2013 January 31 - Morning Manna

Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. (1 Corinthians 6:9-12)

Today's Morsel: I always like being around my kids' houses when they tell their kids to go take a bath and get ready for bed. It never fails, that one of the children will forget to either wash their hair, neck or face and the parents will say, "I thought I told you to go wash?" And the child will say, "I did." And the parent will say, "Then why are you still dirty? Your face isn't washed?" And the child usually says, " I forgot." I just laugh and say, "Reminds me on someone I know."

Paul said that we should not continue in sin because we have been washed. You see, when you are baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, it is for the remission of sin. In other words, God washes those sins away in His blood in the waters of baptism. But if you continue to do the same old things you did before, you are becoming dirty all over again. And there is no more sacrifice for your sins. Paul told Titus, "For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost" (Titus 3:3-5). He said that God saved us by washing us. The apostle Peter said, "For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 3:17-21). Notice, he said that baptism saves us. And Paul told the church at Ephesus, "Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish" (Ephesians 5:24-27). And to the church at Rome he admonished, "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin" (Romans 6:1-6). The Lord said through the prophet Isaiah, "Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil" (Isaiah 1:16). As Jesus told Peter, "If I wash thee not, you have no part with me" (John 13:8). Has Jesus washed you? That's the only way you can have part with Him.

Sing: Have you been to Jesus for your cleansing power? Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb? Are you fully trusting in His grace this hour? Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

Are you washed, in the blood, In the soul cleansing blood of the Lamb? Are your garments spotless? Are they white as snow? Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

2013 January 30 - Morning Manna

This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established. I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare: Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you. For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you. Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? (2 Corinthians 13:1-5)

Today's Morsel: Probably one of the toughest things for most people to do is to conduct a true and honest assessment of oneself. It's like taking the spiritual gift test, we usually answer based on what we feel at the moment and what may be true. This is why it's easy to point the finger at others and their shortcomings then our own. Every time I counsel with someone and ask for their shortcomings and error in the situation , it is never their complete fault. It always seems to be someone else's fault for their failure or mistakes. They say, My dad was a drunk and so I started drinking at a young age; or Everyone else was doing it and so I just thought it was alright to do it. Why didn't they get in trouble? My dad had sexually explicit magazines around the house and in his vehicle and so I started getting into pornography. My house isn't clean because the kids just throw stuff on the floor and my spouse never clean-ups after themself. My spouse is so lazy. My boss is prejudice. Nobody likes me. My co-workers are always saying things and doing things and there is no way I can work around them. The excuse/justification list is long and plenty. But Paul said that we need to examine ourselves. Because, if we are in the faith and walking according to that faith, he said, "Old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new" (2 Corinthians 5:17). To be in the faith is to walk according to the faith. Our actions, attitude, aspiration all reflect the faith that we believe in. When you are in the faith you are submitted and committed to the things of God. Your affections are on things above. You are about the kingdom of God and not the kingdom of man. You work in unity and harmony with those on your team. You seek to make everything you do better. John said, "He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked" (1 John 2:6). If we are in the faith, shouldn't we be living and walking as Christ did? Should not our lives be filled with truth, love, mercy, grace, compassion, forgiveness, and passion? Should not the fruit of the Spirit be in operation in our lives. James tells us that faith without works is dead (James 2). Therefore, faith without action is just believing. Faith comes by hearing the word of God. But your faith stands in the demonstration and power of Almighty God.

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

2013 January 29 - Morning Manna

"Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O LORD, according unto thy word. Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments. Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word. Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes. The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart. Their heart is as fat as grease; but I delight in thy law. It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes. The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver. (Psalms 119:65-72)

Today's Morsel: When I was a kid, my Mom cooked almost everything with grease. She could make some of the best biscuits by just taking a hand full of lard made from pig's fat, some water, and flour. Her biscuits were some of the best biscuits a person could ever want to eat. In my day, guys and gals would put grease in their hair to make it smooth and make them look cool. I stepped on a nail once and my Mom put a penny with grease on it over the spot to draw out the poison. My cousin was badly burn, and my friend's grandmother cooked some earthworms and took the grease from them and placed it on her burn and today you cannot tell that she had ever been burned. Now we have found out that grease and lard aren't good for us. Now medical officials tell us not to eat grease. Hmmm!

The Psalmist said that the proud had forge lies against him and their heart was as fat as grease. The use of the term "fat as grease" here is not used in a good way. He said they are offensively stupid, they have fed themselves without fear; they are become flesh-brutalized, and given over to vile affections, and have no kind of spiritual relish, delight or appreciation. When people walk after the flesh, they don't have any problem with slandering your name and forging lies against you. They will do anything for personal and selfish gain. It's a scary thing though when so called Christians use this approach. Tthe psalmist said, "But I delight in thy law." I have, through thy goodness, a spiritual feeling and a spiritual appetite. It's really hard for the devil to destroy you when you are walking and living right. Remember, the squeaky wheel always gets the grease.

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

2013 January 28 - Morning Manna

And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 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 3:15-17)

Today's Morsel: If someone were to ask you what the purpose of the Word was, what would you tell them? Many do not understand the importance of the Word. When we understand that the Word was with God and the Word was God, we should understand the importance and value of the Word. The Word is what draws us closer and into an understanding of God. The Word is what brings us out of darkness into the light. Paul told Timothy that 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. He told him that it would make him complete in the things of God. The Psalmist gives us insight as to the value of the Word. He said, "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee" (Psalms 119:11); "Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word" (Psalms 119:17); "Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, even thy salvation, according to thy word. So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word" (Psalms 119:41-42); "This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me" (Psalms 119:50); "How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! "(Psalms 119:103); and , "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path"(Psalms 119:105). When we understand the value of the Word, we too will be able to say, "It is well with my soul."

Sing: As I open my Bible and sat down to read one day, as I flipped through the pages I heard a voice say, 'My son you may grow weary, but I have one thing to say, inside these pages is what man needs today.'

He said, 'Read and obey it and you'll be blessed each day. Read and obey it, because there's no other way, that a man can be happy and have peace to enjoy. My son read these pages, because the Word is the Lord.'

2013 January 26 - Morning Manna

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. .. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. (Galatians 5:16-17; 25-26).

Today's Morsel:  A man once asked me, "How do I walk in the Spirit?"  I said to him, "Do you have the Spirit?"  He said, "Yes!"  I told him, "Well, the Spirit is Christ in you. It's the Holy Ghost operating within you. And so, you have to ask yourself, what would Jesus Christ do."  I told him, James tells us to not just be a hearer of the Word, but we must be a doer of the Word (James 1:22).  Our actions, attitude, and ambition, and aspirations must reflect Christ in all that we say and do.  I told him to notice what John tells us when he said, "He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked"(1 John 2:6).  I told him that if we say that the spirit of God is within us, then we walk as Christ did.  Jesus was full of mercy, grace, compassion, love, forgiveness, long-suffering, peace, goodness, faithfulness, and truth just to name a few things, then we should be, too.  Do you possess these same traits in your life?  If not, then you aren't walking in the Spirit. But if you are, then don't change.   As Paul told the church at Colossi, " For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins" (Colossians 1:9-14).  If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.  Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. 

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

2013 January 25 - Morning Manna

Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law. (Proverbs 4:1-2).

Today's Morsel:  Do you ever notice motorists when they see a cop car.  Whether sitting in the median or cruising along the highway, people react by slowing down or not passing them. Why do we obey the law when they are present and do not obey when they aren't?  Solomon said, "Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law."  Good doctrine.  There is nothing like some really good doctrinal teaching.  Teaching grounds you.  Preaching saves you.  I would rather listen to a good teacher than a good preacher any day.  My second pastor was a teacher, and boy did he put the Word in me.  Thank God for Pastor Darryl Rash.  He used to tell me, Brother Rufus, you have to love the Word more than anything else. Thank God for a man with insight and wisdom.

Paul told the church at Rome, "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them" (Romans 16:17). He told the church at Ephesus, "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine" (Ephesians 4:11-14).  And he told Timothy, "But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 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 3:14-17); and "Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. ..Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. (1 Timothy 4:13;16).  When you know and obey the doctrine of Jesus Christ, you will be unmovable, unshakable and save yourself and everyone else that hears it from you.

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, I know it was the blood saved me.

2013 January 24 - Morning Manna

The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.

(Proverbs 28:1)

Today's Morsel:  Talking with a friend a few days ago, we got to joking about the movie the Wizard of Oz. I  asked him had he ever looked at the characters from a spiritual stand point. And he said no, so I shared my viewpoint with him.  Dorothy is afraid, but she's seeking to find her way home.  She's like so many in the world today. They are trying to get home, but don't seem to know how and so they are looking for someone to show them.  The Scarecrow doesn't have a brain, he can't think for himself.  He is like those who follow the crowd because they can't decide and think for themselves. Then there is the Tin Man.   He doesn't have a heart. He doesn't know how to love nor does he feel loved because he's doesn't have a heart. He represents the bullies and the rejected. He's left alone until Dorothy comes to help him.   And then there is the Cowardly Lion.  Notice, he is suppose to be bold, but he's a coward. He has no fortitude, no fight about him, and no power.  He tried to scare Dorothy and the others, but after she smacks him on the nose, his true identity appears.  He's afraid because he has no bravery or self-worth.  The Cowardly Lion is like those who say that they have the power of the Holy Ghost, but they are afraid to witness.  They are afraid to stand up for right.  They boast in church, but are afraid when they are on the job or at school.  They hide their light and will not stand nor speak before others.  Solomon said that the righteous are as bold as a lion. Every beast in the jungle is afraid of the lion because they know that he is king. The way to test your righteousness is if you are willing to take a stand for who you are and what you believe in.  Once they locate the wizard, they are all given their desire; a heart, and brain, and courage. Isn't that what Jesus said, I will give you a new heart and a new mind?  Didn't He command us to be of good courage?  And the wizard tells Dorothy that the way home is to click her heels and say there's no place like home. In other words, just believe and follow your belief and you'll get there.  You can come home anytime you desire. the church is still there.

Sing:  If I could find my way, back to that old cross, I could find my way back home.

2013 January 23 - Morning Manna

My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. 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 3:1-6)

Today's Morsel: The story is told of a mountain climber who was climbing a mountain during the winter night and he slipped and fell.  As he was falling his safety line caught him.  In sheer pain while dangling in the air, he prayed, "Lord, save me."  It was night and he could not see how far he was from the ground.  He heard a still small voice saying, "Let go of the rope."  But the climber was afraid to let go because he didn't know how far he was from the ground or where he was.  And so he froze to death in the night's frigid weather.  The next day, the newspaper reported that a mountain climber was found dead holding to his rope about three feet off the ground.

Do you have trouble trusting God?  Jesus said, "My sheep know my voice and I Am known of them."  What would it take for you to put your trust in God?  Solomon said that we should trust God at all cost and not lean to our own understanding.  The preacher who prayed with me when I received the Holy Ghost told me about a trip when he went from Sacramento, California, to London, England, to see the queen with one dollar in his pocket. He trusted God and he went. And when he returned he had the same dollar.  God has had me make pledge without the money on hand and then He has provided it time and time 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).  He also said, "Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand. Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright. Save, LORD: let the king hear us when we call" (Psalms 20:6-9).  There is a reward attached to your confidence.

Sing: Trust and obey for there's no other way, to be happy in Jesus, than to trust and obey.

2013 January 22 - Morning Manna

If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross" (Philippians 2:1-8)

Today's Morsel: It seems to be hard to find unselfish people these day.  Most people seem to present a me-first attitude.  I am afraid that the church is beginning to take on to much of the world's ways.  Paul tells us, "For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would" (Galatians 5:14-17).  One of the traits of character that Paul calls for us to develop as Christians is the trait of unselfishness. We must be willing to put others and the things of God before ourselves.  Paul said that even though Jesus was God is flesh, as a human, He humbled Himself and went to Calvary so that we could live.  And because Jesus did that for us, he said we ought to take into consideration the feelings and needs other.

Sing:  Today no condemnation, abides to turn away, my soul from His salvation, He's in my heart to stay.

I see a crimson stream of blood, it flows from Calvary,  its waves which reach the throne of God, are sweeping over me.

2013 January 21 - Morning Manna

Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways. (Proverbs 3:31)

Today's Morsel:   Solomon tells us that we must not envy the prosperity of evil-doers, (Proverbs 3:31).  His caution is the same as his father David gave in Psalms 37.  (Read the entire chapter).  Envy not the oppressor, scripture tells us.  Though he be rich and great, though he live in ease and pleasure, and make all about him to stand in awe of him, yet do not think him a happy man, nor wish thyself in his condition.  We must not choose any of his ways; do not imitate him, nor take the course he takes to be rich.  We must never think of doing as he does.  Scripture tells us not to envy sinners.  We must not desire to sit in the scorner's seat or hurl the cynic band.  And the reason, David said, is, "For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb" (Psalms 37:2). Paul told Timothy, "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses" (1 Timothy 6:6-12).  Don't let your heart be drawn away by the ways of the oppressor, it's not good for the soul.

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.

 You can take this whole world, but give me Jesus! You can take this whole world, but give me Jesus! You can take this whole world, but give me Jesus, no turning back, no turning back.

2013 January 19 - Morning Manna

My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding (Proverbs 2:1-6).

Today's Morsel: Do you ever wish you knew why God does the things that He does?  When there is a tragedy or  unexpected sickness or death, why do people question God's existence or power?   But does questioning God or denouncing God bring anyone closer to the knowledge of God?  "Then Job answered and said, Even to day is my complaint bitter: my stroke is heavier than my groaning. Oh that I knew where I might find him! that I might come even to his seat! I would order my cause before him, and fill my mouth with arguments. I would know the words which he would answer me, and understand what he would say unto me. Will he plead against me with his great power? No; but he would put strength in me" (Job 23:1-6).  Job said, "If I could find God, He would give me the knowledge and understanding that I need and bring strength to me."  The reason many question God is because of a lack of knowledge of God. When we understand that God's ways and thoughts aren't the same as our's (Isaiah 55:8-9), and because He is sovereign, and the Creator of all things, we can understand  what Solomon meant when he said that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge (Proverbs 1:7), and Paul's comments when He said,  "As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated. What shall we say then?  Is there unrighteousness with God?  God forbid.   He said to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.  So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy" (Romans 9:13-16).   If you want to know God, you have to search for God (John 5:39-40), as wisdom calleth. When we gain the knowledge of God, we won't question God.

Sing: 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.

2013 January 18 - Morning Manna

And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so. And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good. And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so. And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good. And the evening and the morning were the third day. (Genesis 1:9-13)

Today's Morsel: I can remember once that my mom had to do a fund raiser in the Methodist church that I grew up in.  For her fund raiser, she chose oranges with lots of seeds in them. The person would take an orange, and for every seed that they found inside the orange, they were to pay a nickel (five cents). Needless to say, she did quite well.  I love fruit.  No matter the kind it is, to me it is all good.  When God created the fruit tree, He said that the seed is in itself after his kind.  Notice, the seed is inside of itself after his kind.  Jesus said that the seed is the Word of God ( Luke 8:11).  And John said, "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth" (John 1:14).  And so, once you are filled with the Spirit of God, which is the Holy Ghost, the seed is within you and you are to reproduce after your kind. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law" (Galatians 5:22-23).  An apple tree isn't going to reproduce an orange.  Jesus said, "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them"  (Matthew 7:15-20).  If you say that you are born again and are a Christian and your life does not show forth the fruit of the Spirit, you are of the wrong tree.

Sing: To be like Jesus! To be like Jesus! On earth I long, to be like Him. All through life's journey, from earth to glory, I only ask, to be like Him.

2013 January 17 - Morning Manna

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.

(Genesis 1:1-5)

Today's Morsel: Do you remember the first day you were baptized and filled with the Holy Ghost? The Lord told the children of Israel that the Passover was to be a day of remembrance for them forever.  They were to never forget that God delivered them from bondage. But sad to say today, so many, like Israel, fail to remember their deliverance day. When we fail to remember the things that God does for us, it's easy to return to our old ways.  If you will notice in scripture today, the first thing that God did on day one was that made light. And then He divided that light from the darkness because the earth was void and full of darkness. When there is an absence of light, everything is dark. Once you are born again, you become a child of the day not of the darkness or night (1 Thessalonians 5:5); which is of the light, because God is light ( 1 John 1:5).  You shouldn't be a part of the world (2 Corinthians 6:14). It's dark. We are in the world, but we are not to be of it, meaning its ways.  And so the day that you are born again, it is your first day out of darkness and you are now to walk in His marvelous light and let it shine forever more.

  

Sing: There's a call come ringing o're the restless waves, "Send the light! Send the light." There are souls to rescue, there are souls to save,  Send the light, Send the light.

Send the light! The blessed gospel light, let it shine from shore to shore! Send the light, and let its radiant beams Light the world forever more.

2013 January 16 - Morning Manna

"And Jacob went out from Beersheba, and went toward Haran. And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep. And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it. And, behold, the LORD stood above it, and said, I am the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed; And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed. And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of. And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew it not"(Genesis 28:10-16).

Today's Morsel:  Often in scriptures, we see men who had dreams. Some of the dreams were a sign of blessings, while others were dreams of destruction.  Some dreams cause the dreamers to fear and quake, while others wanted to share them.  What is it about a dream that God gives them.  Solomon said, "For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool's voice is known by multitude of words." (Ecclesiastes 5:3).  Job, said, "Thou scarest me with dreams, and terrifiest me through visions" (Job 7:14).  King Nebuchadnezzar dreamed dreams, wherewith his spirit was troubled, and his sleep brake from him" (Daniel 2:1).  Often God reveals His power in dreams.  Jacob's dream was a vision of heaven.  He received instructions from God for his life the same as Solomon did when he dreamed.  The Lord told Jacob in his dream, "I am the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed; And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed. And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of."   Jacob, who was fearful at this time, received assurance from God of His divine protect for his life.  God told King Solomon after he prayed in his sleep about the kingdom and sought wisdom from God for how to lead, "Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment; Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days. And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days. And Solomon awoke; and, behold, it was a dream." (1 Kings 3:11-15).  Dreams from God have power and will come to pass if we walk according to His Word and His ways.

Sing:  I dreamed of a city called Glory, So bright and so fair. When I entered the gates I cried, "Holy" The angels all met me there: They carried me from mansion to mansion, and oh the sights I saw, But I said, "I want to see Jesus, The One who died for all."(Chorus)

As I entered the gates of that city, my loved ones all knew me well. They took me down the streets of Heaven; such scenes were too many to tell;  I saw Abraham, Jacob and Isaac talked with Mark, and Timothy, but I said, "I want to see Jesus, cause He's the One who died for me." (Chorus)

Chorus
Then I bowed on my knees and cried, "Holy, Holy, Holy." I clapped my hands and sang, "Glory, Glory to the Son of God."
I bowed on my knees and cried, "Holy, Holy, Holy." Then I clapped my hands and sang, "Glory, Glory to the Son of God."

2013 January 15 - Morning Manna

Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. (Psalms 103:1-5)

Today's Morsel: Everyone seems to be looking for jobs that provide them with benefits. They check to see if the job offers medical benefits. Sickness benefits. Retirement benefits. Vacation benefits and even family health insurance benefits before they interview for the job.  If these aren't offered, many will turn down a job, even if they are without work and no income. When people tell me that they can't find a job, I always tell them that Jesus is hiring and the benefits are out of this world!  David said, "Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's." Who wouldn't want these benefits? I'll take a job that offer these things any day. Talk about a benefit package. No secular job can offer you what Jesus will give. When the Lord asked, " Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Isaiah said,  Here am I; send me" (Isaiah 6:8). Isaiah said, God if you're hiring I'm in.  Working for Jesus is the best gig on the market these days and you don't have to worry about getting fired when you are sick.  And besides that, the retirement benefits are out of this world.  

Sing:  Jesus use me! 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.

2013 January 14 - Morning Manna

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. (Hebrews 13:15-17)

Today's Morsel: Boy, I sure wish that people would learn how to do good and communicate in the church. When people don't do good and when they hit a rough spot in their lives, they don't realize that it makes it hard for people to help them. When they don't communicate and they become overwhelmed before they ask others to pray for them, others will say, why didn't they tell somebody before they got to this point.  The old saying, you aren't an island to yourself is true.  You need others and others need you.  I do believe you should choose carefully who you share things with, but you should have someone you can confide in to be there for you. The writer of Hebrews tells us, that to do good and communicate forget not because with these sacrifices God is well please.  Jesus was a communicator. He talked with His disciples. He told them, "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 15:15). Remember, your pastor watches for your soul. Therefore, you might want to learn to communicate with them. As the writer said, "Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you" (Hebrews 13:17).

Sing: Are you ready should the Savior call today, would Jesus say well done or go away? My home is for the pure, the vile can never stay, we shall see the King when He comes.

2013 January 12 - Morning Mana

Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart. But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm. They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men. Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment. Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish. They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily. They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth. Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them. And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High? Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches. Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency. For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning. If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children. When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me; Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end. (Psalms 73:1-17)

Today's Morsel:  Here is Wisconsin, we get lots of snow and ice in the winter time and if you aren't careful, you can slip and hurt yourself really bad.  There is nothing, I don't think, that hurts as much as when you slip and fall on a hard surface.  The Psalmist said, "My feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped."  All because he became envious at the foolish, when he saw the prosperity of the wicked.   If we aren't careful, and I believe this is why some people backslide.  They see those in this world they think are prospering and doing great. They have status in life and they seem to have it all together. But the writer lets us know that they don't have it as good as it may seem. He said when I see all the things that they do and say against God, and are still prospering, it was too painful for him to understand, until.  He said, until I went into the house of God. When he went into the house of God, he realized that there was something waiting and pending for them. He said that God had set them in slippery places.  In other words, they too are going to soon slip and fall.  And great will be the fall thereof.  I don't know about you, but every time things start to look bad for me, it seems to stays with me, until I go to church. And then I hear the Word of God and I'm renewed.  My feet are soon reestablished and I am unshakable.  So if things are looking a little dreary for you today, when you go to the sanctuary, listen to the Word of God and it will make things better.

Sing: Beyond the open door there's a new and fresh anointing. Hear the Savior calling, you to go.  Walk on through the door for the Lord will go before you, into a great power than you've ever known before.

2013 January 11 - Morning Manna

"And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment. Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls? And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest? Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom"

 (Luke 12:22-32)

Today's Morsel:  What would you say is the number one thing that causes you to fear?  Is it the thought of you dying? Is it that thought of you losing your job or sickness?  What about a loved one?  For the child of God, we shouldn't fear these things.  I often wonder what I would do should these things happen to me, but I have prepared myself not to allow them to cause me to fear.  I have prepared myself by hiding God's Word in my heart.  As His child, I have learned that His ways aren't my ways, but I have a calm assurance that He'll never leave me nor forsake me.  I have a more sure word of prophecy that He'll walk with me and hold my hand when it's more than I can handle on my own.  I come to love the book of Job because if God be for us, who can be against us?  The Bible has proven to me too many times that it is true for me not to believe it now.  If I had never received the Holy Ghost speaking in another tongue the same as the apostles did on the Day of Pentecost, I might be shaken.  But not now.  Friend, if God has ever done anything for you, He'll do it again.  So don't fret.

Sing: He'll do it again. He'll do it again. Just take a look at where you are now and where you have been.  He's always come through for you, He's the same now as then.  You may not know how, you may not know when, but He'll do it again.

2013 January 10 - Morning Manna

In your patience possess ye your souls. (Luke 21:19)

Today's Morsel:  Do you have good patience, little patience, or no patience at all? I've heard people say, "That child, or he/she is going to make me lose my patience."  If they make them lose it, then they are taking a strong chance of losing their soul.  And who is going to help them find it?  Because patience is one of those virtues that is required to enter heaven and bring about the knowledge of Jesus Christ ( 2Peter 1:5-11).  I used to hear people say, don't pray for patience.  Yeah, I know that scripture tells us that tribulations worketh patience (Romans 5:3-4), but patience also worketh experience.  So what other way is there to gain experience than the school of hard knocks.  If some good old tribulations will cause us to gain some godly experience, why not go for it.  See what you are made of.  Maybe if we had more tribulations we'd learn to be more patient with ourselves as well as with others.  Jesus said, In your patience possess ye your souls.  I believe that once we learn how to endure hardness as a good soldier for Christ, we'll learn how to wait for the things that we have need of and we won't lose our patience.  Believe me, eternity in hell is a long time for a lack of self-discipline.

Sing:  Learning to lean! I'm learning to lean! I'm learning to lean on Jesus. Finding more power, than I'd ever dream, I'm learning to lean, on Jesus.

2013 January 9 - Morning Manna

My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste: (Proverbs 24:13)

Today's Morsel:  While returning from Africa a few years ago, I was reading the airplane's magazine and I happened to stumble across an article that spoke to how good honey and cinnamon powder was for you.  And so for the past year or so, each night before bed I take a teaspoon of honey covered with cinnamon powder and I sleep like and baby (however that is) and I wake up feeling good and relaxed.  And a few weeks ago, my daughter sent an article to me that says taking honey and cinnamon in warm water before bed helps reduce weight while you sleep.  Isn't it amazing that the Bible always has the answer for life's needs. It was the honeycomb that Samson took from the carcass of the lion.  Scripture says after Jonathan and his armor bearer defeated the Philistines.  "So the LORD saved Israel that day: and the battle passed over unto Bethaven. And the men of Israel were distressed that day: for Saul had adjured the people, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food until evening, that I may be avenged on mine enemies. So none of the people tasted any food. And all they of the land came to a wood; and there was honey upon the ground. And when the people were come into the wood, behold, the honey dropped; but no man put his hand to his mouth: for the people feared the oath. But Jonathan heard not when his father charged the people with the oath: wherefore he put forth the end of the rod that was in his hand, and dipped it in an honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes were enlightened. Then answered one of the people, and said, Thy father straitly charged the people with an oath, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food this day. And the people were faint. Then said Jonathan, My father hath troubled the land: see, I pray you, how mine eyes have been enlightened, because I tasted a little of this honey" (1 Samuel 14:23-29). He was enlightened because of a little taste of honey.  Solomon said that we should eat honey because it is good, and the honeycomb, which is sweet to the taste. His father David tells us, The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward" (Psalms 19:7-11).  When we become doers of the Word and not just hearers only, it is sweet to the taste and health to the bones.

Sing:  Oh my brother, do you know the Savior, who is wondrous, kind and true? He's the Rock of your salvation, there is honey in the Rock for you.

Oh, honey in the Rock (oh, honey in the Rock), Sweet honey in the Rock (sweet honey in the Rock),  Oh it tastes just like honey in the Rock.  Oh taste and see if the Lord is good, Oh it tastes just like honey in the Rock.

2013 January 8 - Morning Manna

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. (John 13:34-35)

Today's Morsel: How much would you say that Jesus loves you?  Calvary was more about love than about pain and suffering. It was about passion and compassion.  The book of Hosea is all about how much God loves the church.  As I read the book of Hosea, it is a book of perfect love.  Hosea is a book that shows that love isn't predicated on how others treat us even when they are part of us.  It shows us that God's love runs deep.  Hosea shows us that most people will marry based on looks rather than character.  Often, I ask myself, "Do I really love the way I say that I do? Do my actions really display God's love to others?"   A person's faith is often driven by their love for God.  Jesus told His disciples "a new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another, as I have loved you."   So my question to you today is this, do you love others, no matter their race, creed, or color?  Do you love the way that Jesus has loved you?  If not, we may not be His disciples.

Sing: Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so, little one to Him belong, they are weak but He is strong.

Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me, for the Bible tells me so.

2013 January 7 - Morning Manna

For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (Philippians 1:19-21)

Today's Morsel: How long has it been since you've considered eternity? Would you say that you are ready for eternity or afraid of eternity?  I've noticed that many people talk about heaven, but no one seems to want to go.  And many of them sit around and complain about how bad they feel.  Paul said that living in this life is going to be all about Christ, and if he dies it is going to be gain.  He told Timothy, "Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself. Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:10-15).  Life is all about choices.  What I've found is that the more I do for Christ in this life, the happier and more content I am, and the more I find myself wanting to go to be with Christ.  Do you think Moses' walk up Mount Nebo was a sad one, knowing that he would not come down again, or was it with joy?  I believe that Moses went up with joy because he knew that to be present with the Lord was now gain.  "So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do" Jesus said (Luke 17:10).  If we've done our duty well, we'll be just fine.

Sing: I'm going to a city, there be no more night. I'm going to a city, where Jesus is light. The trumpet's gonna sound and I'll be called away, I'm going to city some day.

2013 January 5 - Morning Manna

And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

(Luke 18:1-8)

Today's Morsel: I have seen a sad trend with some, that the longer they are in the church, the more shallow their faith becomes. Shouldn't it be that the longer one is in the church the stronger their faith is. One would think that the longer one knows one, that one would know a lot more about the other. If we are sons of God, shouldn't we know Our Father and what He is capable of doing? Shouldn't our faith in Our Father be of such a level that there is no doubt in our minds of His capabilities? When the writer of Hebrews admonished us, "But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak" (Hebrews 6:9), he was saying, your faith should never drop below par. He was saying there are just some things that came with your salvation that you should know and have developed in you now. He said that your faith should be the same or even higher than when you first came to know God. Jesus said men ought always to pray, and not to faith. He spoke of the woman who wanted her adversary gone and spoke to her persistency in the one who could do something about it. And then He said, when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? In other words, am I going to find the same persistency of faith you had in Me when you began. Jesus gave us the key to achieving this kind of faith and maintaining it when He said that men ought always to pray. All prayer is is a putting forth of your faith. If we pray, "Lord, Thy will be done" in all our prayers we won't be discouraged if what we want doesn't happen. Because we prayed that His will be done not ours. Someone said, "If you're going to worry, don't pray. But if you are going to pray, then don't worry."

Sing: Trials dark on every hand and we cannot understand all the ways that God will lead us to that blessed promised 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 come, and all the saints of God are gathering home, we will tell the story how we over come and we'll understand it better by and by.

2013 January 4 - Morning Manna

And again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house. And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them. And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four. And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay. When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee. But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only? And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts? Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house. And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion. (Mark 2:1-12)

Today's Morsel: The life of Jesus is so amazing. All the miracles that he did while he was on the earth touched the faith of so many. There have been many reports of deaf ears opening, blinded eyes receiving sight, and the lame walk again. Jesus told us that these things would happen. I preached a message a few weeks ago entitled, "When God Turns You Down" using Paul's text from 2 Corinthians 12:7-9). God may deny you in the flesh, but He will not deny you in the spirit. Paul wrote, "For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal" (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). I believe the reason some don't see the miracles that Jesus is doing is because they are looking from a fleshly standpoint and not a spiritual one. When one receives an understanding and the truth and deity of Jesus Christ, when they didn't understand it before, that is a miracle. Because now their eyes are open to truth. The men who brought the lame man to Jesus exercised their faith. And when Jesus saw their faith, He healed the man. So we can see that our faith in believing that God will heal is just as important as the one needing the healing. "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him" (Hebrews 11:6).

Sing: He touched me! oh, He touched me, and oh the joy that floods my soul. Something happen, and now I know, Jesus touched me and made me whole.

2013 January 3 - Morning Manna

Hear the word of the LORD, ye children of Israel: for the LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land. (Hosea 4:1)

Today's Morsel: What has happened to the land? People are starting to wonder what is going on. Why so much violence? Why so much killing? Why are so many people on medication? Why are so many people depressed and stressed? Hosea called for the children of Israel to hear the words of the Lord. He told them that God had a controversy with them because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land. Jeremiah said," Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD"(Jeremiah 9:23-24). God wants people to know Him in the land. But if we take away the rights of the people whom God has chosen to make him known in the land, then the inhabitants are going to suffer in that land. The Lord also said through the prophet Jeremiah, "And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding" (Jeremiah 3:15). Paul told the church you don't muzzle the ox that treads out the corn (1 Corinthians 9:9-10; 1 Timothy 5:18). In other words, don't stop the one from eating who's trying to feed you (my wordings). Satan is no fool. He wants to silence the church so there is no truth in the land. Isaiah prophesied, "And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter" (Isaiah 59:14). Jesus told us that he was the way, the truth, and the life. And anytime there is an avoidance of this knowledge in the land, evil reins. But the truth shall make you free (John 8:32). When you have the truth of God, the mercies of God will follow you all the days of your life, and the knowledge of God will keep you and give you wisdom and understanding within the land. "Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people"Solomon said, (Proverbs 14:34).

Sing: He was there all the time! He was there all the time! Waiting patiently in line, He was there all the time.