2013 September 30 - Morning Manna

"A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies... A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies" (Proverbs 14:5;25)

 

Today's Morsel: I'm afraid that too many people are making decisions and drawing conclusions about people and situations based on what they hear and not what they see. A faithful witness is one who has seen, not one who tells what they have heard others say as being truthful and factual. A true witness has facts of what took place because they were present and saw what happened. And that witness is able to provide truth so the guilty is charged and the innocent is made free. Solomon said that a faithful witness will not lie. The apostle Paul said that God is faithful no matter if we are faithful to Him or not. He cannot change who He is. "It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself. " (2 Timothy 2:11-13). Jesus told Nicodemus, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness" (John 3:11). If you are planning to see Jesus, you must be a true and faithful witness of His, because liars and false witnesses cannot enter the kingdom of heaven (Revelation 22:15).

 

Sing: He's been faithful, faithful to me, looking back his love and mercy I see, though in my heart I have questioned, even failed to believe, yet he's been faithful, faithful to me.

2013 September 28 - Morning Manna

Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.
(John 13:7-8)

Today's Morsel: When my wife wants to surprise me with something that she is making for me, if I happen upon her doing it, and I ask her what she is doing, she says, "Oh, just putzing." Or she may say, "I'll show you later." When she gives it to me later, then I understand what she was doing.
When Jesus began to wash His disciples' feet, Peter said to Him, "You shall never wash my feet." Jesus told him that what He was doing, he didn't understand it then, but he would afterwards. I believe that Jesus was showing him that in leadership and in a position of authority, you are never greater than your followers. And in leadership and authority, you should always maintain a spirit of humility. He was also showing them that no matter where they go, they must remain pure as it is easy for one's feet to lead them astray or cause them to slip. Peter didn't understand at the moment what Jesus was doing, but by the Day of Pentecost, after he had been filled with the Holy Ghost and obtained understanding, when he was asked by the people in the city of Jerusalem what they should do, he understood and 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" (Acts 2:38). Peter had learned that to become a part of Jesus you must be born again of the water and the Spirit (John 3:3-5). Paul said, "But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God" (1 Corinthians 6:11). You may not understand everything about being born again of the water and the spirit and the church right now, but once you respond to the Word in obedience, you'll gain understanding to it's importance as time goes on.

Sing: Are you washed in the blood, in the soul cleansing blood of the Lamb? Are your garments spotless are they white as snow, are you washed in the blood of the Lamb.

2013 September 27 - Morning Manna

"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ"
(Colossians 3:23-24).

Today's Morsel: Do you give God your very best or do you hold back? Are you giving Him 100% of your effort, or do you try to find ways to shirk your responsibilities? Do you hold back on your worship and praise at church for fear of what others may think of you? I often hear worship leaders in church say, " The people in the world will scream and holler their lungs out at a football game, but you people in the church won't make any noise, let's make some noise." And then they go sit down. Hello! Where is the noise? Set the example. Lead from the front. Granted, we should not act as fools, but when it comes to praising our God and servicing Him, we should do it heartily unto Him and give it all we've got!

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

2013 September 26 - Morning Manna

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof"
(Proverbs 18:21).

Today's Morsel: I like watching the deer in the headlight look on peoples' faces when I tell them that both life and death are in the power of their tongue. When I say to them, "You know, how you speak can kill someone or build them up, as well as yourself." If we aren't careful, we can become our own worst enemy by the words we speak from our mouth. Granted, there are times you may need to raise your voice if someone's life is in danger. But yelling and screaming to get a point across isn't needed. James tells us that blessings and cursing should not come from the same mouth (James 3:10). David prayed that God would let the words of his mouth and the meditation of his heart, be acceptable in the sight of the Lord (Psalms 19:14). Jesus said that it's not what go into a man that defiles him, but what comes out. Is God pleased with the words that proceed from your mouth?

Sing: So be careful little tongue what you say; Oh be careful little tongue what you say! For the Father up above, is listening to what you say, so be careful little tongue what you say!

2013 September 25 - Morning Manna

In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke. Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts. (Isaiah 6:1-5)

Today's Morsel: Most of us who drive and who have ever been pulled over by a policeman for speeding can testify that it is probably one of the most uncomfortable feelings that a person can have. There is something that goes through us that makes us immediately think about our wrong. I think this is how Isaiah must have felt when he saw the Lord. He shouted out ,"Woe is me for I am undone." He immediately realized his wrong. Luckily for him, he was not appearing before the judgment seat of God with those unclean lips. He knew he would at that very moment been toast! Isaiah was shown the vision so he could change himself and go tell others. If your church doesn't give you a glimpse into heaven so you can see your wrong and change, it may not be a church of truth. A true church of Jesus Christ is going to preach truth and preach against sin because it knows that sin cannot enter there (heaven). Even when the policeman gives you a warning, he tells you not to do it again. We need to be thankful for a church that preaches the truth and gives us warning to obey the laws of God.

Sing: God has smiled on me, He has set me free. God has, smiled on me, He's been good to me.

2013 September 24 - Morning Manna

For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. (Ephesians 3:14-21).

Today's Morsel:Did you ever get upset with your siblings and parents when you were a child? Did you go into a pouting mode and tell them that you weren't ever going to speak them again? Did you feel a sense of rejection and think that they didn't love you? Well, sometimes that can be how it is in the family of God. Others may tell on us when we do wrong, do things that we don't like, or we may not get our way and we begin to pout. But none of that changes the fact that if we have been born again we are still brothers and sisters, and we still have to live together and be a part of the same family if we are planning on seeing Jesus. James tells us that if ye have bitter, envy and strife in our hearts, we should 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 (James 3:14-16). And Solomon tells us that anger resteth in the bosom of fools (Eccl 7:9). There is nothing wrong with being upset when you don't get your way, or when someone tells on you when you are wrong. Just don't allow it to pull you away from the family of God. "For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning" (Psalms 30:5).

Sing: You're my brother you're my sister, so take me by the hand, together we will work until He comes; there's no foe that can defeat us, when we're walking side by side, as long as there is love, we can stand.

2013 September 23 - Morning Manna

But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless. For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day. And when he was departed thence, he went into their synagogue: And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him. And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out? How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days. Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other.
(Matthew 12:7-13)

Today's Morsel: Sometimes as I'm reading through the Word of God, I come across passages and I realize that what people have spoken or said was not actually what was meant in scriptures. I'm sure most of you, like me, have heard that under the law, no one was to do anything on the Sabbath day because it was the day of rest. Yes, when we look at the Ten Commandments that God gave to Moses, they were not to do any work ( Exodus 20:8-11). But it made no mention of not doing good. And so what Jesus was trying to get the religious leaders to see, was that He was the God that spoke the commandments to Moses; that He was Lord of the Sabbath, and that He had made no mention of not doing good on the Sabbath day. The people were not to do any work. A big difference. But they had misunderstood the commandment. James stated, "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin" (James 4:17). God doesn't tempt anyone to sin. He came to deliver us from our sins. But because they misunderstood the commandment of God, they were causing people to sin. Anytime you do good, you are in the will of God. The fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth (Ephesians 5:9). So let me encourage you, "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world" (1 John 4:1)

Sing: Open the eyes of my heart Lord, open the eyes of my heart, I want to see You, I want to see You. To see You high and lifted up, shining in the light of Your glory, pour out Your power and love, as we sing holy, holy, holy, I want to see You.

2013 September 21 - Morning Manna

Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint. (Proverbs 25:19)

 

Today's Morsel: You know, I'm one of those people who likes to give people a chance when they tell me they are going to do something. I like to believe that they will follow through with what they say they are going to do. But when they don't follow through, I'm a little let down. Because now, when they want another chance, it's hard for me to trust them. Solomon said that confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint. In other words, it is very painful. It hurts because you were depending on them. When Christians aren't faithful to what they say they are going to do, it hurts the entire body. In so many way, I wonder if when we say that we are going to do something for Christ and don't do it, if He loses confidence in us and just how much it hurts Him? Jesus is always faithful, and so we should strive to be faithful, too. One of the things you can be sure of, He's still going to be faithful to those who are faithful to Him.

 

Sing: He's been faithful, faithful to me, looking back, His love and mercy I see, though in my heart I have questioned, even failed to believe, He's been faithful, faithful to me.

2013 September 20 - Morning Manna

"By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment. By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them. By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned." (Hebrews 11:23-29).

Today's Morsel: It is a joy when I'm reading scripture I stumble upon little golden nuggets that bring to my mind clarity. For example, the writer of Hebrews tell us that Moses, who we know led the children of Israel out of Egypt, chose to suffer affliction with the people of God, rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. Isn't it amazing that Moses even saw what Jesus had to offer was better than what the world could give him. Paul wrote to the church at Corinth, "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). Isn't it amazing that no scripture in the Old Testament makes mention to name Christ. Paul said that the Rock that followed Moses and the children of Israel was Christ. "And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures" (Luke 24:44-45). Friend from Genesis to Revelation, it's all about Jesus. "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory" (1 Timothy 3:16).

Sing: Tell me the story of Jesus! Write on my heart every word. Tell me the story more precious, sweetest that ever was heard; Tell how the angels chorus sang as they welcomed His birth, Glory to God in the highest! Peace and good tiding on earth.

2013 September 19 - Morning Manna

And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves; For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him? And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee. I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth. And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? (Luke 11:5-13)

Today's Morsel: I walked into one of the churches here in the city one day, and I asked a lady who was volunteering if they had any Our Daily Breaddevotional booklets? She misunderstood what I said, and so she began to tell me that I had to eat dinner before I could get bread. I said," What? I'm not here to eat." But she keep insisting, "Yes, that is the policy here. You can't have any bread until you first eat." When I explained it to her again, she just laughed and said, "I thought you wanted a loaf of the free bread." Because they ran a soup kitchen, she thought I was homeless and was asking for bread. Jesus said, "If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?" He also said, that when we pray, we should say, "And give us this day our daily bread." How many loaves do you need for your friends today? It's all yours for the asking. And we should be giving it out as freely as we have received it, no strings attached.

Sing: Fill my cup Lord, I lift it up Lord, come and quench this thirsting of my soul. Bread of heaven, feed me till I want no more, here's my cup, fill it up and make me whole.

2013 September 18 - Morning Manna

"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).

 

Today's Morsel: You know, I'm not a man who likes to get into a lot of religious debates. I already know what I believe and so there is no shadow of turning within. Many people like religious debates, but they really don't accomplish much. Usually the people debating both have their minds made up, so it rarely helps either come to a revelation of truth, it merely pushes some further away from truth. Me, I like to teach Bible studies so people can see it right from the Word of God, so they can see truth for themselves. I don't feel a need to defend God's Word. Truth defends itself. For example, I had a man tell me that he used to believe that Jesus was God, but now he's not for sure. But when he told me that he had been going from church to church over the past 30 years, I understood why he felt the way he did. I just smiled and said, "Sir, the apostle Paul wrote to us, '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). So maybe the devil has blinded your mind to the truth." He could not debate with me, because it was truth from the Word. What about you today? Has the devil blinded you to truth? The apostle Paul wrote to the church at Corinth, "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). It's not hard to see that Jesus is God if you have a personal relationship with Him. For even Jesus said, "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" (John 8:24).

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

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

2013 September 17 - Morning Manna

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me" (Psalms 23:4)

 

Today's Morsel: Every so often, I get one of those terrifying moments that come into my mind like something bad is about to happen. I like to call those moments, those shadow of death moments. It's a feeling of heaviness. A feeling of uncertainty. It's a feeling that says, "Prepare yourself." It's that feeling that Job had when he said, "Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him: On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him" (Job 23:8-9). It's that feeling of that God's presence isn't here. It's that feeling that the disciples had after Jesus death. That feeling that says, "He has left me." But then Job lets us know that God is still observant and watching us when he said, "But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold."(verse 10). Even though we may feel like God isn't there, He's still watching over us. His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches over me. When that feeling tries to come in, I know that all I have to do is turn my thoughts towards Jesus, and He will give me a sweet assurance.

Sing: I've got a God who with is angels watches over me. I've got a God who puts my enemies beneath my feet. I've got a God who's with me when I'm sick and when I'm feeling well, I've got a God, I've got a God, and my God, never fails, I've got a God!

2013 September 16 - Morning Manna

"But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?" (Matthew 14:24-31)

Today's Morsel: I can remember in the Army the first time I had to go through drown proofing training. Not knowing how to swim at the time and only knowing how to dog paddle, when they told me that we had to jump into the deep water, I froze. I thought for sure that I was going to drown. But after going through the training of how to hold my breath while taking my fatigue jacket or trousers to make a life preserver, this awesome training taught me how to survive in deep water to prevent drowning and to save my life. I wonder what Peter would have done if he would have had this type training when he began to sank? You know, the Word of God has every life saving measure in it for how to survive in every situation we encounter that may seem life threatening to us. Where so many fail is that they miss training. They don't see Bible study, Sunday School and church as important. And they fail to realize that the Bible is a life saving manual, and so they never read it. Thus, they never learn the life saving techniques and procedures to use when they feel as though they are drowning in the situations of life. Always remember, the first principle of survival in waters the of affliction and rivers of depression (deep waters) is faith in God.

Sing: I was sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shores, very deeply stained within, sinking to rise no more; but the master of the sea heard my despairing cry, from the waters lifted me, now safe am I.
Love lifted me! Love lifted me! when nothing else could help, Love lifted me. Love lifted me. When nothing else could help, Love, lifted me.

2013 September 14 - Morning Manna

Now therefore, O our God, hear the prayer of thy servant, and his supplications, and cause thy face to shine upon thy sanctuary that is desolate, for the Lord's sake. O my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name: for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies. O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God: for thy city and thy people are called by thy name. And whiles I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the LORD my God for the holy mountain of my God; Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation. And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding. At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision. (Daniel 9:17-23)

Today's Morsel: We're never going to know the impact of our prayers until we get to heaven. One of the things I've learned about prayer is that it must not be my will, but God's will. Because God knows the things we have need of, and because His ways and thoughts aren't ours, it is best that we pray for His will to be done. I could be praying for someone to be set free from an institution, and they could be a murderer. And the list could go on. We usually pray based on what we hear, not on firsthand knowledge. And so I've begin to pray for the will of God to be done and thanking Him for what He will do should it be His will. I think that's how Jesus said that we should pray. Daniel was a man of prayer. He was praying and interceding for his sins as well as the sins of others when Gabriel came to give him skill and understanding of his vision. Maybe you are waiting on an answer from God for your dream, vision, or request. Let me encourage you, don't lose heart but keep praying that God's perfect will will be done, and you too will receive a comforting answer.

As my good friend, Arlie Enis, said, "Prayer is the premium that keeps my policy paid up."

Sing: Are you weary, are you heavy hearted? Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus; Are you grieving over joys departed? Tell it to Jesus alone.

2013 September 13 - Morning Manna

And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it... And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt. (Exodus 12:7;13).

Today's Morsel:I asked a lady a few days ago where she worked, and before she could tell me, her boyfriend said, "She works at the vampire center." I said, "Where?" He said, "You know the place that they draw plasma from people." I said, "Oh I see." When the Lord was ready to bring the children of Israel out from the captivity in Egypt, He told Moses to have the people place blood on the door post and when He saw the blood, He would pass over them and their first born would not be destroyed. You know, God has always made a way of escape for His people. But sad to say, many fail to take the instructions that He gives to save themselves and their families. I tell people all the time, "If you go to hell, it's not God fault. He has told you what you need to do to stay out. So if you wind up there, don't blame God." Many today are like the citizens in Jesus' day when they said, "We will not have this man to reign over us" (Luke 19:14). But Jesus said, "He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day" (John 12:48). Are you under the blood? "For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul" (Leviticus 17:11).

Sing: There is power, power, wonder working power, in the blood, of the Lamb; there is power, power, wonder working power, in the precious blood of the Lamb.

2013 September 12 - Morning Manna

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3:23-24)

Today's Morsel: We often hear parents or a coach say, "Just give it your best." What does it mean to give it your best? Does it mean to just try your hardest? Does it mean to just make par. What about don't worry about the score, just pass? I'm afraid that that is how some think when it comes to God. I've heard many people say to just come as you are, or what you are wearing is just fine. But is that giving God your best? Why did God reject Cain's offering and accept Abel's. Abel gave God the firstling and Cain just brought of the fruit of the ground (Genesis 4:3-7). Apparently, Cain didn't consider what was best. Paul said that whatsoever we do, we should do it heartily as unto the Lord, and not unto men. If we would consider the things we do as doing them for the Lord, whether it be a job, how we look and dress, even our commitment, as doing it unto the Lord, I should think we would do our very best. 
 
Sing: So I'm giving my best to You, Lord, all that I have I won't withhold. So I'm giving my best, to You, Lord, all of my heart and all of my soul.

2013 September 11 - Morning Manna

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. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. (1 Corinthians 3:9-17)

Today's Morsel: It's amazing what some kids can build with Lego's. I have seen some amazing inventions that kids are able to make. And I have observed that when other kids want to join them in the process, some are apprehensive about letting them join, for fear that the new kid will break down what they have already begun to build. I'm sure that through this game, many young men and women have chosen the career fields of engineer, construction, or maybe even demolition. It's amazing what toys and games can put into the heart and mind of a child. Both young and not so young. Paul said that he and Apollos were laborers together with Christ. They had laid the foundation, which is Christ, but if people were going to build on it, or become a part of the construction and building team, they wanted them to know that they had to build right. They didn't want anyone just adding to their building whatever they wanted to add to it. They wanted them to add things that would not burn or fall. Your life is a building, will it stand the test of time? Will it pass the fire test when it comes?

Sing: Standing! Standing! Standing on the promises of Christ my Savior. Standing! Standing! I'm standing on the promises of God.

2013 September 10 - Morning Manna

That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist" (Colossians 1:10-17).

Today's Morsel: I like looking at pictures that people have on the wall of their relatives of years gone by. I try to see who the current people resemble in those pictures. I have a picture of my grandfather on my wall, and it is amazing how much my oldest grandson looks like my grandfather. And then I think, will he display the character and traits of him. I sometimes wonder what Adam must have looked like. Or Eve. I once asked a minister when I was young what Jesus looked like. It's amazing the number of pictures that present Him as beautiful. But scripture says, "For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him"(Isaiah 53:2). But even though Jesus may not had had any outward beauty, He was filled with inward beauty because He was the image of the invisible God. Jesus was a man of character. And if we say that we are born again, then our character should reflect His character and the world will see His beauty in us.

Sing: I see Jesus in your smile and it makes me love you. I see Jesus in your heart and I know you care. I hear Jesus in your voice and it makes me listen; I see Him in you.

2013 September 9 - Morning Manna

According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: (2 Peter 1:3)

 

 Today's Morsel: Do you ever feel like something is missing in your life?  Do you ever get that feeling like you know that you want something, but you just can't put your finger on what it is?  Or you go to the restaurant and you are reviewing the menu and you think you know what you want, but you aren't for certain if it's really what you'd like today.   Do you ever hear people say, "I wish I had_____."  Peter said that God has given to us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue.  You see once we have the knowledge of God  we should be content with what we have.  We should immediately learn that life does not consist in the things we possess.  When we understand that Jesus is the bread of life, the word of life, and the resurrection and the life, and we allow Him into our life, we will have all that pertains to life, because He is The way, The truth, and The life (John 14:6).   "For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen" (Ephesians 3:14-21).

 

Sing: He's all I need! He's all I need! Jesus is all I need! He'll satisfy, your need supply, Jesus is all I need.

2013 September 7 - Morning Manna

Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed? (Isaiah 53:1).

 

Today's Morsel: Today's world is filled with so much evil that you don't know who to believe anymore. It's hard to tell who's being truthful and who's telling a lie because we are being pounded with the news twenty-four hours a day and they each have their agenda. Jesus said, "For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect" (Matthew 24:24). It seems that people are being told what they want to hear, instead of what they need to hear. And those who are supposed to know truth are walking away from truth because their hearts are being drawn into the circle of political lies. But as Paul told Timothy, "I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables" (2 Timothy 4:1-4). Friend, God's Word will never change. It still has the answer and the solution for the world's problems today. So whose report are you going to believe? I choose to believe the report of the Lord.

Sing: Whose report will you believe? We shall believe the report of the Lord.(2x) His report says I am healed, His report says I am filled, His report says I am free, His report says victory!

2013 September 6 - Morning Manna

Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. (1 John 4:7-8)

 

Today's Morsel: You know, when I was a kid and listened to the radio, all the music was about love. Most of the artists came out of some church. And because they had heard so much about God and His love, even though their songs were what today we classify as worldly music, their lyrics were pretty clean and spoke of the Word of God. I can remember that many of those artists even made mention of Jesus and God in their singing. For example, Don Mclean, in his song "American Pie", wrote, "Did you write the Book of Love and do you have faith in God, above? If the Bible tells you so." And then there were the Spinners, in their song, "Sadie", which spoke to a mother's love, they wrote these lyrics. "Early one Sunday morning, Breakfast was on the table, There was no time to eat, She said to me, "Boy, hurry to Sunday school; Filled with her load of glory, We learned the Holy story, She'll always have her dreams, Despite the things this troubled world can bring." But today, because most artists have no knowledge of God, because they have never stepped foot into a Sunday school, or read a Bible, their so called songs and song lyrics are all blaspheming God, oneself and degrading women. All because they have no knowledge of God. Do you know Him? When is the last time you've stood and sung an old love song to Jesus. "He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked" (1 John 2:6). He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

 

Sing: More, more about Jesus, more, more, about Jesus; More of His saving fullness see, more of his love who died for me.

2013 September 5 - Morning Manna

"He casteth forth his ice like morsels: who can stand before his cold? He sendeth out his word, and melteth them: he causeth his wind to blow, and the waters flow" (Psalms 147:17-18).

Today's Morsel: Everyday, I am amazed at the awesome power of God. Every time I read His Word I am astounded by what the Word brings to my eye sight, which cause sme to ponder just how truthful God's Word truly is. The Psalmist asked the question, "Who can stand before his cold"? I don't care how many layers of clothing a person may put on, he cannot remain in the cold weather forever. He may endure for a while, but if he remains outside in it he will freeze to death. If we could withstand the cold, we wouldn't need heaters in our automobiles and homes. God knew that we couldn't endure the cold for long, and so He made previsions by creating the ability to make fire. The next time you start feeling a little cold in your walk with God, remember, you can't stay that way forever, for if you do you will surely die. When you start feeling cold, you need to rekindle the fire of the Holy Ghost within yourself and you will become like Jeremiah. "Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay"(Jeremiah 20:9).

Sing: Burn in me! Burn in me! Holy Ghost fire burn in me, yesterday's gone, today I'm in need, Holy Ghost fire burn in me.

2013 September 4 - Morning Manna

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. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.
(2 Corinthians 4:3-10)

Today's Morsel: So many people seem to be depressed these days. Millions are being spent trying to determine the cause of so much depression in people's lives and how to eleviate it. Depression is caused by one thing, self. When the focus is on one's self, it is easy for a person to become depressed when they are rejected, hurt, let down, or given a bad report; whether medical, loss employment, lack of promotion, that they were not expecting to receive. Paul said that we are troubled on every side but not distressed. When Jesus and the things of God are kept first in your life, depression should not rein in your life. As Paul told the church, "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; Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God" (Ephesians 5:19-21). There's the answer to depression. You can walk away from depression any time you feel like it, by walking closer to Jesus. "The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself" Solomon said (Proverbs 14:14).

Sing: Love lifted me! Love lifted me! When nothing else could help, love lifted me; Love lifted me! Love lifted me! When nothing else could help, love, lifted me.

2013 September 3 - Morning Manna

He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
(Revelation 21:7-8)

 

Today's Morsel: What do you see when you look in the mirror? Do you see a person of truth or a person full of lies? Why did Jesus tell the religious leaders that they were of their father the devil? He said it was because they were liars. "Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it" (John 8:44). So many people seem to have trouble with telling the truth these days. The spirit of deception is running ramped across the land. Employers lie to those looking for work about not having employment in their companies because of biases. Politicians lie to the people for personal status and personal gain. Ministers report fake numbers to give the impression that their church is growing. Spouses lie to each other about secret lovers and hidden relationships. Kids lie to their teachers as to the reason they did not complete an assignment. And the worst yet, is that people lie about their commitment to God. "Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge" David said, (Psalms 14:4). He asked the Lord, "LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart" (Psalms 15:1-2). Liars only hurts the themselves as liars shall not inherit the Kingdom of God.

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 September 2 - Morning Manna

Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. (Acts 12:1-5)

Today's Morsel: Do you ever feel like you are trapped and that there is no way out of your situation? Do you ever feel like all hope is lost and so why keep trying? Does it feel like every time you try, you just seem to fall back into that same old trap again? What does it mean to be trapped? A trap is a situation from which it is difficult to escape and in which somebody feels confined, restricted, or in somebody else's power. Or it could be an ambush, scheme, or trick intended to catch somebody unaware and put the person at a disadvantage or in somebody else's power. God doesn't want you to be trapped. When Jesus walked into the syngogouge and they ask him to read, He chose Isaiah chapter 61 and read these words. "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord" (Luke 4:18-19). Once you know truth, you are made free. (John 8:32;36).

Sing: There is power in the name of Jesus! There is power in the name of Jesus! There is power in the name of Jesus! To break every chain, to break every chain. to break every chain!