2014 July 31 - Morning Manna

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power (Colossians 2:8-10).

 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory (1 Timothy 3:16).

 

Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? (John 14:9).

 

 

Today’s Morsel:  Why do so many people have trouble accepting that Jesus was God? Are they afraid of what they may have to give up?  Are they afraid that they will have to change their doctrine and teachings?  Why are people afraid of truth? Jesus said, “And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).  He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).  God has not hidden himself from us.  Paul said, “But if this gospel be hid, it hid to them who are lost: in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the glorious gospel of Chris, who is the image of God, should shine unto them” (2 Corinthians 4:3-4).  The gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-3).  So if it is hidden, then people are blind.  Jesus, through the scriptures explained and showed to His apostles who He was (Luke 24:44).  Therefore, He hath revealed it unto us, by His Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:10).  The Apostle Paul tells us that the Godhead was in Jesus and not Jesus in the Godhead (Colossians 2:9).  In other words, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost were in one man, the man Christ Jesus.  Jesus is not a second person in the godhead.  John said that He was the almighty God.  Jesus Himself said, “If you do not believe that I am he, ye shall die in your sins” (John 8:24), because no one can forgive sins but God only.  The apostle Paul concludes that Jesus was God manifested in the flesh.  How hungry are you for truth?

 

Sing:  Jesus be the Lord of all, Jesus be the Lord of all, Jesus be the Lord of all, the kingdoms of my heart. 

2014 July 30 - Morning Manna

The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear? (Proverbs 18:14)

 

Today’s Morsel:  I have come to realize that attitude plays a big part in all of our lives.  Why do we lie around and mope when we are sick?  Who told us that staying at home makes us feel better?   I believe our attitudes have a lot to do with how quick we recover.  The Apostle Paul said, “And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong” (2 Corinthians 12:7-10).  Paul's thorn was a messenger of Satan to stop Him. Beaten often, in pain often, suffering often, and with many infirmities in his life Paul said, “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities (sickness ill-health,) in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”  He realized that it was all in his thinking and attitude and so he chose to praise God so that Christ’s power would rest upon him.  Do you take pleasure in your infirmities so that the power of God can rest upon you?   Solomon said it is the spirit of a man that will sustain his infirmities.  In other words, it is the right attitude and spirit that will help you endure when you are sick in body.  So get up and get your praise on.

 

Sing:  For me for me for me, there’s a mansion there for me, in glory land so bright and fair, where the victor's crown I soon shall wear; come and go with me, for I won’t be back you’ll see, if anybody’s gonna be happy over there, it’s me, me, me, me ,me!

2014 July 29 - Morning Manna

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. 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: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching (Hebrews 10:22-25).

 

Today’s Morsel: The story is told by John MacArthur, entitled, “Object Lesson”, of a pastor who went to visit a man who didn’t attend church very faithfully.  The man was sitting before a fire, watching the warm glow of the coals.  It was a cold winter day, but the coals were red hot and the fire was warm. The pastor pleaded with the man to be more faithful in meeting with the people of God, but the man didn’t seem to be getting the message.  So the pastor took the tongs beside the fireplace, pulled open the screen, and reached in and began to separate all the coals. When none of the coals were touching the others, he stood and watched in silence.  In a matter of moments, they were all cold… The man got the message.

Many people feel that they can do without the church, but this is not true.  The church is for the perfecting of the saints.  It is for your protection and it gives you a strong support network when you are facing trials and tribulations in your life.  Paul said we should not forsake the assembling of ourselves together.  When a person says that they don’t need the church, they have already accepted a lie from the devil.  I saw a bumper sticker once on the back of a car which said, “Either drive yourself to church, or we’ll carry you” Johnson’s funeral home.   Remember, there is one body, but many members. Ask yourself, is the body deformed because I’m missing?

 

Sing: I need you, you need me, we’re all a part of God’s family. You pray for me, and I’ll pray for you, we’re all a part of God’s family. I won’t harm you, with word from my mouth; we’re all a part of God’s family. 

2014 July 28 - Morning Manna

And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.
(Revelation 20:1-3)

 

Today's Morsel:  When I was a kid, our neighbor had a very large dog that they kept attached to a chain for their home protection.  In every way, this dog seemed to be very vicious.  We never knew if they would have him chained or not.  And so each time we had to pass their house, we would do our best to be as quiet as possible so as to not arouse the dog.  We didn't want the dog to hear us passing if he wasn't chained and have him chase after us.  Thankfully, they usually did keep him on a chain.  Satan is on a chain.  He is bound.  He can't do you any harm.  Therefore, you should not fear what he can do to you.  Jesus has given you power over him (Luke 10:19).  We shouldn't even be hearing any testimonies about what he is doing to us.  He should not be receiving any credit of what he is accomplishing in and against the church during our testimonies.  So anytime you start to think that he's causing you harm or that he can get to you, just remember that he's on a chain and at the mention of the name of Jesus, Satan begins to tremble.

 

Sing: Well, I command you Satan in the name of the Lord, to pick up your weapons and flee.  For God has given me authority, to walk all over thee.

2014 July 26 - Morning Manna

Hear the word of the LORD, ye children of Israel: for the LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land. (Hosea 4:1)

 

Today's Morsel:  What has happened to the land? People are starting to wonder what is going on.  Why so much violence?  Why so much killing?  Why are so many people on medication?  Why are so many people depressed and stressed?  Hosea called for the children of Israel to hear the words of the Lord.  He told them that God had a controversy with them because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land.  Jeremiah said," Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD"(Jeremiah 9:23-24). God wants people to know Him in the land.  But if we take away the rights of the people whom God has chosen to make Him known in the land, then the inhabitants are going to suffer in that land.  The Lord also said through the prophet Jeremiah, "And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding"  (Jeremiah 3:15).  Paul told the church you don't muzzle the ox that treads out the corn (1 Corinthians 9:9-10; 1 Timothy 5:18).  In other words, don't stop the one who's trying to feed you the word of God (my wordings).  Satan is no fool.  He wants to silence the church so there is no truth in the land.  Isaiah prophesied, "And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter" (Isaiah 59:14).  Jesus told us that he was the way, the truth, and the life.  And anytime there is an avoidance of this knowledge in the land, evil reins.  But the truth shall make you free (John 8:32). When you have the truth of God, the mercies of God will follow you all the days of your life, and the knowledge of God will keep you and give you wisdom and understanding within the land.  "Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people" Solomon said, (Proverbs 14:34).

 

Sing: He was there all the time! He was there all the time! Waiting patiently in line, He was there all the time.

2014 July 25 - Morning Manna

 And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name, to take away our reproach. (Isaiah 4:1)

 

Today's Morsel:  I'm shocked by the number of people who say that they are saved, but have no change in their outward appearance.  I'm afraid that because some continue to preach to 'come as you are', the mindset is that I can dress as I please.  The priest couldn't just enter the temple anyway he wanted to. God ordain that his garments be holy. If we say that we are Holy Ghost filled believers, then our garments must be holy as well. We must remember that once we have our new birth experience, we are called to be kings and priest unto the Lord. "And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen." (Revelation 1:6).  Therefore, our outward must be a reflection of our inward. Isaiah said that they would want to be called by the name, but they would want to wear their own apparel. Translated by me, I want to be called a Christian, but don't you tell me what I can wear.  If you want to be called by the name, then you have to reflect the image.

 

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 white, I'm feasting on manna from heaven, and that's why I'm happy tonight.

 

Thought for Today: "An outward appearance reflects an inward heart."

2014 July 24 - Morning Manna

The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed (Psalm 103:6).

 

Today’s Morsel:  In this verse, the word “oppressed” comes from the Greek word âshaq, aw-shak', which means to press upon, that is defraud, violate, deceive, used, do violence to or wronged.  Because Jesus is the righteous judge, He will execute judgment for us. “Vengeance is mine,” says the Lord.  Therefore, when others do us wrong, defraud, or misuse us, we shouldn’t take matters into our own hands but allow God the time to handle our cases for us.  Jesus said, “In your patience possess ye your souls” (Luke 21:19). We can lose out if we take matters into our hands, because we will look to get even instead of being fair.  If we judge others who wrong us, our judgment towards them will be much more severe.  Knowing this, Jesus told us through the apostle Paul, “Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:20-21). Always remember that Jesus’ ways are not ours. Neither should our ways be the ways of the people of the world.

 

Sing:  I know the Lord will make a way for me, I know the Lord will make a way for me; if I live a holy life, shun the wrong and do the right, I know the Lord will make a way for me.

2014 July 23 - Morning Manna

Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world. When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone. And when even was now come, his disciples went down unto the sea, and entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them. And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew. So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid. But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid. Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went

(John 6:14-21).

 

Today’s Morsel:  Are you aware that when you allow Jesus to come into your life, He can immediately change any situation you may have?  The disciples were in a storm, but when they received Jesus into their ship, immediately they were at the land where they were going.  They were no longer in the storm of life or danger. Have you considered inviting Jesus into your life today? It would make all the difference whether you will keep having to endure the storm that is raging in your life or if it comes to an immediately halt.  I believe you will receive the latter. What about you?

 

Sing: Though the storms keep on raging in my life and sometimes it’s hard to tell the night from day, still there lies a hope within that’s reassured as I keep my eyes upon the distant shores. I know He’ll lead me safely to that blessed place He has prepared, but if the storms don’t cease and if the winds keep on blowing in my life, my soul has been anchored in the Lord!

2014 July 22 - Morning Manna

"And when Jesus was passed over again by ship unto the other side, much people gathered unto him: and he was nigh unto the sea. And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet, And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live. And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him. And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse, When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole. And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague. And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes? And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing. But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth. And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague. While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue's house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further? As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe. And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James. And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly. And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying. And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise. And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment. And he charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat." 
(Mark 5:21-43)

 

 

Today's Morsel: What do you do when there is a delay in your miracle?  A miracle is something out of the ordinary. It defy all odds. It's an event that cannot be explained according to the laws of nature and is considered to be an act of God.  Jarius knows that he needs a miracle if his daughter is to live. But there seems to be many delays in him receiving it. The crowd is thronging Jesus. A woman with an issue of blood stops Him, and then Jarius is told his daughter is dead. When what we need is delayed, discouragement often steps in and tries to destroy what little faith we do have.  We must walk by faith and not by our sight. We must still believe that all things do work together for our good if we are called and love God even if it is delayed in coming. Remember, if it is to be a miracle, you had nothing to do with it anyhow. It was of God.

 

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

2014 July 21 - Morning Manna

Men do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry; but if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house (Proverbs 6:30-31).

 

Today’s Morsel: Because there is so much theft in the world these days, many homeowners are now installing detection systems to deter criminals from entering their homes and stealing their possessions.  Jesus said of Satan, “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). Jesus called Satan a thief, He said that he came to steal, to kill, and destroy.  When a thief breaks into your home, he comes for one purpose, to steal the things you have. And if you get in his way trying to prevent him, he may kill you.  He will also destroy other things in your home looking for the one thing he came for.  Satan enters your home to steal your family from you, and he will kill you and them if you aren’t careful.  Satan will destroy everything you have worked to build and establish. Solomon said, “Men do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry; but if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house.”  Have you caught that old thief in your home? If you have, you need to make him pay you sevenfold.

 

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

2014 July 19 - Morning Manna

Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near (Isaiah 55:6).

 

Today’s Morsel:  When people are looking for something that they can’t find, my wife with her wit and humor says, “I bet it will be in the last place you look!” Are you looking for Jesus today?  I bet He’ll be in the last place you look.  He’s not far from any of us.  We just need to open our understanding and call upon Him as He is as close as the mention of His name.  Jesus doesn’t play hide and seek.  He is open before all of us.  But what I have found is that many are looking for Him in all the wrong places.  They look for Him by seeking out the perfect church.  Churches aren’t perfect because they are made up of people.  They look for Him in the right preacher.  Preachers are human, so they have issues, too.  If you really want to find Jesus, you have look for Him with all your heart, and you will find Him.  Care to look again?

 

Sing: Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you, Hallelu; Hallelujah!

2014 July 18 - Morning Manna

And there were four leprous men at the entering in of the gate: and they said one to another, Why sit we here until we die? If we say, We will enter into the city, then the famine is in the city, and we shall die there: and if we sit still here, we die also. Now therefore come, and let us fall unto the host of the Syrians: if they save us alive, we shall live; and if they kill us, we shall but die. And they rose up in the twilight, to go unto the camp of the Syrians: and when they were come to the uttermost part of the camp of Syria, behold, there was no man there. For the Lord had made the host of the Syrians to hear a noise of chariots, and a noise of horses, even the noise of a great host: and they said one to another, Lo, the king of Israel hath hired against us the kings of the Hittites, and the kings of the Egyptians, to come upon us. Wherefore they arose and fled in the twilight, and left their tents, and their horses, and their asses, even the camp as it was, and fled for their life. And when these lepers came to the uttermost part of the camp, they went into one tent, and did eat and drink, and carried thence silver, and gold, and raiment, and went and hid it; and came again, and entered into another tent, and carried thence also, and went and hid it. Then they said one to another, We do not well: this day is a day of good tidings, and we hold our peace: if we tarry till the morning light, some mischief will come upon us: now therefore come, that we may go and tell the king’s household. So they came and called unto the porter of the city: and they told them, saying, We came to the camp of the Syrians, and, behold, there was no man there, neither voice of man, but horses tied, and asses tied, and the tents as they were. And he called the porters; and they told it to the king’s house within
(II Kings 7:3-11).

 

Today’s Morsel:  What are you doing with the good news that has been given to you?  Are you keeping it to yourself, or are you sharing it with others?  Jesus said that the Spirit of the Lord was upon Him to preach the gospel to the poor and to preach the acceptable year of the Lord (Luke 4:18-19).  The apostle Paul said that now is the acceptable time; now is the day of salvation. People are seeking for answers to their lives and their dilemmas. The gospel is the news that they need to hear.  The gospel can bring change and hope to any situation; Jesus is the answer for the world today.  The lepers said, “We do not well: this day is a day of good tidings, and we hold our peace: if we tarry till the morning light, some mischief will come upon us: now therefore come, that we may go and tell the king’s household.”  They knew that if they didn’t tell someone, some bad things could happen to them.  Remember, if you know about Jesus and you don’t tell others about Him, Jesus will hold you responsible for not telling them.  Don’t hold the good news in, but go tell everyone you meet.

 

Sing: T here’s a call come ringing o’er the restless wave, “Send the light! Send the light!”  There are souls to rescue, there are souls to save;Send the light! Send the light! Send the light, the blessed gospel light, let it shine from shore to shore! Send the light, the blessed gospel light, let it shine for evermore.

2014 July 17 - Morning Manna

Let thine hand help me; for I have chosen thy precepts

(Psalm 119:173).

 

Today’s Morsel:  Often, we find that when working on certain projects, we may need a helping hand.  There is nothing like two working together.  When we offer someone a hand, it makes their weight less heavy and the burden lighter.   The psalmist said, “Let thine hand help me.”  Jesus is always willing to lend us a hand.  He said, “Ask, and it shall be given thee.”  When Peter began to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me.”  Immediately Jesus stretched forth His hand, and caught him (Matthew 14:30-31).  Sometimes, it may seem that we are sinking in the things that we have to do, but if we will set our pride aside and ask others to help us, we may not feel so snowed under.  It is better to allow others to share in the glory and reward when we are doing a project than to kill ourselves trying to do it all alone for our own glory. Isaiah gave the words of the Lord, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness” (Isaiah 41:10).  God will help you.  Could you use a hand today? Why not ask someone to assist you; you just may be surprised what happens.  You could even be making a new friend or learning more about your neighbor.  “The LORD hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee; send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion”  (Psalm 20:1-2).

 

Sing: Hold to God’s unchanging hand!  Hold to God’s unchanging hand!  Build your hopes on things eternal, hold to God’s unchanging hand! 

2014 July 16 - Morning Manna

When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: to deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things; who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness (Proverbs 2:10-13).

 

Today’s Morsel:  Because the Spirit of God gives us wisdom when we are filled with the Holy Ghost, the same Spirit directs us and keeps us.  God is a righteous God; therefore, we as His children should know how to do what is right.  James said, “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good and doeth it not, to him it is sin” (James 4:17).  Doing right is the opposite of doing wrong.  If you continue to do wrong after you have been shown how to do right, you are no longer a child of God but a child of the devil (I John 3:10).  Solomon said that once wisdom enters into your mind and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul, discretion (carefulness, maturity, tact, diplomacy, and caution) shall preserve you and understanding shall keep you. “Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding” (Proverbs 4:5-7). What is the most important thing to you?

 

Sing: He leadeth me! He leadeth me! By His own hand He leadeth me; His faithful follower I would be, for by His hand He leadeth me.

2014 July 15 - Morning Manna

And Hezekiah commanded to offer the burnt offering upon the altar. And when the burnt offering began, the song of the LORD began also with the trumpets, and with the instruments ordained by David king of Israel. And all the congregation worshipped, and the singers sang, and the trumpeters sounded: and all this continued until the burnt offering was finished. And when they had made an end of offering, the king and all that were present with him bowed themselves, and worshipped. Moreover Hezekiah the king and the princes commanded the Levites to sing praise unto the LORD with the words of David, and of Asaph the seer. And they sang praises with gladness, and they bowed their heads and worshipped (II Chronicles 29:27-30).

 

Today’s Morsel:  King Hezekiah seems to be one of the only kings of Judah who did right.  Hezekiah seems to have been a worshipper of the Lord.  If you will notice, Hezekiah was a leader who led from the front.  He was not in the back worshipping, but he was leading the way. He even instructed the Levites as to what songs to sing. He told them to sing the Psalms.  When you sing the Psalms, they glorify God. The Psalms are worship songs. If you say, “Come, let us worship the Lord in song,” the songs you sing must be songs that speak about God and songs that glorify God.  Worship songs aren’t overpowering with a lot of loud instruments, but they are songs with instruments that enhance the words or may even be sung a cappella.  They glorify God and draw you into a deeper relationship with Him, and they allow you to open your heart to Him.  When we come together at church, we should begin our service with worship, and we when prepare to depart, we should depart with praise. 

 

Sing:  I worship You, Almighty God, there is none like You; I worship You, O Prince of Peace, that is what I long to do.  I give You praise, for You are my Righteousness. I worship You, Almighty God, there is none like You.

2014 July 14 - Morning Manna

Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD. (Jeremiah 9:23-24)

 

Today's Morsel: How do you feel when someone takes the credit for the work that you've done?  Do you ever hear people call the church they attend, my church?  We often do glory in the things that we think that we do, but Jesus said that without Him we could do nothing.  So, since the church is His, and everything that we do is allowed by Him, shouldn't we give Him glory for the things that He has done and not we ourselves?  When we truly know Him, we will give Him the glory due His name.

 

Sing: To God be the glory! To God be the glory, for the things He has done.

2014 July 12 - Morning Manna

"O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy"  (Psalms 107:1-2)

 

Today's Morsel: Has God changed your life?  I don't know about you, but I can testify of what He has done for me.  I have seen the hand of God in operation in my life.  I mean, He's delivered me from drugs, alcohol, lying, death, hell, and the grave.   The list could continue.  That's one reason I don't have a problem with worshipping Him.  Because when I think of the goodness of Jesus and ALL that He's done for me, my soul cries out HALLELUJAH and I thank God for saving me.  I have found myself in the scriptures.  Not only Romans 16:13, where it says, "Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. " But I have met death face to face more than once.  I have seen the mouth of the lion shut. And I have seen God fulfill His word in my life.  Thank God for the Blood of the Lamb.  What about you?  Let the redeemed say so.

 

Sing: Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, let the redeemed of the Lord say so, let the redeemed of the Lord says so, I'm redeemed, I'm redeemed, praise the Lord.

2014 July 11 - Morning Manna

"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" (Hebrews 11:7)

 

 

Today's Morsel: When we hear the story of Noah, most people associate it with the building of the ark.  But few capture what the writer of Hebrews says about the reason he built that ark.  First, Noah was warned by God that He was going to destroy the earth.  Anytime God gives you a warning, you had better take heed.  God gave Noah a warning and Noah moved with fear.  In other words, Noah took to heart and respected what God said was going to take place, and so he prepared the ark to save his house, which was his family.  The Bible also says that Noah condemned the world.  Noah said, "I'm not having anything to do with this place because God is getting ready to destroy it. And so I'm preparing a vessel for me and my family to be saved." (paraphrased thought)  And because he built that ark to save his family, he did what was right.  If you aren't preparing something to save your family or living in a way to save your family, check your righteous button.  Every time you read,in the Bible that God is going to destroy this earth, your faith should kick in and you should be moving with fear getting your house in order to save you and your family.  This scripture is sound doctrine.  As Paul told Timothy, "Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee"(1 Timothy 4:16).  So let me encourage you, get ready now.

 

Sing:  I'm getting ready to leave this place, I'm getting ready for the gates of pearls.  Keeping my record right, watching both day and night; well, I'm getting ready to leave this place.

2014 July 10 - Morning Manna

 "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."  (Hebrews 13:15-16)

 

Today's Morsel:  If you have Sirius Radio, then you know that one of the stations is owned and operated by Kirk Franklin,  and is called Kirk Franklin Praise.  Years ago, he wrote a song entitled "Smile".  The main purpose is to keep you smiling no matter what you are going through in your life, because God is working for you and on your behalf.   It has been stated that it takes more facial muscles to frown then it does to smile.  Scripture says that when we do good and communicate God is well pleased.  In other words, doing good and talking with people puts a big old smile on God's face.  Now you know two of the things that makes God happy, why not practice them daily so that God retains His smile.  You don't want to make God sad, do you?

 

Sing:  Smile awhile and give your face a rest, raise your hands to the One you love the best.  Turn around to someone new, shake their hand and smile.

 

Thought for Today: "A smile changes you."

2014 July 9 - Morning Manna

Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law
(Psalms 119:136).

 

Today's Morsel: Probably one of the hardest things for me is when I see people who know truth, yet they refuse to live truth.  As I watch them struggling through life and just barely making it, it touches me deep within my heart because I know that if they would just do what God's word tells them to do, their life and situation could be so much better.  The Psalmist said that he cried because the people kept not the law.  There have been times in my life that I too have cried because of people not keeping God's word.  The Psalmist knew the value of God's word, and so he said,  "Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it. I am small and despised: yet do not I forget thy precepts. Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth" (Psalms 119:140-142).  There is so much joy and peace in a life when the word of God is kept.

 

Sing: But sometimes I hurt and sometimes I cry, sometimes I can't get it right, no matter how hard that I seem to try.  Sometimes I fall down and I stumble over my own disguise, but I try to look strong, as the whole world looks on, sometimes alone I cry.

Thought for Today: " The answer to your problem is in the word of God."

2014 July 8 - Morning Manna

"I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith"
(2 Timothy 4:1-7)

 

Today's Morsel: Most ministers will tell you that their ordination ceremony concluded with this same charge given to Timothy by Paul; Preach the word.  But what I find is that many do not preach the word.  They preach what the people want to hear instead of what they need to hear.  Yes, the gospel is for encouragement, and I can't think of a better way to encourage someone than to show them how to get sin, that thing that has them bound, out of their life.  No, you can't make people change, but God can.  And that is why we must preach His word.  Paul said that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.  The chains of sin are broken by preaching the word of God.  The woman with the issue of blood knew Who could heal her after she heard about Jesus, the word made flesh.  Preach what you want, but make sure that you have Jesus at the center of it.  

 

Sing:  Who is this who loves a sinner as a father loves his own, grieving over those who spurn His gentle plea? Always ready to forgive them and to make forgiveness known, who is this forever calling you and me.

It is Jesus! Jesus! Sad one, weep no more! He will heal the broken hearted, open wide the prison door, He is able to deliver ever-more.   

 

Thought for Today: "Only Jesus has the power to set the captive free."

2014 July 7 - Morning Manna

Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.   (Proverbs 23:23)

 

Today's Morsel: After I preaching a message entitled, "A Failure To Follow Instructions", now when I buy something, I'm always looking for the instructions to ensure that I put whatever I've purchased together correctly.  I don't want to be no fool (lol).  Solomon tells us to buy the truth and sell it not.  You know, I see a lot of Truth (Bibles) on yard sales and in junk stores because someone did not see the value of truth.  I often wonder if the lives of those people who are selling them on the yard sales and junk stores are in confusion, if their marriages are on the brink of falling apart, if their children are rebellious and strung out on alcohol and drugs, and I wonder if there is joy missing in their homes and complaining, swearing, and profanity in its place.  When you sell the truth, you are also selling your wisdom, instruction, and ability to understand.  Have you ever seen the picture with the little fellow sitting in the corner of his school on a stool with a cone on his head, that says, "Dunce"?  Let me assure you, he didn't get there by himself.

 

Sing:  Something beautiful, something good, all my confusion, Jesus understood. All I had to offer him was brokenness and strife, but he made something, beautiful, out of my life.

 

Thought for Today: "Truth still works."

2014 July 5 - Morning Manna

"And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel. And David said to Joab and to the rulers of the people, Go, number Israel from Beersheba even to Dan; and bring the number of them to me, that I may know it. And Joab answered, The LORD make his people an hundred times so many more as they be: but, my lord the king, are they not all my lord's servants? why then doth my lord require this thing? why will he be a cause of trespass to Israel? Nevertheless the king's word prevailed against Joab. Wherefore Joab departed, and went throughout all Israel, and came to Jerusalem."    (1 Chronicles 21:1-4)

 

Today's Morsel:  One of the things that Satan uses to bring division in the church with the leaders is to get them to compare themselves among themselves.  Let me ask you a question, which church is the most successful, the one with ten people and they are all ready for heaven or the church with five hundred and none of them are prepared?  I think you can see the answer is obvious.  Jesus isn't concern about numbers as much as He is with us preaching and telling the truth.  George Thomas "Tom" Seaver (born November 17, 1944), nicknamed "Tom Terrific" and "The Franchise", is a former Major League Baseball pitcher.  He pitched from 1967-1986 for four different teams in his career, but he is noted primarily for his time with the New York Mets.  During a 20-year career, Seaver compiled 311 wins, 3,640 strikeouts, 61 shutouts, and a 2.86 earned run average.  In 1992, he was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame by the highest percentage ever recorded (98.84%), and has the only plaque at Cooperstown wearing a New York Mets hat. Seaver said,  "In baseball, my theory is to strive for consistency, not to worry about the numbers.  If you dwell on statistics you get shortsighted, if you aim for consistency, the numbers will be there at the end."   If leadership in the church gets caught up in numbers, they may be listening to Satan and not the Lord and they can become shortsighted. But if they remain consistent with what Jesus has asked and called them to do, the numbers will be there.  This is what Joab was saying to David, don't worry about how many are there, God knows.

 

Sing: I'm so glad that I'm a part of the family of God, I've been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His blood; joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod, I'm so glad that I'm a part of, the family of God.

 

Thought for Today: "Visions are reached by consistency."

2014 July 4 - Morning Manna

To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for his mercy endureth for ever: And brought out Israel from among them: for his mercy endureth for ever: With a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm: for his mercy endureth for ever. To him which divided the Red sea into parts: for his mercy endureth for ever: And made Israel to pass through the midst of it: for his mercy endureth for ever.  Psalm 136:10-14

Today's Morsel: After being in bondage for over 400 years, Israel probably felt that this would be their livelihood forever. But they failed to realize that God had made a promise to their forefathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that He would deliver them from bondage. Like so many today who are in bondage to this world, God has still promised deliverance to those who call upon His name.  Today, America is a free nation because men and women were willing to sacrifice themselves that she might be free.  Therefore, we should never take it for granted.  No my friend freedom is not free.  It always costs someone their life.  And Jesus was willing to be our sacrifice that we might be free.

Sing: No more shackles, no more chains, no more bondage I am free.

Thought For Today: "The gospel still has the power to make one free."

2014 July 3 - Morning Manna

I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.   (Galatians 5:10)

 

Today's Morsel:  Does the situation of the world today bother you?  Have you found yourself getting upset and angry about what is taking place?  I hear Christians all the time saying that their rights are being taken away.  Really!  This world isn't supposed to be your home.  So let me encourage you, stop trying to put down stakes here or you are going to drive yourself crazy. Sinners are going to do what sinners do, and evil seducers are going to wax worse and worse.  The apostle Paul, admonishes us that he has confidence in us through Jesus Christ, that when people trouble us we can handle it.  If your focus is heaven, you can see how near we are to Jesus' return.

Sing: This world is not my home, I'm just a passing through, my treasures are laid up, somewhere beyond the blue, the angels beckon me, from heaven's open door and I can't feel at home in the world anymore.

Thought For Today: "If you can't handle the heat, get out of the kitchen."

2014 July 2 - Morning Manna

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. (Galatians 5:1)

 

Today's Morsel:  Consistency should be every Christian's first duty.  If we are not consistent in our word, conduct, love, attitude, faith, and wholesomeness, we will never be what God desires for us to be.   Being able to not backslide or fall away from the truth requires us to maintain a spirit of consistency for the things of God.  When we are consistent in our praise and worship to God, we will be consistent in our attendance and giving to God.  Heaven doesn't have lots of doors for you to enter through.  It only has one, and that door is Jesus. To get through that door will require you to maintain your consistency with Him and not dip and dab in this world and its ways.  

 

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

 

Thought For Today:  "Consistency, madam, is the first of Christian duties."  Charlotte Bronte 

2014 July 1 - Morning Manna

But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.
(Matthew 14:30-32).

 

Today's Morsel: When I can get enough money for a Sunday School van, I'm going to paint it in many colors in stripes and write on the side of it, Jesus is a Life Saver. I might even do the church that way the next time we paint it!  I think it will make the devil mad.  I'm sure someone would say that it's offensive.  You see, that's the buzzword of the devil uses these day to halt the spread of the gospel, "That's offensive."  Yet Paul said, "But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them (2 Corinthians 4:3-4).  Some folks think that they are walking on water because everything is going good for them.  But pretty soon the wind is going to blow into their lives and they are going to realize that they need a Savior.  So don't get angry and upset at their foolishness or foolish ways.  When they start to sink, they are going to need a life saver and you will be there to throw them the Savior of the world.

 

Sing: I was sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shore, very deeply stained within, sinking to rise no ore;, but the master of the sea, heard my despairing cry, from the waters lifted me, now safe am I.

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

 

Thought for Today: Jesus is still a Life Saver."