2014 February 28 - Morning Manna

And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.  He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches (Revelation 3:1-6).

 

Today's Morsel: How much time do you use in proving yourself or your armor?   I think the reason so many people fall from their walk with God is that they don't spend quality time to ensure they are prepared to defend themselves against the enemy of their soul.  I hear so many born again believers, when you call them to ask how they are doing say, "Oh I am so busy!"  Really!  How can you be busy serving God?  I don't read anywhere in scriptures where the apostles of Jesus said, "Oh we are so busy!"  All I find is they were doing things, and they were so excited with joy of what the Holy Ghost was doing through them, that they just kept meeting together, fellowshipping and letting the Lord add to the church.  Even the apostle Paul, encountering all that he went through, never said he was busy.  He said, "For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God"(1 Thessalonians 2:9).  So if you are always busy, you may be working in your own strength and abilities and not under the anointing of the Holy Ghost. The Lord told the church at Sardis that they have a name that they live by, but they were dead.  They were living by the name of Jesus, but they were already burned out and the little light they had left was getting ready to go out because they had no joy and excitement in what they were doing their work was no longer perfect before God (my words).  Paul told the church at Corinth, "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall" (1 Corinthians 10:12).  If you are too busy to meet and fellowship with brothers and sister of like precious faith, you are too busy and you don't have time to strengthen that which you have left.  Remember, "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend" (Proverbs 27:17).

 

Sing: Jesus is all the world to me, my life, my joy, my all; He is my strength from day to day, without Him I would fall: when I am sad to Him I go, no other one can cheer me so, when I am sad, He makes me glad, He's my friend.

2014 February 27 - Morning Manna

But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality: As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack. (2 Corinthians 8:14-15)

 

Today's Morsel: When we were missionaries, during some of our trips into Mongolia, many of the cars could be waved down as a taxi.  But once you got inside, the gas gauges was always on "E" with the gas gauge light flashing.  I asked our translator if the drivers knew what the light meant and if they were aware that they might soon run out of gas. She said, "Oh yes, they know. They don't have much money, and so if they put lots of gas in their car and it breaks down, they will be out of their money..  So they just put in enough gas to get them where they need to go this trip."

One of the surest way to determine discontentment is wanting more.  When God was providing Manna to the children of Israel, they were given a certain amount per day.  Everyone was given the same amount.  If they got more than they were supposed to, it turned into worms. God, in so many ways, was trying to teach them contentment and how to rely on Him for their provisions.  But even today we see people hording more than they need.  In some countries, people do not have refrigerators or storage areas so they purchase their food daily.  They rely daily on what they can get for that day.  Paul told the church at Corinth that God was teaching them equality. If we never learn that in God's kingdom everyone is equal and has the same opportunities, we can become discontented and leave the church, which always gives Satan the victory.  They only "thing" we should want more of is God.  God has made it that so we can have as much of Him as we like, or as little, it's totally up to us.  I don't know about you, but I am never content when it comes to God and the things of God, I always hunger for more of Him.  

 

Sing:   Jesus, keep me near the cross, there a precious fountain free to all a healing stream, flows from Calvary's mountain.

In the cross, in the cross, be my glory ever; till my raptured soul shall find, rest beyond the river.

2014 February 26 - Morning Manna

"But he said unto them,  Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him;  How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests? Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless? But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple. 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"(Matthew 12:3-8)

 

Today's Morsel: When we read about David, we usually focus some on his worship and some on his failure.  But we do not  focus too much on what is  spoken of his greatness other than his slaying Goliath. David, by all accounts, was a great man of God.  He's called a man after God's own heart.  He's called a warrior, a king, and even a worshipper.  Jesus often makes mention to David in His teachings, because He knew that the people had great respect for David.  He knew that the people knew how much had gone into the construction of the temple that David had left for Solomon his son to build.  He knew that they saw David and the temple as being something great.  But He told them the story of David's actions when he was hungry and how he violated protocol in the temple to focus them that they needed to break traditional rituals.  He knew that they were worshipping the temple more than the One the temple was supposed to be teaching them to worship.  He knew they were worshipping with their lips, but their heart was far from Him.  And so He told them that there stood one amongst them that was greater than the temple.  This was shocking to them because they knew the value of the temple.  And so He told them, "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."  We hear people all the time saying phrased like my church or our church. But when will it become Jesus' church?    When Jesus said, "There stand among them one greater than the temple," He was speaking about Himself, the Creator of heaven and earth.  And the writer of Hebrews tells us, "For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee. And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec" (Hebrews 6:13-20).

 

Sing:  Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praise, in the city of  our God, in the mountains of His holiness, beautiful for situations, the joy of the whole earth, is Mount Zion on the side of the north, the city of the great King.

2014 February 25 - Morning Manna

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
(Luke 2:1-7)

 

Today's Morsel:   I can remember when we once had a donkey.  They are a pretty neat animal to be around. They don't go as fast as a horse or a mule.  They seem to be somewhat like an ox, they take their own sweet time. Every so often you can get them to run, but not for long.   At Christmas time, everyone seems to get attention but the donkey.  Yet they donkeys played a major role throughout scripture.  Balaam had a donkey that even talked and protected him from death.  By all accounts, Mary rode a donkey into Bethlehem out of Egypt and gave birth to the Savior of the world.  The Savior of the world rode a donkey into Jerusalem, and gave birth to a church that would bring forth many sons.  "And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples, Saying unto them,  Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me. And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them. All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass"(Matthew 21:1-5).  The donkey was used to carry the load.  He was a beast of burden.  Peter tells us that when our load is heavy, that we too should cast them upon the Lord because he careth us us (1 Peter 5:7).  I don't know what load you are carrying today, maybe you are caring around a load of guilt and shame today.  Whatever it is, you really don't have to carry it.  Why not put it upon Jesus and let Him carry them for you. 

 

Sing:  The load of sin, was more than I could bear, He took them all away, He took them all away, and now on Him I roll my every care, He took them all away.

2014 February 24 - Morning Manna

He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (Isaiah 40:29-31)

 

Today's Morsel:   Waiting.  The word that most people have trouble with.  Waiting means held up, delayed, can't move because we are caught in traffic.  Waiting can be sitting in a hospital area waiting on the doctor.  I think that's why they call them waiting rooms. Hummmm! Waiting can mean waiting on your water to break so you can give birth to a child.  Waiting can mean so many things.  Paul said, "For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it" (Romans 8:24-25).  Paul asked if we we have the patience to wait for what we are hoping for.  Think about this for a moment.  You are Abraham and God tells you you are going to have a son, you are 75 years old, and now you are 90 and there is no son.  Do you trust God after waiting 15 years, or do you take matters into your own hands. Well, we know what Abraham did.  Now look at Simeon. He's an old man. He has a promise from God that he's not going to die until he sees God's salvation.  He never leaves the temple for fear of missing what he was told.  And scripture says, "And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed" (Luke 2:25-35).  The next time you leave service early, because you don't have the patience to wait, ask yourself, did I just miss my promise or my blessing?

 

Sing: They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint, teach me Lord, teach me Lord, to wait.

2014 February 22 - Morning Manna

"Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount" (Hebrews 8:5).

 

Today's Morsel: Reading through my Bible again this year, it's amazing to me, as always, the instructions and details of God in telling Moses how He wants the Tabernacle in the Wilderness to be built.  Imagine with me for just a moment.  There are no computers in those days for you to type things out.  There are no tape recorders for you to record so that you've got every word and detail correct the first time. There is no pad and paper for you to write with, and no one sitting with you to help you record it.  But somehow and in some way, we don't know how, Moses got it all down and had it built the way God said.  The Tabernacle was a plan for salvation.  It was a plan and way for the children of Israel to have their sins remitted.  God hasn't changed His pattern for salvation. When He met His disciples in the room after His resurrection, He told them, "And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem" (Luke 24:47). Acts 2:38 is still God's pattern for remission of sins and salvation. "Then Peter said unto them, 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).  Is your salvation according to the pattern God has given.

 

Sing:  Saved! Saved! I'm happy on my way. Saved! Saved! Saved! I love Him more each day. Saved! Saved! Saved! I love Him more each hour, for He saves and He keeps and He satisfies me by His power.

2014 February 21 - Morning Manna

My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.   (Proverbs 1:8-9)

Today's Morsel:  Many people do not see the value of the church.  But when we understand that Jesus is the Father of His Church, and the church is the mother of us all (Galatians 4:26), we can understand the importance of heeding Jesus' instructions and obey what the laws of the church are.  Solomon's mother told him if he would heed the instructions of a father and not forsake the law of his mother, they would be an ornament of grace unto his head and chains about his neck.  In other words, they would keep him from doing wrong. They would keep him from going astray.  They would keep him from strange women and wrong influence.  They would keep him from making wrong decisions and running with the wrong group of people.  The law served two purposes:  Morality and How to seek forgiveness.  It still teaches us lessons in good behavior, how to live decently and in order, and how to be ethical. And at the same time it also teaches us how to love others as ourselves and to do unto others as we would have them do unto us.  When we listen to our Heavenly Father and mother we can always, "Come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16).

Sing: Since Jesus came into my heart, since Jesus came into my heart, floods of joy o'er my soul like a sea billow rolls, since Jesus came into my heart.

2014 February 20 - Morning Manna

Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places.(Habakkuk 3:17-19)

Today's Morsel: How much do you trust God? Let's look at it this way.  Your boss and others may think you're a nut for believing in God.  Trust God anyway.  Your spouse and others may think you carry your faith a little too far. Trust God anyway. Your family and friends may think you've lost your mind for protecting your children and family from the ways and things of this world. Trust God anyway.  Your health may be failing.  Trust God anyway.  Your stress may be unbearable.  Trust God anyway.  Your career may seem like it's on a slow train to nowhere.  Trust God anyway.  To make it in this world and live the Christian life, there is only one way.  That is to trust God.  Habakkuk said it best when he said, "Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places."  Habakkuk knew that to get to the place that God desired of him to be, it would take him trusting in God at all times, in all places, and in all ways. 

Sing: I've got a made up mind, I've got a final destination, I'm going to keep on pressing on, to my final destination; going to burn all the brides behind me, break all the ties that bind me, going to keep on pressing on, until I reach that, home sweet home, that New Jerusalem.  

2014 February 19 - Morning Manna

Afterward he brought me again unto the door of the house; and, behold, waters issued out from under the threshold of the house eastward: for the forefront of the house stood toward the east, and the waters came down from under from the right side of the house, at the south side of the altar. Then brought he me out of the way of the gate northward, and led me about the way without unto the utter gate by the way that looketh eastward; and, behold, there ran out waters on the right side. And when the man that had the line in his hand went forth eastward, he measured a thousand cubits, and he brought me through the waters; the waters were to the ankles. Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through the waters; the waters were to the knees. Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through; the waters were to the loins. Afterward he measured a thousand; and it was a river that I could not pass over: for the waters were risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over.(Ezekiel 47:1-5).

 

Today's Morsel: Ezekiel's vision of  living water proceeding out of the altar and swelling lets us know that when Christ is in us, the more that goes forth from the altar out of the house of God, should create a river of living water enough to heal the land no matter where it goes.   The more people in the church there are that are willing to do God's will, the deeper the river should flow.  Jesus said that He would be a well of water within us.  When living waters are inside of you, you have the abilities to heal others physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually everywhere you go and everyone you encounter.  It all starts in the church and with you at the altar on your knees.

 

Sing: Drinking at the springs of living water, happy now am I, my soul, they satisfy.  Drinking at the springs of living water, oh wonderful and bountiful supply.

2014 February 18 - Morning Manna

Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered. Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required. Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart. (Psalms 40:5-8)

 

Today's Morsel: Have you ever been sitting in an audience and someone started reading a poem or  a story about someone and you find yourself with tears running down your face because the person is reading about compassion and love that someone showed, and then they say who they are reading about?  Maybe it was a mentor, a friend, a parent, or teacher, and everyone's heart is touched.  We like hearing when people do great things don't we? When we turn to the Bible, the stories written are about real people.  The psalmist said, "Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart."  I know in the volume it is written about Jesus, but what if in the volume of the book it is written about us, as well.  Where in the book might it be written about us?  "But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people"(Jeremiah 31:33).  Once we know Him, we should desire to do His will.  When God put His Spirit within us, He was putting His law within our hearts, and we should desire to do whatever He asks of us.   If you never see yourself in the word of God, trying looking a little closer.

 

 

Sing: Lord, I care not for riches, neither silver or 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 page white and fair? In the book of Thy Kingdom, is my name written there?

2014 February 17 - Morning Manna

Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. (Colossians 3:12-17)

Today's Morsel: I've been looking at and listening to this thing called peace.  We hear of peace talks, but very little comes of them.   We hear of peace accords and nothing comes of that.  We hear people say, I just wish they would give me some peace.  Isaiah said that God would keep us in perfect peace, but few seem to find it.  And the apostle Paul tells us that we should let the peace of God rule in our hearts, but few do.  And so we wonder why people seem to have no peace, but rather turmoil in their lives.  If Jesus is the Prince of Peace, and He is, and we are told to allow Him to rule and rein over our minds and thoughts, shouldn't we obey.  If God will keep me in perfect peace if I keep my mind on Him, shouldn't I?  And if He's asking to lead me, shouldn't I let Him? When we submit our will to His will, we will live in a calm and serene state.  If God can stand on the bow of a ship and tell the wind and the waves to be at peace, don't you think He can keep you in perfect peace.  Remember, God is not the author of confusion, but peace.

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

2014 February 15 - Morning Manna

As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: (Colossians 2:6-10)

 

Today's Morsel:  What do you look for in people to see if they are content? What yardstick do you use for determining completion in a person's life or in your own life?  Paul told the church at Colossi that they were complete in Christ.  He was trying to let them know that their understanding of Jesus and the teaching he had given them was all that they needed.  Paul teaching of the gospel to them was all that they needed and it is all that we need, too. "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek" (Romans 1:16).  If your salvation is according to the gospel, you should be complete in Him.  You see, when you are born again and Christ is your life, it makes it easy to be complete in Him.  When you allow yourself to live according to His word, other things and teachings won't faze you because you know truth.  And the truth shall make you free (John 8:32).  When you have total understanding of Jesus and His deity, you won't be lead astray with philosophy and vain deceit.  Because the fullness of God is in Christ, we should be (and can be) complete in Him.

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

2014 February 14 - Morning Manna

And Jacob loved Rachel; and said, I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter. And Laban said, It is better that I give her to thee, than that I should give her to another man: abide with me. And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her.

(Genesis 29:18-20)

 

 

Today's Morsel:   Observing Jacobs actions here, we could say that this was love at first sight.   I'm sure some of you, when you were young, saw a boy or girl that you fell in lust with the first moment you saw them.  What is it about love that captures our hearts at such an early age?  The Bible says, "And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her."   Love can sometimes cause us do some unimaginable things.  Moses told the children of Israel, "The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people: But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt" (Deuteronomy 7:7-8). Sometimes our love may be based on a vow that we've made to someone else.  I think all marriage vows should fit this point.  Jesus even asked Peter three times if he loved Him (John 21:15-17), to see if he was committed to their relationship and his calling.  A true calling of God births a love for God, the people of God, and for the things of God.v If we love God, we should love one another.  "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. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another" John said,(1 John 4:7-11).  Always remember, Jesus loved you first and He still does.

 

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

 Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! For the Bible tells me so.

2014 February 13 - Morning Manna

Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. (Luke 6:38)

Today's Morsel: During Christmas, we enjoy volunteering to ring bells for the Salvation Army.  I like seeing the expression on the people faces when they give.  There is a joy about them when they are putting their change or bills in the kettle.  There is something about giving that gives us joy.  If we could grasp this in the church, we too would see that we are happier when we give.  I think this may be why Paul instructed us to bring an offering when we come to church because there is joy when we give.  When you tighten your purse strings, you withhold the blessings of God from your life, because the law of sowing and reaping is always in effect.  Jesus said, "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again."  If you give to others, watch and see don't others give back to you.  It just works that way.

Sing: You can't beat God's giving, no matter how you try. For just as sure, as you are giving, the Lord is the giver on high.  The more you give the more He gives to you, so keep on giving because His word is true, you can't beat God's giving, no matter how you try.

2014 February 12 - Morning Manna

 

A Psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident. One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple. For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.  (Psalms 27:1-6)

 

Today's Morsel:  If you could have your heart's desire, what would it be?  If you could have your wish, what would be the first thing you would ask for?  The psalmist said, "One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple."  Why did he want the house of God?  Most people would have asked for health, riches, or wealth.  Solomon asked for wisdom and he got the wealth and riches to go along with it.  When the things of God are sought after with a broken and contrite heart, God will give us all the other things that may be in our heart that we want even though we don't need them.  Notice what Jesus said, "Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matthew 6:31-33). Paul informs us, "For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost" (Romans 14:17).  What is your number one desire?  Seek ye first the kingdom God.

 

Sing:  If you could see where Jesus brought me from, and where I am today; you would know the reason why I love Him so, now you can take this world's wealth and riches, I don't need earth's fame; it's my desire, to live for Him.

2014 February 11 - Morning Manna

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

 

Today's Morsel:  Every so often, I like to look up into the sky and see what activities are going on.  I see the sun, moon and stars.  Sometimes I see jets venting or birds flying.  And then other times, I see the clouds moving.  The wonders of God.  The Psalmist said,  "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth."  I think that we should all be lifting up our eyes toward the hill that gives us our strength.  When we look up, we can see the things of God, because, "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race. His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof" (Psalms 19:1-6).  If you keep looking up, the chance of you going down probably isn't going to happen. "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory" (Colossians 3:1-4). Remember, your treasure is in heaven and not hell.  So look up!

 

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

2014 February 10 - Morning Manna

Oh that I knew where I might find him! that I might come even to his seat! I would order my cause before him, and fill my mouth with arguments. I would know the words which he would answer me, and understand what he would say unto me. Will he plead against me with his great power? No; but he would put strength in me.
(Job 23:3-6)

 

 

 

Today's Morsel: If you could sit down and talk with anyone you wanted to, who would it be?  I have seen interviews with presidents and world leaders, and it's amazing some of the questions that people choose to ask.  Out of all the questions that are asked of Jesus, none of them seem to be personal in nature.  They asked Him about the end times.  They asked him to teach them to pray.  But none of it was personal.  And so one day, Jesus told them, "Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full"(John 16:24).  Jesus was saying, ask your questions now so you will get an answer and be happy.c Job said, "Oh that I knew where I might find him! that I might come even to his seat! I would order my cause before him, and fill my mouth with arguments. I would know the words which he would answer me, and understand what he would say unto me. Will he plead against me with his great power? No; but he would put strength in me."  Job said,' I would ask him if I could find him, and know what he would say, and he would give me strength.'   God isn't out to destroy you.  He has your best interest at heart.  So ask Him your questions and see if you don't gain strength in your inner man from the answers He gives.

 

Sing:  Hear my cry Oh God, attend unto my prayer, from the ends of the earth will I cry unto Thee, and when my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to that Rock that is higher than I, so much higher than I.

2014 February 8 - Morning Manna

For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both. And there arose a great cry: and the scribes that were of the Pharisees' part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God. And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle. And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome. And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. (Acts 23:8-12)

 

Today's Morsel:  A guy asked me once If I would like to participate in a religious debate.  I asked him for what purpose?  I told him that I don't need to debate the word of God, it defends itself.  The word of God tells us to shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.  (2 Timothy 2:16).  If a person is already ungodly, some religious debate isn't going to change him.  Solomon tells us, "Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit" (Proverbs 26:4-5).  When Paul knew that the Sadducees and the Pharisees were at odds over doctrinal beliefs, he let them argue among themselves.  Those of us who walk in the light, must abide in the light.  So be of good cheer and continue to be a witness in your life for Him.

 

Sing: Just like the blind man God gave back his sight, He didn't know which way was right, but when He turned around and saw Jesus standing by, he cried, 'Praise the Lord, I see the light.'

I saw the light, I saw the light, no more in darkness, no more in the night.  Now I'm so happy, no sorrow in sight.  Praise the Lord, I saw the light.

2014 February 7 - Morning Manna

"And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,) Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry"(Acts 1:15-17)

 

Today's Morsel: How many people do you know that at one time or another served God with you?   I mean they were in church with you, you saw them baptized, they may have preached and taught Sunday school, lead the youth group, or sang in the choir.  They may have even been your pastor, but now they are missing in action.  They are no longer serving God the same way that you are.  I don't know about you, but for me, this is heart breaking and in some cases gut wrenching for me.  I'm always taken aback when people fall away from the truth.  I can only imagine what the apostles of Jesus must have felt like when Judas turned on Jesus and walked away.  Judas had partaken of everything the other disciples.  He had seen the miracles, heard the teaching, had his feet washed, and even partook of the last super.  If they took pictures in those days, he was in the picture.  Even today, when I look at some of my old pictures, I see men and women who started out with me, but are now no longer serving God.  Like Judas, they had part in this ministry, but now have gone astray. Therefore, I have come to realize that I must maintain a strong relation with Jesus so that I do not fall away.  I don't want to think I stand, I want to know that I stand.  And I can only do that by obeying God's word, and keep myself accountable to a true man or woman of God.  

Sing: Hold to God's unchanging hand, hold to God's unchanging hand, build your hopes on things eternal, hold to God's unchanging hand.

2014 February 6 - Morning Manna

But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning. (John 15:26-27)

 

Today's Morsel:  A little girl comes home from Sunday School, and her mother asks her what the preacher had taught on.  To her surprise, the little girl said, " Don't worry you'll get your quilt."  The mother was taken aback at the girl's comment, "Don't worry you'll get your quilt."  So the mother contacted the pastor to ask what he had taught on and the pastor told her, "Your comforter will come."

It's amazing what children think they hear us ministers say!  Jesus told His disciples, "When the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me." I don't understand how people can read this and think the Spirit of God is a person. Jesus said, it will be the spirit of truth. When we understand that He, Jesus is the Truth (John 14:6),  then the Comforter He will send is His Spirit.  The Holy Ghost is the Comforter and the Spirit of Christ (John 14:26).  It is the Spirit of Christ that the apostles received on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4), and it is the same spirit that we receive today, making us His (Romans 8:9).  Therefore, to be a true witness of Christ, we have to have the Comforter inside of us. "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth"(Acts 1:8).  If you have not yet received your quilt, hang in there, your Comforter will come.

 

Sing: I've got the Holy Ghost down in my soul, just like the Bible says.  I've got the Holy Ghost, down in my soul, just like the Bible says.  Well I've been to the water and I've been baptized in Jesus name, my soul got happy and I'm so satisfied, I wouldn't take nothing for my journey now, just like the Bible, just like the Bible, just like the Bible says. 

2014 February 5 - Morning Manna

I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. (John 15:1-5)

Today's Morsel:  One of the things about serving and being successful in Christ, is remaining in the vine.  Jesus makes it very clear to the Christian, that outside of Him and not staying attached to Him, three things are inevitable.  One, you will be taken away; two, you cannot  bear fruit; and three, you can do nothing.  First you will be taken away.  In other words, every wind of doctrine and others will draw you away and you will be burned.  Second, you will be unfruitful.  Your life will always be barren. There will be no indication of the fruit of the spirit in your life.  You will have little or no joy about you.  Your life will be filled with despair and distress.  Without fruit in your life, you cannot enter into heaven (2 Peter 1:5-11).  And third, you can do nothing.  Meaning, you will have no ability to accomplish anything you put forth effort to do. You will always lose heart and become discouraged before you reach the end state of what you set out to do, because of that continual discouragement.  But if we abide in the vine, if we stay attached to Jesus, we will have everything we have need of to be what He desires us to be, to know Him in His fullness, and do all that He may ask of us.  Are you connected?

Sing:  In Christ alone, I place my trust, and find my glory in the power of the cross, in every victory, let it be said of me, my hope, my strength, my hope, my joy, is Christ alone.  

2014 February 4 - Morning Manna

And it came to pass at the end of forty days, that Noah opened the window of the ark which he had made: And he sent forth a raven, which went forth to and fro, until the waters were dried up from off the earth. Also he sent forth a dove from him, to see if the waters were abated from off the face of the ground; But the dove found no rest for the sole of her foot, and she returned unto him into the ark, for the waters were on the face of the whole earth: then he put forth his hand, and took her, and pulled her in unto him into the ark.(Genesis 8:6-9)

 

Today's Morsel: Reading in the paper a few days ago, it said that Pope Francis and two children released two white doves from the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican in Rome. But as these doves were released, one was attacked by a sea gull and the other by a black crow; two unclean attacking the clean.  As I pondered this act, I wondered what it may mean.  The dove represents peace, but darkness will always try to destroy peace.  The dove represents purity, but sin and darkness will kill any sense of purity we may have.  The Catholic church has been under much scrutiny lately because of sin and compromise.  And now she finds herself under attack by darkness.  "But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. 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. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen" (Jude 1:17-25).  I am not denouncing a denomination, rather I am saying that this should be a awake up call for all churches and saints of God that if you don't follow peace with all men and maintain your holiness, darkness will attack and it will destroy your peace and purity.

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.

 

2014 February 3 - Morning Manna

He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live. (Proverbs 15:27)

 

Today's Morsel: Why does it seem that we always want more?  Why do we feel that we need to give gifts to people for doing what they are supposed to do?  Why do businesses give a bonus to people for doing their job?  If we never become content with what we have, we can become our own worst enemy.  Today's passage goes deeper than just material wealth.  It can reach into other areas of life as well.  Gain, if we are not careful, can destroy us.  Any investment in the financial market can keep you worrying if it is for gain.  You say, well isn't that why we invest, for financial gain?  Yes, but if you aren't content when you put it in, it will trouble your house.  You should always invest what you feel you can lose, because the market isn't a guaranteed institution.  But when you invest in God's Kingdom, you won't have to worry about your house being troubled, because godliness with contentment is always great gain.

Sing: He's all I need! He's all I need! Jesus is all I need.   He's all I need! He's all I need! Jesus is all I need.

He satisfies, my needs supplies, Jesus is all I need.  He satisfies, my needs supplies, Jesus is all I need.

2014 February 1 - Morning Manna

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

Today's Morsel: Choose twelve men to view one subject, and there will be twelve different perspectives.  Two kids can grow up in the same home and be exposed to the same teaching and training yet they will often respond differently.  The parents' love or lack of love and their teaching, right or wrong, are not the only determining factor of their destiny.   It is based on what each child decides. Decisions, right or wrong, are based on perspectives.  And perspective are predicated on many things such as character, values, age, background, training, culture, and morals.  All twelve men that Moses chose, by all accounts, saw the same things.  The difference was their perspective.  Another point we must understand is that when we murmur and complain we often times will not make the right decisions or select the correct course  for our lives.  Israel had murmured and complained so much on their journey to the Promise Land that their minds were fogged of God's abilities.  And so now Joshua, one of the original twelve chosen by Moses, who made the right choice in the beginning, again offered them a chance to decide again.  He said, now God is giving you another shot at this thing (my wording). And so he tell them, "But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." Joshua said, I've made my decision and it's going to be the Lord.  And so I say to you today, choose.  As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

Sing: I choose to be a Christian, I choose to be like Him, nobody's making me doing it, this is how I choose to live; you decide for you, and I'll decide for me, and since the choice is mine, this is how I'm going be.  

So don't look at me with sympathy, and think that I'm being cheated by all those crazy things that you call fun; because one day when you're getting down on the dark side of town, this choice, I made will be lifting me out of here.

Oh I choose to be a Christian, I choose to be like Him...