2013 June 29 - Morning Manna

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. Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer." (Psalms 19:7-14)

Today's Morsel: Someone said that the average woman uses twice as many words as men do. My wife says it's because women have twice as many important things to say as men. Hummmm! When we turn to scripture, Paul said, "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). Therefore, every word of God is important to you in your life. Even the ones you may not agree with. They all have a purpose. And that purpose is to help perfect us to God's image. When James, cautioned us to not just be hears but doers of God's Word (James 1:22), he was calling for us to apply it all to our lives so that we will be blessed in all that we do. So let me encourage you, when you are reading and studying your Bible, always remember, character counts and so does every Word God. Apply the Word to your life and build your character.

Sing: More to be desired as they then gold, much fine gold, sweeter also than the honey, and the honey comb.

2013 June 28 - Morning Manna

"And the king said to Doeg, Turn thou, and fall upon the priests. And Doeg the Edomite turned, and he fell upon the priests, and slew on that day fourscore and five persons that did wear a linen ephod. And Nob, the city of the priests, smote he with the edge of the sword, both men and women, children and sucklings, and oxen, and asses, and sheep, with the edge of the sword" (1 Samuel 22:18-19)

 

Today's Morsel: If you ever come upon an animal that has been hurt, that animal is more likely to attack you than to allow you to help it. I have come to realize that the same is true with people. Hurting people hurt people. I have been attacked by people with words that I would have never thought were still in them as being born again. But because they have been hurt by others, when I try to help them, they attack me. Even in the church, many pastors and saints are attacked when they try to help others not realizing that the person is hurt. Often, they may say the wrong words, do the wrong thing and it can bring about a huge on-slaught of attacks against them from the one who is hurt. When people are rejected, as King Saul was, it causes them hurt, as most people cannot accept rejection because they have not been taught how to handle conflict and rejection. Because Saul was hurt, he turned on those who were trying to help him; thus, killing the people of God. When hurting people are hurt, they will usually hurt those who are trying to help them rather the one who caused them the hurt. As Christians, we should never attack anyone, especially those in God's family.

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

2013 June 27 - Morning Manna

"Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil."
(Psalms 37:3-8)

 

Today's Morsel: If someone were to ask you how committed are you to your marriage, your job, your church, your family, and to your God, what would you tell them? I am afraid that because we are living in a give it to me quick generation and everything is social media, we are seeing many who have no commitment. People are afraid to get married, because it requires commitment and so they shack-up (live together). People are afraid to sell out to God and be a part of His church, because it might require some commitment. People won't start a family because it requires commitment. People lose their jobs, because they have no commitment. I had a lady tell me that she probably wouldn't be returning to the church because we didn't have a nursery for her son and she had to take care for him during service. What she was saying was, I want someone else to be committed to care for my child, not me. When people aren't committed to the ways of God, they will never have any commitment within themselves for anything else. Remember, there is only one "I" in the word commitment. So that means it rest upon me.

Sing: I'm going through, yes, I'm going through; I'll pay the price, no matter what others do; I'll take the way with the Lords despised few; I started out with Jesus and I'm going through.

2013 June 26 - Morning Manna

"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil" (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)

Today's Morsel: Everything has an end. Whether we are on a journey, reading a book, or watching a movie, it all has an end. Some people reading a book or watching a movie say, " I knew how the end was going to turn out after watching the first segment; watching the first act or reading the first few chapters." But did they really know or were they just guessing and it turned out the way they thought?

Some people read the Book of Revelation trying to figure out the end times and trying to determine what the end of life will be like. And many of them walk away discouraged and confused because they cannot figure out all the beasts, the horses, and what seem to be monsters mentioned in the chapters and what they are all about. If you aren't aware and familiar with the other 65 books in the Bible, the last book, Revelation, will rock your cradle. But the Book of Revelation is a book of prophecy foretelling what shall be here after. It's really a book of encouragement for the born again believer. To me, as a born again believer, the important thing is to keep my name in the Lambs book of life, know that Jesus is God, and prepare for the Holy City. I don't need to focus on anything else because if I make it, which I plan on doing, I will be worshipping forever, so I don't get hung up on all the other things.

But it seems as though the closer we get to the end of this life, many don't want to know their end. Our life is like a book and we are writing it. Many at this very moment may be writing our first chapter or last chapter, but eventually it will come to an end. So when someone reads about your life, what will the last chapter of your book say about you? Will it say you were always on fire for God? You could never make up your mind if you wanted to serve God or not? You were always complaining about everything? You appeared before Jesus and He said to them, "Well done thy good and faithful servant enter the joy prepared for you." Or that you appeared before Jesus and He said to you, "You most wicked servant depart from Me, I knew you not." This life on earth is one day going to come to an end, so worship God because that is the whole duty of man. And at the end of your story, it is what matters the most.

Sing: I worship You almighty God, there is none like You. I worship You, O' Prince of Peace, that is what I long to do; I give You praise for You are my righteousness. I worship You, almighty God, there is none like You.

2013 June 25 - Morning Manna

"Doth the eagle mount up at thy command, and make her nest on high? She dwelleth and abideth on the rock, upon the crag of the rock, and the strong place. From thence she seeketh the prey, and her eyes behold afar off. Her young ones also suck up blood: and where the slain are, there is she." (Job 39:27-30)

 

Today's Morsel: The eagle is a very unique bird. Everything we read about him seems to portray what a child of God should be. Some have even called us Eagle Christians. From my reading about the eagle, his eyesight of is very keen. His strength and agility exceed all other fowl. His ability to soar above danger is unmatchable. He proves his abilities to his mate before they birth offspring. He mates for life. And when he becomes ill, he places himself in the sun. These are just a few things I've read about the eagle. It seems that this bird understands life to its fullest. The Lord asked Job, Doth the eagle mount up at thy command, and make her nest on high? She dwelleth and abideth on the rock, upon the crag of the rock, and the strong place. She makes her home on high and something solid. The rock. High means that she places it away from danger. The rock means something firm and unmovable. If we would study and build our lives according to the ways of the eagle, we too would protect our families and ourselves from danger and not be easily moved. Life is so much easier when we follow God's ways.

Sing: My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus' name.

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand.

2013 June 24 - Morning Manna

Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked. (Psalms 97:10)

Today's Morsel: How much do you hate evil? If we say that we love the Lord, then we must hate evil. I'm not talking about the people that commit evil, I'm talking about the evil that people do. We must not even be associated with it. Sad to say, so many people that say that they are Christian, seem to love evil more than they do righteousness. Paul told Timothy that evil seducers will wax worse and worse in the last days. You can join with them for current financial gain, or you can come out from among them and be separated unto the Lord. "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God" (2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1). Jesus preserves the souls of His saints; He will deliver them out of the hand of the wicked.

Sing: I love you Lord, and I lift my voice to worship you, oh my soul rejoice; take joy, my king in what you hear, let it be a sweet, sweet sound in your ear.

2013 June 22 - Morning Manna

And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before. (Job 42:10)
 

Today's Morsel: The book of Job is a very interesting book. It's a book of hurt, misunderstanding, and even wisdom. Most of us understand what Job went through and how his so called friends tried to get him to admit to something that he did not do. I guess that's why Solomon instructs us to make sure our friends; as a true friend loveth at all times. I've had many people call me friend and say to others that I was their friend, but that friendship seemed to dissipate if I did something they didn't like or disagreed with them. This seems to be the issue with Job and his friends. But the Bible says that God turned the captivity of Job, after he prayed for his friends. May I ask you a question? Is what you are going through, your hurts, struggles, pain, sickness, or depression because you have called others your friend and said that they were your friend, but now because they have disagreed with you, you haven't asked them for forgiveness or prayed for them? You know, God's ways aren't our ways. It's amazing how God operates. Jesus said that if you know that your brother has something against you, then you should go to him and be reconciled. He didn't say to wait for your brother to come to you (Matthew 5:23-24). But really, if both know they have hurt the other and they both come, they will meet in the middle and be reconciled. Praying for others may not change them, but it will change us. God gave Job twice as much as he had before after he prayed for his friends; there is always a double portion and a double blessing when you will forgive and pray for others.

Sing: I need you, you need me; we're all a part of God's body. Stand with me, agree with me; we're all a part of God's body.

You pray for me, I pray for you, I love you, I need you to survive; I won't hurt you with words of my mouth, I love you, I need you to survive.

It is his will that every need be supplied; you are important to me, I need you to survive.

2013 June 21 - Morning Manna

Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. (Psalms 97:12)

Today's Morsel: A man once asked me if I knew a certain man. But the name he used,was not the name I knew the man by. And so he kept prodding me and insisting that I knew him. And I kept saying that no I didn't. But when he said, "You may know him by another name." And then he said the that other name, then I knew who he was talking about. Many people refer to God by many titles. Some call him Father. Some call him Son. Some call him the Holy Ghost. But few call Him Holiness. Peter said that we should be holy because God is holy (1 Peter 1:16). Once we take on the name of Jesus in the waters of baptism (Galatians 3:26-29), we are to be as He is. Paul told the church at Ephesus, "Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Ephesians 5:19-20). Because all these attributes and title define God no matter how one may use them, as long as it is not taken in vain, when we hear them we should give God thanks. This is why He calls us to holiness. If we aren't holy, we cannot see God (Hebrews 12:14). Even though we may give thanks to God for every memory of all the other things He is to us, we should also give thanks at the remembrance of His holiness.

Sing: Holiness, holiness is what I long for. Holiness is what I need. Holiness, holiness is what You want from me.
So, take my heart and form it. Take my mind and transform it. Take my will and conform it. To Yours, to Yours, oh, Lord.

2013 June 20 - Morning Manna

Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book. And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things. Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God. And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand. He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. (Revelation 22:7-21)

Today's Morsel: Okay, I don't want any of you running out to get rocks to stone me for false doctrine, but I want to ask you, how much do you love and respect your pastor? What would you do if you found out that Hebrews 1:13-14 is talking about your pastor? "But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation" (Hebrews 1:13-14)? And what would you do, if you found out that in Revelations 22:16, Jesus is referring to your pastor? "I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star"(Revelation 22:16). Did not God tell us through the prophet Jeremiah, "And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding" (Jeremiah 3:15). And did not the apostle Paul tell us, "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ" (Ephesians 4:11-13). So before you speak ill or start thrashing of your pastor, make sure he's not God's angel sent to you.

Sing: Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King; Peace on earth, and mercy mild; God and sinners reconciled." Joyful, all ye nations, rise, join the triumph of the skies; with angelic hosts proclaim, " Christ is born in Bethlehem."

Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the new born King."

2013 June 19 - Morning Manna

Praise ye the LORD: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely. The LORD doth build up Jerusalem: he gathereth together the outcasts of Israel. He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names. (Psalms 147:1-4)

 

Today's Morsel: Scientists tell us that there are billions and billions of stars in our galaxy. I will be honest with you, even in all my study in school, I can only possibly name of few of them that I was taught. But who knows if they are the right names. The psalmist said that God knows every one of them by name. WOW! This is only a tip of the iceberg of the things that God knows. Scripture also tells us that God knows the number of hairs on our heads. "But the very hairs of your head are all numbered" (Matthew 10:30). God is omniscience. There isn't anything that He does not know. As he told Nathanael, "Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee" (John 1:48). King David said, "O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether"(Psalms 139:1-4). There isn't anything hidden from God. He knows all things. And because He knows all things, there is no reason for us to fear or fret because He knows the things that we have need of before we even ask Him.

Sing: Why should I feel discouraged! And why should the shadows come, and why should my heart be lonely, and long for heaven and home; when Jesus is my portion, a constant friend is He, His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

I sing because I'm happy! I sing because I'm free! For His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches over me.

2013 June 18 - Morning Manna

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
(James 1:2-8)

Today's Morsel: Temptations seem to come at us from all people, places, and things. We are tempted to roll over and go back to sleep. We are tempted to sit and watch things that we know that aren't good for us. We are tempted to say things when we know that we shouldn't. We are tempted to retaliate when others do us wrong. We are tempted to buy when we don't have the money. We are tempted to eat when we know that we shouldn't. Why so much temptation? You know, scripture does not say that God will put no more on you than you can handle. Scripture does say, "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it" (1 Corinthians 10:13). God doesn't put temptations on you, nor does He want to see what you can handle. God makes ways of escape for you. Obeying His word is always the escape route. James says, "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed" (James 1:12-14). Notice, you are tempted by your own lust. And lust is always associated by and with wants. If we keep our flesh under subjection, we don't have to worry about temptations over powering us.

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

2013 June 17 - Morning Manna

And Moses answered and said, But, behold, they will not believe me, nor hearken unto my voice: for they will say, The LORD hath not appeared unto thee. And the LORD said unto him, What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod. And he said, Cast it on the ground. And he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from before it. And the LORD said unto Moses, Put forth thine hand, and take it by the tail. And he put forth his hand, and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand: (Exodus 4:1-4)

 

Today's Morsel: It seems as though everyone has something in their hands these days. I see the young and the old walking with cell phones, smart phones, walkmans, IPads, keys, or something else in their hand. Very few people are seen without something in their hands. Even Moses had something in his hand, a rod. God used that rod to deliver His people. You know, I think that if the things people are carrying in their hands were used to advance the gospel, we could reach the world with Truth. Many people tweet, but most tweets are not about the Gospel, it's about gossip. Many people text, but again it has nothing to do with the Gospel. Many post on Facebook, but how much of that contains the Gospel message? With today's technology, the Gospel shouldn't be hidden from any country or people. We don't have to spend billions of dollars to send people to foreign countries to take the Gospel to them, why not just tweet, text or email it to them. Who cares if it get intercepted. Maybe the ones intercepting and reading it will get saved. Remember, God's Word will not return void. So what is that in your hand? Use it to spread the Gospel today.

Sing: Send the light, the blessed gospel light, let it shine from shore to shore; send the light, the blessed gospel light, let it shine for ever more.

2013 June 15 - Morning Manna

Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? (Matthew 6:26)

 

Today's Morsel: When I look out our dining room window, there always seems to be some type of bird looking in the window from the power line which runs along the back. I see robins, sparrows, doves, pigeons, ravens, and even woodpeckers. It is such a beautiful view. As I observe these fowls, they seem to not have a care in the world. Even though there is danger for them, it seems not to bother them. Jesus said, that they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Jesus wants us to know that as part of His creation, He will provide for us the same as He does those fowls. The fowls put their trust in God to provide for them. Solomon tell us, "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths" (Proverbs 3:5-6). Paul said that God would supply all of our need (Philippians 4:19). David said that he has never seen the righteous forsaken nor his seed begging bread (Psalms 37:25). And Jesus said that it was the Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom (Luke 12:32). So the next time you observe the fowls, just know that Jesus has your best interest at heart also.

Sing: The disciples came to land, thus obeying Christ's command, He invites His chosen people come and dine. There they found their heart's desire, bread and fish upon the fire, it's so good to sup with Jesus all the time.

Come and dine the master calleth, come and dine; it's so good to sup with Jesus all the time, He who feed the multitude, turned the water into wine, to the hungry calleth now, come and dine.

2013 June 14 - Morning Manna

"He hath put my brethren far from me, and mine acquaintance are verily estranged from me. My kinsfolk have failed, and my familiar friends have forgotten me. They that dwell in mine house, and my maids, count me for a stranger: I am an alien in their sight. I called my servant, and he gave me no answer; I intreated him with my mouth. My breath is strange to my wife, though I intreated for the children's sake of mine own body. Yea, young children despised me; I arose, and they spake against me. All my inward friends abhorred me: and they whom I loved are turned against me" (Job 19:13-19)

 

Today's Morsel: Do you ever feel like you are a stranger in your own house? You know, as a minister I have attended churches and have gone to church meetings with other ministers and have felt like a stranger in the house of God. I have heard people say that they have gone to churches and did not feel as though they were welcome because of how they looked. In so many ways and so many times, Christians forget the Word of God. The writer of Hebrews tells us,"Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares" (Hebrews 13:1-2). I often wonder in so many of our meetings if God is pleased with what He sees. Some saints harbor bitterness, disagreements, envy and hatred to the point that they go out of their way to avoid others. But yet they say they are Christians. James tell us, "Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace" (James 3:13-18). Job felt like a stranger in his own house. He said everyone was turning against him. Maybe this is the reason backsliders find it so hard to come home, they feel like strangers in their own house. Again, James tells us, "If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors" (James 2:8-9). Always remember the golden rule, "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets" (Matthew 7:12). Make sure you aren't one of those that Jesus will tell to depart from Him because He doesn't know you.

Sing: Born again, there's really been a change in me. Born again, just like Jesus said. Born again, and all because of Calvary, I'm so glad, that I've been born again.

2013 June 13 - Morning Manna

God shall hear, and afflict them, even he that abideth of old. Selah. Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God.
(Psalms 55:19)

 

Today's Morsel: Did you know that you are the way you are because it is the way you want to be? You see, if you really wanted to change you would do something about it. I listen to people pray and ask God to change them. Yet I am sure God is saying, "Really! You want me to change you? Then why don't you do what My Word tells you?" If you never change the way you think, you'll never change you. If your home is a mess, it's not going to clean itself. If your car is falling apart, it's not going to fix itself. If you never study the Word of God, don't expect to know what it says. Change always start with us. David said because the wicked have no change, they don't reverence God. Jesus said that true worshipers worship the father in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). One's actions and attitude are always an indicator of what is inside of them. If there is an absence of truth, it will be reflected outwardly. If we say that we know Jesus, then our worship should reflect that truth within us. But if nothing changes, nothing changes!

Sing: I found a new way of living, I found a new joy divine, I have the fruit of the spirit, I am abiding, abiding in the vine. Abiding in the vine! Abiding in the vine! Love, Joy, Health, Peace, He has made them mine. I have prosperity, power and victory, abiding, abiding in the vine.

2013 June 12 - Morning Manna

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.
(Philippians 3:10-14)

Today's Morsel: Probably one of the toughest things I've done in my life is to climb Mount Fugi in Japan. What I thought was going to be a piece of cake, turned out to be a very demanding trek. The higher I climbed, the harder it became. Climbing that mountain was, in so many ways, like being a Christian. It required consistency to reach the top. I had to pace myself, and I needed lots of encouragement to do it. The same is true in our Christian trek. I guess that's why the prophets and the rulers of the synagogue sent unto Paul and Silas, saying, "Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on"(Acts 13:15). We all can use a little encouragement on this journey at times. Paul makes mention of the many times he was encouraged by letters he received of the works he had established. So let me encourage you today, as you keep pressing on toward the mark of the prize, stay focused on where you are heading and purpose within yourself that you will cross the finishing line. And also encourage those around you to keep going on in this journey. We need each other to make the climb.

Sing: I'm pressing on the upward way, new heights I'm gaining every day; still praying as I'm onward bound, "Lord plant my feet on higher ground."

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 June 11 - Morning Manna

"And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth"(Luke 12:15).

 

Today's Morsel: Life. What could you accomplish if you had all the resources you needed to get it done? If you could change anything about your life, what would it be? When we understand just how short life really is, what are you doing with your life? I've heard people say, "They are just wasting their life away." Some people are just going round and round like a hamster in a cage because they have no vision or goals as to what they want to become. They spend the majority of their days on the internet, playing games, watching T.V. and they never consider how valuable, precious and short life really is. God created us for a purpose. Job said, "Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble. He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not" (Job 14:1-2). Job was saying that life is short and so you need to consider how you spend it. James asked, "For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away" (James 4:14). Poof, James said, and it's gone. Jesus said that your life does not consist in the abundance of things that you have. Trying to accumulate more stuff is not life. To have life is to be rooted and grounded in Christ. A life filled with an understanding of God and who you are in God is worth more than any amount of money or worldly possessions. 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). If you truly want life, fall in love with Jesus, because He came to give us life, and that more abundantly.

Sing: I've got a river of life flowing out of me, it makes the lame to walk and the blind to see, it opens prison doors, sets the captives free, I've got a river of life flowing out of me.

2013 June 10 - Morning Manna

"Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils" (Mark 16:9)

 

Today's Morsel: Do you ever feel that no one cares about what you are going through or what you are facing? Does it seem that because everyone has their own agenda that no one seems to be concerned about you? I can usually sit on a seat in the mall and identify those who are walking around with feelings of rejection and hopelessness. And I see many that just want someone to talk to, but everyone seems to be in a hurry with no time to listen. I try to approach people I see this way so they know that there is at least one person who does cares about them. Not only do I care, but I want them to know that Jesus cares too. We have to learn how to allow Jesus to work through us so that people do know that we care about them. The Bible says that Jesus had cast out seven devils from Mary Magdalene. We can see why her heart was so torn when Jesus was crucified. Having been tormented for probably years, she was now made free. She had now felt what true love was like. She now understood that there was someone who cared. The same way Jesus showed us how to care when He was on the earth, we must now follow that example and care about others. 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). How can we show others we care? First of all, listen to what others are saying to you. Share and offer to help someone today. Let others go ahead of you. Remember, you always reap what you sow.

Sing: No one ever cared 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.

2013 June 8 - Morning Manna

And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging: And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant. And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by. And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me. And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me. And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him, Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee. And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God. (Luke 18:35-43)

Today's Morsel: Often, when my wife and I are traveling, she may see some  place on a billboard that she wants to stop at and browse around. But, because she usually puts it in general terms and doesn't say specifically, "I would love to stop at the upcoming store", I always take it as "If you want to, we can stop, but if not, that's fine." And so because I am focused on getting to where we are going, and I pass by the place, she will say, "Well I guess we aren't going to stop there today." And I will say, "Well you didn't say you wanted to stop." There are so many things that we pass by because we are always in a hurry to get to where we are heading. We even complain if there is a detour off the path we have chosen. We don't consider that God may be trying to slow us. We always look for the quickest and shortest route. But what are we missing. Maybe we are worn and stressed because we need to stop and see what is going on. The Bible says that Jesus had need to go through Samaria. I'm sure the disciples didn't want to go that way because they knew the Jews had no dealing with the Samaritans. But Jesus had a purpose (John 4). And even in the scripture reference today, as He passed through Jericho and on His way out, there was a blind man that need Him. And he cried out to Jesus for his help. Don't be too quick to bypass places, there just might be someone or something there you need to see. Remember, you are the only Jesus some people are ever going to see.

Sing: Pass me not, O gentle Savior, hear my humble cry; while on others Thou art calling, do not pass me by.

Savior, Savior, hear my humble cry; while on others Thou are calling, do not pass me by.

2013 June 7 - Morning Manna

And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
(Revelation 20:12-15)

Today's Morsel: I can remember in the army when I was first selected to Sergeant First Class. I didn't think that I would be promoted that year because I was not in the primary zone for consideration. And so, really, I was not looking for my name to be on the list of those selected that year for promotion. But as I was standing in formation waiting for instructions before we headed off to class, another member said to me, "Hey Bubba", did you see that your name is on the promotion list?" I said, "You are kidding, right." He told me, no, you have a line number of promotion. And when I went in to check, sure enough, my name was there on the list of those selected.

John said that he saw a book open in heaven and whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. This is where I really want my name to be written, in the Lamb's book of life. This is the promotion list that I want to be found on. I just can't wait to hear Jesus say, "Well done thy good and faithful servant." Will your name be found there? If you have been born again of the water and the spirit and you are living and walking according to God's word, you should find your name written there. What a celebration that will be, when we hear Him call out our name as one of those selected to reign with Him for eternity.

Sing: Lord, I care not for riches, neither silver nor gold; I would make sure of heaven, I would enter the fold. In the book of Thy kingdom, with its pages so fair, tell me, Jesus, my Saviour, is my name written there?

Is my name written there, on the pages white and fair? In the book of Thy kingdom, is my name written there?

2013 June 6 - Morning Manna

When I shall receive the congregation I will judge uprightly.
(Psalms 75:2)

 

Today's Morsel: Abraham Lincoln said, "Almost all men can endure adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, then give him power."

Scripture says, "Now these be the last words of David. David the son of Jesse said, and the man who was raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel, said, The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word was in my tongue. The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God."(2 Samuel 23:1-3). David said that the Lord said that He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. He must be right. Living right. Doing right. And operating in a right way. And so Asaph said, "When I shall receive the congregation I will judge uprightly." Pastoral duties are not as easy as some folks may think. There is a lot that goes into preparation, overseeing, and administration. And now with so much political enforcement and outlandish attacks against the church, ministers really have to be careful how they conduct themselves and how that do the Lord's work. Many people will say that these are attacks by the devil. But what if they are from God to cause us to do what is right? If you are a young man or woman, and you are feeling a calling to the ministry, why not take Asaph's advice now and purpose in your heart that you will judge God's people uprightly. Because he that rules over men must act with fairness and impartiality toward all people. Always remember, it is not our church but God's. And He entrusts us to oversee it.

Sing: Oh when the saints, go marching in; Oh when the saints go marching in, Oh Lord I want to be in that number, when the saints go marching in.

2013 June 5 - Morning Manna

"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"
(1 Timothy 6:6-8)

Today's Morsel: I have noticed that the enemy of our soul is doing everything in his power to make us humans feel as though we don't have enough. You drive through a drive through and you are asked, "Would you like to go large on your ordered?" It also seems that everyone is trying to make something better to make you think that what you have isn't good enough. Someone asked me if I had a smart phone. I said, "For what, why do I need something that's smarter than me?" Most people that have smart phones are now complaining about them, because they don't know how to use half the programs that are on them; and others are saying, "I wish people would stop texting and tweeting me." This world wants you to think that you don't have enough. So many believers have been drawn into the trap of the enemy and can't get out. People can't shut their phones off in church because they may miss a call, tweet or a text. Some even text to the sound booth to adjust the volume. We pump up the volume because we want people to feel there is more. Paul said, "But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ" (2 Corinthians 11:3). He 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" If you are one of those that always has to have the latest gadget, you are not content. Always remember, if it's a want, it's lust; if it is a need, then God will supply it.

Sing: I am so satisfied! I am so satisfied! With my Savoir, He means more to me, than anything, anything, that this world, could ever offer me.

2013 June 4 - Morning Manna

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: (Philippians 1:6)

Today's Morsel: Life can sometimes be confusing if we do not understand what the perfect will of God is for our lives. When a new born child is born, and we hold that child in our arms, we don't know at that moment what that child will become. It may grow and become the president, an astronaut, a teacher, a doctor, or a professional athlete. We don't know, but God does. The potter already has in his mind what he wants the vessel to look like before he ever begins to mold the clay. When God made Adam from the dust of the earth, He already knew what He wanted the human race to look like. Sometimes in our zeal, we try to help God out and that's usually when things gets messed up. Paul said that he was confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. What God is doing in your life, He will complete it. He already knows what He wants to do through you, so let Him perform it. If you become envious, jealous, and feel threatened because of someone else, God will have to keep putting you back on the potter's wheel to remove the impurities that are in your life. Every day that we live, we are a work in progress. God is building in us qualities of Himself that will last for eternity. So don't try to get ahead of God. Just be yourself, and allow Him to complete what He started in you.

 

Sing: He's still working on me to make me what I out to be.  It took Him just a week to make the moon and stars, The sun and the earth and Jupiter and Mars. How loving and patient He must be, He's still working on me.

2013 June 3 - Morning Manna

Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets unto Elisha, saying, Thy servant my husband is dead; and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the LORD: and the creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen. And Elisha said unto her, What shall I do for thee? tell me, what hast thou in the house? And she said, Thine handmaid hath not any thing in the house, save a pot of oil. (2 Kings 4:1-2)

Today's Morsel: The story is told of two young lads in Sunday School that were always being mischievous. And so the teacher took them to see the pastor. When the first boy went in, in a very stern voice and with a mean look, the pastor asked the boy, "Where is Jesus?" The boy was stunned. Over and over again, with such forceful words, the pastor said, "Where is Jesus?" Fear gripped the lad's heart as the pastor asked him one last time, "Where is Jesus?" The lad jumped from his seat, ran out the door, hollering to his friend, "Run man, Jesus is missing and they think we took him." (humor).

In today's passage, we see that there are two boys in trouble; not by their own doing, but by a debt left by their father. If something isn't done to elevate the debt, the boys are going to become servants or slaves. But thank God for mothers who know where to take issues in the time of trouble. We were all "sons in trouble" because of the debt our father Adam left us. There is no way we would be able to pay this debt. But our God paid it for us. He gave His only son, Jesus, for a ransom. Do you know where go God when your children are in trouble? When Paul and Silas were beaten and cast into prison, at midnight they prayed and sang psalms and God heard their plea. If you are feeling a little overwhelmed with your debt today, why not talk with your pastor, trust God, and see what advice he gives you for getting out of debt.

Sing: He paid a debt, he did not owe, I owed a debt, I could not pay, I needed someone to wash my sins away, and now I sing, a brand new song amazing grace, for Jesus paid a debt, that I could never pay.

2013 June 1 - Morning Manna

And Jehoshaphat the king of Judah returned to his house in peace to Jerusalem. And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the LORD? therefore is wrath upon thee from before the LORD.
(2 Chronicles 19:1-2).

Today's Morsel:I often wonder how so many people who say that they are Christians and are born again, can be in support of so much evil and wrong doing. I am appalled by the number of bills and laws that are passed by those who are in authority that say that they are Christians. "Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people as they eat bread, and call not upon the LORD" The psalmist said (Psalms 14:4). Don't they know that we will all stand before the judgment seat of God to give an account. When King Jehoshaphat joined himself to help wicked King Ahab, Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to King Jehoshaphat, "Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the LORD? therefore is wrath upon thee from before the LORD." What a question for the church today. Is it time to be in support of wrong doing? As Elisha asked his servant Gehazi, "Is it a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and oliveyards, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and maidservants? The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper as white as snow" (2 Kings 5:26-27). Because he joined himself to do wrong, the leprosy came upon him for the rest of his life. Ouch! Now is not time for the church to love and support the wicked and their evil ways. It's time for the church to toughen up and take a stand against evil and not join with them. As Paul admonishes us, "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand" (Ephesians 6:10-13). "It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment" (Proverbs 18:5).

Sing: Let God arise and his enemies be scattered, let God arise and his enemies be scattered, let God arise and his enemies be scattered, let God, let God, arise!