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.