20:24).

Sing: Trails dark on every hand, and we cannot understand, all the ways that God will lead us to that blessed promise land, but He'll guide us with His eye, and will follow till we die, we will understand it better by and by.

chorus: Singing by and by when the morning comes, and all the saints of God are gathering home, we will tell the story, how we've over come, and we'll understand it better by and by.

2012 July 9 - Morning Manna

The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea. (Revelation 1:1-11)

Today's Morsel: The purpose of the book of Revelations is to give hope to the believers and warn us not to compromise our loyalty to God. Many people are afraid of the book of Revelations, while others have tried to use it to explain the end times and coming of the Lord. A person doesn't have to go to the book of Revelations to explain the end times and the coming of the Lord. The epistle to the churches has already explained it pretty good. For the believers, the book of Revelation should be a book of excitement and encouragement, not a book of fear and uncertainty. When I read Revelations, I don't focus on the stuff I can't explain. I don't focus on all the beasts and vials. I don't focus on plagues and beasts and what nation they may represent. I don't get concerned about how many monster heads come up or go down. I don't get wrapped up on whether the people mentioned under the altar are in white or in red. My focus on The One on the white horse. My focus is on The One who has on a vesture dipped in blood and The One who has written on His thigh, 'King of kings and Lord of Lords.' My focus on The One sitting on the throne. My focus is on The One being worshipped, because that's what I'm planning to do when I get there. My focus is on The One that John heard saying to him, 'I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.' My focus is Jesus. Because He's The One that died for me and The One that I'm longing to see.

Sing: And O' 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 July 7 - Morning Manna

Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:1-2)

Today's Morsel: Have you ever met a person in church that every time you see them, they have a ton of negative things to tell you, and you wonder how in the world are they able to stay afloat with all those weights. Then, after a period of time, you find yourself maybe even avoiding them because you don't what to hear all they have to tell you. Some pastors say, "I won't counsel with people before church service because Idon't want to be burdened with the peoples' problems and mess before service, because when I preach, if the message is what they talked about, they are going to think I am preaching at them. Therefore, I let the Word of God deal with their issues when it comes from the pulpit." But what if the person is overtaken in a fault? What if the person is carrying more than they can carry? What would Jesus do? Would Jesus preach and allow the Word to deal with their issue or would He sit and listen? What we should do is,ask the person,if what they have to tell us can wait until after service and then we will meet with them. But if they feel it cannot wait, then you should be willing to sit down and listen. Paul said, "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the lawof Christ." The golden rule is always in operation in the church. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

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.

2012 July 6 - Morning Manna

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. (3 John 1:4)

Today's Morsel: If someone were to ask you what pathway they should be on for heaven, what would you tell them? It's amazing to me how many Christians are on different pathways trying to get to heaven. I am befuddled at the number of people who do not understand the apostle's doctrine. And I am even more bewildered at the number of Christians who do not understand that Jesus was God manifest in flesh and how to explain the plan of salvation. Yyet, they all say they are all going to heaven and that they have truth. If everyone that says they have truth has truth, shouldn't we all be on the same pathway? Maybe some think that we will intersect down the road somewhere. Jesus didn't say that there were many ways into the kingdom, He said that there was only one way and that was through Him. So, if Jesus is the truth (John 14:6), and John said, I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth; what pathway are you walking on? Serving and following Jesus isn't about denominations, it's about truth. You can call yourself anything you want to, but just make sure you are in truth. One of the surest ways you can know that you are walking in truth and on the right pathway is the songs you sing when your pathway gets narrow. If you are on the pathway of truth, your songs will keep a smile on your face and a bounce in your step at all times. But if you are on a pathway of error, there will be no song in your heart, no smile on your face, and no bounce in your step, especially when trouble comes. Truth makes you free, error keeps you trapped. Truth or error, which pathway are you on?

Sing: It is Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, sweetest name I know, fills my every longing, He keeps me singing as I go.

2012 July 5 - Morning Manna

How amiable are thy tabernacles, O LORD of hosts! My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God. Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God. Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah. (Psalms 84:1-4)

Today's Morsel: Beauty should be found wherever God dwells. When we look at God's creation, scripture says that He makes all thing's beautiful in His time. Some people try to make themselves beautiful. But that beauty is only going to be temporal. When we allow God the opportunity to make us beautiful in His time, it's going to last forever. We are called the tabernacle of God. Therefore, when we understand the holiness of God, we understand the beauty of God. When we understand where God dwells, which is within us, we can understand why we are not to conform to this world. If we take on us the things of this world, pretty soon we will began to look like the world. So many are taking on the ways of the world. If I could find anything beautiful about tattooing and body piercing my body that would give God glory, then I would do it. But there is no beauty in it. If I could find anything beautiful to God in faddish and worldly dress, than I might do it. But there is no beauty in these ways of the world. The psalmist said, "How amiable are thy tabernacles, O LORD of hosts." In other words, how friendly and pleasant it is to be with. Are you friendly and pleasant to be with? When people see you, does it put a smile on their face? Do you bring joy to them when they see you coming, or do they want to run and hide? We are God's dwelling place in this earth and it will be our actions and attitudes that display Jesus to this world. What do they see in you?

Sing: I see Jesus in your eyes and it makes me love you. I feel Jesus in your touch and I know you care. I hear Jesus in your voice and makes me listen, I see Him in you.

2012 July 4 - Morning Manna

For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee. (Psalms 84:10-12)

Today's Morsel: The psalmist said that a single day in the presence of God is far better than a thousand days elsewhere. Just to know that we have the peace and security of God's love should overwhelm us and draw us to Him. Just one day with Him should be desired more than a thousand days anywhere else. When we understand the importance of our praise and worship to God, and His lovingkindness towards us, we should desire to be in His presence. So many are hurting, lonely, and feeling dismay edbecause they don't understand the importance of the house of God. The house of God and attending church isn't about what it can do for me, but that as a believer I should desire to be in His presence. As David said, "In his presence is fullness of joy and at his right hand there are pleasures for evermore." If Jesus desires that His joy be in me and my joy be in me and that my joy be full, shouldn't we want to be in His presence?

Sing: Better is one day in Your courts, better is one day in Your house, better is one day in Your courts than thousands elsewhere. Better is one day in Your courts, better is one day in Your house, better is one day in Your courts than thousand's elsewhere, than thousands elsewhere.

2012 July 3 - Morning Manna

I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying, Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life. But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day. And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompence unto them: Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back alway.
(Romans 11:1-10)

Today's Morsel: Sometimes we may feel as though God is rejecting His church because it seems as though the world is getting an upper hand. Even though many may be feeling a sense of rejection, God hasn't rejected us. Paul said that God hasn't forgotten us. Even though it may sometimes feel that God isn't close to us, He promises to be as close as the mention of His name. As long as we have breathe, we can still ask God for His help in times of need. When Elijah felt that he was the only one left, God told him, "I have seven thousand that has not bowed down nor kissed Baal." And even now, as you may think that you are the only one who is living right and doing right, God is smiling and saying, "If you only knew. If you only knew what I know, then you would understand how much love I have for you." As the writer of Hebrews tells us, "But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. 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" (Hebrews 6:9-15). Hang in there, God will come through for you.

Sing: I'm a soldier, in God's army and I'm fighting, I'm claiming victory, I will not give up, I will not turn around, I'm a soldier marching heaven bound.

2012 July 2 - Morning Manna

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day; Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; 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. Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:1-7)

Today's Morsel: Paul and Timothy had a special relationship. Timothy came to know Jesus as a result of Paul's ministry. From all indications, Paul knew Timothy's mother and grandmother as well. Paul saw something in Timothy that others may not have seen. As they traveled and ministered together, they become as close as a father and son. As Timothy grew in the Lord, Paul was able to send him forth by himself to minister. Timothy was even chosen by Paul to be the leader of the church at Ephesus ( Acts 1:3). As a young minister, Timothy faced many challenges and problems. Paul wrote this letter to counsel and encourage him. Although the letter is personal in nature, Paul included in it a wealth of advice about how to deal with problems in the church. He told Timothy to stir up the gift that is within him. Paul also tells us what the church should be like. We should have sound spiritual teaching about Jesus Christ, faithful worship, strong leadership, dedication of God's Word, and caring ministries. This is what makes up a true church of God. When we understand Paul's writings to Timothy, then we understand how to stand in adversity.

Sing: I am determined, I've made up my mind, I'll serve the Lord. O' I am determined, I've made up my mind, I'll serve the Lord. I'll pastor wherever You lead me, I'll shepherd wherever You feed me; O' I am determined, I've made up my mind, I'll serve the Lord.