2014 April 30 - Morning Manna

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.  He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. (Revelation 3:20-22)

 

Today's Morsel: Mountain climbing isn't easy.  Most men and women who set out to climb a mountain have one goal in mind, to conquer it.  They want to reach the summit so they can say they defeated and overcame it.  In this life, we must overcome the world if we plan to be with Jesus.  We must work to overcome those things that try to impede us from reaching our summit, heaven.  Sometimes, it may take us more than once before we can overcome it.  But, we must not give up or give in.  We must defeat it and overcome it in our life at all cost. When the children of Israel came into the promise land, they were to eradicate all their enemies from the land that God had given them.  However, after the death of Joshua, there was still land not conquered.  And so the children of Israel did not conquer their foes as God told them and their foes soon became a snare to them and they began to take on the ways of those nations around them, and it destroyed many of them.  Jesus said that the only way we can sit with Him in His Kingdom is that we must become overcomers of this world. How hard are you striving for the summit?

 

Sing:  You can talk about me, say what you want to say, you can stand around, wasting your time, but while you're talking, I'm gonna keep on walking, cause I've got heaven, on my mind. 

2014 April 29 - Morning Manna

" For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God" (Colossians 1:9-10)

 

Today's Morsel: One of the things I've learned is that if a person doesn't have a desire to learn or change, they will not learn nor change.  We hear today's scripture passage often in the church.  As a matter of fact, it is the overall church purpose for the church that I pastor.  But because some people do not have a desire to learn and change, nothing changes.   If we are told that we are new creatures, should not there be a change?  If we had a desire to get baptized in Jesus name, seek God for the Holy Ghost, what we call being born again, didn't we tell God that we wanted to change?  If you look in the mirror, what do you see? Do you still see the same old man, or do you see the new man which is created after Christ Jesus?  Anger, jealousy, envy, drunkenness, lust, greed, filthy communications from your mouth, backstabbing, and gossip should all be gone.  You must now see yourself as changed and having a desire to learn and grow in the things of God.  Always remember, if you don't have a desire to be filled with the knowledge and things of God, you won't be.

 

Sing: He's changing me, my Blessed Savior, I'm not the same person that I used to be.  Well it's been slow going, but there's a knowing, that someday perfect I will be.

2014 April 28 - Morning Manna

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matthew 28:19-20)

 

Today's Morsel: When I was in the Army, we went through a period where all of our training has to be according to the Army's "Battalion Training Management System" (BTMS).  During this training, each class of instruction required you to have a subject, purpose, explanation, demonstration, application, test, and review.  I often wonder if in the church if  everyone knows the purpose for what is being preached and taught. I think all pastors teachings and preachings main goal is to save lives. But many may not understand the correct way. When you depart from every church service, you should know the reason you were there.  If not, you wasted your time attending.  If you didn't leave with something to help you sustain life, motivate you, or direct you, you either missed the message, or it wasn't clearly given.  Paul said that the gospel was the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16). The gospel is designed to save your life and to give you the assurance you need to make it to heaven.   If when you leave a church service you don't feel like doing everything in your power to make it to heaven, then you  need to study to show yourself approved unto God as a workman and not to be ashamed. You must rightly divide the word of truth. What I've learned over my life about training, is if you give me the reason, demonstrate it to me, and require me to do it, I'll never forget it.   As Paul told the church at Philippi, "Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you."(Philippians 4:9)

 

Sing: No one ever cared for me like Jesus, there's no other friend so kind as he: No one else could take the sin and darkness from me, O how much he cared for me.

2014 April 26 - Morning Manna

So Joab arose and went to Geshur, and brought Absalom to Jerusalem. And the king said, Let him turn to his own house, and let him not see my face. So Absalom returned to his own house, and saw not the king's face. But in all Israel there was none to be so much praised as Absalom for his beauty: from the sole of his foot even to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him. And when he polled his head, (for it was at every year's end that he polled it: because the hair was heavy on him, therefore he polled it:) he weighed the hair of his head at two hundred shekels after the king's weight. And unto Absalom there were born three sons, and one daughter, whose name was Tamar: she was a woman of a fair countenance. So Absalom dwelt two full years in Jerusalem, and saw not the king's face. Therefore Absalom sent for Joab, to have sent him to the king; but he would not come to him: and when he sent again the second time, he would not come. Therefore he said unto his servants, See, Joab's field is near mine, and he hath barley there; go and set it on fire. And Absalom's servants set the field on fire. Then Joab arose, and came to Absalom unto his house, and said unto him, Wherefore have thy servants set my field on fire? And Absalom answered Joab, Behold, I sent unto thee, saying, Come hither, that I may send thee to the king, to say, Wherefore am I come from Geshur? it had been good for me to have been there still: now therefore let me see the king's face; and if there be any iniquity in me, let him kill me. So Joab came to the king, and told him: and when he had called for Absalom, he came to the king, and bowed himself on his face to the ground before the king: and the king kissed Absalom.
(2 Samuel 14:23-33)

 

Today's Morsel:   Absalom is an example of what can happen when a father or mentor is missing in a young man's life at the earliest stages.  More than anything, it seems that Absalom wanted to be around his father, as most boys do.  Maybe Absalom felt that if he could be with his father, he could learn the art of war (as the kings in those days were warriors) which would prepare him for the kingdom after his father, King David's, death.  But Absalom went about trying to obtain the kingdom the wrong way.  He killed his brother Amnon, set the barley field of Joab on fire, tried to win the people's heart to himself by betraying his father, and he began to demand things from his father and others.  Absalom failed to realize that the kingdom is established by righteousness.  In so many ways, he became a spoiled brat and his brutish attitude caused his death.  We all must be careful not to obtain an Absalom spirit within us.  Absalom failed to heed the first commandment with a promise.  "Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth" (Ephesians 6:1-3).  "A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men" (Proverbs 18:16).

 

Sing: Heavenly Father, I appreciate You;  Heavenly Father, I appreciate You; I love you, adore You, I bow down before You, Heavenly Father, I appreciate You.

2014 April 25 - Morning Manna

"But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God"
(Acts 20:24).

 

Today's Morsel: One of the toughest things for me reading the Bible through each year, is staying focused on my daily Bible reading.  Because I love the word of God so much, my mind has a tendency to wander when I come across passages that I know that relate to other scriptures. The other problem I have is being a soldier and having knowledge of warfare.  The problem here for me is that I always want to strategize the situations and that comes from my military training.  I can see why God fired Saul, removed Moses, got upset with David, directed Gideon, and chastised His disciples in the boat for fear.  Good commanders are compassionate, but they will hold you to a higher standard than your followers for mission accomplishment.  This is one reason many people say that living and serving God is hard.  They say that the standards are too high.  And I believe the reason the standards are high is because God wants you to see that you can do things in your life if you will just try.  Paul said, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:13).  If you want to know the truth, God's standards aren't really high.  It's all about what you love that drives you.  When you love something, you'll commit to it, learn it, and do it.  But if it isn't important to you, you'll buck the system every time.  Paul never complained that the things of God were too hard.  He simply said, "But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God" (Acts 20:24).  He told Timothy, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing"(2 Timothy 4:7-8).  If we are planning to make it to heaven, we have to meet the standard that God has set for us.

 

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

2014 April 24 - Morning Manna

Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go to possess it: That thou mightest fear the LORD thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son's son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged. Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it; that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath promised thee, in the land that floweth with milk and honey. Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates. And it shall be, when the LORD thy God shall have brought thee into the land which he sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give thee great and goodly cities, which thou buildedst not, And houses full of all good things, which thou filledst not, and wells digged, which thou diggedst not, vineyards and olive trees, which thou plantedst not; when thou shalt have eaten and be full; Then beware lest thou forget the LORD, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage"
(Deuteronomy 6:1-12)

 

 

Today's Morsel: A few months ago in the paper, it listed where American students ranked with other students in the world in education.  The subjects were such as math, English, science, history, and geography.  Many were shocked at the ranking.  And now, the American education system is trying to get back to the common core subjects to bring students back to the top.  But I am afraid that too many parents are depending on the education system to do their job for them.  Basic things are to be taught by parents.  There are some basic things that parents must be held responsible for and not the system.  Things such as righteousness, respect, reading, obedience, and ethics & etiquette.  I tell the church that I pastor that I only reinforce the truth from the Word of God that they are supposed to be teaching their own children.  I think the "founding fathers" had a common core in school.  They began their daily studies from the Word of God and with prayer.  Until parents return to teaching their children the essentials at home, and until schools get back to that common core, the Word of God, there will always be a downward trend of failure in the educational system.  It is our children that will suffer because of it, and ultimately our society as a whole.

 

Sing:  Deeper! Deeper! In the love if Jesus, daily let me go. Higher! Wiser! in the school of wisdom, more of grace to know.

Deeper, yet I pray, and higher, every day;, and wiser blessed Lord , in Thy precious Holy Word.

2014 April 23 - Morning Manna

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

 

Today's Morsel: Last November, my wife and I went back to my home state of North Carolina to do a revival for the church that I grew up in as a kid and to see family.  As we were driving around, I wanted her to see some of the paths that we had made a kids walking through the woods going from our house to our cousins' and friends' homes.  But I noticed that all the paths through the woods and through the fields that we had made when we were kids were now all grown over and impassable.  I was trying to show her some of them, but there was no way of getting through them or driving on them, due now to the heavy shrubbery.  Solomon calls our attention to the value of a life of righteousness.  He said that the righteous have a pathway and that there isn't any death there. You see, Solomon understood that righteousness makes you a child of God, but unrighteousness makes you a child of the devil ( 1John 3:10).  When we view the book of Revelation, the saints in heaven are clothed in white linen, which John said is the righteousness of saints. "And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints"(Revelation 19:8).  No one can get to heaven who does not do right; as sin cannot enter there.  When is the last time you checked your map to review the path you are on. "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death" (Proverbs 14:12).  If we remain in His pathway, it leads us to eternal life.

 

Sing:  Oh there's a highway to heaven, none can walk up there, but the pure in heart. Oh there's a highway to heaven, walking up the King's highway.

2014 April 22 - Morning Manna

“Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition” (2 Thessalonians 2:3)

 

Today's Morsel: In the last days, apostasy will sweep the world and affect the church; however, a devoted people fervent for the things of God will resist all compromise and apostasy.  Apostasy and falling away describe the same condition.  Both terms are translated from the same Greek word meaning, “Defecting from truth, rebellion, turning away.”  Two other terms are: “Reprobate” and “Casting away.” Both are synonyms for apostasy, for they mean unapproved, rejected, worthless.   Since apostasy involves departing from the truth, the road to apostasy is one in which a love for the truth is absent.  When a person loses their love for God and the things of God, they are heading into a state of apostasy.  “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears”,  Paul told Timothy (2 Timothy 4:3).  In apostasy, there is always a trading down in value.  People will take a lie for truth.  Itching ears mean they will want people to tell them what they want to hear instead of what they need to hear.  A sinful heart presents a welcome mat to apostasy.  A heart becomes dark when sin enters, and that person is on the road to apostasy.  Paul told the church at Corinth, "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates."(2 Corinthians 13:5-6).  Anyone who reaches the state of a  reprobate mind, will find it hard to repent and be saved. So let me encourage you, love God and stay on fire for Christ at all times.  Our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.

Sing: Jesus is coming soon, morning or night or noon, many will meet their doom, trumpets will sound; all of the dead shall rise, righteous meet in the skies, going where no one dies, heavenward abound. 

2014 April 21 - Morning Manna

Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.   (Proverbs 12:25)

 

Today's Morsel:   How many words do you think you speak per day? And of those words, how many of them do you think encourage and lift others or tear someone down.  I've tried to get to a point in my life now that the words I use uplift folks. Granted, I don't always succeed in my actions. Sometimes, that old tongue just says what is in my mind and I hurt folks. I guess James was right when he said, "For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body" (James 3:2). I think I may have to keep praying, as the psalmist did, asking the Lord to set a watch at my lips. "Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips" (Psalms 141:3). "Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad", Solomon said. If God sent His Words and healed us, shouldn't we use our words to heal others?  Maybe that's one of those gifts of healing that Paul spoke of, (1 Corinthians 12:9). That being said, let me encourage you today: As you go about your day, see how many great things you can say to and about others, and see if it brings a smile to their faces and makes you feel better about yourself afterwards. 

 

Sing: I am the God that healeth thee, I am the Lord your healer, I sent My word and I healed your disease, I am the Lord, your healer.

2014 April 19 - Morning Manna

Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils. And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept. And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not. After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country. And they went and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them. Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. And he said unto them,  Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.  He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen. (Mark 16:9-20)

 

Today's Morsel:   The resurrection of Jesus Christ has confounded the minds of many.  But it should not confound you, if you are born again.  As the writer of Hebrews tells us, "Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear"(Hebrews 11:3).  It's through our faith that we believe in the resurrection of Christ.  The Bible says that Jesus first appeared to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had cast seven devils.  You see, Jesus always returns to those He's done thing for, because He knows they will believe and share with others the things He's done.  Even Paul knew that He was risen when Jesus met him on the road to Damascus (Acts 9).  I've always believed in the Resurrection of Christ, but it was years later in my life that I learned the true meaning of the resurrection.  Paul told the church at Corinth, "Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive" (1 Corinthians 15:12-22).  I once was dead in my trespasses and sins, but Jesus quickened me and raised me up to walk in newness of life.  Has He raised you?

 

Sing: He lives! He lives! Christ Jesus lives today, He walks with me, and talks with me, along life's narrow way; He lives! He lives! Salvation to impart, you ask me how I know He lives; He lives, within my heart.

2014 April 18 - Morning Manna

And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, To keep the commandments of the LORD, and his statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good?  (Deuteronomy 10:12-13)

 

Today's Morsel: Does the thought ever run through your mind what is required to make it into heaven?  I'm sure most of us have attended class and the instructors told us up front what was required to pass.  In his recap to the children of Israel, Moses in brought to their remembrance what the Lord required of them.  He told them, "But to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, To keep the commandments of the LORD, and his statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good?" There is really nothing hard about what he told them.  He just said basically told them to respect God, do what He tells you, commit your life to Him, and you'll be blessed beyond measure.  (My wording.)  The things of God are easy to do if we just make up our minds and do them. Remember, being born again and living holy gets us on the road to heaven, but obedience takes us there.

 

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

2014 April 17 - Morning Manna

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. (Romans 5:1-5)

 

Today's Morsel:  If someone were to ask you to define justified, what would you tell them?  The best way to look at justified is, (Just- if- I'd).  Just if I'd never did anything wrong.  Just if I'd never made a mistake.  Just if I'd have never lied, cheated, or stolen.  Paul said, "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God" (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). You see, once you were baptized in Jesus name, it's just as if you'd never done any of those things Paul mentioned in your life.  The blood of Jesus is like an eraser, it removes our sins.  If you confess your sins, Jesus will wipe them away.  You don't have to be ashamed of the sins and wrongs you've done in the past if you have been born again.  You've been washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of Jesus Christ.  Be of good cheer.

 

Sing: I was once a sinner but I came, pardon to receive from my Lord: This was freely given, and I found that He always kept His word.

There's a new name written down in glory, and it's mine, O yes it's mine! And the white robed angels sing the story, "A sinner has come home."  There's a new name written down in glory, and it's mine, O yes, it's mine! With my sins forgiven I am bound for heaven, never more to roam.

2014 April 16 - Morning Manna

Bless the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty. Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain: Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters: who maketh the clouds his chariot: who walketh upon the wings of the wind: Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire:"(Psalms 104:1-4)

 

Today's Morsel: When you review religious history, we hear of some of the most fiery ministers in their time. The Wesley Brothers, Charles Parham, William Seymour, Billy Graham, Nathaniel Urshan, J.T. Pugh, Nathaniel Haney, Lee Stoneking, Jeff Arnold, Jerry Jones, David Bernard, John Putnam, The Shalm Brothers, The Freemans, the list could go on and on. These men and women were and are anointed with the power of the Holy Ghost.  It as Jeremiah said, "Fire shut up in my bones."  And once that Holy Ghost fire is there, in the pulpit area and the church, it's going to be electrified with the anointed Word of God and signs following.  The psalmist said, "Bless the LORD, O my soul...Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire:"  The writer of Hebrews tells us, "But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation" (Hebrews 1:13-14)?  In these last days, the church needs to be on fire with the Holy Ghost if it is going to eradicate sin from people's lives.  The fire must always be burning in the altar.  As they used to say in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church I attended when I was young, "If you get in the pulpit to preach, you better have some corn in the crib.  So don't come up in here with nothing."

 

Sing:  I wish somebody's soul would catch on fire, catch on fire, catch on fire, I wish somebody's soul would catch on fire, burning in the Holy Ghost.

2014 April 15 - Morning Manna

And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.  Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.
(Luke 11:1-4)

 

Today's Morsel: I was pondering on my prayer life the other day, and I came to the conclusion that I probably spend more time interceding for folks than just giving God thanks and praise for what He's already doing.  Because my mind is so programmed for interceding, I often find myself as more of an intercessor than a praiser.  I've read so many books on prayer, and prayer indeed is so important for us all, but I wonder have and are we missing the mark sometimes in our understanding for the purpose of prayer?  The disciples asked Jesus, "Lord, teach us to pray", not "How to pray."   I think all of us that have been around the church for a while know how to pray, but many haven't caught the purpose for prayer.  I read that Jesus rose early before day and entered into a solitary place and prayed.  And I've heard many reasons given that He did so, but none of them are found in scripture.  The disciples knew that Jesus prayed, and they were curious for the reason.  And so they asked Him to teach them to pray.  If I know the reason, I can figure out my own way how to do it. As General George Patton said, "Don't tell a person how to do things, tell them what needs to be done and they'll surprise you with their ingenuity."  In some ways, I think our prayer should be somewhat like our alms, don't let the right hand know what the left is doing.  Maybe this is why we have people requesting unspoken prayer requests.  Someone once asked an old man why he always hummed songs.  He replied, "That  way the devil doesn't know what you are saying." 

 

Sing:  Hear my cry O' God, attend unto my prayer, from the end 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 April 14 - Morning Manna

For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.
(1 Thessalonians 1:5-7)

 

Today's Morsel: Every born again believe has the power at their disposal  to start a new world for someone else. Think about this for a moment.  Jesus said that a man must be born again of the water and the spirit, and that comes through obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul tells us that as we have borne the image of the earthly Adam, we must bear the image of the heavenly, Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:45-49).  And Solomon said, "The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise"(Proverbs 11:30).  Your world can be turned upside down.  Darkness may be all you see in your tunnel, nothing may be going right for you, and you may be even thinking about ending it all.   But obedience to the gospel, can put/bring you into a new world of peace, joy, power, and reassurance in who you are and what God created you for.   Remember, Satan's world is destruction and death. But when you get into Jesus' world, it is abundance of  life.

 

Sing:  He's changing me, my blessed Savior, I'm not the same person that I use to be.  Well, its been slow going, but there's a knowing that someday perfect I will be.

2014 April 12 - Morning Manna

But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation. But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews? We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. (Galatians 2:11-17)

 

 

Today's Morsel:  A few weeks ago, I read the Nuke missile base commander's resignation letter, at Malmstrom Airbase, were some of the airmen were found cheating on their examination.  He wrote, "Over the past few months, we have been forced to navigate through some of the roughest waters most of us have ever experienced professionally.   We've seen the reputation of our beloved wing and America's ICBM mission tarnished because of the extraordinarily selfish actions of officers entrusted with the most powerful weapon system ever devised by man.  As you are now learning, the ramifications are dire.  Many lives will be permanently changed as a result.  But this costly lesson must not be in vain.  The lesson?  Had just one solitary airman spoken up for integrity, our leadership team would have been able to take action immediately. Tragically, peer pressure and the fear of being an outcast prevailed.  As a result, the misconduct had to be inadvertently discovered by OSI agents.  Think of how different the narrative would be had the silent Airman just come forward.  That airman would now be lionized as a hero for casting aside his or her own fear of being made an outcast by a few inadequate peers. That airman would have single-handedly preserved the honor and dignity of Malmstrom and all the wonderful people who make up this incredible wing.  But it didn't happen.  Wrong won out over right ... the voice of integrity was silenced ... and the good guy lost at the end of the movie."  The command puts the arrow right on the center of the target.  If just one person would have stood up for integrity, the outcome would have been different.  Isn't it amazing that the Bible really isn't a book of only salvation, but a book of character.  One of the reasons I believe that devil wants the Bible out of schools, governments, and our military, is because it teaches people character.  Solomon lets us know, "The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him"(Proverbs 20:7).  And "Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people"(Proverbs 14:34). Paul was a man who was willing to tell people when they were wrong.   Ask Peter.  Ask the churches he established.  What about you?  Do you cover up things that you know aren't right for fear of others? You don't win with integrity violations.  You won't be saved in the end without character, the character of Christ in your life.

 

"Reputation is what men and women think of us, character is what God and angels know of us." Thomas Paine.

Sing: I have decided to follow Jesus, I have decided to follow Jesus, I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back, no turning back.

2014 April 11 - Morning Manna

"By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." (Hebrews 11:5-6)

 

 Today's Morsel:  Everything that a Christian does is driven by their faith.  So many people have tried to define faith.  Some use Hebrew 11:1, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."   Some say, "Faith is what you need to please God", others say,  "It is what you need to be saved and to receive the Holy Ghost"; and some say, "It's your ability to see God in your dark times"; while others say, "It's just plain old trust."  But do these sayings really define faith?  The entire 11th chapter of the book of Hebrews is called the 'Faith Chapter' because it reveals what others did and what they received because of their faith.  The Bible says in Hebrews 11:5, "By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God."  Notice, Enoch didn't see death because of his faith.  Did you know that you, too, will not see death if you walk and live by your faith?  You may die in this flesh, but you will always be alive in the spirit.  Even Jesus died in the flesh, but He was quickened by the spirit. And this same spirit will quicken your mortal bodies.  This is why Paul said that for him to be absent from the body, he was be present with Christ (my wording).  Paul knew that as soon as he died in the flesh, he would be with the Lord. He knew that he would be translated right out of here.  You see, it takes faith in God to come out of the world, and it's going to take faith for you to get out of this world.

 

Sing:  O' I want to see Him, look upon His face, there to sing forever, of His saving grace, on the streets of glory, let me lift my voice, cares all past, home at last, ever to rejoice.

2014 April 10 - Morning Manna

"Now, my son, the LORD be with thee; and prosper thou, and build the house of the LORD thy God, as he hath said of thee. Only the LORD give thee wisdom and understanding, and give thee charge concerning Israel, that thou mayest keep the law of the LORD thy God. Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes and judgments which the LORD charged Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed"   (1 Chronicles 22:11-13).

 

Today's Morsel: Sometimes I ponder on what David must have instructed his son Solomon when he was with him.  I know his mother taught him a lot of things and we see this when we read the book of Proverbs.  But David seems to want Solomon to be successful in his kingdom for God, and not to make the mistakes that he had made.  But man seems to so soon go away from what they have be taught and know that is  truth for pleasure, satisfaction, and gain. You know, I know that God wants everyone of us to prosper and to have good success.  His word tells us that.  But it should not be a doctrine and teaching to make you think that if you do this or that, that God will do this or that for you.  God and His Word is what makes us prosper and become successful.  Once you read it and become a doer of it, you are going to prosper.  First you will prosper in spiritual knowledge and understanding.  Prosperity and success is based on making right choices and right decisions.  God's Word will give you wisdom so that you are able to make those right choices and right decisions. Wisdom puts you on the right road and directs your path as to how to become successful.  Putting money in an envelope, and calling it sowing a seed of faith isn't faith because you are looking for something in return.  Jesus said give and expect nothing in return (Luke 6:30). That's faith.  Because you understand that He will supply all your need.  David told Solomon, "My son, the LORD be with thee; and prosper thee."  He wanted him to know that prosperity would come from his God.  John wrote, "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth" (3 John 1:2). The best kind of prosperity is a well fed soul and good health.  I'll take that any day over money or material possessions.

 

Sing: With my hands lifted up, and my mouth filled with praise, with a heart of thanksgiving, I will bless Thee O Lord.  I will Bless Thee O Lord, I will Bless Thee O Lord, with a heart of thanksgiving, I will bless Thee O Lord.

2014 April 9 - Morning Manna

O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.   (Psalms 136:1)

 

 

Today's Morsel: If someone were to ask you to describe how good God is, what would you tell them?  Do you ever stop and consider just how good He is to you?  When I was a kid, our neighbor had one of the best and sweetest "June Sweet Apple Trees" there was.   Those apples were always so sweet and juicy.  That taste still radiates in my mouth when I think of them.  To me, that's how Jesus is.  Once you taste Him, you will never forget that taste ever again. Once you are drinking from that fountain of living water, you're never going to forget how it quenches your thirst. Once you've had a true dose of the Holy Ghost, you are not going to forget it.  The psalmist said, "O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him"(Psalms 34:8).  Why would he go out of his way to write about how good God is for us?   Why did Moses instruct the children of Israel that when they came into the promise land not to forget God?  One of the things about God's goodness is that it is forever and it is for everyone. Why did David write, "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life?" Because he understood the goodness of God.  He understood how kind and righteous God was.  He had seen it first hand in his life. If you are reading this, God's goodness has been extended to you.  No matter what you are going through in your life right now, it still does not negate God's goodness toward you.  Jeremiah wrote, "Remembering mine affliction and my misery, the wormwood and the gall. My soul hath them still in remembrance, and is humbled in me. This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him"(Lamentations 3:19-25).  If we learn how to wait upon the Lord, we will see just how good He truly is.

 

Sing:  I'm learning how to lean and depend on Jesus.  He's my friend and He's my God.  I'm learning how to lean, and depend on Jesus, I found out, if I will trust Him, He will provide.

2014 April 8 - Morning Manna

When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. (Matthew 16:13-19)

 

 

Today's Morsel: One of the reasons that Jesus gave Peter the keys to the kingdom of heaven was so he could unlock to a dying and lost world who He was.  When Jesus called Peter  and his brother, they were fishing.  When you follow Peter's actions through the book of Acts and his epistles to the church, he is casting the vision of the church.   He knows that without a vision the people will perish. He knows that if they do not know Jesus Christ, they are destined for destruction and eternity in hell.  From the Day of Pentecost, Peter brings to the forefront Jesus. He wants that door that brings understanding to be opened first. And so he must lay the foundation for the church at the onset. Peter understands that if the church is to stand against evil, the foundation must be laid first and  it must be laid correctly.  Peter is no novice, he's a wise master builder who follows the instructions given to him by his Master teacher.  He, like Paul, knows that there can be no other foundation that will withstand the evil of this world, other than Jesus Christ. And so he opens that door first.  When a life is built on the foundation of truth, it will stand. Who do you say that He is?

 

Today's song is in German and then in English.

 

Sing:  Wissen sollten jeder Mann, wissen sollte jede Frau, wissen sollte jedes Kind, wer Jesus ist. Wissen sollten jeder Mann, wissen sollte jede Frau, wissen sollte jedes Kind, wer Jesus ist.  Er, die Lilie im Tale, Er, der helle Morgenstern! Er, der Schoste von Zehntausend, wer, Ihn kennt, der hat Ihn Gern!

 

Everybody ought to know, Everybody ought to know, Everybody ought to know, who Jesus is. He's the Lily of the valley, He's the Bright and Morning Star. He's the Fairest of ten thousand, everybody ought to know.

2014 April 7 Morning Manna

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. (Hebrews 11:1-10)

 

Today's Morsel: When it comes to the things of God, everyone regardless of race, creed, color, national origin., has the same opportunities and the same promises. Scriptures let us know that Isaac and Jacob were heirs of the same promise that God gave to their father Abraham. And not only were they, but you and I are heirs to the promise as well. Paul wrote, "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise"(Galatians 3:27-29). Every promise that God made to Abraham, if you are born again of the water and the spirit, they are for you today as well.   When Jesus told His disciples to tarry in Jerusalem until they were endued with power from on high, He was speaking to them of the Holy Ghost (Luke 24:44-49; Acts 1:4-8).  On the Day of Pentecost, Peter said to 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).  The promise of God's Spirit is for every life.  And not only that, but also all the blessings, the fruit, and the gifts are still for you today as well. "And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. 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"(Hebrews 6:11-15).  God can't lie, so hang in there and you'll see that He is faithful to His Word and He will fulfill all His promises.

 

Sing: I believe God! I believe God! That He will do, just as He said, trust and obey, believe Him and say, I believe, I believe God.

If you need salvation now, or the Holy Ghost and power, just trust and obey, believe Him and say, I believe! I believe God!

2014 April 5 - Morning Manna

Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.  (Psalms 90:1-2)

 

Today's Morsel:  This prayer of Moses, the man of God, is an awesome prayer.  Moses let us know that God is our dwelling place for all generations.  Even Peter told the people on the Day of Pentecost, "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 2:39).  Every generation has an opportunity to break generational curses and strongholds, to become a child of God, receive the promise of the Holy Ghost, be baptized in Jesus name, receive salvation, and rein with God for all eternality.  The Psalmist goes on to tell us, "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD,  He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust... There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone" (Psalms 91:1-2;10-12).  When we are in Christ, we will always have His divine protection about us.  There is no such thing as the homeless, they just haven't turned their hearts to Christ.  Because God is from everlasting to everlasting, eternal, immortal, and never-ending, every generation can find a place to dwell in Him.

 

Sing: I am covered! Covered! Covered by His Blood.  Walking by faith, living in love.  I am covered! Covered! Covered by His Blood, Jesus has rescued me.

2014 April 4 - Morning Manna

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (Hebrews 11:1-6)

 

Today's Morsel:   The Bible doesn't mention much about Abel in the book of Genesis, other than these following scriptures. "And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him. And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him. And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother's keeper "(Genesis 4:2-9)?

Abel seems to have been a shepherd. He kept sheep.  He knew to give God the best and the firstlings.  And we see that Cain kills his brother Abel.  For what reason we do not know. Was it jealousy?  We don't know.  Was it accidental? We don't know.  But the writer of Hebrews lets us know that, "By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh."  The writer lets us know that even though Abel is dead today, the offering that he gave to God still speaks to us today.  We must always return to God the first and the best in all things.  Anything less will not be accepted even though we may think so.

 

Sing:  We bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the Lord.  We bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the Lord.  And we offer up to You, the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and we offer unto You the sacrifices of praise.

2014 April 3 - Morning Manna

And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing. (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12)

 

Today's Morsel:   I can remember when I was a kid, I used to hear the old folks say, "If you keep your mouth shut, people and the devil won't know what you are thinking."   Paul told the church at Thessalonica that they study to be quiet, and to do their own business.  When the 50 sons of the prophets that followed Elijah and Elisha prior to the transition between them, the son of the prophets kept telling Elisha, that God was going to take Elijah from him, to which Elisha keeping telling them, "I know, so shut your mouth." (my wording) (2 Kings 2:1-15). Maybe Elisha was saying, "I'm trying to listen to what he's trying to tell me from God, and you keep trying to discourage me."  James tells us that the man that can bridle his tongue can control his whole body. Understand, God gave us two ears and one mouth, therefore, we should listen twice as much as we speak.  When people can't control their tongue, they become gossipers, busybodies, and they sow discord, which God hates.  Solomon admonishes us that there is a time to keep silent, and a time to speak (Ecclesiastes 3:7), and the man who knows to do which is a wise man.  Loose lips always sink ships.  If you are going to tell something, go spread the gospel as that is what the world always needs to hear.  If we study to be quiet, I believe we can save ourselves a whole lot of trouble.

 

Sing: Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere, go tell it on the mountain, that Jesus Christ is born.

2014 April 2 - Morning Manna

"And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue: And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the LORD, and do them; and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a whoring: That ye may remember, and do all my commandments, and be holy unto your God. I am the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: I am the LORD your God. "(Numbers 15:37-41)

 

Today's Morsel:  When God calls us out of the world, He doesn't want us to ever forget.   Like the children of Israel, we should remember everything that the Lord has done for us.  We must remember that we are a peculiar treasure to Him.  The children of Israel were to put a blue fringe in the border of their garments to remind them of God's commands.  Since you have been born again, when you look at your attire, the garments you wear, your dress and appearance, does it remind you of God's commandments and covenant with you?  God wants his people to be distinct from this world.  And your dress and appearance says a lot about whether you have truly came out of the world or not, and if you are really walking with God each day.  Paul told the church at Corinth, "And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?" (1 Corinthians 14:7-8)  I pray that you aren't sending out the wrong signal.  Because if you are, someone else may get killed.  Your garments are a reminder that you are to be holy unto the Lord.  Always remember, "Holiness is not what you wear, holiness is who you are.  And who you are, is what you will wear."

 

Sing:  The windows of  heaven are open, God's power is falling tonight, there's joy, joy, joy in my heart since Jesus made everything right. I gave Him my old tattered garments, He gave me a robe of pure while, I'm feasting on manna from heaven, and that's why I'm happy tonight.

2014 April 1 - Morning Manna

 

 By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. (Psalms 33:6)

 

 

Today's Morsel:   It seems that every time scientists discover something out in space or in this world, the people of the world get excited.  I get excited too, because all it does is prove that the Word of God is truth.  They aren't going to find anything that isn't already written about in the Word of God.  It's amazing to me that every time someone tries to remove the Word of God from schools, governmental buildings, courtrooms, prisons or jails, the military, or work sights, they turn right around and use the same principles that are already written in the Word of God.  No matter how hard they may try, they are not going to get rid of the Word of God. "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away" Jesus said (Matthew 24:35).  For those who keep trying, they soon will find themselves as the apostle Paul, kicking against the pricks.  And believe me, it is going to hurt.  If a school teaches children wrong, they fall under the teaching of Jesus, to beware of false prophets, liars, and deceivers.  If a government implements ungodly laws and people follow them, they fall under the teachings of the blind leading the blind.  If a business is corrupt in their business dealings, as Moses told the children of Israel, "Be sure your sin will find you out."  And those that catch them will use the same principles  found in the Word of God to judge them before a court of law.   You see, you aren't going to get away from the Word of God.  Here's why, "In the beginning was the Word.  The Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made... And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth."(John 1:1-3; 14). "Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength. By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth. I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me... Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD. But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death" (Proverbs 8:14-17;33-36).   Even the people who don't believe in God can't get away from God.  They tell their loved ones, "I love you."  Well the Bible tells us that that God is love (1 John4:8) and that He loved us before we loved Him.  And the psalmist wrote, "The fool hath said in his heart, 'There is no God'" (Psalms 14:1).

 

Sing:  The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; the testimonies of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple; more to be desired are they then gold, much fine gold, sweeter also than the honey and the honeycomb.