2014 March 31 - Morning Manna

 

In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death.   (Proverbs 12:28)

 

Today's Morsel:   The more downward spiral that this world seems to take, the more unrighteousness seems to prevail.  It's nothing new, but most people aren't aware of what is taking place in this world.  Most people don't understand that all unrighteousness is sin, and that the wages of sin is death.  Governments implement unrighteous laws and then expect people to live by them in a right way.  Hello!  No one can live right trying to obey an unrighteous law.  The only way one can live righteously and do right is to obey what is already right and which has been established by the Word of God.  Solomon tells us,  "If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked" (Proverbs 29:12); and that if we "Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness" (Proverbs 25:5).  The wicked must first be removed before righteousness can be established.  Even Isaiah lets us know that, "In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee" (Isaiah 54:14).  Our lives and everything we do must be established in righteousness as that is one of the things that makes us a child of God.  "In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother" (1 John 3:10). "Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil" (1 John 3:7-8).  Don't allow people to fool you.   God is righteous and He expects His people to be also.  The last time I checked the scriptures, you needed to be right to enter heaven.  I don't know about you, but I just want to be right.

 

Sing:  Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His Righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto thee, Hallelu, Hallelujah! 

2014 March 29 - Morning Manna

After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had. And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years. When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me. Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath (John 5:1-9).

 

 

Today's Morsel: The story of Jesus healing the man at the pool of Bethesda has always been one of my favorite stories in the Bible. Here was a man who by all accounts was doing everything he could to get healed of his infirmities.  But every time the waters were troubled, someone else always beat him into the pool.  But what I like about the man is that he doesn't seem to be a quitter.  He doesn't seem to lose his tenacity to receive his healing.  When Jesus came to him and asked if he wanted to be made whole, he tells Jesus that when the water is troubled he's trying to be the first one, but that someone else always get there first because he has no one to help him. I think that the reason Jesus may have went to him was because He saw his faith.  This man had some determination about him to get healed.  Let's look at this a little closer.  He's been in his condition 38 years.  The angel went down at a certain season.  Let's just say that the angel went down once every season of the year.  Then this man would have tried to be the first  on to reach the pool 152 times and come up short.  But he kept trying to get there.  Talk about faith. This man's attempt, by all account, is pleasing to God.   Faith without works is dead, James said.  Let's flip the pages, do you know how many fish Peter and the apostles caught the morning they saw Jesus on the shore after His resurrection when He told them to cast their nets on the other side?  It was 153. "Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken"(John 21:11).  In both stories, the focus is that we must realize that Jesus is always watching us.  He knows and sees our disappointments, and He is aware of our every need and care.  Therefore as the scripture encourages us, we must not "Cast not away therefore  our confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. We have need of patience, that, after we have done the will of God, we might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. we must live by faith and not draw back, because we are of them that believe to the saving of the soul" (My wording) (Hebrews 10:35-39).  Keep your faith active and see what Jesus will do when He shows up.

 

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

2014 March 28 - Morning Manna

The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. (Proverbs 18:10)

 

Today's Morsel: When God was delivering the children of Israel from bondage, and when He began to give Moses the law, status, and judgments, He identified certain cities for refuge.  He told Moses, "Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come over Jordan into the land of Canaan; Then ye shall appoint you cities to be cities of refuge for you; that the slayer may flee thither, which killeth any person at unawares. And they shall be unto you cities for refuge from the avenger; that the manslayer die not, until he stand before the congregation in judgment. And of these cities which ye shall give six cities shall ye have for refuge. Ye shall give three cities on this side Jordan, and three cities shall ye give in the land of Canaan, which shall be cities of refuge. These six cities shall be a refuge, both for the children of Israel, and for the stranger, and for the sojourner among them: that every one that killeth any person unawares may flee thither"(Numbers 35:10-15).  It was a place of safety until he could be brought to trial to present his case to ensure fairness.  Moses would later tell the children of Israel, "The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them"(Deuteronomy 33:27).  He wanted them to know who their real refuge was; which he said was the eternal God.  Do you have a refuge, a place that you can run into and be safe in the time of trouble?   There is no place as safe as being in Jesus Christ.  The Psalmist encourages and lets us know that, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" (Psalms 46:1).  All because, "The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe" (Proverbs 18:10).

 

Sing: The name of the LORD is, a strong tower, the righteous run into it, and they are safe; The name of the LORD is, a strong tower, the righteous run into it, and they are safe. Blessed be the name of the Lord; Blessed be the name of the Lord; Blessed be the name of the Lord, Most High! Blessed be the name of the Lord; Blessed be the name of the Lord; Blessed be the name of the Lord, Most High.

2014 March 27 - Morning Manna

For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. (Hebrews 13:14-17)

 

Today's Morsel: I think that we can all agree that those who say that they are Christians are looking for that continuing city. But sad to say, many start out looking for it but they soon go back.  They are, as Peter said, "But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire" (2 Peter 2:22).  If you've ever read the book, "Pilgrim's Progress", then you know that the main character is a man by the name of Christian. The story centers itself on Christian's journey from his hometown, the "City of Destruction" (this world), to the "Celestial City" (that which is to come), Heaven.  Christian is weighed down by a great burden, the knowledge of his sin, which he learns from his reading the book in his hand, the Bible.  This burden, which would cause him to sink into hell, is so unbearable that Christian must seek deliverance.  He meets Evangelist as he is walking out in the fields, who directs him to the "Wicket Gate" for deliverance. Since Christian cannot see the "Wicket Gate" in the distance, Evangelist directs him to go to a "Shining Light," which Christian thinks he sees.  I won't tell you all the story in case you would choose to read the book.  I think it's a good book for young and old alike to read.  Every church's goal should be to direct people who enter it's doors to that continuing city.  From day one of the inception of the New Testament Church, the apostles of Jesus Christ began to direct people toward that continuing city.  When Peter was asked what they must do to be saved, "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. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call" (Acts 2:38-39).  You see Peter, knew what Jesus had told Nicodemus that a man must be born again of the water and the spirit to enter the Kingdom of Heaven (John 3:3-5).  He was giving them the directions of how to get to that continuing city. The church's main goal isn't to see how many members they can get, it's to put people on the road to that continuing city, where John said,  "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." (Revelation 21:4).  I don't know about you, but this world is not my home.  I'm like Abraham, I'm looking for a city whose builder and maker is God (Hebrews 11:10).

Sing: I'm going to a city, there'll be no more night, I'm going to a city, where Jesus is the light; the trumpet's going to sound, and I'll be called away, I'm going to a city  someday.

2014 March 26 - Morning Manna

There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. (Proverbs 14:12)

 

Today's Morsel: Thomas Paine said, "A long habit of not think a thing wrong gives it a superficial appearance of being right."  If you ever notice, in the political realm, when something is wrong and they want people to agree with them, they will keep saying the same thing that is wrong over and over until they can get enough people to think that it's right; and then they say that the people agree.  One of the false doctrines being taught today is that there are no absolutes.  This horse is being pounded into the minds of young people day after day in the hope that they will agree.  But I will tell you, there are some absolutes.  If you give me a $10 bill for a $1 soda, and you don't get back $9 in change, I am sure you will soon want me to see there is an absolute.   Sometimes when I am traveling, and I see all the automobiles, I ask myself how many of them are on the wrong road and don't know it. Solomon said, "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death" (Proverbs 14:12).  Let me encourage you, don't keep listening to people who tell you that there is no heaven and that there is no hell.  If I were you, I would rather live my life as though there is a heaven and be right, than to live it wrong and find out that there is a hell.  

 

Sing: Jesus! I'm depending on You; Jesus! I'm depending on You; Jesus! I'm depending on You, I'm depending on, depending on You, to see me through.

2014 March 25 - Morning Manna

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it. (Revelation 2:17)

 

Today's Morsel:  When Jesus  came into the city of Samaria and sat on the well, he sent his disciples into the city to buy meat.  When they returned and saw him talking with woman, no man said, "What seekest thou?" or, "Why talkest thou with her?"  And then, in the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat; He said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of. Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him ought to eat?  Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. (John 4:31-34)  The disciples wondered who had given Jesus something to eat.  But Jesus told them that He had meat to eat that they knew not of.  What was this hidden meat that Jesus had that they were not aware of?  They were not aware that He was the bread of life.  They were not aware that He was the manna from heaven.  They were not aware that He was the word made flesh (John 1:14; John 6:35) When we overcome our fleshly desires, lusts, and evil ways, and dedicate our lives to Him, He will enlighten us through His Word, and we too can eat of that hidden manna from heaven.  Jesus Christ is the Bread of Life.

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

"Come and dine" the Master calleth, "Come and dine."  You may feast a Jesus' table all the time; He who fed the multitude, turned the water into wine, to the hungry calleth now, "Come and dine."

2014 March 24 - Morning Manna

So went the present over before him: and himself lodged that night in the company. And he rose up that night, and took his two wives, and his two womenservants, and his eleven sons, and passed over the ford Jabbok. And he took them, and sent them over the brook, and sent over that he had. And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day. And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him. And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob. And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there. And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved. And as he passed over Penuel the sun rose upon him, and he halted upon his thigh. Therefore the children of Israel eat not of the sinew which shrank, which is upon the hollow of the thigh, unto this day: because he touched the hollow of Jacob's thigh in the sinew that shrank. (Genesis 32:21-32)

 

Today's Morsel: The story of Jacob has always enthralled me.  From the time his parents send him away from home to preserve his life from his brother Esau, to meeting Rachel, to the tricks his Uncle Laban pull on him with his wives, the changing of his wages ten time, and after all those years, Jacob is still afraid of his brother Esau when God tells him to go home.  What I also like about Jacob's story is his action at the ford of Jabbok.  If you will notice, Jacob is willing to forgo everything in order to obtain assurance from God that He is with him.   And there, on the other side, all alone by himself, he wrestles with a man until the breaking of the day.  Jacob is willing to hold on to God and not let Him go, even though it is painful and hurtful to him.  Jacob has his hip pulled out of joint and he will walk with a limp for the remainder of his life, all to have some assurance and peace of mind from God.  Jacob doesn't complain to God about his hip being pulled out of joint, nor does he ask God to heal him.  He's willing to bear this mark in his life forever.  He just simply says, "For I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved."  Many would look at Jacob and ask why he didn't let the man go.  No friend, this wound reveals Jacob's strength.  This wound reveals that he was willing to bear the mark of Christ in his life.  What marks are you willing to bear in your body to show that you have met God face to face and that you know your life has been preserved?

 

Sing:  He gives strength to me, as I worship Him, as my heart, is filled with praise; Jesus breaks the band, as I raise my hands, He gives glorious victory.

2014 March 22 - Morning Manna

And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said: He hath said, which heard the words of God, and knew the knowledge of the most High, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open: I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth. (Numbers 24:15-17)

 

Today's Morsel: According to Wikipedia, The Hollywood Walk of Fame comprises more than 2,500 five-pointed terrazzo and brass stars embedded in the sidewalks along 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard and 3 blocks of Vine Street in Hollywood, California.  The stars are permanent public monuments to achievement in the entertainment industry, bearing the names of a mix of actors, musicians, directors, producers, musical and theatrical groups, fictional characters, and others.  The Walk of Fame is administered by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and maintained by the self-financing Hollywood Historic Trust.  It is a popular tourist destination, with a reported 10 million visitors in 2003. But are these people really stars?  Most people have no idea who some of the folks whose names are placed on them really are.  If you were to ask most of the visitors to the walk who they were, they probably cannot tell you.  You see that's how it is in the world.  Worldly icons don't last.  Most of them, in order to get their names on the Hollywood walk of Fame, lose their character to get it there.

 Balaam told Balak that there would come a Star out of Jacob and a Sceptre would rise out of Israel.  When the Magi came looking for Jesus, they came looking for a super star.  One that would lead them and guide them to that place.  Matthew wrote, "Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him." (Matthew 2:1-2)  They came looking for the true star. They didn't come looking for someone's name on the pavement.  They came to worship The Star.  They came to orship the Bright and Morning Star. T hey came to worship Jesus.  "I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star."(Revelation 22:16)  You don't need to go to The Hollywood Walk of Fame to worship someone that you don't know.  Just go to church and worship the True Star, Jesus Christ.

 

Sing: Light of the world You stepped down into darkness, opened my eyes, let me see.  Beauty that made this heart adore You Hope of a life spent with You.

   Here I am to worship, Here I am to bow down, Here I am to say that You're my God. You're altogether lovely, Altogether worthy, Altogether wonderful to me.

2014 March 21 - Morning Manna

Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. (Ephesians 5:1-2)

 

Today's Morsel: Spring, when those wonderful things of God's creation come forth.  Flowers fill the air with their beauty and smells.  Baby birds start chirping and singing, giving the sound of newness of life.  Baby bunnies hopping everywhere.  All of God's creation seems to spring forth with newness of life at this time of year.  What about you and me?  Can people see the newness in our lives?  Can they smell and see the aroma and beauty of Christ in us?  Paul calls for us to, "Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour."  If our praise and worship isn't coming up into His nostrils as a sweet smelling savor, as a delight, pleasure, and enjoyment to Him; and if others cannot see and smell him radiating from us, then we may be too far from Him and not alive in newness of life.  His word is sweeter than the honey and the honeycomb.  The only way you will draw bees to make more honey, is if your flower gives off a sweet smell.  

 

Sing:  Jesus! Jesus! Jesus! There's just something about that Name.  Master! Savior! Jesus! Like the fragrance after the rain;  Jesus! Jesus! Jesus! Let all heaven and earth proclaim, kings and kingdoms shall all past away, but there's something about that Name.

2014 March 20 - Morning Manna

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink. And Moses took the rod from before the LORD, as he commanded him. And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock? And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also. And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.
(Numbers 20:7-12)

 

Today's Morsel: One would think that Moses; having seen God face to face, receiving, hearing, and seeing the things that God had done; would have done exactly what the Lord told him to do.  But Moses was so fed up with the people's complaining and murmuring that he called them a bunch of rebels.  At this point, Moses is angry with them. And so he took matters into his own hand.  Solomon says, "He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly..." (Proverbs 14:17) Notice, Moses was angry and he dealt foolishly by smiting the rock instead of speaking to it as God had commanded him.  How many time would you say that you do things against God's commands because you are angry with someone or the people He has given you to lead?  I often wonder how many times I may have hurt someone or did wrong because someone made me angry.  I have come to realize that the antidote for anger is to get away or just be quiet.  How would you have handled the situation if you had been Moses?  If you will notice, after this incident, Aaron and Moses lose their leadership roles and are told that they cannot lead the children of Israel into the promise land.  Paul tell us, "Be ye angry, and sin not..."(Ephesians 4:26)  Are you one that gets angry quickly?  Are you one that holds grudges and bitterness in your heart?  Well, let me encourage you to work on removing it.  It's not worth your peace of mind and your salvation.

 

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

2014 March 19 - Morning Manna

Then Moses heard the people weep throughout their families, every man in the door of his tent: and the anger of the LORD was kindled greatly; Moses also was displeased. And Moses said unto the LORD, Wherefore hast thou afflicted thy servant? and wherefore have I not found favour in thy sight, that thou layest the burden of all this people upon me? Have I conceived all this people? have I begotten them, that thou shouldest say unto me, Carry them in thy bosom, as a nursing father beareth the sucking child, unto the land which thou swarest unto their fathers? Whence should I have flesh to give unto all this people? for they weep unto me, saying, Give us flesh, that we may eat. I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me. And if thou deal thus with me, kill me, I pray thee, out of hand, if I have found favour in thy sight; and let me not see my wretchedness. (Numbers 11:10-15)

 

Today's Morsel: One of the things you have to learn in leadership is how to deal with stress and tiredness in your life as well as those you lead.   Sad to say, too many leaders do not know how to do this.  Jesus understood the stress in leadership, and so He told His disciples to come apart and rest awhile.  If someone were to ask you what your hobby is, what would you tell them?  A hobby is something that you like doing.  In many ways, your hobby can help you relieve the stress that is building up in your life.  Another way is to exercise.  Every leader needs to have an exercise program that helps them relieve the stress that they will face during the day, or it will build up in them.  When Moses heard the people weeping and crying, he asked the Lord, "Wherefore hast thou afflicted thy servant? and wherefore have I not found favour in thy sight, that thou layest the burden of all this people upon me?"  Moses was saying, God I can't believe You are doing me like this. (My paraphrase.)  When you are filled with stress, you want to cry in your own soup.  You have to get to the point that you don't let your followers burden you with their complaining. I always listen, and then I will ask them, "Have you talked to Jesus about it, or would you like some cheese to go along with that whine?"  You can be the most humblest leader, just as Moses was, but if you listen to too much complaining and don't have a method of release, it will wear you out.

 

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

Tell it Jesus, tell it to Jesus, He is a friend that's well known; you have no other such a friend or brother, tell it to Jesus alone.

2014 March 18 - Morning Manna

And there went forth a wind from the LORD, and brought quails from the sea, and let them fall by the camp, as it were a day's journey on this side, and as it were a day's journey on the other side, round about the camp, and as it were two cubits high upon the face of the earth.
(Numbers 11:31)

 

Today's Morsel: When the children of Israel complained to Moses that they were tired of the manna and that they wanted meat, the Lord  was angry and told Moses that He would provide them flesh for 30 days and it would be so much that it would make them sick.  Moses was pretty shocked and asked the Lord if they were to kill the cattle and livestock to feed themselves.  The Bible mentions over 600,000 footmen, this was only the men that could go to war, it was not everyone.  So if you were to add everyone, you would probably be talking over 2 million people.  God asked him if he thought His hand was too short that He couldn't do what He said.  And scripture says, "And there went forth a wind from the LORD, and brought quails from the sea, and let them fall by the camp, as it were a day's journey on this side, and as it were a day's journey on the other side, round about the camp, and as it were two cubits high upon the face of the earth."  Do you know how much quail this was.  Let me see if I can give you some insight. According to measurements, a day's journey during this time was approximately 24 miles per day. And a cubit was approximately 22 inches long, or the length of a man's arm.  So God dropped quail about 48 miles long and 31/2 feet high.  Talk about a smorgasbord.  Now you should be able to understand why Jesus could take the 2 fish and 5 loaves and feed the multitude.  He's God.  As He asked Abraham let me ask you, " Is there anything to hard for the Lord? I know not any."  Grasp this, because there is nothing to hard for our God to do.

 

Sing: Our God is greater, our God is stronger, Lord You higher than any other.  Our God is healer, awesome in power our God, our God. 

2014 March 17 - Morning Manna

"And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Send thou men, that they may search the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel: of every tribe of their fathers shall ye send a man, every one a ruler among them. And Moses by the commandment of the LORD sent them from the wilderness of Paran: all those men were heads of the children of Israel... And Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan, and said unto them, Get you up this way southward, and go up into the mountain: And see the land, what it is; and the people that dwelleth therein, whether they be strong or weak, few or many; And what the land is that they dwell in, whether it be good or bad; and what cities they be that they dwell in, whether in tents, or in strong holds; And what the land is, whether it be fat or lean, whether there be wood therein, or not. And be ye of good courage, and bring of the fruit of the land. Now the time was the time of the firstripe grapes."(Numbers 13:1-3;17-20)

 

 

Today's Morsel: When I was an Infantry Squad Leader and an Instructor at the Reconnaissance School, one of my duties was to teach soldiers how to go into the enemy area and obtain information.  We used what was called the SALUTE Report.  The letters stood for Size, Activity, Location, Uniform, Time, and Equipment.  Once they had this information, they would then meet and disseminate the information to other soldiers so that all would have the same information should one get captured or killed.  The Lord told Moses to send men to espy out the land of promise.  They all brought back their salute report, but some of them brought back an evil report.  It was not their job to provide an evil report, it was their duty to gather information.  It was Moses' job to determine the strength and weakness of the enemy based on the information they brought back to him.   Always remember, it not your duty to tell others how big your enemy is, it's your duty is to tell the people how big your God is.  "And it came to pass, when the ark set forward, that Moses said, Rise up, LORD, and let thine enemies be scattered; and let them that hate thee flee before thee." (Numbers 10:35)  Your enemy is no match for your God.  Once he sees the ARK, he flees.  As long as you keep Jesus lifted up in your life, your enemy will flee.  So be encouraged.

 

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

2014 March 15 - Morning Manna

If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?
(Jeremiah 12:5)

 

Today's Morsel: With the hustle and bustle of life these days, it seems hard for some to keep pace.  As we press towards that mark, many are beginning to fall by the wayside.  Many are starting to lose steam up that rugged hill.  It has been stated that the hardest part of climbing any mountain is the summit.  Why does it seem that we tire as we get closer to the top or closer to crossing the finishing line?   The children of Israel quit right at the finish line.  What will it take for us to get that other spirit that Caleb had?  The Lord spoke of Caleb, that he had another spirit. "But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it."(Numbers 14:24).   For some reason, Caleb, did not tire doing what the Lord, Moses, and Joshua had asked of him to do.  Scripture says, "Then the children of Judah came unto Joshua in Gilgal: and Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite said unto him, Thou knowest the thing that the LORD said unto Moses the man of God concerning me and thee in Kadeshbarnea. Forty years old was I when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadeshbarnea to espy out the land; and I brought him word again as it was in mine heart. Nevertheless my brethren that went up with me made the heart of the people melt: but I wholly followed the LORD my God. And Moses sware on that day, saying, Surely the land whereon thy feet have trodden shall be thine inheritance, and thy children's for ever, because thou hast wholly followed the LORD my God. And now, behold, the LORD hath kept me alive, as he said, these forty and five years, even since the LORD spake this word unto Moses, while the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness: and now, lo, I am this day fourscore and five years old. As yet I am as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me: as my strength was then, even so is my strength now, for war, both to go out, and to come in. Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the LORD spake in that day; for thou heardest in that day how the Anakims were there, and that the cities were great and fenced: if so be the LORD will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the LORD said. And Joshua blessed him, and gave unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh Hebron for an inheritance."(Joshua 14:6-13)  At 85 years old and he was still able.  A man with tenacity, determination and commitment.  What a man.  No quitting in him.  What about you?  Will you be able to say as Caleb, "Give me my mountain?"  Jeremiah asked, "If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?" Remember, when you are tired, it's just weakness leaving the body.  Get into the Lord's gym and press through the pages of His word and worship Him and He will give you the strength to carry on.

 

Sing: He gives strength to me, as I worship Him, as my heart, is filled with praise. Jesus breaks the band, as I raise my hands, He gives glorious victory.

2014 March 14 - Morning Manna

Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.   (Psalms 118:28-29)

 

Today's Morsel:  The 118th Psalm is a very encouraging Psalm.  The others are too because many of them are songs to sing.  We are told to speak to ourselves in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in our hearts unto the Lord (Ephesians 5:19).  I like singing the word of God because it helps me remember scriptures and hide the word in my heart.  Why does God want His people to sing?  Because singing uplifts our spirit.  Singing spiritual song and quoting the psalms causes us to focus on Christ and not on self.  When our focus is on Christ, He keeps us in perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3).  Isaiah also said that He's given us a garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness so that we would be trees of righteousness. (Isaiah 61:3)  The psalmist said, "Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever."  When we give thanks to God, it causes us to realize who is our God.  Maybe you aren't feeling like yourself today.  Maybe you are feeling a little under the weather, or a little dismayed.  Maybe you have lost your hope and joy.  Let me encourage you today.  Open your Bible to the book of psalms and read Psalm 118 a few times and see don't you feel better.  It will uplift you, because you are going to discover who your God is.

 

Sing:  Thou art my God, and I will praise thee. Thou art my God, I will exalt Thee. O give thanks unto the LORD; for He is good, for His mercy endureth for ever.

2014 March 13 - Morning Manna

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. (John 14:1-4)

 

Today's Morsel:  Reading in the paper a few weeks ago, it said that there is a new disease called "SAD".  That now stands for Seasonal Affective Disorder.  I thought to myself, WHAT?   They said because it has been so cold this winter, many people have not been able to get out of their houses and do things. And so they are becoming negatively affected by having to remain inside and are depressed.  But the article went on to say that it can affect people in the spring and fall, too.  Now I know this is a trick of the devil if people are depressed in the spring and summer.  Man, I'm smelling the roses and drowning some worms during those two seasons.  There isn't going to be any depression here.  I don't know about you, but as for me and my house, we are going outside in all seasons.  People go to the beach and pool to swim and get wet, and then stay inside when it rains.  Get your umbrella out and get outside and get wet and enjoy what God has provided. Don't stay inside and mope because of the snow.  Make a snow man.  I like shoveling the snow and even eating some of it, as long as it isn't yellow.  I like standing outside in the cold for a while. It helps you get rid of the impurities in your body.  For me, I'm affected by every season.  Winter, I rejoice.  Summer, I rejoice.  Spring, I rejoice.  And yes, Fall, I rejoice.  Do you know why?  Because scripture says, "This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."(Psalms 118:24)  Seasons come and season go, but the word of the Lord is forever.  And He tells me to rejoice for evermore.

 

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

2014 March 12 - Morning Manna

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.
(Jeremiah 17:9-10)

 

Today's Morsel: Most people are shocked when they know someone who does wrong things.  Most of the time they will say, I would have never thought they would do such a thing.  But really, it was always in the person's heart, they had just never dealt with it at the altar to rid themselves of it.  Walking away from God, divorce, stealing, cheating, lying, etc, are things already in the heart of a person.  They just had to have the time to grew to fruition before they manifested themselves.  This is why we must deal with our hearts on a daily basis.  We must have a daily intake of God's word, and apply it's teaching to our lives, as that is the only way a man's heart is cleansed ( Psalms 119:9). The Lord told Jeremiah, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?"  You may not know your heart, but I promise you, if you keep reading and studying God's word, praying and worshipping Him, He will reveal it to you, and you will be able to see it and know it clearly.  

 

 

Sing: Create in me a clean heart, O' God. And renew a right spirit within me.  Create in me a clean heart, O' God. And renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away, from Thy presence, O' God; take not Thy Holy Spirit from me, restore unto me the joy of Thy Salvation, and renew a right spirit within me.

2014 March 11 - 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:  Some people look at the book of Revelation and fear.  While others look and are confused. But those of us who have been born again should see the book of Revelation as book of preparation for going home. We should see it as book with instruction and guidelines to encourage, to build up, and one that shows us what we are looking forward to.  Every time I read the book of Revelation, I come away with excitement when I think about being before the Lord for eternity.  Every so often, I like to go to the book of Revelation and take a closer look at those seven churches that John spoke of.  Out of the seven, two seem to have it together. Five were called to repentance.  The church Sardis was chastised of the Lord for having a name to live by, but they were dead.  How  could any church who has the name of Jesus be dead? What killed them?  If you never sing about Jesus, if you never teach about Jesus, if you never pray in Jesus name, if you never baptize people in Jesus name, and if you never preaching under the anointing of the Holy Ghost in Jesus name, your church is going to be dead.  Sardis was told to strengthen the things that they had remaining.  They had a few people who were still trying to hold it together but because they weren't doing anything in Jesus name, they too were ready to die.  I have seen so  many churches like this. T hey had a few older saints that have been there forever because that is the church they grew up in.  They can tell you of the good services that they used to have and how they had a mighty move of God in their services.  But then they say, we started to do  a lot of new things and we never hear about Jesus any more.  All the songs and messages are narcissism and humanism, and so we are just treading water.  Does this sound like your church?  Let me encourage you today, if you have the faith as a grain of a mustard seed, then "Add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."(2 Peter 1:5-8)  We all must strengthen those things we have remaining in us.  How's your faith today?  Always remember, God's not dead He's alive.

 

Sing: God's not dead, He is alive. My God's not dead, He is alive.  My God's not dead, He is alive, I feel Him and He's keeping me alive.

2014 March 10 - Morning Manna

And the son of an Israelitish woman, whose father was an Egyptian, went out among the children of Israel: and this son of the Israelitish woman and a man of Israel strove together in the camp; And the Israelitish woman's son blasphemed the name of the LORD, and cursed. And they brought him unto Moses: (and his mother's name was Shelomith, the daughter of Dibri, of the tribe of Dan:) And they put him in ward, that the mind of the LORD might be shewed them. And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Bring forth him that hath cursed without the camp; and let all that heard him lay their hands upon his head, and let all the congregation stone him. And thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel, saying, Whosoever curseth his God shall bear his sin. And he that blasphemeth the name of the LORD, he shall surely be put to death, and all the congregation shall certainly stone him: as well the stranger, as he that is born in the land, when he blasphemeth the name of the LORD, shall be put to death. (Leviticus 24:10-16)

 

Today's Morsel: I often hear from people who do not understand the Bible and begin to find fault with God for some of the things they read.  For example, I was asked to come speak to a group of men who had just been released from prison.  One of the men who was in the group, when he learned that I was a pastor, became immediately upset, and said to me, " I don't see how anybody can serve and believe in anything that hates people."  I said to him, "I don't understand what you mean."  He said, "I'm gay and God teaches to hate us."  I said to him, "Who told you that?"   I went on, "God doesn't hate you. God loves you. God hates sin and anything that goes against His word.   If I lie, God hates that.  If I steal, God hates that, because it goes against His word."  I told him that God hates sin, but He loves the sinner.   You see if we are not careful, we can believe what others say without searching it out for ourselves.

Under the law that God gave to Moses, cursing would fall under the commandment "Thou shall not take the name of the Lord in vain."   And so when the people heard a young man had blasphemed the name of the LORD and cursed, they brought him unto Moses.  And when Moses ascertained of the Lord what should be done unto him the Lord said, "Bring forth him that hath cursed without the camp; and let all that heard him lay their hands upon his head, and let all the congregation stone him. And thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel, saying, Whosoever curseth his God shall bear his sin. And he that blasphemeth the name of the LORD, he shall surely be put to death, and all the congregation shall certainly stone him: as well the stranger, as he that is born in the land, when he blasphemeth the name of the LORD, shall be put to death." What God was showing us here is this:  Sin must be dealt with in the church and in the life of people.  If a church never preaches against sin and if it never deals with sin, then people from the youngest to the oldest will think that it is okay to do.  God was setting a standard with the children of Israel, that sin must be dealt with in every life. Always remember, if you say that you are born again of the water and the spirit, sin should not have dominion over you.  Sin should no longer rein in your life.  Eradicating sin from a life must begin at the earliest age.  God doesn't hate you, God loves you.  He is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).

 

Sing: Search, me, O' God and try my heart today; see if there be a wicked way in me.  Cleanse me from sin, and purge my heart I pray, that I may be, more like You each day.

2014 March 8 - Morning Manna

My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause
(Proverbs 1:10-11)

 

Today's Morsel:  Back in the days when I went to school, one of the things we learned about was the five basic needs.  One of those basic needs was  "Social Acceptance." We all like to be liked by others and to be a part with others and the group.  Even Luke tells us that  after the Day of Pentecost, about the early church, "And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." (Acts 2:42)  Most people participate in fellowship because they feel a need to belong.  But when we don't feel a part, it is easy to regress, to become lonely, and give in to those who may show us social acceptance in the wrong way.  Young boys and girls are lured in prostitution. Spouses divorce. People backslide from churches, change jobs.  And children run away from home.  When we are in a low state, that is when the enemy of the soul can entice us to follow the wrong crowd or wrong people.  If we do not feel the social acceptance of the people in the church, we may turn to the world.  People who get tattoos, pierce their bodies, and dress immodestly are looking for social acceptance. They are hoping their outward appearance will be accepted by those who they then look like.  We may say that they are rebellious, and this may be true, but really they are looking for social acceptance.  Somewhere within them, they don't feel accepted by their parents, friends, or family.  And so, they seek it from the world not realizing the enemy of their soul has a trap set for them.  Solomon's mother told him, "My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not."   She was telling him that it may look as though it is okay, but there is a trap.  She said to him, "Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird."(Proverbs 1:17)  Let me encourage you today, if you are seeking social acceptance, don't turn to the world, look to Jesus.  The people inside the building aren't Jesus.  They are folks just like you, looking for acceptance, too.  Many of them have made Jesus their friend, and He is a friend that will stick closer to you than a brother.  Always remember, he that will has friends must show himself friendly. Be the one to accept others within the church, extending a hand of fellowship and watch acceptance follow.

 

Sing:  What a friend we have in Jesus. All our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer! O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer!

Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care? Precious Saviour , still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer.

Do they friends despise forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer; in His arms He'll take and shield thee, thou will find a solace there.

2014 March 7 - Morning Manna

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. (1 John 4:18)

 

Today's Morsel:  Why are there so many people suffering from fear.  Why do we fear each other?  Why do we fear people of different races?  Why do we fear convicted felons?   Why do we fear our bosses and leaders?  Why do we fear our spouses?  Why do we fear not getting what we ask for?  Why do we have all these phobias about us?  What is there about fear that sends that scare within us?  Paul tells us, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."(2 Timothy 1:7)  He lets us know that fear is a spirit.  It is an evil spirit that God did not give us. It is a spirit from the pits of hell.  The antidote for fear is love.  If we are going to be able to deal with fear, we must become perfect in God's love.  Jesus told us to not let our hearts be troubled, but to believe in Him (John 14:1-2) . When we are made perfect in His love, because God is love (1John 4:8), we can overcome fear; because greater is He that is within you than he that is in the world.  Fear is just False Evidence Appearing Real.  When you show forth His love, fear leaves.

 

Sing: My God is bigger than all my questions, bigger than all my fears, yes, my God bigger than any mountain that I can or cannot see. 

2014 March 6 - 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 his 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 influences.  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 roll, since Jesus came into my heart.   

2014 March 5 - Morning Manna

How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me? (Psalms 13:1-2)

 

Today's Morsel:  When I was young living in the south, when people wanted directions, they didn't ask how far a place was, they would ask, "How long is it from here."  We hear people saying, "How long will we have to wait?" "How long before we get there?" "How long before they come?"  Even the children of Israel asked Moses how long they would have to eat manna.  There is that sense in all of us of wanting knowing when.  King David even ask the Lord, "How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me?"  David felt that God had abandoned him.  I know that none of you ever feel that way.  David wanted relief from his enemies, but it wasn't forth coming.  And so his prayer was, Lord how long wilt thou forget me?  I don't think we should be concerned with how long it is taking God, I think we should learn to trust Him and walk by faith and not by our sight.  As the writer of Hebrews encourages us,  "Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 10:35-11:1).  Remember, your ways aren't His; so hang in there, He's always on time.  Ask Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

 

Sing:  He's an on time God,yes is.  He's an on time God, yes He is.  He may not come when you want Him, but He'll be there right on time, He's an on time God, yes He is?

2014 March 4 - Morning Manna

Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. (Romans 16:7)

 

Today's Morsel:  When I became an Army Drill Instructor in 1973, one of the highlights for me was serving with men who had been my Drill Instructors when I enlisted in 1969.  I always felt so good serving beside them.  They had taught me well, and now they were able to see the fruit of their labor, and each time they saw me being recognized for proficiency, they would tell their soldiers, "If Drill Sergeant Parker can do it, you can too. " 

In Reading through the Apostle Paul's letter of salutation to the Romans, he makes mention of those who were his helpers.  In the 7th verse, he said, "Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me."  Can you think of anyone who was in the Lord before you, someone who has been a greater helper to you, taught you, opened your understanding to the scriptures, and has labored with you?  Do you send them cards, letters of thanks, and words of encouragement to them for their labor.  I know for me, every time I meet someone that may know someone that I know and may have served with them, I always tell them to please greet them for me.  When we can send word by others to those we have labored with in times past, their hearts are renewed knowing that you are continuing on in the faith. The writer of Hebrews tells us, "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works"(Hebrews 10:23-24).

 

Sing:   You're my brother your 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.

2014 March 3 - Morning Manna

And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto them. (Exodus 2:24-25)

 

 

Today's Morsel: Do you ever get discouraged because it doesn't seem like God is answering your prayer?  When we walk by our faith and not by our sight, we are able to keep going when the answer isn't prevalent.  The Bible says that when God heard the groaning of the children of Israel, He remembered His covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob.  And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto them.  God cannot forget the promises and oaths that He makes according to His word.  He doesn't forget even though scripture says that He remembered.  In other words, God was mindful of what He had said to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, so don't think He had forgotten.  The only thing God doesn't remember is our past sins that are under the blood.  Often, when it seems like more is coming upon us then we can handle, it may be God's way of developing us for what He is going to do with us.  When we look at what Jesus and the early church went through it was not some cake walk.  They had to learn to endure persecution, beatings and even prison.  Let me encourage you, ask yourself these two questions if you think that God isn't coming through for you. First, is there sin in your life that you are aware of and that is holding God back from answering you (Isaiah 59:1-2)? And second, is what you are going through more then you can handle?  If it was the latter, then God would have stepped in a long time ago.  Apparently, you can handle it and that's why He hasn't stepped in.  Just don't cast away your confidence.  But if it is the former, then you'll have to do the math.

 

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 March 1 - Morning Manna

 But the LORD is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation. Thus shall ye say unto them, The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, even they shall perish from the earth, and from under these heavens. He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion.   (Jeremiah 10:10-12)

 

Today's Morsel:  After men's prayer, I had asked one of the brothers to give a short devotion to the men.  And as he was talking about believing and knowing, the Holy Ghost spoke to me and said, "That is the problem with my people. Many of them believe in Me, but they do not know Me."  Now, I would think that if we say that we believe in Him, that we would know Him.  Jeremiah said, "But the LORD is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king."  John wrote to the church, "And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life" (1 John 5:20). When you understand who Jesus Christ is, you understand who the Creator of the world is and that He has made the earth by His power, He has established the world by His wisdom, and has stretched out the heavens by His discretion.  We must not just believe in Jesus, we must know Him.  Do you know Him?

 

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 is all in Him. It's all in Him, It's all in Him, the Mighty God is Jesus and it's all in Him.