2012 September 29 - Morning Manna

Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.
(Proverbs 20:1)

Today's Morsel: A professor of chemistry wanted to teach his 5th grade class a lesson about the evils of liquor, so he produced an experiment that involved a glass of water, a glass of whiskey and two worms.

"Now, class. Observe closely the worms," said the professor putting a worm first into the water. The worm in the water writhed about, happy as a worm in water could be.
The second worm, he put into the whiskey. It writhed painfully, and quickly sank to the bottom, dead as a doornail.
"Now, what lesson can we derive from this experiment?" the professor asked.
Johnny, who naturally sat in back, raised his hand and wisely responded, "Drink whiskey and you won't get worms." Humor.

I had a man tell me that he got hooked on alcohol because as a young altar boy he was given fermented wine to drink for communion. And because this was a weekly thing, by the time he reached his twenties, he was hooked on alcohol, smoking, and his life was totally out of control. Solomon said that wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise. Why did Solomon say that? Because alcohol destroys people's ability to reason. It makes people do and say things that when sober they would never say or do. Alcohol gives you a false sense of bravery and confidence. It destroys homes, families, careers, and relationships. Solomon again says, Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things. Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast. They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again" (Proverbs 23:29-35).

Paul tells us that drunkenness is a work of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21) and that drunkards cannot inherit the kingdom of heaven (1 Corinthians 6:9-12). If we say that we have wisdom, then alcohol should not be a part of our lifestyle.

Sing: Drinking at the springs of living water, happy now am I, my soul they satisfy; drinking at the springs of living water, oh, wonderful and bountiful supply.

2012 September 28 - Morning Manna

The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us. (Ecclesiastes 1:9-10)

Today's Morsel: I often wonder why some people worry when others get something that they may think is new? Solomon says that there is nothing new under the sun. I guess that's why automobiles lose their value as soon as you drive them off the car lot. They are made by something that already has been. Does the Bible contradict itself? Absolutely not. Paul tells us, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new" (2 Corinthians 5:17). Solomon is referring to natural things, Paul is referring to spirit things. Job asked the question, "Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one" he said (Job 14:4). But Jesus said, "Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you" (John 15:3). Again, is this a contradiction? No. Job is speaking of the natural, Jesus is speaking of the spiritual. We know that everything that is made natural has already been because God created the heavens and the earth and all that therein is. But man isn't a natural thing, he's a living being and therefore he can be made new. The new birth process is to turn him from a living being into a spiritual being. From corruptible to incorruptible. From mortal to immortality. No one could have made this any clearer than the Lord Jesus, Himself, when he said, "The things which are impossible with men are possible with God" (Luke 18:27).

Sing: Something beautiful. Something good. All my confusions, Jesus understood. All I had to offer Him was brokenness and strife ;but He made something, beautiful out of my life.

2012 September 27 - Morning Manna

Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: (Philippians 1:1-6)

Today's Morsel: The military is all about building peoples' self confidence. If you've ever seen soldiers train, they all have to negotiate the obstacle course, or what some call the confidence course. It is called that because every obstacle is designed to build and strengthen your confidence. Even Airborne, Ranger, Air Assault, and Special Operation Schools are designed to build confidence. You know, in many ways, the church does the same thing. Because you are going to encounter spiritual warfare, you need to have strong confidence in your abilities to accomplish what you are being asked to do. But sad to say, too many Christians are weak in their confidence when it comes to doing things for the Lord. If there were ever a people who should have strong confidence, it is born again believers, because Jesus said, "Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven"(Luke 10:19-20). Some of the obstacles on the confidence course are frightening when you first see them, but once you have negotiated them, you look back and say with confidence, "Piece of cake." Paul told the church at Philippi, "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." He told them that he had the confidence that what God started in them, He would complete. And I want you to become the church at Philippi and see Paul speaking to you. What God started in you, He will complete. So don't give up and don't give in. Pretty soon you'll look back and say, "Piece of cake!"

Sing: Our Lord God, Thou hast made the heavens and the earth, by Thou great power. Our Lord God, thou hast made the heavens and the earth by Thou outstretched arm.

Nothing is too difficult for Thee. Nothing is too difficult for Thee. Nothing! Nothing! Absolutely nothing! Nothing is to difficult for Thee.

2012 September 26 - Morning Manna

Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself: I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews: Especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently. (Acts 26:1-3)

Today's Morsel: Have you ever had someone say to you, "Why are you always smiling?" Or maybe they said, "What's so funny?" You see when you are smiling you are saying, "I have joy on the inside and no one can take that away." The Bible says that the joy of the Lord is our strength (Isaiah 12:3), and that in His presence is fullness of joy (Psalms 16:10), and the fruit of the spirit is joy (Galatians 5:22). With this much joy, shouldn't all of God's children have a smile on their faces and a bounce in their steps when they walk. Shouldn't they be elated with every church service and shouldn't they arise every day saying, "This is the day that the Lord hath made, I will rejoice and be glad in it?" Paul told King Agrippa, "I think myself happy." The Greek word forhappy here is Makarios: mak-ar'-ee-os; which means to be supremelyblest; fortunate, well off, blessed, happy. So Paul, knowing that Jesus was always with him, counted himself the same as I do, "Blessed and highly favored of the Lord." And as one song writer said, "There ain't no devil in hell gonna steal my joy." I know that may not be proper English to some, but when you have the joy of the Lord and you are happy, you just need to say, "So be it!" Oh' how I wish that more people would think themselves fortunate, well off, and see themselves blessed and think themselves happy.

Sing: If you're happy, and you know it, say amen, say amen. Well, if you're happy, and you know it, say amen, amen; cause when God's Spirit falls on you, makes you shout hallelujah, if you're happy and you know it say amen.

2012 September 25 - Morning Manna

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. (Ephesians 2:8-10)

Today's Morsel: Someone askedthe question, "What's so amazing about grace? What's so incredible, remarkable or so wonderful about grace?" Grace is God's unmerited love towards us. Grace is amazing because you are getting something that you don't deserve. It's someone providing something to you that you could never have purchased or obtained by yourself. Oftentimes, grace is overlooked by many because they don't understand it or they think that they have to earn it. But Paul said that grace is the gift of God. You see, grace is one of those good and perfect gifts that James spoke of that only comes from God (James 1:18). When we receive grace, it's God opening to us His good treasure from His storehouse. It's God saying, "I want to give that person something special that no one else can give to them." The reason grace is so amazing is because God looks beyond our faults and sees our need, and then meets that need.

Sing: Amazing grace, shall always be my song of praise. For it was grace that bought my liberty. I do not know just why He came to love me so, He looked beyond, my faults, and saw my need.

I shall forever, lift, my eyes to Calvary, to view the cross, where Jesus died for me, how marvelous, the grace that caught my falling soul, He looked beyond, my faults, and saw my need.

2012 September 24 - Morning Manna

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. (Hosea 4:6)

Today's Morsel: How is it that people who say that they are Christians can spend thousands of dollars on education and still walk away without any knowledge of God? How can any Christian support a political platform or political person or party that does not respect God and His Word? The Lord said through the prophet Hosea that His people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. The Lord goes on and tells us through the prophet Jeremiah, "For my people is foolish, they have not known me; they are sottish children, and they have none understanding: they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge" (Jeremiah 4:22). God isn't speaking to sinners here, He is speaking to those of us who say that they know Him. When God says "My people", He's speaking to those of us who say that we are born again. He's speaking to those of us who get on our knees and pray to Him and call unto Him for His help. He's speaking to those of us who gather each week for worship and study His word. If His people are being destroyed for a lack of knowledge, then somewhere the church, regardless of the denomination, isn't doing its job. Because the Lord again said through His prophet Jeremiah, "And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding"(Jeremiah 3:15). We need to remember what David said, "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good" (Psalms 14:1). Solomon tells us, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction" (Proverbs 1:7). The first step to knowledge and to prevent one from self destruction is to know and respect God. Jesus sais, "For without me you can do nothing." (John 15:5).

Sing:

1. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord, He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored, He has loosed the fateful lightening of His terrible swift sword, His truth is marching on.

Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! His truth is marching on.

2. I have seen Him in the watch-fires of a hundred circling camps, They have builded Him an altar in the evening dews and damps, I can read His righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps ,His truth is marching on.

Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! His truth is marching on.

3. He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat, He is sifting out the hearts of men before His judgment-seat, Oh, be swift, my soul, to answer Him! be jubilant, my feet! His truth is marching on.

Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! His truth is marching on.

4. In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea, with a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me: As He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free, while God is marching on.

Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! His truth is marching on.

2012 September 22 - Morning Manna

And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?
(Luke 24:38)

Today's Morsel: Folks these days seem to be worried and troubled about many things. I've listened to people who keep saying that they can't sleep at night, they are worried about their kids, school, employment, church growth, and the list goes on. Things just seem to be pounding peoples' minds. So Jesus wants to know why you are troubled when He told us not to be troubled but to believe in Him (John 14:1). Why is your mind running crazy when you are His child? How did you get so beside yourself that you can't rest? Why are you spending so much of your time worrying about things that don't really matter? If Jesus is the Prince of Peace, shouldn't His children be in a state of serenity? Jesus constantly told His disciples, let not your hearts be troubled. If the enemy can keep getting you to focus on things that you have no control over, you are going to be troubled and worry yourself crazy. You can't control what other people do, so don't get stressed over it. The only person you can control is yourself. I believe that you should do everything to the best of your ability, but not to the point that it drives you completely crazy to please someone else. There are people sitting in the mental wards, and many so stressed today because they allowed their thoughts to drive them crazy, all because they were trying to please someone else. I am of the belief that whatever you are doing or have been asked to do, have fun doing it, because it's not worth driving yourself crazy over.

Sing: Enjoying Jesus hallelu! I'm enjoying Jesus hallelu! Feeling mighty happy, feeling mighty fine, I'm enjoying Jesus hallelu!

2012 September 21 - Morning Manna

And David reigned over all Israel; and David executed judgment and justice unto all his people.
(2 Samuel 8:15)

Today's Morsel: If you've ever toured Washington D.C. and visited the Justice Department, you noticed a statue called, "Lady Justices." She is depicted with a blindfold, a set of balance scales and a sword. She represents justice as a concept of moral rightness based on ethics, rationality, law, natural law, religion, or equity. The blindfold asserts that justice is blind to race, creed or station in life. The scales held by her refer back to the Egyptian Goddess Ma'at who would weigh the hearts of the dead to provide judgment on their lives. Justice must be weighed equally. The sword held by her is reported by The Ecological Powerhouse to be representative of the fact that justice will be served and the tools are available to execute justice. The Bible said that King David reigned over all Israel; and David executed judgment and justice unto all his people. Is this why David is called a man after God's own heart?; knowing that God is just in all that He does? Two of the traits of character of every leader are that of justice and judgment. We must be fair and impartial in all that we do and say, and we must weigh our justice on sound judgment. One thing we can all be sure of is that when Jesus comes again, He will execute judgment and justice upon all based on the word. "And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day"(John 12:47-48). Always remember, you can only render justice if you know the truth.

Sing: I was just a child, when I felt the Savior leading, I was drawn to what I could not understand, And for the cause of Christ, I have spent my days believing, That what He'd have me be, is who I am. As I've come to see the weaker side of me, I realize His grace is what I'll need, When sin demanded justice for my soul.

[Chorus]
Mercy said no, I'm not gonna let you go, I'm not gonna let you slip away
You don't have to be afraid. Mercy said no, sin will never ever take control
Life and death stood face to face, Darkness tried to steal my heart away, Thank You Jesus, Mercy said no.

For God so loved the world, that He sent His son to save us, From the cross He built a bridge to set us free. Oh, but deep within our hearts, there is still a war that rages, And makes a sacrifice so hard to see. As midnight fell on crucifixion day, the light of hope seemed oh so far away, As evil tried to stop redemption's flow.

[Chorus]

[Bridge]
And now when heaven looks at me, It's through the blood of Jesus
Reminding me of one day long ago.

2012 September 20 - Morning Manna

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
(Galatians 6:9)

Today's Morsel: What we think determines who we are and the shape of our future. Our expectations, accomplishments, happiness, and very being are determined by what we allow to fill our minds. Paul told the church at Philippi: "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things" (Philippians 4:8). We must guard our thoughts. Solomon said: "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." (Proverbs 4:23). All of life's actions flows from our thoughts. The Bible says, "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he" (Proverbs 23:7). In today's world, so much can come into our minds that prevent us from thinking about those things that are pure and noble that Paul spoke of. Paul said that our minds must be fixed on God. If our thoughts aren't fixed on the Lord, we can find ourselves imagining all kinds of problems, situations, and dilemmas. We start thinking we don't have enough money, or that we don't have the right kind of status, spouse, car, job, etc. In other words, we turn within instead of without. We see all the things we don't have versus what we do have. One ophthalmologist said, " I see many organic diseases that are easy to trace and diagnose. Yet the most common disease I see is not in the eye but above an inch higher. It's worry." Worrying affects our health and destroys our joy, which is your strength. Throughout scripture, from Genesis to Revelation, the words "Fear not" are recorded 144 times. Why so many times? Because God doesn't want His children to worry or fret. So why are you worrying? What is the cure for your worrying? Jesus said, "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me"(John 14:1); "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light"(Matthew 11:28-30).

Sing: There's not a friend like the lowly Jesus, no, not one! no, not one! None else could heal all our soul's diseases, no not one! no, not one!

Jesus knows all about our struggles, He will guide till the day is done; there's not a friend like the lowly Jesus, no, not one, no, not one!

2012 September 19 - Morning Manna

Give unto the LORD, O ye mighty, give unto the LORD glory and strength. Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. (Psalms 29:1-2)

Today's Morsel: Andrew Murray said, "Nowhere can we get to know the holiness of God, and come under His influence and power, except in the inner chamber. It has been well said: No man can expect to make progress in holiness who is not often and long alone with God." Holiness is birthed out of a strong relationship and time with God. It's allowing God to manifest Himself within us as He is Holy. Holiness is who you are. The same way that transformation is not temporary but permanent, holiness is also permanent, not temporary. If you think holiness is what you wear, it's going to be temporary. Some people think that holiness is only when they go to church on Sunday, and so their focus is on their attire for Sunday and not the rest of the week. But when you realize that holiness is who you are, it's going to be permanent and your garments will reflect holiness every day of the week. "For I am the LORD your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy: neither shall ye defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. For I am the LORD that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy" (Leviticus 11:44-45). If God calls for us to be holy, then holy we must be. The writer of Hebrews could not have made it any plainer then when he wrote, "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord"(Hebrews 12:14). We must realize that holiness is a part of our salvation. Every time we come before God to worship, which should be every day, we should come in the beauty of holiness.

Sing:Holiness, holiness is what I long for. Holiness is what I need. Holiness, holiness is what You want for me. So take my heart, transform it. Take my will conform it, to Your, to Your will , O' Lord.

2012 September 18 - Morning Manna

Blessed be the LORD, because he hath heard the voice of my supplications. The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him. The LORD is their strength, and he is the saving strength of his anointed. Save thy people, and bless thine inheritance: feed them also, and lift them up for ever. (Psalms 28:6-9)

Today's Morsel: There's an old saying that says, "If you think God is far away, guess who moved." I like to sit and meditate on the scriptures. The reason I do this is because Paul tells us in Romans 15:4, "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope." Today's passages is one of those passages that grabbed my attention. Notice the encouraging words that give us hope here.

1. God hath heard my supplications. God has heard my prayers, plea, and requests. That lets me know that God is attentive to my request.

2. God is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped. Here we see that God is our protector and provider.

3. God is the strength for others. Not only does He strengthen us, He strengthens others as well.

4. God is the saving strength of His anointed. When we are filled with God's Spirit, we are the anointed ones, and God will save us from anything we face or that may come against us. David said, 'Now know I that the Lord will save His anointed' (Psalms 20:6).

5. God will save his people, bless them, feed them, and lift them up. God isn't about to let His chosen suffer. Again David said, "I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread"(Psalms 37:25).

When we allow the word to minister to us, we see that God is speaking right back to the core of our hearts. As Jesus said: "Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom"(Luke 12:32).

Sing: I've got a God who with His angels watches over me, I've got a God who puts my enemy beneath my feet, I've got a God who is with me when I'm sick or when I'm feeling well, I've got a God, I've got a God, and my God, never fails; I've got a God.

2012 September 17 - Morning Manna

LORD, in trouble have they visited thee, they poured out a prayer when thy chastening was upon them. (Isaiah 26:16)

Today's Morsel: Why did Benjamin Franklin say 'An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure'? The meaning, in brief, is that if we prevent a problem from occurring in the first place, it will save a great deal more time, effort and cost than it would than trying to repair the damage done later because we hadn't paid attention to possible problems earlier. Therefore, a little preparation to keep something from going wrong in the first place is better than having to do a lot of work to fix it once it breaks or it is better to prevent a problem from occurring than to fix it afterwards. Isaiah said that when God begins to chasten us, then we start to pray (my wording). Wouldn't it be better to pray to God before we are in trouble or His hand of wrath is upon us? It's amazing how many people seem to know how to ask God for help when they are in trouble, but at other times they don't want to have anything to do with Him. I believe that the more we pray to God, the more we understand the love of God, and we have less problems we will face because the Spirit will order our steps according to His Word. If an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, then I believe a daily time in prayer can prevent a heap of troubles.

Sing: Lord I can't even walk, without you holding my hand. The mountain's too high and the valley's too wide; down on my knees, that's where I learn to pray, and I can't even walk, without youholding my hand.

2012 September 15 - Morning Manna

So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter. (Ecclesiastes 4:1)

Today's Morsel: There seems to be a lot of oppression in the church these days. There just seems to be much worry, stress, and trouble in people's lives. And so I began to search the cause and try to look for a solution. And do you know what I came away with? Oppression is being caused by most of the individuals themselves. Because many of them think that bigger is better and that more is success and that pleasing man is more important than pleasing God. Oppression, depression, weariness, and stress should never be in the child of God's portfolio because we have too many exceeding precious promises from God to negate these things. One of the things I've found in my search, also, is that the church doesn't seem to be a church anymore. Some have made it into a business. They've come up with all these departments, heads, and committees. That's not church, that a business. And when the church becomes a business, then people have to be concerned about time. What time do we punch in and what time do we punch out. Don't go over time nor exceed my time because I don't have the time, they say. I noticed that people's hair is falling out and turning gray (and it's not from wisdom), aches and pains, baggy and saggy eyes, the deer in the head light look, and sleeplessness are only a few of the outward signs many carry. How in the world could a born again believer become their own worst enemy? I guess the quote was right when it says, "We Have Found The Enemy and He Is Us." Paul told the church at Corinth, "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" (2 Corinthians 11:3). You know, Jesus was correct and straight forward when he said, "For the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light" Luke 16:8). And all the while I was doing my search for the cause of oppression and looking for a solution, the Lord kept speaking to me what Hosea said, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." So here is your solution to oppression. "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee"(Isaiah 26:3).

Sing: Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will go strangely dim, in the light of his glory and grace.

2012 September 14 - Morning Manna

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)

Today's Morsel: I have noticed that a hard heart isn't cause by anyone else but we ourselves. Many people who overspend, charge things when they know that they can't afford it become angry, distressed, and mad at others because of their own doing. And they build walls around their heart and others can't get in to help them. It's soon everyone else's fault for their own doing. They blame the rich. Or they blame their up bring. Or maybe they even blame the government for their own wrong doing.

The psalmist said that Israel hardened their heart through their unbelief and could not enter the Promise Land. It wasn't anyone else's doing but their own. If they would have just believed, they could have walked into the Promise Land. But no, they didn't believe and they tempted God and missed out on their promise. Anytime we allow things to harden our hearts, others don't lose out, we do. If we are prejudice, it hurts us. If we are distressed, it hurts us. If we have envy and jealous in our hearts, it hurts us not someone else. We are told to not harden our hearts. Jesus said that our heart is the soil where the seed (the Word) is sown. If it's hard, the devil is going to take the Word that Jesus sends our way. The world is going to choke it out of us and the trials of life are going to pluck it up by its roots. If you hear God speaking to you, don't put a wall around your heart, but keep it soft so the Word can get in. When you go to worship, make sure your heart is right. You don't want to miss out on your promise.

Sing: Create in me a clean heart, O' God, and renew a right Spirit within me. Create in me a clean heart, O' God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, O' God. Take not Thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of Thou salvation, and renew a right Spirit within me.

2012 September 13 - Morning Manna

And I have given you a land for which ye did not labour, and cities which ye built not, and ye dwell in them; of the vineyards and oliveyards which ye planted not do ye eat. Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. (Joshua 24:13-15)

Today's Morsel: In all of our lives, we come to a time that we have to make some very tough decisions. When I was in the Army, I had to keep deciding if I would reenlist or not. Even in the ministry when we hit those times of uncertainty, we have to decide if we are going to keep going or give up. Joshua told the children of Israel that they had to decide which god they were going to serve. He said, "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell." But then he told them, just so you know what I'm going to do, me and my house, we will serve the Lord. The choice about you serving God is a choice that cannot be over looked. Sad to say, so many do not choose to serve God until it's too late. When they find themselves in trouble, indebtedness, on the verge of divorce, pregnant out of wedlock, or when their lives are totally out of control, that is when they want to come to God. Granted, in these situations, God is the place to go, but wouldn't it be better for us made the decision to serve Him when we were in our right mind? One of the things of coming to God when we are full of problems and cares is that we have a hard time trusting Him to fix the problem. And the reason is our hearts are usually broken and we don't realize that God has to have time to put it back together again. And often people don't give Him the sufficient time to work on their behalf because the enemy of their soul makes them feel guilty. The choice you make today about God will be the same choice that determines your final destination. Choose you this day whom you will serve, as for me and my house - we will serve the Lord.

Sing: I have decided to follow Jesus. I have decided to follow Jesus. I have decided to follow Jesus. No turning back. No turning back.

2012 September 12 - Morning Manna

Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. (Proverbs 4:14).

Today's Morsel: Do you ever find yourself in a rut. I mean, do you find yourself doing the same old thing over and over again even though you don't want to be doing it? Why do people who get out of jail and prison, seem to go right back into the same old way when they are released? Is it because they were taken from the path of the wicked and from evil men. Solomon tells us not to go into the path of the wicked and to not go in the way of evil men. He also tells us that there are seven things that God hates and one of those things is feet that be swift in running to mischief. (Proverbs 6:17). Paul told the church at Corinth, "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" (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). The wicked are snared by their own wickedness, Solomon said. One of the things about the paths of the wicked is that their pathways are strewed with landmines and booby traps that are not easily seen. This is why the wicked are so soon destroyed. Scripture tells us to not go into their pathway. Even Solomon said that the man void of understanding doesn't even know that the pathway of the wicked leads to hell. He also lets us know that, "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death"(Proverbs 14:12). Therefore we must follow Jeremiah's advice when he said, "Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein"(Jeremiah 6:16). If you don't walk in the old path, it's not God's fault.

Sing: Just a closer walk with Thee, grant it Jesus is my plea; daily walking close to Thee, let it be, dear Lord, let it be.

2012 September 11 - Morning Manna

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Today's Morsel: Probably one of the most quoted scriptures in the Bible is Proverbs 3:5-6, and yet it is also probably the least obeyed. For some reason, Christians like to quote scriptures, but not obey them. I guess Jesus was right when He said, "This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men" (Matthew 15:8-9). When are we going to get to the point that we trust Him is all areas of our lives? Did He not fulfill His promise to Abraham? Did He not bring Jacob back to Bethel? Did He not send the Holy Ghost (the Comforter) back the way that He said He would? God is not a man that He should lie. I believe if we would not lean unto our own understanding, but pray as He taught us, "Your will be done" and trust Him to do it the way that He wants to do it, we woul be in much better shape. A true believer should say as Job, "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him. He also shall be my salvation: for an hypocrite shall not come before him"(Job 13:15-16). If God isn't going to forsake us, then we need to learn to trust. We walk by faith and not by sight.

Sing:Lord, You promised if I keep my mind on You, You'd keep me in perfect peace. (Yes you would, you'd keep me in perfect peace). With a sincere heart, if I called upon Your name, You'd never turn away from me (No, no you'd never turn away from me), said you'd give me everything I need (You'd give me everything I need). I came for deliverance, deliverance I'll receive, You said You'd deliver me and that's what I believe. came for salvation, Lord, Salvation I'll receive, You said You would save me, Lord And that's what I believe. I came just to hear Your word, Your word will I receive, You said You would send Your word, And that's what I believe.

2012 September 10 - Morning Manna

For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.
(Proverbs 2:6)

Today's Morsel: I asked a young man who was appearing before the board for his ministerial license how he knew that the Bible was true. He said, "I just know it." I then asked him if he could prove it to me by scripture. When he looked a little confused, I told him to open his Bible to 1 Peter 1:20-21; which reads, "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost"(2 Peter 1:20-21). And then I told him to turn to 2 Timothy 3:16-17, which reads, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works" (2 Timothy 3:16-17). You don't need to defend the Bible, the Bible can defend itself because Jesus is the Word made flesh (John 1:14). Scripture says that out of the mouth of God comes knowledge and understanding. When we see in Scripture Jesus speaking to anyone, they were always confounded by His knowledge and understanding. The religious people wanted to know where He had obtained such knowledge and understanding. "Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said, Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?" Job 38:1-2). And Job said, "Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth"(Job 40:4). Job said, I'm just going to be quiet and listen to what you have to say because Your wisdom, knowledge, and understanding, is far above what I could ever think. "If any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak," Jesus said (John 12:47-50). You see, when God speaks, we all better listen, because judgment day is coming.

Sing: I'll say yes, Lord, yes, to Your will and to Your way, I'll say yes, Lord, yes, I will trust You and obey; when Your Spirit speaks to me, with my whole heart I'll agree, and my answer will be yes, Lord, yes.

2012 September 8 - Morning Manna

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

Today's Morsel: Solomon said that respecting and morally reverencing God are the beginning of knowledge. How is it that so many people can seem to be so smart in so many things and yet not know God. What is even scarier to me, is,the number of people who say that they are Christian and yet they display or possess little or no godly wisdom. "Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people as they eat bread: they have not called upon God, the psalmist said" (Psalms 53:4). I believe that because man does not reverence God, he doesn't get to live out half his days. When we understand why we do what we do, it makes life so much simpler. B ut many folks do not know why they do what they do. I asked a person once why they had gotten a tattoo on their body. And to my surprise they said that they didn't know. I said, "You mean to tell me you spent all that money to have it done and you don't know why you did it?" Help us Lord! Solomon said that fools despise wisdom and instructions. In other words, people who say that there is no God (Psalms 14:1) will not receive wisdom and instruction. I believe that one of the reasons so many countries are facing disasters is because they don't know God. Scripture says, "The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God", David said (Psalms 9:17). But Daniel admonishes us, "And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits" (Daniel 11:32). When you know God, you are going to be strong and do great things. Because when you know Him, you love Him, and when you love Him, you reverence Him, and reverence Him The Truth will make you free.

Sing: I know it was the blood! I know it was the blood! I know it was the blood saved me. One day when I was lost Jesus died on the cross, and I know it was the blood saved me.

2012 September 7 - Morning Manna

And Elijah said unto Ahab, Get thee up, eat and drink; for there is a sound of abundance of rain. So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he cast himself down upon the earth, and put his face between his knees, And said to his servant, Go up now, look toward the sea. And he went up, and looked, and said, There is nothing. And he said, Go again seven times. And it came to pass at the seventh time, that he said, Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man's hand. And he said, Go up, say unto Ahab, Prepare thy chariot, and get thee down, that the rain stop thee not. And it came to pass in the mean while, that the heaven was black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. And Ahab rode, and went to Jezreel. (1 Kings 18:41-45)

Today's Morsel: Have you ever looked and looked for something that you were missing and couldn't find it? And then you look again later and you found what you were looking for in one of the places you had already looked? And you said to yourself, "I know I looked there and it wasn't there before." And you start thinking, someone is playing tricks on me. Or you may say, the devil is messing with my mind.

When it hadn't rained for three and a half years, Elijah said unto Ahab, "Get thee up, eat and drink; for there is a sound of abundance of rain." So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he cast himself down upon the earth, and put his face between his knees, And said to his servant, go up now, look toward the sea. Elijah told the king that it was going to rain. Not only that it was going to rain, but that it was going to be a mighty downpour. So you better get moving toward shelter. And then he sent his servant to go look toward the sea. But his servant came back and said, "There is nothing." And Elijah told him to go seven times. I'm sure the servant thought, "I've looked three times and I've told you there is nothing there." But He was told seven, the same way Naaman was told to dip seven times in the Jordan River (2 Kings 5). Seven is God's number of perfection. If the man of God tells you to do something that isn't immoral or doesn't go against God's Word, do it! And so after seven times, Elijah's servant returned and said, "Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man's hand." This was confirmation to Elijah that it was going to rain because little is much when God is in it. And scripture says, "And it came to pass in the mean while, that the heaven was black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain." Sometimes what you are looking for from God might require you to keep looking. God says, "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. And I will be found of you, saith the LORD" (Jeremiah 29:11-14). Don't stop looking, because what you are looking for is still right there.

Sing: I'm looking for a miracle. I see the invisible. I fell the intangible. You know the sky, the sky is the limit to what I can have; The sky is the limit to what I can have, If you will believe it, you will receive it, God will perform it today, yea, yea; if you will believe it, you can receive it, and God will perform it today.

2012 September 6 - Morning Manna

Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-7)

Today's Morsel: One of the things that I've noticed these days is,many don't give peace a chance. Isaiah said that Jesus would be called the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 6:9), and that He would keep us in perfect peace if our minds were stayed on Him (Isaiah 26:3). So why are people afraid to give peace a chance? Why are they afraid to trust Jesus with their problems and situations? Why are they afraid to allow Him to operate in them the way that He wants to, and not the way they want Him to? Paul told the church at Ephesus that Jesus had broken down the middle way between us, and that we now have free access to the Father. That being that case, then we should be able to walk in peace. If we have free access to the Father, then why don't we always live in a state of tranquility? I know that Paul told the church at Thessalonica that when they say peace and safety, then suddenly cometh destruction ( 1Thessalonians5:3). But that still shouldn't stop us from giving Jesus a chance to bring about tranquility and peace within our life. Paul said that we should be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let our requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. As a child of God, you should not be living in a tormented lifestyle nor in doubt, or double-mindedness. When your mind is stayed on Jesus, He will give you the calmness and serenity you need in your life.

Sing: Peace, peace, wonderful peace; coming down from the Father above, sweep over my spirit forever I pray, in fathomless billows of love.

2012 September 5 - Morning Manna

This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. (1 John 5:6-9)

Today's Morsel: If you've ever had to appear in court as a witness, they wanted you to tell the truth. But have you ever noticed that people who are trying to be a witness for someone who is guilty seem to have a very hard time telling the truth. And it isn't long before they get the guilty party in more trouble, because they get caught in lie after lie because often times they aren't actually aware of what actually even happened.

John said it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. He said that the witness of God is greater than any witness of man. When a person is a true witness, the spirit will bear this out. Jesus told His disciples not to be concerned with what to say, because the spirit would speak for them (my words), because the witness of God is the Spirit of God. And the Spirit of God bears record with our spirit that we are the sons of God. What does that mean? It mean that when God's spirit is within you, your actions, your attitude, your thoughts, mind-set, feelings, stance and position, and how you approach certain situations and circumstance will reflect God. This is why Galatians 5:22-23 is called the fruit of the spirit, because it reveals God's character. This is why John said, "If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth" (1 John 1:6). In other words, you're a false witness. Jesus said through the prophet Isaiah, "Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour. I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, that I am God" (Isaiah 43:10-12). If Jesus chose us to be His witnesses, are you a good witness for Him? Do your life, actions, and attitude reveal him. If you were on trial for knowing and being with Jesus, would you be found guilty?

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

Jesus, use me and 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 September 4 - Morning Manna

Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. (Revelation 2:1-7)

Today's Morsel: Do you really know what your church teaches, believes and stands for? Or do you just take what is being said as the gospel truth? On all accounts the church at Ephesus seems to be a church that was holding true to what had been taught them. Listen to what Jesus said to them, "I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted." Sounds like what a true church of Jesus is suppose to be doing. But then listen to what He tells them, "Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate." Notice, they had left their first love. They hadn't lost their love for Jesus, they were working. They were labouring in the vineyard by all accounts. But they had lost their love for the truth. And because they had lost their love for the truth, they were accepting the doctrine of the Nicolaitans. The doctrine of the Nicolaitans was that it is okay to eat things sacrificed and offered to idols. And also that it was okay to commit fornication. You see, you can do the work of the Lord all day long, but if your church's doctrine isn't causing you to come out from the world and be separated unto God and live a holy and separate lifestyle, you may be following the doctrine of the Nicolaitans. Paul told the church at Corinth, "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" (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). A lady asked me a few days ago if I thought a person could lose their salvation. I told her that if the church of Ephesus was going to lose theirs' except they repented, you better believe you can lose it. "Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent," Jesus said. The Apostle John admonishes us, "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world" (1 John 4:1). You need to understand that church and serving Jesus is more than just music and good preaching. It's 100% truth. Living the truth. Teaching the truth. And obeying the truth. It is about the truth and nothing but the truth.

Sing: When in service for my Lord, dark may be the night, but I'll cling more close to Him, He will give me light; Satan's snares may vex my soul, turn my thoughts aside; but my Lord goes ahead, leads wherever betides.

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 September 3 - Morning Manna

Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. 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 3:24-29)

Today's Morsel: Well, it's time to head back to school. All around the world, people are heading back to school to finish and move forward. We, too, must start school when it come to the Word and things of God. We must study to show ourselves approved of God as Paul said (2 Timothy 2:15. Paul seems to be an educator when it comes to the things of God. He told Timothy, "And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also"(2 Timothy 2:2). He told the church at Philippi, "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content" (Philippians 4:11). And he told the church at Galatia that the law was our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ. When we study Old Testament scripture it should draw us to Christ and reveal to us who Jesus truly was. When we understand Old Testament scriptures, we can understand Paul when he said," 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" (Colossians 2:8-10). The mind is a terrible thing to waste. Isaiah asked the question, "Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. 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 28:9-12). He said that the precepts; the commandment, the rule, the instruction, and the principles that guides our actions, especially ones that guide our moral behavior, are going to be taught to those who are weaned from the milk. You can't be a babe and grow in Christ. It's time that we get off the milk and start eating the meat of the Word. That begins by studying and attending school.

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

O' deeper yet, I pray, and higher every day, and wiser, blessed Lord, in Thy precious Holy Word.

2012 September 1 - Morning Manna

And the sons of the prophets said unto Elisha, Behold now, the place where we dwell with thee is too strait for us. Let us go, we pray thee, unto Jordan, and take thence every man a beam, and let us make us a place there, where we may dwell. And he answered, Go ye. And one said, Be content, I pray thee, and go with thy servants. And he answered, I will go. So he went with them. And when they came to Jordan, they cut down wood. But as one was felling a beam, the axe head fell into the water: and he cried, and said, Alas, master! for it was borrowed. And the man of God said, Where fell it? And he shewed him the place. And he cut down a stick, and cast it in thither; and the iron did swim. Therefore said he, Take it up to thee. And he put out his hand, and took it.

(2 Kings 6:1-7)

Today's Morsel: The Bible says that Elisha, did twice as many miracles than his mentor Elijah did during his ministry. Many people today are looking for a miracle in their lives. Some are looking for:

üMiraculous healing

üWin the lottery

üA way to get out of debt

üThe right job

üA godly Spouse

üA change in their health

üA change in their situation

Whatever it is, they want a miracle to take place. But most people don't have the patience to wait for it. They seem to be on pins and needles while they are waiting. Isaiah said: "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). 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" (Hebrews 6:13-15). Abraham had to wait for his miracle. Joseph had to wait for his as well. And we must learn to wait for our miracle, too. Paul said, "For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? 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 8:24-27). What would it take to get you to the point that you are willing to wait on your miracle without losing hope? If you are waiting on something from God, then do not cast away your confidence because it has a great recompense of reward attached to it. (Hebrews 10:35-39).

Sing: I 'm learning how to lean, and depend on Jesus. He's my friend, and He's my guide. I'm learning how to lean, and depend on Jesus, I found out, if I would trust Him, He will provide.