2012 November 30 - Morning Manna

And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word. And the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, Get thee hence, and turn thee eastward, and hide thyself by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan. And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there. So he went and did according unto the word of the LORD: for he went and dwelt by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan. And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening; and he drank of the brook. (1 Kings 17:1-6)

Today's Morsel: The raven was one of those birds or fowl that God had identified as being unclean. "And these are they which ye shall have in abomination among the fowls; they shall not be eaten, they are an abomination: the eagle, and the ossifrage, and the ospray, And the vulture, and the kite after his kind; Every raven after his kind; And the owl, and the night hawk, and the cuckow, and the hawk after his kind, And the little owl, and the cormorant, and the great owl, And the swan, and the pelican, and the gier eagle, And the stork, the heron after her kind, and the lapwing, and the bat. All fowls that creep, going upon all four, shall be an abomination unto you" (Leviticus 11:13-20). They were not to be eaten. Therefore, one would think that if the raven was unclean God would not use him to feed His prophet. But as the Lord told Peter when he fell into a trance on the rooftop of Simons home and saw all the unclean animals, fowls, wild breast and creeping things let down in a sheet, "Let no man call anything unclean or common which God has cleaned" (Acts 10:9-17). The Jews saw the Gentiles as unclean because of the things that they did and ate. But because there was a famine in the land, a famine of water and food, God told Elijah, I have prepared the ravens to feed you there. Why the raven? They are unclean fowls. Every raven after his kind was, by the law, forbidden to be eaten, yet Elijah did not think anything of the meat they brought him, but he ate and gave thanks, asking no question for conscience sake. Noah's dove was to him a more faithful messenger than the raven he loosed. And yet here, the ravens are faithful and constant to feed Elijah. So what can we learn here. First, we need to acknowledge the sovereignty and power of God over all His creatures; He can make use of any of them He pleases, either for good, judgment or mercy. And secondly, we need to encourage ourselves in God in all of the situations that are difficult or that involve hardship and never distrust Him. If God can furnish a table in the wilderness for the prophet by making a raven a cook and server for His prophet in the time of famine, He is able to supply all our needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. As the Lord asked Abraham and Jeremiah, "Is there anything to hard for the Lord?" I know not any.

Sing: The disciples came to land, thus obeying Christ's command, for the Master called to them, "Now come and dine"; there they found their heart's desire, bread and fish upon the fire; thus He satisfies the hungry every time.

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

2012 November 29 - Morning Manna

"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus " (Philippians 3:13-14)

Today's Morsel: What comes to your mind when you think of commitment? Commitment is a pledge or an obligation to fulfill a responsibility or duty.

To be committed means to be sold out; dedicated, devout. To be a good saint or employee requires commitment, determination, and dedication. If you are going to be successful in life, you have to have commitment. Commitment is a personal value that ranks right up there with courage, candor, and competence. To be a Christian requires commitment. Commitment has only one "I," and the word "Me." Commitment starts with me. Are you aware that almost everything you do in life requires commitment? To have a strong marriage requires commitment on both husband and wife part. If one is committed to the marriage and the other is not, it will not work. It takes both. To maintain a strong walk with God requires commitment, too. To be a professional in any career requires commitment. Commitment comes from the root word"commit." David said, "Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass" (Psalms 37:5). Commitment is a 24/7 deal. It's a life time process for all. I can stand and tell you all the reasons why you should love the Lord and be at church, but if you have no commitment in yourself to follow through with what I'm telling you, it will do you no good. Ruth is probably the best example of commitment in the Bible next to Jesus and Paul. Paul said, "Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not?" (2 Corinthians 11:24-29); "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). Nothing stopped him. Ruth said to Naomi her mother-in- law, " Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me" (Ruth 1:16-17). She was willing to suffer to complete her vow. Calvary speaks of commitment. Jesus didn't say that everyone that goes to church would be saved. He said that he that endureth to the end shall be saved. That requires commitment on our part. Are you committed to God? Are you willing to continue on in spite of hurt, afflictions, and pain? There is a reward at the end for commitment. Someone once said that there is no discharge in this war.

Sing: I've had many tears and sorrows, I've had questions for tomorrow, there's been times I didn't know right from wrong. But in every situation, God gave me blessed consolation, that my trials come to only make me strong.

Chorus: Through it all, through it all, I've learned to trust In Jesus, I've learned to trust In God. Through it all, through it all, I've Learned to depend upon His Word.

2012 November 28 - Morning Manna

According to thy name, O God, so is thy praise unto the ends of the earth: thy right hand is full of righteousness. (Psalms 48:10)

Today's Morsel: One of the customs and courtesies that as a soldier we all had to learn and know was where does the senior person walk. And the answer was, always to the right. The one to the right is the one with authority and power. Jesus said, "Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God" (Luke 22:69). Jesus isn't sitting at the right hand of the Father, He is sitting in the position of honor. He will be sitting in the position of authority and power. Scripture tells us that God will not give His glory to another ( Isaiah 42:8); and this is why John only saw one sitting on the throne in heaven. The psalmist said that the right hand of God is full of righteousness. He goes on to say, "Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore" (Psalms 16:11). John tells us, "Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous" (1 John 3:7). Because God is full of righteousness, John said that when we do righteousness we too are righteous. And our righteousness determines who we belong to (1 John 3:10). Paul lets us know that the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost (Romans 14:17). If we say that we have the Holy Ghost, then we should be living right and doing right. Jeremiah said, "In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and this is the name wherewith she shall be called, The LORD our righteousness" (Jeremiah 33:16). The New Jerusalem, the city of God, is going to be the city of righteousness because sin cannot enter there. Where will you dwell?

Sing: Tell me whose side are standing on? Standing on the Lord's side. Tell me whose side are standing on? Standing on the Lord's side.

I stand! I stand! I stand ! I stand! Standing on the Lord's side. I stand! I stand! I stand ! I stand! Standing on the Lord's side.

2012 November 27 - Morning Manna

Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you? Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart. (2 Corinthians 3:1-3)

Today's Morsel: What do people read when they see you? What message does your life reveal? If we would stop and consider our lives, in many ways we are like billboards. People are passing by and reading us every day. Some may zoom by, while others will take close notice. One of my favorite billboard ads is the one with the green penguin in the midst of all the other black and white penguins. He stands out as being odd and different from the others. What we wear; how we look; how we stand or sit in the crowd. Our attitudes, humor, or even our etiquette sends out a message to others. Paul told the church at Corinth, "Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men." Whether you like it or not, people are reading you like a book. When the fruit of the spirit is in operation in our lives on daily basis, and when people see us, they should be reading Jesus about from every point and part of us. Isn't it a amazing that we still talk about Jesus today? And we only read His story from the pages of the Bible. But His children reflect Him. John said that he supposed that if the books were written of all the things that Jesus did that the world could not contain them. When your life impacts others, it will always be talked about. A book is so much better when you know the author. What has Jesus written in your life that He wants others to see?

Sing: Down from his glory, every lasting story, MY God and Savoir came, and Jesus was His name,. Born in a manger, to His own a stranger, a man of sorrows, tears and agony.

O how I love Him! How I adore Him! My breath, my sunshine, my all in all! The great Creator became my Savior, and all God's fullness dwelleth in Him.

2012 November 26 - Morning Manna

And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:11-15)

Today's Morsel: It's amazing to me how many people that do not understand the acronym "RSVP" an its meaning. ­ RSVP stands for a French phrase, "répondez s'il vous plaît" which means "please reply." The person sending the invitation wo­uld like you to tell him or her whether you accept or decline the invitation. That is, will you be coming to the event or not? Etiquette rules followed in most Western cultures require that if you receive a formal, written invitation, you should reply promptly, perhaps that same day or at the most within 48 hours. For hosts who are planning a dinner party, a wedding or a reception, this is important from a practical point of view, because they need to know how many people to count on and how much food and drink to buy. More important, though, is the simple courtesy of responding to someone who was nice enough to invite you, even if it is to say that you regret that you will not be able to attend. The other point is so that your name is on the atendee list. It would be a shame for you to show up and your aren't on the guest list. If you are ever invited to a dinner and you find that you are located in the overflow seating, it may be because you didn't RSVP in a timely manner.

When Jesus told the parable about the man who gave a wedding feast, He said, "The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen" (Matthew 22:2-14). Is your name written in the Lamb's book of life? Jesus said that not everyone is going to enter (Matthew 7:21-28). You need to RSVP. You need to make sure your name is in the book. How do you get your name in the book? Jesus said, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God" (John 3:5).

Sing: There's a new name written down in glory, and it's mine, oh yes it's mine! And the white-robed angels sing the story, "A sinner has some home." For there's a new name written down in glory, and it's mine, oh yes, it's mine! With my sins forgiven, I am bound for heaven, never more to roam.

2012 November 24 - Morning Manna

By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion. We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof. For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion. How shall we sing the LORD'S song in a strange land? (Psalms 137:1-4)

Today's Morsel: When I was living according to what Paul wrote, "Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others"(Ephesians 2:2-3), one of my favorite songs was the entitled, "American Pie." One of the lyrics said, "The three friends I desire the most, the father, son, and holy ghost, they all took the last train to the coast, the day the music died." The children of Israel, while being carried away into captivity, let their music die and they became discouraged, downhearted, and sad. They had no joy. They had no happiness, pleasure or delight in what was taking place. They were asked to sing an old song of Zion. Someone in the crowd felt that if they sung one of the old songs, things would be better. But they hung their harps on the willow and said, "How shall we sing the Lord's song in a strange land?" Like so many, they failed to realize that God has given us a garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness that we might be called trees of righteousness (Isaiah 61:3). They failed to realize that we are told to sing to ourselves psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs; making melodies in our hearts unto the Lord (Ephesians 5:18-19; Colossains 3:16). James said that if we are afflicted, then we should pray, but if we are merry, then we should sing songs (James 5:16). I don't know about you, but I'm not about to let those old song of Zion die nor am I hanging my harp on the willow. But I'm gonna praise the Lord anyway that I can.

Sing: Trials 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 we'll follow till we die, we will understand it better by and by.

By and by when the morning comes, and all the saints of God are gathering home, we will tell the story of how we've overcome and we'll understand it better by and by.

2012 November 23 - Morning Manna

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:11-16)

Today's Morsel: I carry a cross in my pocket a simple reminder to me of the fact that I am a Christian no matter where I may be. This little cross is not magic, nor is it a good luck harm. It isn't meant to protect me from every physical harm. It's not for identification for all the world to see,. It's simply an understanding between my Savior and me. When I put my hand in my pocket to bring out a coin or reach in to get a key, the cross is there to remind me of the price He paid for me. It reminds me, too, to be thankful for my blessings day by day and to strive to serve Him better in all that I do and say. It's also a daily reminder of the peace and comfort I am to share with others, so that they can come to know my Master and give themselves to His care. So, I carry a cross in my pocket reminding no one but me, that Jesus Christ is the Lord of my life if only I'll let Him be.

"For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God" Paul said (1 Corinthians 1:18). So many do not have an understanding of the cross. Even Nicodemus was awestruck by it, and many continue to be yet today. The cross is a reminder of the free gift of life that only Jesus gives. Do you have yours?

Sing: At the cross, at the cross, where I first saw the light and the burden of my heart rolled away. It was there by faith, I received my sight, and now I am happy all the day.

2012 November 22 - Morning Manna

O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever. O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever. .. O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.(Psalms 136:1-3; 26)

Today's Morsel: Here is my prayer of blessing for you to pray today.

For surely, O Lord, You bless the righteous. Father, I therefore declare that I am blessed because of You. Father, I know that I am blessed and highly favored of You. But I ask that You would allow this same blessing to flow to Your people as well. Thank You for surrounding me with Your favor as with a shield. I thank You, Lord, that I can abound in your favor and blessing today. I therefore seek Your favor to go before me today. I anticipate the favor of God surrounding me today, and I seek You for favor with men; even with ungodly men, because Your word says, "When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him" (Proverbs 16:7). Your word says, "Lord, If You shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if You command the locusts to devour the land, or if You send pestilence among my people; If Your people, which are called by Your name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek Your face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will You hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land" (2 Chronicles 7:13-14). Lord Jesus, we are your people. And we seek Your blessing today. We seek for Your blessing upon Your people. Father, You told Abraham that You would make him a great nation, and You will bless him, and make his name great; and that he shalt be a blessing" (Genesis 12:2). Bless us, Father, with Your Spirit, with Your power, and with Your Anointing, that we may accomplish Your will in the earth and in the land that You have given unto us for Your Glory! I thank You, Jesus, for opening doors for me that man cannot shut. Thank You for blessing the works of our hands as we go forth to accomplish Your will. May we experience a supernatural increase and provision in every area of our lives this day and in the days to come. These things we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, "HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU!"

Sing: Thank you Lord, for saving my soul. Thank you Lord, for making me whole. Thank you Lord, for giving to me, Thy great salvation, so rich, and free.

2012 November 21 - Morning Manna

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Today's Morsel: Have you ever been over to a friend's house to eat and the food just ain't no good? I mean the macaroni is soggy, the cheese is all musty, and the chicken tastes like wood. So you say "That's it, I'm going to leave this place, I don't care what these people think, I'm just sitting here making myself nauseated by this southerly food that stinks." And you leave without being thankful. Thanksgiving is an expression or an act of giving thanks. It is our gratitude for something rendered to us, or done for us regardless of what the food may look, smell, or taste like. Thanksgiving seems to be going away from so many. The practice of a Thanksgiving Dinner in the home, that time where people sit and converse about the year, has now turned into "hurry up let's eat because the football game is on." And when your favorite team loses, your whole day is shot and you saw nothing to be thankful for. Not even your darling wife or husband, mother, or daughter who went out of their way to make you happy. A sure sign of unhappiness is a lack of gratitude in one's life. Gratitude can change your life while a spirit of ingratitude can destroy it. Meister Eckhart said, “If the only prayer you said in your whole life was “thank you” that would suffice.” Simply giving thanks. It’s amazing how one simple, easy, good action can change so much in a person’s life. One of the things that has had the biggest effects on my life is the realization of the power of gratitude. My parents always taught us to say "Thank you." Anytime someone did or gave you something to us, whether you liked what they gave or not, we knew to say "Thank you". It has affected everything in my life. It has made me a better person, and I believe, a more productive person. A better achiever. A better husband, father, son and brother, at least, I like to think so. I know it has made me a happier person. I’m not perfect, but gratitude has made me better. Can it change your life? I can guarantee you it will if we will practice it. Part of us developing and reaching perfection in our lives is that we first learn how to be thankful and give thanks. Y ou may not get the exact same benefits and results that I have received, but there’s no doubt in my mind that the simple act of gratitude on a regular basis will change anyone’s life. I can't think of to many other changes that can claim to be that quick, that easy, and that profound. Paul said, "In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." If it's God's will, are you in His will?

Sing: Give thanks with a grateful heart, give thanks to the Holy One, give thanks for He's given Jesus Christ His son; Give thanks with a grateful heart, give thanks to the Holy One, give thanks for He's given Jesus Christ His son;
Chorus: And now, let the weak say I am strong, let the poor say I am rich, because of what the Lord has done for us; And now, let the weak say I am strong, let the poor say I am rich, because of what the Lord has done for us;

Give thanks.

2012 November 20 - Morning Manna

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. (John 15:13-15)

Today's Morsel: Someone said that true friendship is like wetting your pants, everyone can see it, but only you can feel the true warmth (humor). What do you look for in a friend? How often do you think friends should correspond with each other? You know, I was thinking the other day who I would want to preach my funeral. And to my surprise I said to myself, I would want my best friend because they are the only one that would know me and how I lived my life. Why should I entrust that 15 minutes to someone that has no idea about who I really am. Jesus was a true friend to His disciples. He loved all of them to the end. He told them, "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." That's what true friendship looks like and that's what a true friend will do. The difference between friends and acquaintances is a friend knows all about you, an acquaintance is just aware of you. A true friend will come running when you call, while an acquaintance will wonder what's wrong. A true friend will call and check up on you, while an acquaintance will say how have you been when they see you. Someone wrote a song entitled, "I am a friend of God." I wonder if he's really God's friend? Are you a friend of God? More important, does He call you friend?

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 November 19 - Morning Manna

And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:(Ephesians 2:1-8)

Today's Morsel: I often wonder why so many people seem to struggle with their salvation. What could possibly makes someone who has tasted and drank from the fountain of living water so quickly thirst for worldly things. Did they drink from the water that Jesus spoke of (John 4:13-14)? Did they get the promise of the Father that He spoke about (Acts 1:4-8)? Paul asked the church at Galatia, "O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?" (Galatians 3:1-3). Have they been told that they can never lose their salvation and so this is why they keep going after worldly things? Paul said that through our faith in Christ Jesus we are saved. You see, without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). No one can be saved if they don't trust God. The same is true with a person who is drowning. If they are thrown a life preserver, they have to believe that if they take hold of it they can be saved. Well, the same is true with Jesus. If you don't take hold of what He's offering you, His grace, you cannot be saved either. God's salvation is free. You can't earn it no matter how hard you work. It only requires you to put your faith in Christ and be born again of the water and the Spirit (John 3:3-5). And once your life is complete in Him, you should not crave the things of this world.

Sing: My soul is filled with glory, I care not anymore, for pleasures of this world depraved, I'm satisfied with Jesus, my cup is running over, How wonderful to know I'm saved.

I know am saved and I'm so glad about it, I've found the joy my spirit craved; it is so real that I could never doubt it, O praise the Lord I know I'm saved.

2012 November 17 - Morning Manna

"My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: then spake I with my tongue, LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am" (Psalms 39:3-4)

Today's Morsel: You know, I've noticed that most Christian's talk about heaven but not too many seem to excited to go. Even Hezekiah, when told by Isaiah that God said that he was going to die and not live wanted to hang around a little longer. He had lived right before, but at that moment his house wasn't in order and he knew it. And so he said, maybe I've got a little reserve in the bank for my good years. But it wasn't because of his good but because of His repentance that God extended his life (Isaiah 38:1-8). The psalmist said, "LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am." Have you stopped to realize how frail we are. Even though we are fearfully and wonderful made, we are still frail. A wrong turn and we can destroy a knee, hip or back. An accident could put us in a wheel chair for life. The psalmist wanted to know. He wanted to know so he could either stay on track or fix the problems to get back on track. James tells us that our life is but a vapor. We are here for just a short time. From the time we are born we are heading toward the finish line. And because we don't know how long the race is, we have to give it our best every day. Job said, "Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble. He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not"(Job 14:1-2). God doesn't let us know our end. He said, "Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh" (Matthew 24:42-44). I promise you, if you walk in the light as He is the Light, you won't have to worry about your end, you'll finish just fine. And here's why. "Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life" (John 8:12).

Sing: He's coming soon, He's coming soon; with joy we'll welcome His returning; it may be morn, it may be night or noon, we know He's coming soon.

2012 November 16 - Morning Manna

" I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me" (Psalms 39:1)

Today's Morsel: I can remember that my Dad used to always have two types of bits for the bridles that we used on our mules for farming. One set was straight while the other was in two pieces. The straight one were used on the mules that weren't obedient and didn't do what they were told. While the one with the two pieces was used for the mules that weren't obedient. The bit that was in two pieces and would pinch the mules tongue if they disobeyed the commands given them. But I noticed that it wasn't very long before they learned their lesson to obey. And also, at the end of the bridle sometimes when plowing beginner corn, when it was only about ten inches off the ground, my Dad would put a muzzle over the mules' mouth to prevent them from eating the corn. David said I will keep my mouth with a bridle while the wicked is before me. In other words, I will choose my words carefully. In a sense, he's saying, I'll put a muzzle over my mouth so as not to utter the wrong thing. His son Solomon wrote, "He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding" (Proverbs 17:27-28). Always remember, God gave you two ears and one mouth. Therefore, we should listen more than we talk. The best way to win an argument is to be quiet.

Sing: Hush! Hush! Somebody's talking. I said, hush! Hush! Somebody's talking. I said, Hush! Hush! Somebody's talking, and it just might be the words of Lord.

2012 November 15 - Morning Manna

If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?
(Jeremiah 12:5).

Today's Morsel: How do you handle the tough times in your life? What preparations do you do on a daily basis to be ready for them when they come? Jeremiah lets us know that if we allow those of our equal to weary us, (in some cases saints of God) there is no way we will make it against things that are more powerful. Warfare is going to test you. It's going to test your faith. It's going to test your resolve, and determination. Either you'll have the stamina and endurance to go the distances, or you won't. Either you'll cross the finish line strong or you'll fall out by the way. You'll either train or complain. Winners train, losers complain. Winners finish strong. Losers lose. Jesus said, "And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved"(Matthew 24:10-13). Let me encourage you, my brothers and sisters, finish strong. If something is wearying you, your eyes are more on it than Jesus. Isaiah said " Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength" (Isaiah 26:3-4). "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not" (Galatians 6:9). Just around the corner and we will be home.

Sing: Take your burdens to Jesus! Your burdens He'll bear. Tell him your sorrows, your sorrows He'll share. He's waiting just to bless you, with an outstretched hand. Tell Him your troubles, oh yeah, and He'll understand.

2012 November 14 - Morning Manna

Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured. (Proverbs 27:18)

Today's Morsel: People that work with plants are involved in horticulture. Horticulture is the interaction between plants and people. It is both an art and a science. It can be a career, a lifestyle, or a seasonal job. Horticulturists work on improving, cultivating, and using plants, flowers, trees, and shrubs. It's a hands-on job where you'll get dirt under your fingernails and breath in fresh air every day. Many of Jesus' parables dealt with farming and being a horticulturist. These earthly parables had a heavenly meaning. When Jesus talked of pruning the tree so it could bring forth more fruit, He was speaking about being a horticulturist. When He spoke of reaping the harvest, He was speaking of farming. Both of these professions are tedious and dirty work. The same holds true when seeking to win the lost. It's tedious and often times dirty work, but if you want a harvest you have to stick with it. Solomon said, "Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured." He spake this parable also; "A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down"(Luke 13:6-9). Apparently someone had not taken care of the tree because there was no fruit. So the owner said cut it down. When a horticulturist cares for the fruit trees, they get to enjoy the fruit from it. The same concept is true when we wait (minister) for Jesus. We will be honored. Jesus said, "Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples"(John 15:8). Every born again believer should be excited about hearing Jesus say, "Well done thy good and faithful servant, enter the joy that was prepared for you." How's your fig tree?

Sing: When He calls me, I will answer. When He calls me, I will hear. When He calls me, I will answer, I'll be somewhere working for my Lord. I'll be somewhere working, I'll be somewhere working, I'll be somewhere working for my Lord; I'll be somewhere working, I'll be somewhere working, I'll be somewhere working for my Lord.

2012 November 13 - Morning Manna

"And of Asher he said, Let Asher be blessed with children; let him be acceptable to his brethren, and let him dip his foot in oil. Thy shoes shall be iron and brass; and as thy days, so shall thy strength be" (Deuteronomy 33:24-25)

Today's Morsel: During this entire year here in the Wisconsin District, our focus has been on the prayer of Asher. Our Superintendent felt led of God to break this prayer into five areas: The Blessing of God; The Anointing of God; Unity in the Church; Apostolic Authority and Dominion; and Soul Winning. When he gave us the vision for the year and how we were to carry it out, I felt led of God to write out prayer guidelines for the church and Section I oversee. God has really blessed our churches and District through this great and wonderful prayer initiative.  Luke tells us that Jesus said, "And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint" (Luke 18:1). And Paul told Timothy, "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" (1 Timothy 2:1-4). The Lord is serious about us praying. He told Solomon, "I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice. If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land" (2 Chronicles 7:12-14). Someone said, "Talking to man about God is one thing, but talking to God about man is another." I promise you, if you begin your day with prayer, things are going to turn out just fine.

Sing: Are you weary, are you heavy laden? Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus; are you grieving over joys departed? Tell it to Jesus alone. Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus, He is a friend that's well known; You have no other such a friend or brother, tell it to Jesus alone.

2012 November 12 - Morning Manna

Thus hath the Lord GOD shewed unto me; and, behold, he formed grasshoppers in the beginning of the shooting up of the latter growth; and, lo, it was the latter growth after the king's mowings. And it came to pass, that when they had made an end of eating the grass of the land, then I said, O Lord GOD, forgive, I beseech thee: by whom shall Jacob arise? for he is small. The LORD repented for this: It shall not be, saith the LORD. Thus hath the Lord GOD shewed unto me: and, behold, the Lord GOD called to contend by fire, and it devoured the great deep, and did eat up a part. Then said I, O Lord GOD, cease, I beseech thee: by whom shall Jacob arise? for he is small. The LORD repented for this: This also shall not be, saith the Lord GOD. Thus he shewed me: and, behold, the Lord stood upon a wall made by a plumbline, with a plumbline in his hand. And the LORD said unto me, Amos, what seest thou? And I said, A plumbline. Then said the Lord, Behold, I will set a plumbline in the midst of my people Israel: I will not again pass by them any more: (Amos 7:1-8)

Today's Morsel: How does your life measure up to the word of God? Are you walking worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing? Are you setting your affections on things above? Where are your treasures? The Lord gave Amos several visions of destruction, but then He repented of them. But when Amos saw the plumbline, the Lord said, I will not pass by them anymore. You see the plumbline represents the word of God. It is use to ensure straightness. It's to ensure that all the bricks in the building are laid and in line correctly. This little line can make a big difference if it is not obeyed. The word of God is as a plumbline for us spiritually. Its purpose is to keep us straight and in line. If we fail to obey it, we may think that we are okay but the closer we get to the top the harder we will find it to make our lives align with it. But if we start out right and keep our lives straight and level by obeying its every deed, we will see that we have an easy and complete ending and then an entrance into the everlasting Kingdom of God ( 2 Peter 1:5-11). As Paul said, "And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit" (Ephesians 2:20-22). If you build your life according to the word of God, you'll be just fine.

Sing: The Lord is building Jerusalem! The Lord is building Jerusalem! Gathering together the outcast of Israel, healing broken hearts, binding up their wounds. The Lord is building, the Lord is building, up Jerusalem.

2012 November 10 - Morning Manna

We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed: But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true; As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things. (2 Corinthians 6:1-10)

Today's Morsel: Tomorrow we celebrate "Veterans Day." World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” - officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of“the war to end all wars.” In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"

When we turn to the church, there are many who served and should be honored for giving us liberty and freedom from our enemies as well. Paul identified some of those heroes when he wrote to the Hebrews. He said, "And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect" (Hebrews 11:32-40). These men and women fought to maintain the truth of the Gospel so that we could be free and receive the promise. Paul goes on to tell the church at Corinth that they gave no offence in anything, that the ministry be not blamed: But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; by pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, by honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

Many of those that Paul spoke of are unknown personally, but they are well known to us by the scriptures and the things that they did in warfare. Thank God for men and women who have a heart to see the captives free. So today, to all my brethren in arms, both in the church and out of the church, both past and present, I salute you for a job well done. Thanks for your service!

 

Sing: Mine eyes have seenthe glory of the coming of the Lord; He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored; He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword, His truth is marching on. Glory, glory, hallelujah! Glory, glory, hallelujah! Glory, glory, hallelujah! His truth is marching on.

2012 November 9 - Morning manna

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).

Today's Morsel: So many people seem to be despondent these days. Hopelessness seems to be running rampet. Even in the church, despondency seems to take up the front row seating. The cry seems to be, "Why me?" "Lord help me!" and "I can't believe it"! These expressions seem to drive people's prayer lives. It seems to be gloom, despair and agony on me. Many don't seem to know where to turn. It seem as though they have run right into a brick wall and can't turn around. People are looking for answers and it seems as though God has shut the door. Is this the fulfillment of scriptures when King Solomon wrote, "Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets: She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, saying, How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge? Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you. Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh; When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you. Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me" (Proverbs 1:20-28). Are these the times that try men souls? Are these the times that cause us to search ourselves, prove ourselves, and determine who we are in Christ? You see, when things are going good, most Christians skip over the scriptures that give warnings and instructions on how to endure hardness as a good soldier. They don't see a need to hide the word in their hearts. And so when trials come, they aren't aware of what is written and then they struggle to get through the day and fear what lies ahead for tomorrow. They have failed to prepare. But when we know our God, Daniel said, we shall be strong and do exploits.

Sing: He leadeth me! He leadeth me! By His own hand He leadeth me; His faithful follower I will be, For by His hand He leadeth me.

2012 November 8 - Morning Manna

"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake" (John 14:1-11).

Today's Morsel: Someone said that marriage is like a deck of cards, you begin with two hearts and a diamond, but if you don't live it the way that God planned it you'll end up with two clubs and a spade. (Humor).

Do you know who you are with? Some people are with people and they have no idea as to who they are. They say, "I didn't know he was like that, because if I had known I wouldn't have ever married him." Or they say, "I didn't know he had a gun and was going to rob the place, he took me totally by surprise." Or we may hear, "I can't believe she told her what I said." Young girls and young boys are trapped into prostitution because they didn't know the person they were with. Men and women and boys and girls are doing time in jail and prison for drug deals and robbery all because they didn't know who they were with. Divorce is on the rise because people didn't know the person they were marrying. Paul told the church at Thessalonica, "And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you...." (1 Thessalonians 5:12). Solomon said that you need to make sure your friends. The woman at the well, in John chapter 4, didn't know who she was talking to. The same was true of the men on the road to Emmaus, in Luke 24; and Phillip didn't seem to know either. And so when he asked Jesus to show them the Father, Jesus said, Come on Phillip, have I been so long time with you and you don't know me. If anyone should know who I am it should be you. You were there when I feed the multitude when I asked you where we were going to get bread to feed them. You were in the boat when I calmed the storm. You were there when I raised Lazarus from the dead. So if anyone should know who I am, it should be you. So why are you asking me to show you the Father. And if you don't want to believe it because I said that I am God, then believe me for what you see me doing" (my wording). Paul told Timothy, "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory"(1 Timothy 3:16). Do you know who you are with? What about the one you are worshipping? "I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins" Jesus said (John 8:24).

Sing: The Mighty God is Jesus, The Prince of peace is He, The Everlasting Father, The King Eternally, The Wonderful in Wisdom, by who all things were made, the fullness of the Godhead in Jesus is displayed.

It's all in Him! It's all in Him! The fullness of the Godhead it's all in Him. It's all in Him! It's all in Him! The Mighty God is Jesus and it's all in Him.

2012 November 7 - Morning Manna

I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. (2 Timothy 4:1-8)

Today's Morsel: I was observing a church program on television once and I never heard the minister preach one word. All I heard him do was tell stories. Stories are good if they have a spiritual meaning and are leading up to the word of God. Yes, Jesus told parables. But parables are earthly stories with heavenly meaning. Paul said to preach the word. The word of God is designed to change people's lives. It is designed to let us see where we are in our walk with God. It causes us to see where the rubber meets the road and make us do a u-turn if we are heading the wrong way. James tells us, "Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves" (James 1:21-22). He said that the word saves our souls. But if people don't hear it (the word) they never believe, Paul said (Romans 10:14-15). Jesus said that we are cleansed by the word that He spoke to us (John1 5:3). This is why it must be preached. It is through the foolishness of preaching that God has chosen to save them that believe. (For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 1 Corinthians 1:21). And so Paul told Timothy his protégé, "I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." So preach the word!

Sing: We are not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ. For it is, the power unto salvation; and it's to everyone, everyone that believes it; and it's to everyone! Everyone that receives it. We shall have everlasting, life.

2012 November 6 - Morning Manna

"Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the name of the LORD; praise him, O ye servants of the LORD. Ye that stand in the house of the LORD, in the courts of the house of our God, Praise the LORD; for the LORD is good: sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant" (Psalms 135:1-3)

Today's Morsel: There's just something about rising early and giving God praise. Or just offering Him praise for what He is doing and is going to do for you throughout the day. The writer of Hebrews tells us to offer the sacrifices of praise continually with the fruit of our lips giving thanks unto His name ( Hebrews 13;15). Why is praise called a sacrifice? Because it is to be the best. It shouldn't be for showmanship or self glory, but offered to the One that we love the most from the heart. Praise is comely, the psalmist said. That means it is proper and good for us to do. He further exalts us to praise by saying, "Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments" (Psalms 119:164). Praise is no more than thanking God for what He does for us. It's showing our appreciation. Really, praise flows out of a life of etiquette. When we have good etiquette, we will have great praise towards God.

Sing: Praise Him! Praise Him! Praise Him in the morning, praise Him in the noon time. Praise Him! Praise Him! Praise Him when the sun goes down.

2012 November 5 - Morning Manna

" As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God? When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday. Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance"(Psalms 42:1-5)

Today's Morsel: I was once asked the question, how does a person get through what they are going through. A very good question. Sometimes it depends on what you are going through. Other times, you may just need to exercise total restraint and total reliance upon God. The best way to get through what you are going through or may face is preparation. When I was in the army, all my training was for war should it come. We prepared in advance so that we would be ready for the unexpected should it arise. When we prepare in advance we are training ourselves to take on the battle should it come into our area. This is one of the reasons Paul told Timothy to study (2 Timothy 2:15). When we study God's word and apply it to ourselves we are preparing ourselves. When he told the church to put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18), he was saying be prepared. Prior proper planning always prevents poor performance. I think David may have said it best when he penned, "I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD" (Psalms 27:13-14). David was always ready. As one priest told Absalom, David's son, when he was trying to steal the kingdom, your father is a man of war. In other words, your father is prepared and he understands strategy. So when you are going through things, put your training into action and just wait on the Lord and He'll lead you through it and bring you out on the other side.

Sing: What a fellowship, what a joy divine, leaning on the everlasting arm; what a blessedness, what a peace is mine, leaning on the everlasting arm.

Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarm; leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arm.

2012 November 3 - Morning Manna

And he said unto them,  Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.  He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. (Mark 16:15-18)

Today's Morsel:  I'm always turning things into acronyms because of all my years in the military.  So I looked at the world Gospel as an acronym to see what else it might mean other than the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  And I came away with the meaning of God Offers Salvation Plus Eternal Life.  Now each of you have a new meaning of the gospel, because neither is their salvation in any other (Acts 4:12), and Jesus said, "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life" (John 3:14-15).  When we obey the gospel, salvation and eternal life are freely given by it.  Paul said, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek" (Romans 1:16).  And to the church at Corinth said, "But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." (2 Corinthians 4:3-4).  Jesus commands us to go preach the gospel to every creature, because He's not willing that any should perish but that all would come to repentance.  If they never hears the gospel, you aren't doing your duty.

Sing: Well, I'm gonna take a trip on that good old gospel ship, I'm going far beyond the sky; oh, I'm gonna shout and sing until the heavens ring, when I bid this world good-bye.

2012 November 2 - Morning Manna

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! (Romans 10:13-15)

Today's Morsel: I got this magazine the other day and within it was a page to order some slipper socks. The caption said, "Your feet never had it so good!" And I thought to myself, how do they know what my feet never had, I take care of my feet! How do they know if my feet are having a bad day or a good day! As much as I'm on my feet, they are probably having more bad days than good ones. They are probably saying let's take a break. When I was living in Asia, one of my highlights in going to Taiwan and Thailand was the foot massages. There is nothing like a good foot massage when your feet are tired. Just to have those dogs soaked and rubbed cannot be explained. Paul said, "How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!" Why did he say beautiful are the feet of those that preach the gospel? I haven't seen too many pairs of feet that I would classify as beautiful. LOL In olden times, like in war, runners were used to deliver messages. If the message was favorable, it brought joy and delight and their feet were called beautiful. So when one brings the gospel message of Jesus Christ, even though his feet may be totally filthy from the dusty road they travel, the message being carried by him of salvation and the delivering power of Jesus Christ makes those feet beautiful. You don't have to paint your toe nails to try to make your feet beautiful, just preach the gospel. 

Sing: Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere. Go tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born.