2013 February 28 - Morning Manna

Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit. Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins. (James 5:13-20)

Today's Morsel: How often do you change up your prayer? Do you ever stop praying for the same people and pray for others that may be in another country? Do you ever pray for the saints in the jungles and hamlets in foreign countries? Reading James' letter to the church, it often hit some good points. Granted, there is much power in prayer, but noticed what James says here. Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Hummm! So how much praying are you doing for yourself. Aren't we told, "And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me" (Psalms 50:15). I know that we are called to be intercessors for others, but how much do you really pray for yourself. You know, I pray for myself, but only after I have finished praying for everyone else and all the other needs. When I do, I usually find myself like Solomon, just asking God for wisdom to deal with my situations, circumstances as well as with others. I figure that God already knows what I'm going through, and so I just tell Him once what I want and need and the rest of the time I just keep thanking Him and praising Him for doing it for me. And even if He doesn't answer me the way I want, it's still was worth me telling Him.

Sing: Hear my cry O Lord attend unto my prayer. From the ends of the earth will I cry unto Thee. And when my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to that Rock, that is higher than I, so much higher than I.

2013 February 27 - Morning Manna

With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes. With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth. I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches. I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word. (Psalms 119:10-16)

Today's Morsel: You know, I think all of us have those idiosyncrasies and things within us that we don't want others to know about us. Many people say I don't want people to know about my past, they may look at me in a different way. Why not allow them to see and hear where God has brought you from? Scripture says, "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death" Revelation 12:11). Remember, you are a new creature. That old life is under the blood. Paul wasn't ashamed to share his past. He said, "And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief"(1 Timothy 1:12-15). Paul said that Jesus came to save sinners and he was the chief. Me, too! Moses told the children of Israel, if you don't do what you said you were going to do, be sure your sin will find you out. It will be revealed. So if we put it out there, the devil can't use it against you. If we hide the Word in our heart, It keeps us clean.

Sing: Thank God, for the blood. Thank God, for the blood. Thank God, for the blood, that washes white as snow.

2013 February 26 - Morning Manna

And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. (Genesis 2:15-17)

Today's Morsel: I can remember as a kid there was a nest of wasps in a tree and I kept throwing things at it. My mom said, "Boy, leave those wasps alone or they are going to sting you." Did I heed her advice? Not until one of them stung me. Why do we have to learn lessons the hard way? Why can't we just obey when we are told that things aren't good for us? The Lord told Adam, and all indications is that Adam told Eve, to not eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil in the midst of the garden because they would die. Did they listen? Not until they had disobeyed and realized that they were naked. It is the same today. So many read the Word of God, disobey it, and then expect God to bless them. Then to top it off, they want you to pray for them. As the Lord told Samuel, "You might as well stopping praying and interceding for Saul, because I've already rejected him." (1 Samuel 16:1) (My wording) Solomon said, "Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning" (Proverbs 9:9). The wise in heart shall be called prudent and a good man is satisfied from himself.

Sing: Jesus! Jesus! You know what's best for me, so lead on, Jesus, I'll go wherever you lead.

2013 February 25 - Morning Manna

Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. (Isaiah 55:1-3)

Today's Morsel: In the 60's, the Beatles made a song entitlee, "Can't Buy Me Love." Some of the lyrics said: "I'll buy you a diamond ring my friend, if it makes you feel all right. I'll get you anything my friend, if it makes you feel all right. Cause I don't care too much for money, for money can't buy me love. I'll give you all I've got to give, if you say you love me too. I may not have a lot to give, but what I've got I'll give to you. For I don't care too much for money, for money can't buy me love."

The Beatles realized that money can't buy love. Sad to say, too many have yet to figure that out. Every day people are buying their children gadgets; cars, phones, computers and clothes; trying to get them to love them. But money can't buy you love. Peter told Simon, "Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money" (Acts 8:20). Money can't but you love, because God is love (1 John 4:8). "Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not?" Jesus is the bread of life (John 6:35), and He's the only one that can satisfy your soul. So unless you are going to give others Jesus, you are wasting your money.

Sing: The love of God is more to me than all this world could ever be; It reaches down from the throne of glory, and sets the vilest sinner free.

2013 February 23 - Morning Manna

I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications. Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live. (Psalms 116:1-2)

Today's Morsel: If you were asked to explain why you love the Lord, could you? What is it about Jesus that makes you love Him so? The psalmist said, "I loved the Lord because he hath heard my voice and my supplications. Because he hath inclined his ear unto me." Is this why you love the Lord, because He hears and answer your prayers? What if He didn't answer, would you still love Him? Moses told the children of Israel: "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates. And it shall be, when the LORD thy God shall have brought thee into the land which he sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give thee great and goodlycities, which thou buildedst not, And houses full of all good things, which thou filledst not, and wells digged, which thou diggedst not, vineyards and olive trees, which thou plantedst not; when thou shalt have eaten and be full; Then beware lest thou forget the LORD, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage" (Deuteronomy 6:4-12).

He also told them that God chose them because He loved them. "For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth. The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people: But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations" (Deuteronomy 7:6-9). Beloved if God so loved us, shouldn't we love Him back?

Sing: I love Him! I love Him! Because He first loved me. He purchased my salvation, on Calvary.

2013 February 22 - Morning Manna

And Joseph nourished his father, and his brethren, and all his father's household, with bread, according to their families. And there was no bread in all the land; for the famine was very sore, so that the land of Egypt and all the land of Canaan fainted by reason of the famine. And Joseph gathered up all the money that was found in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, for the corn which they bought: and Joseph brought the money into Pharaoh's house. And when money failed in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, all the Egyptians came unto Joseph, and said, Give us bread: for why should we die in thy presence? for the money faileth. And Joseph said, Give your cattle; and I will give you for your cattle, if money fail. And they brought their cattle unto Joseph: and Joseph gave them bread in exchange for horses, and for the flocks, and for the cattle of the herds, and for the asses: and he fed them with bread for all their cattle for that year. (Genesis 47:12-17)

Today's Morsel: I keep hearing people talking about how bad the economy is. As Christians, our hope is not in this economy but in God's economy. 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). While there was famine in the land of Egypt, the children of Israel, which represents the church, had plenty of food to eat. Even when those in Egypt, which represents the world, money was no good, God's people were still provided for. This teaches us to not put our trust in man, but God. There are too many promises from God that He will not leave us nor forsake us. He even tells us to open our mouth and He will fill it. So keep your trust in the Lord no matter how bad things look around you. If God used a raven to feed Elijah, and the woman with only a hand full of meal did not run out, and He used two fish and five loaves to feed the multitude, God's won't forsake you either. God can still provide a table in the wilderness.

Sing: Jesus has a table spread where the saints of God are fed, He invites His chosen people, "Come and dine." With His manna He doth feed us, He'll supply our every need, tis so sweet to sup with Jesus all the time!

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."

2013 February 21 - Morning Manna

And Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to the field unto his flock, And said unto them, I see your father's countenance, that it is not toward me as before; but the God of my father hath been with me. And ye know that with all my power I have served your father. And your father hath deceived me, and changed my wages ten times; but God suffered him not to hurt me. If he said thus, The speckled shall be thy wages; then all the cattle bare speckled: and if he said thus, The ringstraked shall be thy hire; then bare all the cattle ringstraked. Thus God hath taken away the cattle of your father, and given them to me. And it came to pass at the time that the cattle conceived, that I lifted up mine eyes, and saw in a dream, and, behold, the rams which leaped upon the cattle were ringstraked, speckled, and grisled. And the angel of God spake unto me in a dream, saying, Jacob: And I said, Here am I. And he said, Lift up now thine eyes, and see, all the rams which leap upon the cattle are ringstraked, speckled, and grisled: for I have seen all that Laban doeth unto thee. I am the God of Bethel, where thou anointedst the pillar, and where thou vowedst a vow unto me: now arise, get thee out from this land, and return unto the land of thy kindred. And Rachel and Leah answered and said unto him, Is there yet any portion or inheritance for us in our father's house? (Genesis 31:4-14)

Today's Morsel: I have heard of many families who become divided when they are left out of the family will or heritage. It can become a family feud. There are many hurts and disappointments in families over material possessions. When God told Jacob to return to his home land, Jacob called his wives, Rachel and Leah, to tell them what had transpired between him and their father. He told them how his wages had been changed ten times. How he kept taking things that God was providing him, and that now God had told him to return to the land of his fathers. And Rachel and Leah said, "Is there yet any portion or inheritance for us in our father's house?" In other words, is there anything left for us? Jesus said, "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" (John 14:1-3). There may not be anything for you in your father's house here upon this earth, but if you keep your relationship with Jesus intact here on earth, then in your Father's house in heaven, there will be everything you've ever desired. Besides, you can't carry this material stuff there anyhow.

Sing: In this house, there is joy, in this house, there's salvation for your soul. In this house your life can be made whole, everything you need is in this house.

2013 February 20 - Morning Manna

Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people. Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the LORD thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee. Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
(Isaiah 55:1-8)

Today's Morsel: I once had a guy ask me, "What do you think the Lord feels about me doing what I am doing?" I told him, "I have no idea, because God's thoughts and ways are not as ours are." I told him, "Why don't you ask God what He thinks about it." Some people think that just because you are a pastor or minister of the Gospel, you are suppose to have all the answers, but we don't. Not me at least. Maybe some others do. I guess if I knew all that God knew, I would be God. But thank God I'm not, because there would be a whole lot of people zapped (lol). However, God does tell us to seek Him early. In other words, before you have to make major decisions, we should go to God and seek His wisdom and counsel in these areas. We should have a relationship with God, so that anything we are facing, when we are facing insurmountable situations and circumstances and we do have to make decisions, we will have peace about it. One thing I have learned, if we do not have peace about it, we can usually rest assured that we aren't in His will.

Sing: Peace! Peace! Wonderful peace, coming down from the Father above. Sweep over my spirit forever I pray, in fathomless billows of love.

2013 February 19 - Morning Manna

A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth. (Proverbs 14:6)

Today's Morsel: Parents who spend time with their children at the earliest ages, teaching them to obey and giving them instructions for life, usually see their children do well in school and go on to become productive citizens within and throughout society. But those that don't often times find themselves visiting their children in jails and prisons. Solomon said that knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth. Children who are taught instructions at an early age, just seem to grasp things faster. They seem to pick-up on what is required of them easier and they go through life without as many problems; they seem more able to work things out for themselves. They become somewhat like Thomas Edison, when asked about the 10,000 times the light bulb that he was trying to produce didn't work, Edison said, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." When one has knowledge, he will see his problem not as a failure, but as a challenge and will be able to work through it without quitting.

Sing: I know the Lord will make a way for me. I know the Lord will make a way for me. If I live a holy life, shun the wrong and do the right, I know the Lord will make a way for me.

2013 February 18 - Morning Manna

This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalms 118:24)

Today's Morsel: I'm sure most of you have heard people use the idiom, "Great Day!" when they have told someone to do something and the person just can't seem to get it right. Every time I hear someone use it, I always smile and say, "Yes it is." Because this is the day which the Lord hath made. Every day was made by the Lord. Jesus said, "Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am" (John 13:13). Paul said, "Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost" (1 Corinthians 12:3). And Thomas said of Him, " My Lord and my God" (John 20:28). Having this understanding of Jesus, we can understand what Paul meant when he said, "Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist" (Colossians 1:15-17). And now you know who makes each day, so rejoice and be glad in it.

Sing: This is the day! This is the day! That the Lord has made, that the Lord has made; I will rejoice, I will rejoice and be glad in it, and be glad in it.

This is the day, that that Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it, this is the day, this is the day, that the Lord has made.

2013 February 16 - Morning Manna

The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?
(Psalms 118:6).

Today's Morsel: When we were kids and would go out to play ball, we always wanted to select the biggest and hopefully best guys to be on our team. No matter how many guys were there, if we knew that someone was good, we always selected that person to be on our side first in order to better our chances of winning. We never took into consideration that he might get hurt and not be able to perform. But because we knew what they were capable of doing, we chose them. The psalmist said that the Lord is on my side. Shouldn't it be the other way around? Shouldn't I be on His side? Doesn't scripture tell us that He's the captain of the hosts? The psalmist is speaking of divine protection here. In other words, God is standing by him so that there will be no hurt. And the same is true with you. If you are His child, you are protected by Him, too. So fret not little flock, God has you protected. I'm glad He chose me to be on His side.

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

2013 February 15 - Morning Manna

O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever. Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever. Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever. Let them now that fear the LORD say, that his mercy endureth for ever. (Psalms 118:1-4)

Today's Morsel: Isn't it amazing that the writers of the Bible tries to get us to see just how faithful God is to us and some still miss it. I mean, people read the Bible through year after year and still fail to grasp the faithfulness of God. If something is forever, doesn't it mean forever? Doesn't it mean always? Doesn't it mean without ceasing? So why can't people grasp this concept? The Psalmist said that God's mercy endureth for ever. With that said, we should be able to understand Psalms 23, the most quoted passage of scripture at funerals, when David said, "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever"(Psalms 23:6). If goodness and mercy are going to follow me until I die, that means forever through my entire life time. I can understand what Jeremiah meant when he said, "It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness" (Lamentations 3:22-23). WOW! I guess that's why Psalms 136 is one of my favorite Psalms. Twenty-six times the psalmist tells us that the Lord's mercy endureth forever. If I told you something twenty-six times, I think you would believe me. I would think you would know I was sincere and truthful.

Sing: Years I spent in vanity and pride, caring not my Lord was crucified, knowing it not it was for me He died, at Calvary.

Mercy there was great, and grace was free; pardon there was multiplied to me; there my burdened soul found liberty, at Calvary.

2013 February 14 - Morning Manna

“Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets”(Matthew 22:36-40).

Today's Morsel: We know that God is love ( 1John 4:8). But what is love? Love is to feel a tender affection for somebody such as a close relative or friend; to show kindness and charity to somebody. Love is an attribute that comes from the Spirit of God (Galatians 5:22). But today, some will receive cards or hear people say, "Happy Valentine's Day," and still be hurt. Many will purchase flowers for their loved ones, and even take them out to dinner to show their love towards them; but then there will be those who will feel a sense of loneliness and hurt because they won't feel loved or they will feel that no one seems to care. Many will become hardened because they won't want to have anyone enter their hearts again for fear of it being broken. But what about Jesus? He had His heart broken and all He was doing was trying to show others His love. If we will focus on how much Jesus truly loves us, we won't focus on how much others may hurt or have hurt us. I know it's tough, but Jesus came to heal the broken-hearted. The writer of Hebrew tells us, "Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares" (Hebrews 13:1-2). You see, God understands our hurts and sorrows, and so He comes to comfort us where we are. Paul said we should let our love be without dissimulation. We must not disguise or hide our true feelings, thoughts, or intentions towards others. True love is open and steadfast. So today, let's let our lives be controlled by the laws of love. Love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and our neighbors as ourselves. Because on these two commandments hang all the laws and the prophet. When is the last time you've viewed Calvary?

Sing: In letters of crimson God wrote His love, on a hillside so long, long ago. For you and for me Jesus suffered and died, and love’s greatest story was told.

CHORUS
I love you, I love you , that’s what Calvary said. I love you, I love you, I love you, written in red.

2013 February 13 - Morning Manna

And Moses spake so unto the children of Israel: but they hearkened not unto Moses for anguish of spirit, and for cruel bondage. (Exodus 6:9)

Today's Morsel: I have come to realize that trying to give someone advice when they are oppressed is like pulling hen's teeth. They aren't going to listen or heed your advice. They may seem like they are listening, but they aren't. They are so low within themselves, that nothing you say is getting in. Their heart is hardened, so to get through to them is going to take some time on your part. You will need to water the ground in order to soften the fallow ground. When God was sending Moses and Aaron to deliver the children of Israel from bondage in Egypt, Moses had told the Lord that the people weren't going to listen to him. Moses knew that the people had been under bondage for such a long time and that their oppression would make it hard for them to listen. I'm sure some of you have tried to give advice to others because you knew what would help them, but they chose to remain in bondage to drugs, alcohol, abuse, or the situation they were in, rather than heed the advice given. When Moses told the people that God was going to deliver them, scripture says, "But they hearkened not unto Moses for anguish of spirit, and for cruel bondage." Because of all the pain and suffering and torment they had endured, they wouldn't listen. If you have been trying to get someone out of bondage, don't give up. Allow God to keep working through you, and hopefully they will come out.

Sing: Once like a bird in prison I dwelt, no freedom from my sorrow I felt, but Jesus came and listened to me, and glory to God He set me free.

He set me free, yes, He set me free, He broke the bars of prison for me, I'm glory bound my Jesus to see, glory to God, He set me free.

2013 February 12 - Morning Manna

The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit. (Proverbs 12:12)

Today's Morsel: When I first went to Japan in 1993, I was told that the produce was very expensive and that most Americans ate canned applesauce because they could not afford the apples. Granted, produce in Japan is very expensive but I figured if I was getting a cost of living adjustment then I could eat fruit. And I did whenever I wanted to. Even if it did sometimes cost me $3.00 for an apple or $1.00 for a banana. Solomon said that the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit. His father David said, "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper" (Psalms 1:1-3). Jeremiah said, "Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit" (Jeremiah 17:7-8). Remember we are not the root nor the vine, we are the branches. Jesus is the root and the vine: "And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD... And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious" (Isaiah 11:1-2;10). "I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing" (John 15:1-5). The greatest thing about bearing fruit is that you never get too old to do it. "The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing; To shew that the LORD is upright: he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him" (Psalms 92:12-15). And once we become the righteousness of God, (1 John 3:7) we should be bearing fruit as well.

Sing: Bringing in the sheaves, bringing in the sheaves, we shall come rejoicing bringing in the sheaves (2x).

2013 February 11 - Morning Manna

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore. (Psalms 121:1-8)

Today's Morsel:I've noticed that now you can buy either jelly or preserves. I asked a guy once what the difference was. He said that he didn't know but that he thought the preserves lasted longer. The Psalmist said, "The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore." To preserve something is to keep something protected from anything that would cause its current quality or condition to change or deteriorate or cause it to fall out of use. Having this understanding, we can see that not only is God our shield and buckler, but also our protector. Therefore, as long as we remain by Him, we will be just fine.

Sing: If it had not been for the Lord on our side, tell me where would we be, where would we be.

2013 February 9 - Morning Manna

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. (1 John 1:1-4)

Today's Morsel: I have noticed that almost every city's  T.V. program has what they call, "Eyewitness News."  Someone say that they saw exactly what happened and it is reported.  John said that they (the apostles) were eyewitnesses, that they had seen God.  He said, "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)."  I would have love to have been there when Jesus revealed himself to His apostles.  I can only imagine what went through their minds as Jesus walked through the wall and told Thomas to put his hand in His side and his finger in the nail prints in His hand.  Flabbergasted expressions, I am sure went across each of their faces in the room that day.  And when they saw Him walking on the water, opening blinded eyes, unstopping deaf ears, I'm sure they were shocked.  But through it all, 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 bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him" (John 1:14-18).  John wrote that no man had seen God at anytime.  He was speaking of times before.  But then he said, Jesus had declared Him.  In other words,  Jesus had reveal Himself to them.  Jesus had told them and had given them understanding. "Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour. I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, that I am God" (Isaiah 43:10-12).  Are you a witness of His deity?

 Sing:  Everybody ought to know! Everybody ought to know! Everybody ought to know! Who Jesus is. (2x)

He's the Lily of the Valley.  He's the Bright and Morning Star.  He's the Fairest of Ten Thousand. Everybody ought to know.

2013 February 8 - Morning Manna

Lo, mine eye hath seen all this, mine ear hath heard and understood it. What ye know, the same do I know also: I am not inferior unto you. Surely I would speak to the Almighty, and I desire to reason with God. But ye are forgers of lies, ye are all physicians of no value.
(Job 13:1-4)

Today's Morsel:  I wonder when was it that doctors stopped making house calls? You know doctors, policemen, firemen, teachers, and minister used to be looked at as caring and loving professions.  But somewhere in our world, many (thankfully not all) have gone astray.  They have allowed the enemy of their soul to bewitch them.  With the new medical care system, I wonder how much time doctors spend with each patient?  Right now they are allowed about 20 minutes, but I think it will become much shorter.  Job told his friends that they were all physicians of no value.  In other words, they were useless.  I'm starting to think that about our health care system.  Nobody seems to have the answers.  And it's hard for me to believe that everybody has the same illness.  Is there no balm in Gilead?  Is there no cure in the land.  What has happened to the church?  Didn't Isaiah say that by the stripes of Jesus we are healed.  Didn't Jesus say that we shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover.  Why isn't there any balm in Gilead?   I think it's because men put their trust in man instead of God.  I believe often times they've sought God after man can't give an answer.  God won't be second.  "Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much, James said"(James 5:13-16). "Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it" (Isaiah 55:6-11).  Jesus still heals.  It's just a matter of trusting His sovereign will and enduring until the end.  Allow Jesus to work on your behalf.  He'll work if you let Him.

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

2013 February 7 - Morning Manna

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 5:1-21)

Today's Morsel:  Paul here doesn't focus on Eve as the sinner, but he focuses on Adam as the reason that sin entered the world.  Why didn't he say by one woman's sin? Eve was the first to be deceived by the devil. But his focus is on Adam, because Adam was responsible for what took place in the garden. God didn't give Eve the instructions, He gave them to Adam. God told Adam that he was to tend the garden. Adam was given dominion over everything in the garden.  I'm sure Adam had to know what the fruit on the tree of the knowledge of good and evil looked like as it was in the midst of the garden.  You can't work a garden and not know what the fruit is and what it looks like.  Didn't Jesus tell us that we would even know false prophets by their fruit.  When you can't discern good from evil, Houston, we've got a problem.  So instead of scolding Eve for taking the fruit, Adam partook of it with her. This is how sin enter homes.  Many know what is right, but they chose to disobey.  They say, let's just try it and see.  Sin always looks good until we try it and then we realize just how naked we really are.

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 February 6 - Morning Manna

In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke. Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts. Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged. (Isaiah 6:1-7)

Today's Morsel:  Someone asked the question, "What was Isaiah's horse's name?"  It was Is Me!  For Isaiah said, "Woe, is me!" (Humor).  Okay, you can stop laughing now.  When Isaiah saw the Lord, he realized that he was not ready to met the Lord. He realized that he had been taken by total surprise.  He said that he was a man of unclean lips.  Maybe  his words were unpure.  Maybe he had become a consistent liar.  Maybe he was saying one thing and doing another.  And to top it off, he said everyone around him was the same way.  But notice, "Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged."  His words and speech were cleansed by the coal from the altar.  If you are going to have new speech, it begins at the altar.  The Lord said, "They shall speak with new tongues."  I know that that means being filled with the Holy Ghost, but the Holy Ghost also brings a new language or new speech.  Your talk changes.  Profanity departs and praise enter.  It's amazing to me the number of people who say that they are saved, but still take the name of the Lord in vain.  When Isaiah was touched, he was clean and now he wanted to use his words to be a spokesman for the Lord.  If you have really been touched by the coals from the altar of God, your words won't be the same.  They will be pure, they won't profane God and they won't be hurtful to others.  

Sing: I pray for you, You pray for me. I love you, I need you to survive. I won't harm you with words from my mouth. I love you, I need you to survive.

2013 February 5 - Morning Manna

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

Today's Morsel:  How often do you have sinners into your home for a visit?  Someone said told me, "Every day, because I am one!" (humor)  Jesus was a friend to sinners because He knew that that was the mission.  He told the religious leaders the sick are the ones that need the physician not the whole (my wording).  But what we find in the church is that saints only want to minister to saints.  And that is all good, but the gospel is for the sinner.  If you have obeyed the gospel, then the gospel is no longer for you.  You must now live your life according to the epistles, as these are the letters to the church telling you how to live, and the gospel will be evident in your life.  It seems that lots of folks want to tell what Jesus did, but few want  to follow His example.  Jesus said, "For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost."  He went to Zacchaeus' home to show us not to be afraid to visit with sinners.  His mission was restoration and reconciliation.  Well today, I think I will go and see how many sinners I can have lunch with.  Do I have any takers?  Remember, we are all sinners saved by grace.

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

2013 February 4 - Morning Manna

Praise ye the LORD. Praise, O ye servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD. Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and for evermore. From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD'S name is to be praised. (Psalms 113:1-3)

Today's Morsel: Many people will have made New Year's resolutions and now one month into the new year they will have broken them. They just don't seem to have the stick-to-it-ness that is needed to be steadfast and unmovable. But when it comes to praise, this should be a resolution that all of God's children should never break.  The writer of Hebrews admonishes, "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" (Hebrews 13:15).  When we have an attitude of gratitude towards God, we will keep the praises flowing.  And the Lord said, "Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God" (Psalms 50:23).   "Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!" (Psalms 107:8).   I'm sure there is something you can find to give God thanks for daily, even if it's just being alive and able to read this Manna.

Sing:  I'm gonna praise the Lord anyway that I can. I'm gonna praise the Lord anyway that I can. I'm gonna praise Him in the morning, praise Him all day long. I'm gonna praise the Lord anyway that I can.

2013 February 2 - Morning Manna

And when Rachel saw that she bare Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister; and said unto Jacob, Give me children, or else I die. (Genesis 30:1)

Today's Morsel: A curious story on this subject of envy has been formed by the moderns into a fable. There were two persons, one covetous and the other envious, to whom a certain person promised to grant whatever they should ask; but double to him who should ask last. The covetous man would not ask first, because he wished to get the double portion, and the envious man would not make the first request because he could not bear the thoughts of thus benefiting his neighbor. However, at last he requested that one of his eyes should be taken out, in order that his neighbor might lose both.

There have been so many people hurt by envy. Envy is that resentful or unhappy feeling of wanting somebody else's success, good fortune, qualities, or possessions. Solomon said, "Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?" (Proverbs 27:4). James tells us, "For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work" (James 3:16). He also asked the question, "Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?" (James 4:5). Envy causes hurt. Or causes you to become hurt or desire to hurt others. Rachel envied her sister Leah because Leah bare children and she didn't. This story reminds me of two famous skaters a few years back. One of them was so envious of the other's skating abilities that she went about to do her much harm and to prevent her from competing in the skating event. And now she is barred from skating. I wonder if Rachel had made fun at Leah because of her being tender eyed? Solomon said, "The horseleach hath two daughters, crying, Give, give. There are three things that are never satisfied, yea, four things say not, It is enough: The grave; and the barren womb; the earth that is not filled with water; and the fire that saith not, It is enough" (Proverbs 30:15-16). He said that the barren womb is never going to be satisfied. And because of this bareness, some women may become envious of you if you are a woman with children (my wording). But Paul tells us, "Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil" (1 Corinthians 13:4-5). So let me encourage you today, whatever it is that you desire of the Lord today, "Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD" (Psalms 27:14). "And God remembered Rachel, and God hearkened to her, and opened her womb. And she conceived, and bare a son; and said, God hath taken away my reproach: And she called his name Joseph; and said, The LORD shall add to me another son."(Genesis 30:22-24)

Sing: I am blessed! I am blessed! Every day that I live I am blessed. When I wake-up in the morning, till I lay my head to rest, I am blessed, I am blessed.

2013 February 1 - Morning Manna

Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. (Proverbs 9:9)

Today's Morsel: I have noticed that when you read the instructions before putting something together, it goes together so much easier. The instructions are placed in the box for a reason. The manufacturer wants your purchase to look good and work properly because it represents their company. If you don't use the instructions, you usually wind up calling the item a piece of junk. Paul told Timothy, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works" (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The Word shows us how to put our lives together correctly. Do you ever feel that your life is a mess? Why not go back and reread the instructions and you may find what you left out. Usually it's Jesus. The Bible is the Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth, you know. You might want to reread it.

Sing: No one ever care for me, like Jesus. There's no other friend so kind as He; No one else could take the sin and darkness from me, O how much He cared for me.