2013 March 30 - Morning Manna

Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. And they remembered his words, And returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest. It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles. And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not. Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass. (Luke 24:1-12)

Today's Morsel: The gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-3). The resurrection of Jesus Christ confounded many of His followers, and even today many are still confounded. They ask the question the same as Mary did, "How can these things be?" For many, for one to raise from the dead was a miraculous event. But Jesus told Martha, and He showed us, that He alone had the power to raise one from the dead and restore life. He told Martha, "I am the resurrection and the life" (John 11:25). In other words, I am the one that raises up and gives back life. When He raised Lazarus, Jarius' daughter and the woman's son at Nain from the dead, He was showing that He had the power to give back life and to resurrect. Jesus' resurrection from the dead was to complete the requirement to be in the New Testament Church. One must die to self, but one must also be raised to walk in newness of life ( Romans 6:1-5). Jesus died, was buried, and He rose again; revealing from dead to life. When we died to ourselves (repentance), were buried (baptized), and were filled with His Spirit (resurrected), we must walk in newness of life. Easter means the Passover, which is death; but Resurrection means to stand up, which is life. David said: "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" (Psalms 20:7-8).

Sing: Aint' no grave gonna hold my body down. Aint' no grave gonna hold my body down. When I hear the trumpet sound, I'm gonna get up out that ground, cause aint' no grave gonna hold my body down.

2013 March 29 - Morning Manna

And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, This man calleth for Elias. And straightway one of them ran, and took a spunge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink. The rest said, Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him. Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. (Matthew 27:46-50)

Today's Morsel:Today most people will celebrate what they call "Good Friday." Many will have services, take communion, and will go away feeling good about themselves, not really having an understanding of the true meaning. Why was this day good? This day was good because Jesus died for the entire world. Because all had sin and come short of the glory of God. Man needed a sacrifice for his sins. And because Jesus was willing to sacrifice Himself so that we could all live and have eternal life, it made the day a good day. Jesus' death cumulated so many good things for us. He became the lamb slain from the foundation of the earth for our sins (Isaiah 53). It took away the middle wall of partition between us (Ephesians 2:14). And His blood remits our sins (Hebrews 9:22). Today, we should see it as good because scripture tells us that God is good. He was not willing that any should perish. Today (Good Friday) is not about a special service or taking communion, it's a fulfillment of Exodus 12; The Atonement for one's sins. As Christians, we do not exalt this day above any other day, but as often as we drink the cup and eat the bread we do show the Lord's death until He comes again. If you have had your sins remitted by the blood of Jesus, than every day is a good day for you.

Sing: God is good all the time. God is good all the time. God is good all the time. For unmerited favor stand up and say, God is good, all the time.

2013 March 28 - Morning Manna

And Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, unto the camp to Gilgal. But these five kings fled, and hid themselves in a cave at Makkedah. And it was told Joshua, saying, The five kings are found hid in a cave at Makkedah. And Joshua said, Roll great stones upon the mouth of the cave, and set men by it for to keep them: And stay ye not, but pursue after your enemies, and smite the hindmost of them; suffer them not to enter into their cities: for the LORD your God hath delivered them into your hand. And it came to pass, when Joshua and the children of Israel had made an end of slaying them with a very great slaughter, till they were consumed, that the rest which remained of them entered into fenced cities. And all the people returned to the camp to Joshua at Makkedah in peace: none moved his tongue against any of the children of Israel. Then said Joshua, Open the mouth of the cave, and bring out those five kings unto me out of the cave. And they did so, and brought forth those five kings unto him out of the cave, the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, and the king of Eglon. And it came to pass, when they brought out those kings unto Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said unto the captains of the men of war which went with him, Come near, put your feet upon the necks of these kings. And they came near, and put their feet upon the necks of them. (Joshua 10:15-24)

Today's Morsel: When I first got saved, I couldn't believe the number of people who would stand to testify of God's goodness during testimony service, but out of their mouths came words of how much the devil was beating them up and all the devil was doing in their life. I thought to myself at the time, my goodness, where's God in all this. But then I learned,that some people just like talking about the devil and giving him credit. Not me, I love talking about what God is doing. When Joshua went to battle against five kings, they knew they were defeated before he ever came against them. As Rahab had already told them, we heard what your God did in Egypt and our hearts did melt because we knew that God had given you the land. These kings hid themselves in a cave, but Joshua placed stone at the mouth so they couldn't get out. But when he returned and brought them out, he told all the men to put their feet upon their necks. The reason was to teach them that their enemy was to always be under their feet. The psalmist said, "Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet" (Psalms 91:13). Satan is call edthat old dragon and he walks around as a roaring loin. But he doesn't have any power over you. So as long as you obey God's Word, you'll keep him under your feet. Let's focus on the Lord and give Him praise.

Sing: Well, I'm going to the enemy's camp, I'm gonna, take back what he stole from me. I'm going to the enemy's camp, I'm gonna, take back what he stole from me. I'll put him under my feet, under my feet, under my feet, under my feet, I'm claiming, the victory.

2013 March 27 - Morning Manna

"How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them, and the LORD had shut them up? For their rock is not as our Rock, even our enemies themselves being judges" (Deuteronomy 32:30-31).

Today's Morsel: Jesus told Peter, "And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" (Matthew 16:18). Moses said that their rock is not as our Rock. David said, "For who is God, save the LORD? and who is a rock, save our God?" (2 Samuel 22:32). When Paul was explaining to the church of Corinth how God led the children of Israel in the wilderness, he said, "Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ" (1 Corinthians 10:1-4). "And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world. I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins" Jesus said (John 8:23-24). Who do you say that Jesus Christ is? There is no God like our God.

Sing: Faithful, faithful, faithful is our God. Faithful, faithful, faithful is our God. Faithful, faithful, faithful is our God. Faithful, faithful, faithful is our God. (Chorus)

Chorus: I'm reaping the harvest God promised me, Take back what the devil stole from me, and I rejoice today, for I shall recover it all. Yes, I rejoice today, for I shall recover it all.

Holy, holy, holy is our God. Holy, holy, holy is our God. Holy, holy, holy is our God. Holy, holy, holy is our God. (Chorus)

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus is our God. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus is our God. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus is our God. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus is our God. (Chorus)

2013 March 26 - Morning Manna

And the LORD said unto Joshua, Get thee up; wherefore liest thou thus upon thy face? Israel hath sinned, and they have also transgressed my covenant which I commanded them: for they have even taken of the accursed thing, and have also stolen, and dissembled also, and they have put it even among their own stuff. Therefore the children of Israel could not stand before their enemies, but turned their backs before their enemies, because they were accursed: neither will I be with you any more, except ye destroy the accursed from among you. Up, sanctify the people, and say, Sanctify yourselves against to morrow: for thus saith the LORD God of Israel, There is an accursed thing in the midst of thee, O Israel: thou canst not stand before thine enemies, until ye take away the accursed thing from among you. In the morning therefore ye shall be brought according to your tribes: and it shall be, that the tribe which the LORD taketh shall come according to the families thereof; and the family which the LORD shall take shall come by households; and the household which the LORD shall take shall come man by man. And it shall be, that he that is taken with the accursed thing shall be burnt with fire, he and all that he hath: because he hath transgressed the covenant of the LORD, and because he hath wrought folly in Israel. So Joshua rose up early in the morning, and brought Israel by their tribes; and the tribe of Judah was taken: And he brought the family of Judah; and he took the family of the Zarhites: and he brought the family of the Zarhites man by man; and Zabdi was taken: And he brought his household man by man; and Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, was taken. And Joshua said unto Achan, My son, give, I pray thee, glory to the LORD God of Israel, and make confession unto him; and tell me now what thou hast done; hide it not from me. And Achan answered Joshua, and said, Indeed I have sinned against the LORD God of Israel, and thus and thus have I done: (Joshua 7:10-20)

Today's Morsel: Immediately after the first victory in the promised land, the children of Israel sinned against God and it caused others in their lives. We may not think so, but when we sin, it not only affects us, but it gives our enemy the advantage. As Nathan told David, "Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die" (2 Samuel 12:14). Achan was of the tribe of Judah, which means praise. When we allow sin to control us and reign in our lives, it hinders our praise to God. And when we don't have praise in our hearts toward God, it kills us; because scripture says, "Appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified" (Isaiah 61:3). So don't allow the things of this world to draw you away from what God tells you so that you go after accursed things. As 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). The moment you stop praising God is the moment that sin will enter into your life. And a life of sin is a dead life (Romans 6:23).

Sing: He gave me beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise, for the spirit of heaviness, that we might be called, trees of righteousness, the planted of the Lord, that He might be glorified.

2013 March 25 - Morning Manna

And when the LORD saw it, he abhorred them, because of the provoking of his sons, and of his daughters. And he said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end shall be: for they are a very froward generation, children in whom is no faith. (Deuteronomy 32:19-20)

Today's Morsel: Okay, I'm going to ask you this question again: How's your faith? On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest, where is your faith? Is your faith still strong and running off the charts when it doesn't seem that God is present. I do believe that God sometimes stands back to see what we are going to do with what He has given us. We have got to get to the point that we walk by our faith and not by our sight. God's Word is from everlasting to everlasting. We have to get to a point where we trust God and know within ourselves that He will be there when we need Him. Even though my kids and grandkids are over seven thousand miles from me, I think that they know that I am still there for them should they need me. The same is true with God. We can't see God, but we know that He's there watching over us and is there should we need Him. We've got to get to a place where we exercise our faith on what His Word says. I believe that we are living in a very perverse generation. And because of it, many do not have any faith. But the church is not to be wicked and stubborn. We are to be children of the day and children of light. If others can't see your faith in God, then your faith is dead.

Sing: Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian, lift up your voice and sing, eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ the King; the hope of all who seek Him, the help of those who find, none other is so loving, so good and kind.

He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today! He walks with me and talks with me along life's narrow way. He lives, He lives, salvation to impart! You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart.

2013 March 23 - Morning Manna

Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying? But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up. Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.(Matthew 15:12-14)

Today's Morsel:I'm sure sometime during your life, you have sung this little nursery rhythm, "Three Blind Mice." The lyrics says "Three blind mice, three blind mice, See how they run, see how they run, They all ran after the farmer's wife, Who cut off their tails with a carving knife, Did you ever see such a sight in your life, As three blind mice?" Jesus called the religious leaders of His day blind leaders of the blind. When one does not follow the doctrine and teachings of Jesus and His apostles, they are blind to spiritual truths. And anyone who follows them, Jesus said, is going to be blind, too. Paul said, "But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them" (2 Corinthians 4:3-4). If one is going to have a complete understanding of Jesus Christ and His deity, and become perfected, then the leader's eyes had better be open to truth, and the followers as well, or you both are going to fall into the ditch. When Jesus found the blind man whose eyes He had opened in the temple, scripture says, "Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God? He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him? And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee. And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him. And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind. And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also? Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth"(John 9:35-41). Remember, Jesus came to give sight to the blind (Luke 4:18). So when He opens your eyes, you'll see clearly.

Sing: Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me, I once was lost, but now I'm found, twas blind, but now I see.

2013 March 22 - Morning Manna

Again Esther spake unto Hatach, and gave him commandment unto Mordecai; All the king's servants, and the people of the king's provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or woman, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days. And they told to Mordecai Esther's words. Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews. For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?(Esther 4:10-14)

Today's Morsel: For some unknown reason, many Christians think that just because they have received Jesus as their personal Savior that's all God requires of them. They've taken on the mindset of once saved always saved. While others who have been baptized and received the Holy Ghost think "I'm okay they're okay". Is this all God required us when He saved us? The Lord said through the prophet Isaiah, "Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour. I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, that I am God" (Isaiah 43:10-12). If we are His witness, shouldn't we be doing something to tell others about Him? The early church was willing to die to share the gospel so that others could be made free. Mordecai told Esther, "Don't think that just because you are in the kings house that you are safe." Just because you are in the church, don't think you are safe. There is an enemy out there trying his very best to get in to destroy you. While you are in the King's house, you have the authority and power to deliver others from the torment and torture of the enemy. Jude tells us, "And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh"(Jude 1:22-23). What's your purpose for being in the Kingdom if your aren't going to set the captives free? People are suffering and trying to find the way, and who knows whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

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

2013 March 21 - Morning Manna

"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. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you" (John 15:1-7).

Today's Morsel:To abide in Christ is to be in union with Him. It is to dwell in Him completely. The limb is attached to the tree and the branches are on the limb. The closer the limb is to the tree, the bigger and the stronger it is. But on the end of the limb is where many of the branches are and where the fruit grows. And so the farmer will cut back the branches from the limb to prevent it from breaking off when the fruit starts to grow on it. Jesus said, "He purgeth it." Sometimes in soul winning, some members and churches can produce fruit quicker than others. And so because of this, pride can set in and the church or members don't understand that their pride and what they are doing can cause them to break off from the vine, thus destroying themselves. So God may begins to cut off some of the branches. Many may think the devil is doing it, when members begin to leave the church, but it can be God saying this will destroy the vine because I see their heart. And so He cuts them off. It's painful, but He knows best. So the next time people walk away, don't think that you've done something wrong, just see it as God purging the vineyard.

Sing: He is the vine and we are the branches, His banner over me is love. He is the vine and we are the branches, His banner over me is love. He is the vine and we are the branches, His banner over me is love, His banner over me is love.

2013 March 20 - Morning Manna

A Prayer of David. Bow down thine ear, O LORD, hear me: for I am poor and needy. Preserve my soul; for I am holy: O thou my God, save thy servant that trusteth in thee. Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto thee daily. Rejoice the soul of thy servant: for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee. (Psalms 86:1-5)

Today's Morsel: A few Mannas ago, I asked you why you loved the Lord. We should never love God for what He does for us, but rather because of who He is. We should show gratitude for what He does for us. We need to remember that when God forgives, He forgives completely (1 John 1:9-10). What God heals, He brings to wholeness (John 5). And what God restores, He does so without any limitations place upon us (Isaiah 57:18). God doesn't want us to feel that just because He does things for us we have to feel like we've got to do things back for Him. That's not how God works. God does things for us because He loves us. And if we love Him, then we should be willing to share the love that He gives us with others. This is what God desires more than anything else. Jesus said, "Freely you have received freely give" (Matthew 10:8). When we share what God does for us with others, they too will see that He is good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon Him.

Sing: Thy loving-kindness is better than life. Thy loving-kindness is better than life. My lips shall praise Thee, thus will I bless thee, I will lift up my hands unto Thy name.

2013 March 19 - Morning Manna

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16)

Today's Morsel: How do you burn brightly without burning out? There seems to be a lot of stress, strain, tiredness, and even a sense of 'why continue on' in the church these days. Many Christians seem to be burning out instead of burning bright. Those that once shined so brightly, now seem to be only a flicker. What has happened to them? In many ways, I believe they've lost their "Fun Meter." They don't know how to have fun anymore. They see the work of the Lord as a drudgery instead of fun. When we are excited about what we are doing or being asked to do, it keeps us motivated and willing to devote as much time as we need to get the job done. Paul told King Agripp, "I think myself happy!" (Acts 26:2). Happiness is an attitude of the heart. It's all about how you see yourself. If you see what you are doing as a drudgery, then most likely you are going to become stressed and your light is going to go out. If you never share your faith with someone else, your light is going to go out because you aren't replenishing the oil. The more you share your faith, the brighter you are going to burn. The less you share, the dimmer you are going to become. Jesus said that you don't put a candle under a bushel, you put it on a candlestick so it can give light. If you hide who you are, darkness will soon overtake you. You will start to put TVs in every room of your house. And you will start to think that the bigger the better. Worldly entertainment will be more appealing to you than church services and church events. Your understanding of scriptures will become lost. And the biggest battle you will face will be with yourself, because you will no longer be able to discern good from evil. Solomon said that the spirit of a man is the candle of the Lord searching all the inward parts of the belly (Proverbs 20:27). When you possess a good attitude, you'll be able to eradicate anything not like Christ from your life and you'll burn bright all day long.

Sing: Give me oil in my lamp keep me burning. Give me oil in my lamp I pray. Give me oil in my lamp, keep me burning , burning, keep me burning till the break of day.

2013 March 18 - Morning Manna

"Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway"

(1 Corinthians 9:24-27).

Today's Morsel: It has been stated that two of auto racings premier events are the Daytona 500 and the Indianapolis 500. Each race takes roughly three to three and a half hours to complete. It has also been stated that in the last ten years of each race combined, the winner took the checkered flag by an average margin of 1.54 seconds and took home $1,278,813 dollars in first place prize money. The average prize for second place was $621,321 dollars; a difference of $657,492 dollars.

Someone said that second place is the first loser. Isn't it amazing that men are willing to lose their lives traveling in a car at over 200 miles per hour for money, but do nothing to save their souls. Even though a person may enter the winning circle and claim a trophy and a check for money, he really hasn't won the prize. Jesus said, "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Matthew 16:25-26) Paul said, "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway" (1 Corinthians 9:24-27). Paul said that he was running and fighting to win an incorruptible crown and I pray that you are too.

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 March 16 - Morning Manna

"And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon "(1 Corinthians 3:1-10)

Today's Morsel: The story is told of an old mule named "Warwick." A man was lost while driving through the country. As he tried to reach for the map, he accidentally drove off the road into a ditch. Though he wasn't injured, his car was stuck deep in the mud. So the man walked to a nearby farm to ask for help." "Warwick can get you out of the ditch," said the farmer pointing to the old mule standing in the field. The man looked at the decrepit old mule and looked at the farmer who just stood there repeating, "Yep, old Warwick can do the job." The man figured he had nothing to lose. The two men and the mule made their way back to the ditch. The farmer hitched the mule to the car. With a snap of the reins he shouted, " Pull, Fred! Pull, Jack! Pull Ted! Pull, Warwick!" and the mule pulled that car right out of the ditch. The man was amazed. He thanked the farmer, patted the mule, and asked, "Why did you call out all of those names before you called Warwick?" The farmer grinned and said, "Old Warwick is just about blind. As long as he believes he's part of a team, he doesn't mind pulling.

Paul said that he and Apollos were laborers together with Christ. Jesus tells us to put His yoke upon us. When we realize Whose team we are on, we too can do great things. Even if it's 'just' helping someone get out of the ditch. "And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh" Jude said, (Jude 1:22-23).

Sing: He brought me out of the miry clay, He set my feet on the Rock to stay, and He put a song in my soul today, a song of praise hallelujah!

2013 March 15 - Morning Manna

But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. (Philippians 3:7-15)

Today's Morsel: Legendary Football Coach, Vince Lombardi, told the members of the Green bay Packers, "If you don't think you're a winner, you don't belong here." What a powerful statement. I think that every pastor should stand up and tell their congregation the same thing. I know I'm going to start to saying it. How many times have we heard that we win because we've read the back of the book? Well, if we know we win, then we should be rejoicing always! Paul said that he counted everything loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ. Paul wanted to win and he was a winner. He told Timothy, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing" (2 Timothy 4:7-8). Someone said that Jesus defeated Satan with two sticks and three nails. And John said, "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). And the writer of Hebrews tell us, "And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect" (Hebrews 11:32-40). Winners. All the way to the end. If you purpose in your heart to never quit, you will always be a winner.

Sing: O the road is hard but it’s not too long, and the enemy is near, but he’s not that strong. And I won’t turn back, Oh No! I won’t turn back now.

The mountain is high but it’s not too steep, and the battle is rough, but I'm not too weak. And I won’t turn back, Oh No! I won’t turn back now.

2013 March 14 - Morning Manna

"And the LORD said unto Moses, Get thee up into this mount Abarim, and see the land which I have given unto the children of Israel. And when thou hast seen it, thou also shalt be gathered unto thy people, as Aaron thy brother was gathered "(Numbers 27:12-13).

Today's Morsel:Do you ever feel for Moses? Scripture says that Moses was a very humble man. I often wonder what it must have been like trying to lead all those people. Moses' problems really weren't caused by followers, it was caused by those in leadership. If the leadership had gotten in line and become obedient to the heavenly calling, Moses could have led the people into the Promised Land without any loss of life. You see, when leadership rebels, followers are going to rebel as well. What I have found in leadership is, if those in leadership start complaining, look out, because it's like a wild fire getting ready to start. We are told, "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). You know, when you review Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers, there were a lot of people who lost their lives because they rebelled against spiritual authority. What a price to pay for disobedience. Paul said that 23,000 died in one day because of fornication (1 Corinthians 10). Don't think that Moses didn't make it to heaven. For we see him and Elijah meet with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17). He just wasn't allowed to lead the people into the Promised Land. When you understand that your pastor has to give an account for you to God, shouldn't you consider obedience? Jesus was obedient to His father and He is our example.

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 March 13 - Morning Manna

"For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith" (Romans 12:3)

Today's Morsel: How much faith would you say that you have? Do you still have the same amount that Jesus gave you, or do you have a whole lot more? You know, Jesus gives us the measure or portion of His faith to see what we will do with it. The same way that the Lord told Moses to put some of his honor upon Joshua (Numbers 27), He give us some of His faith to see what we will do with it. Peter tells us to add to our faith (2 Peter 1:5) because like the apostle James, they all knew that faith without works is dead (James 2), and that without faith we cannot please God (Hebrews 11:6). When we add spiritual things to our faith, it will grow and we will have a lot more than what we began with and we won't be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. When your faith is strong, you aren't easily shaken or moved. If you only have a little bit of faith, you can move mountains, Jesus said, but it's so much easier to move them when your faith is strong.

Sing: Lord lift me up and let me stand, by faith on heaven's table land. A higher plane than I have found, Lord plant my feet on higher ground.

2013 March 12 - Morning Manna

And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
(2 Corinthians 12:7-10)

Today's Morsel: Which would you say is more troubling to you, Cancer or Alzheimers. Diabetes or Headaches? Footache or backache? Cold or Flu? You know it seems that every time folks go to the doctor these days, they leave with some kind of troubling information. My health care provider wanted me to come in for an annual physical, and so I did. I had to do that fasting lab thing and to my surprise my blood test showed the same thing that was wrong with me the year before. Hummmm! I guess if nothing changes nothing changes!! And so when I saw my provider he recommend the same thing he did the year before. Only this time he told me that I could get the stuff to help me cheaper at Wal-Mart. Ha! When do we get to the point where we trust God? When do we get to the point that we, like Paul, glory in our infirmities that the power of God may rest upon us. You know this flesh is going to have issues. From the time we are born, it's heading back to where it came from, the dust. You can paint it up, hole it up, mark it up, wash it up, and try to keep it up, but one day, it's going to give up! So wouldn't it be better if we learn to rejoice in our tribulation, 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. I'm not trying to down play your aches and pain. God knows I have them myself. But I have just made up my mind that I'm not going to let my pain and diagnosis become my identity. So as for me, when it aches, I praise. Because scripture tells me to rejoice evermore and to in everything give thanks (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18); And that He hath, "Appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified"(Isaiah 61:3). Sometimes your aches and pains just might need to be shouted out.

Sing: When gloom and sadness whispers, you've sinned no use to pray, I look away to Jesus, and He tells me to say.

I see, a crimson stream of blood, it flows from Calvary. It's waves which reach the throne of Godare sweeping over me.

2013 March 11 - Morning Manna

"Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" (Joshua 24:14-15).

Today's Morsel: Game shows such as "Wheel of Fortune" and "Jeopardy" have a time limit that the contestants must give their answers. If their response is not in time, they hear a buzzer that time is up. Meaning they didn't get the answer in on time. I've come to realize that time is up for people who keep blaming their upbringing for their lack of success. That time is us for those who keep lying, cheating, and stealing. For those who keep complaining and murmuring about others and their situations. For those who keeping walking around with low self-esteem, being depressed, with hurt feelings, feel despondent, with a gloom and doom on their face. I even believe that time is up for you to not raise your children the right way. And that time is up for you to not love your spouse the way the Bible says that you should. Time is up for you to not love God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength and your neighbor as yourself. I also believe that times up, for men to not look like, act like and be men; God didn't make you a woman. Time is up, ladies, that you aren't looking like a woman, acting like a woman, and being a woman; God didn't make you a man. Joshua said the time is up for you to decide if you are going to serve God or not. He said, "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve." What's your answer? My answer is easy. "But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

Sing: Lord, I give you my heart, I give you my soul, I live for you alone; Every breathe that I take, every moment I'm awake, Lord have Your way in me.

2013 March 9 - Morning Manna

And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable: A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it. And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be? And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand. Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience. (Luke 8:4-15)

Today's Morsel: I have come to realize that most people only hear what they want to hear. Many people don't listen to what they are being told because they already have their own idea as to the answer they want. Many people could be out of debt, out of trouble, or out of hardships, if they would just listen. I have become mesmerized by the number of folks who say that they are Christians but will not listen to their pastor or the Word of God. When Jesus told the parable of the sower, His disciples didn't understand what He was saying and so they asked Him to explain it to them. Jesus told them that the seed was the Word of God and how a person heard it would determine if they became fruitful or not. We are sent forth to bear fruit and active listening is key to us being fruitful, being successful and even preventing us from being led astray and discouraged. When we are obedient, the Word will take root and will become fruitful.

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

2013 March 8 - Morning Manna

And the son of an Israelitish woman, whose father was an Egyptian, went out among the children of Israel: and this son of the Israelitish woman and a man of Israel strove together in the camp; And the Israelitish woman's son blasphemed the name of the LORD, and cursed. And they brought him unto Moses: (and his mother's name was Shelomith, the daughter of Dibri, of the tribe of Dan:) And they put him in ward, that the mind of the LORD might be shewed them. And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Bring forth him that hath cursed without the camp; and let all that heard him lay their hands upon his head, and let all the congregation stone him. (Leviticus 24:10-14)

Today's Morsel: Often, when I read scripture, I think to myself, WOW. If this was the way it was today, as it was in the day of Moses, a whole lot of folks would be zapped. But I always like to put my spin on the scripture and get enlightenment for myself. When I look at today's passage, the law was if you took the name of the Lord in vain, they were to be stoned. Usually, when people curse, they take the name of the Lord in vain, and God will not hold him guiltless that takets His name in vain. (The second commandment.) So what was the purpose of the stoning? To break the curse. Many folks are living under what they call generational curses. You know, "My dad and mom were alcoholics and so I am and alcoholic." In other words, the trend continues. And so in order to prevent the curse from continuing, God said, stone him. In other words, destroy it. But how? With the rock. What rock? David said, "For who is God, save the LORD? and who is a rock, save our God" (2 Samuel 22:32). Paul said, "Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ" (1 Corinthians 10:1-4). The curse is broken and destroyed by Jesus Christ, the Rock.

Sing: My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly trust in Jesus’ Name.

Chorus: On Christ the solid Rock I stand, All other ground is sinking sand; All other ground is sinking sand.

2013 March 7 - Morning Manna

"Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he" (Proverbs 29:18)

Today's Morsel: There was this children's educational song that said, " Conjunction junction, what's your function?" In other words, what is the purpose of a conjunction. Conjunctions are words such as: And, but, or, neither, nor, either, or, etc. They serve to bring a thought together. Solomon said, "Where there is no vision, the people perish." If there is no divine communications, and if there are no divine direction and guidance shown and given too followers, they become as it was after the death of Joshua: "Every man did that which was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25). T hey Perish. As the Lord told Hosea, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge " (Hosea 4:6). But, Solomon said, "He that keep the law is happy." He brings the thought together to make the scripture complete. He said, when we have no directions and no communications, if we still obey and follow God's Word, we still will not go wrong. Because, "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). You see, when you mediate upon the law, David said, you become 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 1:3). But, sad to say, too many folks in the church won't do anything unless their leaders say so. That's all well and fine, but when that divine communications and directions isn't there, these same folks become disheartened and don't know where to turn. They may just become foot loose and fancy free! But on the other hand, if they will learn to follow and obey the Word of God for themselves, they can still retain their joy and excitement even when there is no divine communications and direction. And they will never perish. Because we follow Christ.

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

2013 March 6 - Morning Manna

"For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now are they many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it" (1 Corinthians 12:12-26)

Today's Morsel: When I was in the army and I came upon a group of soldiers I would always ask them who was in charge. Sometimes they would give me a puzzled look, but then one of them would say, "I am, Command Sergeant Major." And even today, when I visit a church I always like to ask people what they do in the church. Some will give me a look like "What do you mean?" Many people don't understand what their role or part in the church is. All of us are called to serve in the church. We are all servants of the Lord. Therefore, everyone should be endowed with the trait of initiative. We should all be picking up paper we see on the floor. Cleaning the bathrooms if they are dirty. Welcoming guests when they come through the doors. Praying for others on a daily basis. Witnessing of the Lord to people when we encounter them. The body isn't just the pastor. It's the whole church. So let me encourage you, study and learn your part. God has a role He needs you to play.

Sing: This little light of mine, I'm going let it shine. This little light of mine, I'm going let it shine. This little light of mine, I'm going let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

2013 March 5 - Morning Manna

And the LORD said unto Moses and Aaron, This is the ordinance of the passover: There shall no stranger eat thereof: But every man's servant that is bought for money, when thou hast circumcised him, then shall he eat thereof. A foreigner and an hired servant shall not eat thereof. In one house shall it be eaten; thou shalt not carry forth ought of the flesh abroad out of the house; neither shall ye break a bone thereof. All the congregation of Israel shall keep it. And when a stranger shall sojourn with thee, and will keep the passover to the LORD, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one that is born in the land: for no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof. One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you. Thus did all the children of Israel; as the LORD commanded Moses and Aaron, so did they. And it came to pass the selfsame day, that the LORD did bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt by their armies
(Exodus 12:43-51).

 Today's Morsel: When my grandson was just learning to say words, his dad was teaching him that there was only one God. And so his dad would say, "How many Gods are there?" And my grandson, in his sweet baby voice would say, "Twone." But it wasn't long before he knew that there was only one God and he could say with resounding clarity, "One."

The Lord told Moses that there was to be only one law in dealing with the ordinance for the Passover. Whether a person was an Israelite or a stranger who joined themselves to the Israelites, they were all to keep the law of the Passover. There were three feasts that the Israelites were to keep yearly. The Passover, Pentecost, and the Tabernacle. The Passover commemorated the exit from Egypt, Pentecost commemorated the giving of the law, and the Tabernacle as a thanksgiving for the harvest and to commemorate life in the wilderness. But there was only one law for everyone. In so many ways, we, the church, should be keeping these feasts. The day God brought us out of the world, our own Holy Ghost infilling, and our daily thanksgiving. Paul said, "Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise" (Galatians 3:24-29). When we look at scripture, there is not two or three ways to become a child of God. There is only one way. Jesus gave only one way to be born again. and that is of the water and spirit. The apostle Peter, who was given the keys to the kingdom of God on the Day of Pentecost, that feast day they were all to keep, when asked by those present, "Men and brethren what shall we do, replied, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." (Acts 2:38-39).

Sing: They were in an upper chamber, they were all with one accord, when the Holy Ghost descended, as was promised by our Lord.

Oh Lord, send the power just now! Oh Lord, send the power just now! Oh Lord, send the power just now, and baptize everyone!

2013 March 4 - Morning Manna

By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil. (Proverbs 16:6)

Today's Morsel: Every so often, I will hear people say that there are no absolutes. What would make someone make such a foolish statement? I walked into my favorite restaurant a few weeks ago, and I had a gift card with $4.38 on it. When the young lady at the register told me that my dinner would be $12.50, I gave her the card and a $20 bill. She looked at me and said, I don't know how to do this. I said, "You are kidding me, right?" And she said, "I haven't been taught how to do this." I felt sorry for her and tried to explain to her what to do without embarrassing her. A few days later, I pulled into a drive-through, the girl at the window tells me my order is $6.37 and when I get to the window, I hand her $6. 57. Six one dollar bills, two quarters, a nickel and two pennies. While passing her the change, one of the pennies fell on the ground. She said, just forget. She took my money and hand me a receipt and said, "Thank you." I said, "No you own me 19 cents change." Again, she was confused and had to get her manger for assitance. I said all that to say, there are some absolutes. Solomon said, "By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil." There is no other way for your sins to be removed and for you to depart from evil. These are both absolutes, because the word of God is forever settled in heaven (Psalms 119:89). "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away" (Matthew 24:35). "I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins" Jesus said (John 8:24). Those are absolutes.

Sing: What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. Oh precious is the flow, that makes me white as snow, no other fount I know, nothing but the blood of Jesus.

2013 March 2 - Morning Manna

For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off. (Isaiah 55:12-13)

Today's Morsel: I always like watching people clap in church. Most caucasians clap on the one-three beat and most blacks and Hispanics clap on the two-four beat. I also like to watch children in the congregation from the pulpit. They try to keep up with the ministry when they clap. I was observing one child once and he was so confused. His pastor was white and the visiting minister was black. The pastor was clapping on the one-three and the guest minister was clapping on the two-four and so after a while, the kid just through his hands up in the air and quit. As if to say, you guys need to make up your mind. (humor).

Isaiah said that all of the trees of the field shall clap their hands. 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). And when Jesus took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought. And he looked up, and said, "I see men as trees, walking" (Mark 8:23-24). Because the tree which is planted by the water is strong, alive and fruitful, we who are rooted and grounded in Christ should be the same. When Isaiah said that the trees of the field shall clap their hands, he wasn't talking about a natural tree, he's talking about a spiritual tree, you.

Sing: When the Spirit of the Lord moves upon my heart, I will clap, like David, clap. (2x).

I will clap, I will clap, I will clap, like David, clap. I will clap, I will clap, I will clap like David, clap.