2014 August 30 - Morning Manna

Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit.
(Hebrews 6:1-3)

 

Today's Morsel: If you were to get out of the way and let Jesus do what He wants to do in your life, where could you be in Christ.  One of the reasons I believe that many folks struggle in their walk with Christ is that they keep self in the way.  Jesus told us in His word, "If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple"(Luke 14:26-27).  The word hate here means to love less.  In other words, all of the those mentioned by Jesus have to be loved less than Him or we can never be His disciples.  But what I have found is when my love for Jesus is first, my love for others is increased through Him. If you want to be perfected in the things of Christ, put Him first and order will come into your life.

 

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.

Thought for Today: If perfection is your goal, it's obtainable. (Parker)

2014 August 29 - Morning Manna

But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. (Jude 1:20-25)

 

Today's Morsel: Talking with a pastor friend of mine, he was sharing with me how because of his health that his neighbors now come over and ensure that their trash is taken out and that their trash cans are returned after they are emptied.  To me, that's what true compassion is all about, helping someone else with their trash.  You see, so many folks have so much trash in their lives that they don't know where to turn for help or how to get rid of it.  But Jude lets us know that we must have compassion, making a difference in others lives: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.  If you think of all the trash that Jesus has helped you with, you should be willing to help someone else get theirs out too.   Have you taught a Bible study lately?

Sing: Thank you Lord for saving my soul. Thank you Lord for making me whole. Thank you Lord for giving to me, Thy Great Salvation, so rich and free.

Thought for today: Every Christian should be a Sanitation Engineer. (Parker)

2014 August 28 - Morning Manna

Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble. (Job 14:1)

Today's Morsel: Speaking with the men here in the church a few weeks ago about how to handle trouble when it comes into their lives, I listed for them a few things that they needed to be aware of and do.  First, I told them troubles are going to come.  Job lets us know that right up front.  He said, "Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble."  So having an understanding that troubles are going to come, we need to be proactive and prepare for them.   The second thing I told them was that it is essential for them to keep a strong relationship and trust in Christ during their troubles.  Jesus said, "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me"(John 14:1).  So to deal with troubles when they come we must retain the trust factor so that we do not give in. Solomon said, "If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small" (Proverbs 24:10).  Isaiah lets us know that God will keep us in perfect peace if our minds are stayed on him (Isaiah 26:3).  I believe that the majority of our upheaval is caused by a lack of contentment in our lives.  Therefore, I told them that we needed to be as Paul when he said, "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content"(Philippians 4:11).  When we are content, our troubles are few.  And finally, I told them that we must have a consistent life of prayer, worship, and praise to God. The Bible said that Job sacrificed to God daily and when his troubles came, he was still able to worship.  So if you want to be able to handle troubles when they come, be proactive with daily devotions to God and when the troubles come you'll still be able to praise God. 

Sing: How great is our God.  How great is His name.  He's the greatest one forever the same.  He rolled back the waters, of the mighty Red Sea, and He said I want to lead you, so put your trust in Me.

Thought for today: You can't have trouble without U. (Parker)

2014 August 27 - Morning Manna

A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.

(Proverbs 29:23)

Today's Morsel:  My wife and I were doing our morning devotion as we try to do together every morning and we came across a passage about humility.  And a thought  came to my mind about how to have and maintain humility in my life.  The thought was, "Hum a song of thanksgiving while you serve others."  Think about it.  You are thanking God through inward song for your ability to serve others.  Matthew records that during the last supper, they sang a hymn before they went out into the Mount of Olives the night that Jesus was arrested to be crucified (Matthew 26:30); and John records that Jesus arose up and began to wash their feet (John 13:13-15).  An example of true humility.  I would not be surprise if Jesus was still singing while He washed their feet.  If we keep self out of the way, we too can all be humble servants.

Sing:  We fall down we lay our crowns at the feet of Jesus. The greatness of mercy and love at the feet of Jesus. We cry holy, holy, holy; we cry holy, holy is the Lamb.

Thought for Today: "A humble spirit is like the cream in milk"

2014 August 26 - Morning Manna

Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. (1 Corinthians 9:24)

Today's Morsel: Everyone wants to go to heaven, but not everyone wants to enter the race.  You can't win if you never get in the race.  Paul said that we have to run in order to obtain the prize.  Even though you may not be as fast as others, once you enter this spiritual race endurance is what matters.  I've seen people who enter a race; some walking, some running; but they all know that they have to cross the finish line to be able to say that they have completed the race.  As Paul 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).  Have you entered the race? Do you have your eyes set on the prize?  If so, always remember, your salvation is nearer than when you first believed.

Sing: Lord, I'm running, trying to make a hundred, ninety-nine and a half won't do.

Thought for today: You must be present to win.

2014 August 25 - Morning Manna

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
(Galatians 6:7-8)

Today's Morsel:  Most problems in our lives are caused by wrong choices and decisions.  This is why we must choose wisely when it comes to people, places, and things for our lives.  By all account, Lot's decision to choose the plains of Jordan because they were well watered seemed like a great choice and decision to him, but when we read the end of the story we see that his choice and decision cost him dearly.  King David's choice and decision to lie with Bathsheba may have seemed like a good decision to him at the time, but the end of the story was devastating.  How much thought do you put into your decisions before you do them?  Do you make decisions and choices based on what you see others doing?  If you could take an eraser and erase the number one bad decision you have made in your life, what would it be?  If the law of sowing and reaping are always in effect, then we have to choice carefully.  Seek the Lord first in all your decisions. 

Sing: Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you, Alleluia, Hallelujah

2014 August 23 - Morning Manna

And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace. And the LORD said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward:  (Exodus 14:13-15)

 

Today's Morsel:  The purpose of discouragement is to cause you to quit.  When the children of Israel, who had been in captivity for over 400 years, saw Pharaoh's army coming towards them, they feared. Their mentality was that this army was going to kill them or put them back into slavery.  They had so soon forgotten what God had already done for them.  You see, discouragement makes you easily forget what God has done.  God's promises to you never change.  Even if you walk away and stop serving Him, the promises didn't change, you did.  God had told them that He would deliver them, but they didn't believe Him.  It didn't change what God said He would do, Israel changed their ability to believe what He said.  And so when Moses cried to the Lord, God reissued His promise by saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward.  In other words, Stop looking behind you and go toward the place I told you to go.  I know you see the sea before you and the army behind you, but I go before you to make the way straight.  So let me encourage you today, go forward. Don't look back.  No matter the problems you may be facing, go forward because your promise is on the other side of the flood.

Sing:  Standing on the promises of Christ the King, through eternal ages let His praises ring; glory in the highest I will shout and sing, I'm standing on the promises of God.
Standing! Standing! Standing on the promise of Christ my Savior.  Standing! Standing ! I'm standing on the promises of God.  

2014 August 22 - Morning Manna

There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. (John 3:1-8)

 

Today's Morsel: Being born again of the water and the spirit doesn't mean a free ticket into heaven.  Being born again is a lifestyle.  It's a life style of separation from the world and holiness unto God.  It's walking daily hand in hand with Christ.  Being born again means I don't want any part of sin in my life because it will rob me of my eternal reward.  Paul told Timothy that in the last days, many would give heed to seducing spirits and doctrine of devils ( 1 Timothy 4;1).  Doctrine of devils is not only false religion, doctrine of devils can be anything that goes against the word of God.  Paul wasn't talking about the people of the world, he was talking about the people in the church accepting this doctrine.  Israel, under Joshua's leadership, said that they would forever serve the Lord(Joshua 24:15-18).  But it wasn't long after Joshua's death before every man did that which was right in his own eyes.  Let me encourage you, keep yourself pure because sin cannot enter heaven.

 

Sing:  Born again, there has been a change in me, born again, just like Jesus said. Born again, all because of Calvary, I'm so glad that I've been born again.

  

Thought for today:  Most men stop serving God right at the finish line. 

2014 August 21 - Morning Manna

 But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard.  He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went. And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not. Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. "(Matthew 21:28-31)

Today's Morsel:  When a man says that he wants to, but doesn't try, he lives in a state of confusion.  I believe that every man should have the intestinal fortitude to do what he says he is going to do. And if not, be willing to say why he can't.  As Christians, we need to realize that if we tell our Heavenly Father, or anyone else, that we are going to do something and don't, God is not well pleased.   Always remember, your salvation didn't come with lies, it came with truth.  And the truth will always make us free from ourselves.  Therefore, if we say that we are His, then we must do what we say that we will do.

Sing: Are you washed, in the blood, in the soul cleansing blood of the Lamb?  Are you garments spotless, or they white as snow; are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

Thought for today:  Be real!

2014 August 20 - Morning Manna

"I will extol thee, O LORD; for thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me. O LORD my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me. O LORD, thou hast brought up my soul from the grave: thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit. Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. " (Psalms 30:1-5)

 

Today's Morsel:  How many of you have found yourself wishing for the day?  Sickness, pain, suffering, bereavements can all be seen as times of darkness.  And we may find ourselves hoping for some ray of light to come along.  How many times have you read or heard the story of Job?  Job isn't just in the Bible to be a good story.  Job is in the Bible as a book of encouragement, and to show us how to deal with unexpected nightmares.  You see if you are going to see the miracles of God, sometimes you are going to have to endure the nightmare first.  Look at Job's life.  He went from prosperity to what we could classify as the poor house; from wholeness to illness; and from strength to weak in what seemed like a matter of minutes. However, in all this darkness, Job was waiting for the day to break.  He said when his friends accused him: "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him. He also shall be my salvation: for an hypocrite shall not come before him" (Job 13:15-16).  When the pain began to wrench his body and the sharp arrows and daggers from his friends began coming at him strongly, he said that the day is going to break and I'm going to see My Redeemer when he steps upon the earth ( Job 19:26).  Job said, I'm going to recover from this.  I can hear him saying, I'm weeping right now, but Joy is going to come in the morning because He will not leave my soul in hell neither will He suffer His Holy One's to see corruption (my wording).  Let me encourage you today, if your life feels as though it is full of darkness right now, don't lose hope, God said that He would dwell in the thick darkness.  And as Paul admonishes us, "Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 10:35-11:1).  Hang in there, day will break soon.

 

Sing: When in service for my Lord, dark may be the night, but I'll cling more close to Him, He will give me light.  Satan's snares may vex my soul, turn my thoughts aside, but my Lord goes ahead, He leads wherever betide.

Oh 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.

 

Thought for today:  "Pain is just weakness leaving the body"

2014 August 19 - Morning Manna

 "So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek" (Romans 1:15-16).

 

Today's Morsel:  The Apostle Paul felt an obligation to minister the gospel to the entire world.  Paul understood what God had done for him, and he felt a need to share it with others so they too could be made free.   Paul did not see a need to glory in himself about sharing the gospel, he felt it as a necessity to do so; all because people did not have a knowledge and  understanding of Christ.  He even told the church at Corinth that some did not have the knowledge of Christ (1 Corinthians 15:34).  And it hasn't change today.  Many still do not have the knowledge nor the understanding of Christ.  Jesus commanded those of us who do have knowledge of Him to go share it with others. You see, the gospel is like having a piece of evidence or knowledge to a  crime that could make someone free from prison, but you are not willing to share it for not wanting to be involved.  Most would say those who do so are selfish and heartless.  The gospel is everyone's get out of jail free card.  People are trapped to themselves and to their past and the gospel can make them free.  The gospel is the key to open the door to freedom.   If you are one of those who is afraid to share the gospel with someone else, just remember, Jesus said that He would be ashamed of you when He returns.

 

Sing: Once I was bound, but now I am set free; Once I was blind, but now the light I see; Once I was dead, but now in Christ I live, to tell the world the peace that He alone can give.

I love Him, I love Him, because He first loved me, and purchased my salvation on Mount Calvary.

2014 August 18 - Morning Manna

  "Remember Lot's wife."  (Luke 17:32)

Today's Morsel: Every time I read this passage of scripture, I am amazed as to why when Jesus was teaching about His return, He out of know where inserted this comment to His hearers to remember Lot's wife.  Was it to remind them to never look back to the world once they came out?  Was it to remind them to stay focused on where they are headed?   Or was it to let them know that when people look back they will become hardened and of no use for the kingdom?   I think He wanted them to understand the latter, as when most people look back to the world, they often times find that they  lose everything, and many that they even lose their life both natural and spiritually. Once we have tasted of the heavenly gift, and are made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, if you fall away, it is going to hard to recover.  Salt is good for you, but not when it is in the state as Lot's wife was.

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

Thought for Today:  Sin will always try to pull at your heart.

2014 August 16 - Morning Manna

And it came to pass, when all the people were clean passed over Jordan, that the Lord spake unto Joshua, saying, Take you twelve men out of the people, out of every tribe a man, And command ye them, saying, Take you hence out of the midst of Jordan, out of the place where the priests' feet stood firm, twelve stones, and ye shall carry them over with you, and leave them in the lodging place, where ye shall lodge this night. Then Joshua called the twelve men, whom he had prepared of the children of Israel, out of every tribe a man: And Joshua said unto them, Pass over before the ark of the Lord your God into the midst of Jordan, and take ye up every man of you a stone upon his shoulder, according unto the number of the tribes of the children of Israel:  That this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean ye by these stones? Then ye shall answer them, That the waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord; when it passed over Jordan, the waters of Jordan were cut off: and these stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever. And the children of Israel did so as Joshua commanded, and took up twelve stones out of the midst of Jordan, as the Lord spake unto Joshua, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel, and carried them over with them unto the place where they lodged, and laid them down there. And Joshua set up twelve stones in the midst of Jordan, in the place where the feet of the priests which bare the ark of the covenant stood: and they are there unto this day. Joshua 4:1-9

 
Today’s Morsel:  In her book The Shelter of Each Other, Mary Pipher gives advice on rebuilding troubled families. She explores how today’s children sometimes overuse TV and video games to the exclusion of informal instruction received from extended family.  She gives an example of a family reunion where the youngsters are given a video to watch in the back room so the adults can talk undisturbed.  Dr. Pipher believes this diversion actually deprives kids.  Children need to mix with the older generation so they can hear the stories of aunts, uncles, grandparents, and parents. This helps them learn from those who have gone before them, she says.
The Old Testament places a high value on children being taught their spiritual heritage.  After God parted the waters of the Jordan River, Joshua was instructed to take 12 stones from the river to create a memorial for future generations. “When your children ask . . . ‘What do these stones mean to you?’ then you shall answer them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off. . . . And these stones shall be for a memorial to the children of Israel forever” (Josh. 4:6-7).
 We need spiritual interaction between generations. Remember, Bible stories are often family stories.  And our children need them and us —Dennis Fisher  
May all who come behind us find us faithful; May the fire of our devotion light their way; May the footprints that we leave lead them to believe, And the lives we live inspire them to obey.  —Mohr
Godly forefathers make good teachers.
Sing: I dreamed I went to heaven and you were there with me, we walked upon the streets of gold beside the crystal sea. We heard the angels singing, then someone called your name. You turned and saw this young man and he was smiling as he came.
And he said, "Friend you may not know me now" And then he said, "But wait" You used to teach my Sunday school when I was only eight.  And every week you would say a prayer before the class would start. And one day when you said that prayer I asked Jesus in my heart."
(Chorus)
Thank you for giving to the Lord, I am a life that was changed. Thank you for giving to the Lord, I am so glad you gave.

 

Thought for Today: The mind is a terrible thing to waste.

2014 August 15 - Morning Manna

He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly (Proverbs 14:29).

Today’s Morsel: Do things make you angry easily? Why do we even get mad at other people?  What is it that causes some to get so angry that they lash out at people or yell and scream at their loved ones?  How do they allow themselves to get so angry that they abuse their loved ones because of their anger?  This should never been done by anyone, and  especially not Christians.  There is nothing that should drive us to this point.  We are called to live in peace with all men, especially those of our own households and of the household of faith.  Solomon said that he that is slow to anger is of great understanding.  The reason is when you are slow to anger it prevents you from destroying your witness and your good name before others and it keeps you out of trouble.  As Christians, we are told to walk in the Spirit and then we will not fulfill the lust of the flesh (Galatians 5:16); and if we are lead by the Spirit of God, we are the sons of God (Romans 8:14).  Since anger is a work of the flesh (according to Galatians 5:20), we must not allow it to control our life. Thus, when one is quickly angered, they have not been made perfect in love.  God is love (1 John4:8), and in Him was no guile found.  So anytime you start to feel anger rising up within you, why not stop and take a praise break.  As the psalmist said, “Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments, Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them” (Psalm 119:164-165).

Sing: To be like Jesus, to be like Jesus, on earth I long to be like Him; all through life’s journey, from earth to glory, I only ask, to be like Him.

Thought for Today: Remove the "r" from anger and add an "l" and you can be an angel.

2014 August 14 - Morning Manna

A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones (Proverb 14:30).

 

Today’s Morsel:  One of the things I like to do is sit and observe people.  I have come to realize that many people are troubled about many things thus they have no peace within themselves.  They are somewhat like Jesus told Martha, “Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things" (Luke 10:41).  The sad thing about this is that many of them profess to be born again Christians.  Granted, we as Christians are not exempt from trials and troubles but we should know how to handle them when they come our way as we are lead by the Spirit of God.  We are taught to rejoice when trials and troubles come our way, because we are becoming a partaker of Christ’s suffering (1 Peter 4:12-15).  Solomon said that a sound heart is the life of the flesh.  In other words, a good, firm, positive, healthy, and reliable heart gives life to the flesh.  A sound heart gives you life, esprit-de-corps, motivation, and a positive outlook on things.  It draws others to you. When we are not troubled in our minds and thinking, our outlook on life is more positive than when not. Think about this for a moment.  If scripture says that God will keep us in prefect peace if we keep our minds stayed on Him, then does it not reason that we should focus more on the Lord than ourselves?   If we will begin our day with prayer and reading the word of God and offering unto Him thanksgiving, it will renew the inward man, thus giving us hope and excitement.  Is your heart sound today?

Sing: I’ve got a made up mind, I’ve got a final destination, I’m gonna keep on pressing on, to my final destination; gonna burn all the bridges behind me, break all the ties that bind me, gonna keep on pressing on, til I reach that home sweet home that new Jerusalem.

Thought for today: A sound heart is life of the flesh.

2014 August 13 - Morning Manna

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

 

Today’s Morsel: Have you ever been on a journey and you said to yourself, "I know that this is the right way," only to find out that you are heading in the wrong direction?  There are many roads that may lead to where you are heading, but they may be filled with pitfalls and snares.  David asked the Lord, "Shew me thou way, Lord teach me thou path" (Psalms 25:3).  Do you want to know the way of the Lord?   Jesus said, “I am the way” (John 14:6) and “Follow me” (Matthew 4:19).  If we follow Jesus, we will always be in the right way even though it may seem to us that we are heading in the wrong direction.  His ways are not our ways neither are His thoughts our thoughts. Jesus knows where the pitfalls and snares are located so we must allow Him to lead us.

Sing: God leads His dear children along. Some thru the water, some thru the flood, some thru the fire, but all thru the blood; some thru great sorrow, but God gives a song, in the night season, and all the day long.

Thought for today: Repentance means making a U-Turn.

2014 August 12 - Morning Manna

And it came to pass after these things, that Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard, which was in Jezreel, hard by the palace of Ahab king of Samaria. And Ahab spake unto Naboth, saying, Give me thy vineyard, that I may have it for a garden of herbs, because it is near unto my house: and I will give thee for it a better vineyard than it; or, if it seem good to thee, I will give thee the worth of it in money. And Naboth said to Ahab, The LORD forbid it me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee. And Ahab came into his house heavy and displeased because of the word which Naboth the Jezreelite had spoken to him: for he had said, I will not give thee the inheritance of my fathers. And he laid him down upon his bed, and turned away his face, and would eat no bread.   (1 Kings 21:1-4)

 

Today's Morsel: Ahab had a spirit of covetousness about him.  And anytime this spirit is upon you or in you, when you don't get your way, you will become displeased, easily jealous, and brokenhearted.   Paul said that he had not known that lust was a sin until he had read in the law that thou shall not covet (Romans 7:7).    As children of God, we must have a spirit of contentment and satisfaction.   The writer of Hebrews tells us, "But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak"(Hebrews 6:9).  Covetousness does not come with your salvation.  But love, goodness, gentleness, and temperance all do.  Let me encourage you today, don't let that spirit of Ahab get into your heart.  But follow Paul's advice and let your request be made known unto God, and the peace of God which passes all understanding will keep your heart and mind through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).

 

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

2014 August 11 - Morning Manna

O Israel, trust thou in the LORD: he is their help and their shield. O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD: he is their help and their shield. Ye that fear the LORD, trust in the LORD: he is their help and their shield. The LORD hath been mindful of us: he will bless us; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron. He will bless them that fear the LORD, both small and great. The LORD shall increase you more and more, you and your children. Ye are blessed of the LORD which made heaven and earth. The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD'S: but the earth hath he given to the children of men. The dead praise not the LORD, neither any that go down into silence. But we will bless the LORD from this time forth and for evermore. Praise the LORD
(Psalms 115:9-18).

 

Today’s Morsel:  The story is told of a pastor who walked into his church and saw the angels sweeping in the floor. The pastor asked the angels what they were doing? The angels replied, “Sweeping up blessings everyone left behind.”  The pastor said, “You’re doing what?  The angels repeated themselves.  The Pastor said, “Why”  The angels said, “Well, the people keep praying and asking the Father to bless them and He keeps throwing blessings down to them, but they don’t want them, they just leave them laying here.”  May I ask when the last time was that you have counted your blessings?  The Psalmist said The LORD hath been mindful of us: he will bless us and that the LORD shall increase you more and more.  There are so many blessings that the Lord has for you, but you must show Him that you are accepting every other one that He gives you and not pick and choose.  James tells us, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning” (James 1:17).  God is your help and shield and He will bless and increase you more and more.  Isaiah says “He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength” (Isaiah 40:29).  Aren’t you glad you trust in the Lord?

 

 Sing: My blessing is coming my way, it’s only a matter of time, until his purpose comes to pass, it’s only a matter of time. I’m waiting for my miracle, I’m waiting for my miracle, I’m waiting for my miracle; over taken by a blessing. 

2014 August 9 - Morning Manna

I cried unto God with my voice, even unto God with my voice; and he gave ear unto me. In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord: my sore ran in the night, and ceased not: my soul refused to be comforted. I remembered God, and was troubled: I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. Selah (Psalms 77:1-3).

 

Today’s Morsel:  It seems as though the heat on complaining has been turned up.  Seems like everywhere you go or turn people are complaining about something.  My niece gave me a T-shirt from my alumni, the Richland’s high school “Wildcats” which said, “Winner’s Train, Loser’s Complain.”  As I read that shirt, I thought, "This is so true. When someone wants to win they accept the pain and suffering to become a winner."  The apostle Paul didn't complain when he suffered for the Lord.  He just said that the things which happened to him were for the furtherance of the gospel.  He told Timothy, “Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier” (2 Timothy 2:1-4).  When we allow ourselves to be trained in the Word and things of God, we won’t find the time to complain, but rather we will find ourselves sharing the gospel with the lost.  Complaining wears you down and causes you to become snowed under.  In other words, you find that you are carrying more weight than you bargained for.  On the other hand, praise and a positive attitude keeps you free and steadfast in the Lord.  Therefore, each day we must strengthen our minds, our purpose, our determination, and our tenacity to keep going during the tough times and not allow ourselves to be drawn into bitterness, fear, and torment.  Always remember, Jesus will keep you in perfect peace, if you keep your mind on Him.

Sing: I feel like traveling on, I feel like traveling on, my heavenly home is bright and fair, I feel like traveling on.

2014 August 8 - Morning Manna

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again (Philippians 1:21-26).

 

Today’s Morsel: In the Shakespearean play, Hamlet, Hamlet, is contemplating suicide due to the death of his father.  And so he said, “To be, or not to be, that is the question.”  Should I live or die?  The apostle Paul felt somewhat like Hamlet when he said,  For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.  Paul was not talking about committing suicide.  He knew that it would be better for him to be with Christ than to go through those things he was having to deal with and face in his flesh.  But at the same time, he knew that the church was not well enough established and rooted and grounded in the Lord to operate on their own accord. Therefore, he felt the need to remain with them.  Paul had confidence within himself that he would be with the Lord and so he wanted to inspire the church and further their joy and faith in Christ Jesus just a little bit longer. 

Sing: Victory is mine, victory is mine, victory today is mine, I told Satan to get thee behind me, Victory today is mine. 

2014 August 7 - Morning Manna

But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void. For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!
(1 Corinthians 9:15-16).

 

Today’s Morsel:  How much do you think it would cost you to pay Jesus for what He’s done for you?  How much do you suppose that Royal Blood would have cost you if you had to pay for each drop?  What do you think it would cost you if you had to pay for each breath of air you take, each day you live, or each drink of water you take?  I don’t think any of us could afford to pay the price.  And knowing this, Jesus gave those things to us for free. And all He asks in return is “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” (Mark 16:15-18).   The apostle Paul knew the value of what God had done for him, and so he said, "For necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!"  There is that same need and requirement that is laid upon each of us, and that need is that our world is in a terrible mess and on its way to hell, and if we do not preach the gospel to set them free, then Christ died in vain. And woe to each of us that know and yet fail to obey.  You see, when we preach the gospel it not only sets the captives free, but it keeps us free.  Are you feeling in bondage?  Go preach the gospel.

 

Sing: He paid a debt He did not owe, I owed a debt, I could not pay, I needed someone, to wash my sins away; and now I sing, a brand new song it’s amazing grace; for Jesus paid a debt, that I could never pay. 

2014 August 6 - Morning Manna

Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also (John 14:19).

 

Today’s Morsel:  Are you living or just existing?  You see, if all you do is wake up each morning, and worry about all the things you have to do and are concerned with, where you’re next meal and income will come from, what people think about you, if you are going to live or die, then all you are doing is existing.  But if you are excited about each new day, and are anticipating the new challenges the day will bring forth and what you can accomplish for Jesus, ready at any moment to enter those pearly gates, then you are living.  Paul said, "For me to live is Christ."  In other words, God’s not dead He’s alive.  And if you say you are a born again Christian, then you must display the life of Christ in your body, as Jesus arose from the grave.  Dead people are in the grave, but those who are walking around are supposed to be alive.  If you feel like you are dead today, then stir up the gift that is within you.  One of the requirements from the children of Israel, for the Tabernacle in the wilderness, was that they were required to bring fresh oil to the temple every day.  Fresh oil prevented the lamps from smoking, gave a clean smell, and a brighter light.  David said, "I shall be anointed with fresh oil."  If you begin your day with a fresh anointing of the Holy Ghost, through prayer and reading of the word of God, you are going to burn brighter and not look or smell dead.  Dead fires only have smoke and ashes; but a live fire has flames and burnable resources.  Jesus said, "Because I live, ye shall live also."  God’s not dead, He’s alive.

 

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

2014 August 5 - Morning Manna

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation (2 Corinthians 1:3-7).

 

Today’s Morsel: Do you ever stop and wonder why you were filled with the Holy Ghost?  Well, Jesus said so that you would be a witness unto Him (Acts 1:8).  One of the ways you can be a witness for Him is to comfort those who are in trouble.  Many people are having troubles these days.  Loss of jobs, loss of homes, marital disagreements, rebellious children, sicknesses, and in all of this, God has chosen you for such a time as this to be a comforter and a witness of His love and mercy.  How are you fulfilling your role?  You see to be a comforter is to be a listener and to provide godly advice and counsel to the hurting.  The people today don’t need worldly advice, they need godly advice and counsel.  Worldly advice will only lead to more worldliness and destruction in their lives; but godly advice will stand when it is heeded.  You see, because Jesus did not leave us comfortless, He’s come to us in the Holy Ghost; and we should not leave others comfortless, but be a witness to them of the Comfort in their troubles and tribulations during these last days. Always remember the “Golden Rule” Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

 

Sing: Come, ye disconsolate, wherever ye languish, come to the mercy seat, and fervently kneel; here bring your wounded hearts, here tell your anguish; Jesus said earth, earth, has no sorrows, that heaven can not heal.

2014 August 4 - Morning Manna

And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
(Luke 22:31-32)

 

Today’s Morsel: I felt to resend you this to you today, in hope to enlighten you again, and allow you to see that what is taking place in your life and the life of others, is part of this thing called, “Spiritual Warfare.”  I have been observing our world situation and the life of people, and I see that it is becoming truer each day. So take a moment and exam it and see if Satan and his demonic forces are being effective in your life.  If you have a copy of my book, "If God Be For Us, Who Can Be Against Us", you can read it there as well.

“Satan called a worldwide convention. In his opening address to his evil angels, he said, "We can't keep the Christians from going to church. We can't keep them from reading their Bibles and knowing the truth. We can't even keep them from forming an intimate, abiding relationship experience in Christ. If they gain that connection with Jesus, our power over them is broken". "So let them go to their churches; let them have their conservative lifestyles, but steal their time, so they can't gain that relationship with Jesus Christ. This is what I want you to do, angels. Distract them from gaining hold of their Savior and maintaining that vital connection throughout their day!" "How shall we do this?" shouted his angels. "Keep them busy in the non essentials of life and invent innumerable schemes to occupy their minds, "he answered. "Tempt them to spend, spend, spend, and borrow, borrow, borrow. Persuade the wives to go to work for long hours and the husbands to work 6-7 days each week, 10-12 hours a day, so they can afford their empty lifestyles".
"Keep them from spending time with their children. As their family fragments, soon, their home will offer no escape from the pressures of work! Over-stimulate their minds so that they cannot hear that still, small voice. Entice them to play the radio or cassette player whenever they drive. To keep their TVs, VCRs, CDs and PCs going constantly in their home’s, and see to it that every store and restaurant in the world plays non-biblical music constantly. This will jam their minds and break that union with Christ."
"Fill the coffee tables with magazines and newspapers. Pound their minds with the news 24 hours a day. Invade their driving moments with billboards. Flood their mailboxes with junk mail, mail order catalogs, sweepstakes, and every kind of newsletter and promotional offering free products, services and false hopes. Keep skinny, beautiful models on the magazines so the husbands will believe that external beauty is what's important, and they'll become dissatisfied with their wives. Ha! That will fragment those families quickly!"
"Even in their recreation, let them be excessive. Have them return from their recreation exhausted, disquieted and unprepared for the coming week. Don't let them go out in nature to reflect on God's wonders. Send them to amusement parks, sporting events, concerts and movies instead. Keep them busy, busy, busy! And when they meet for spiritual fellowship, involve them in gossip and small talk so that they leave with troubled consciences and unsettled emotions. It was quite a convention. The evil angels went eagerly to their assignments causing Christians everywhere to get busier and more rushed, going here and there.”
Paul said that we are not ignorant of Satan’s devises. Therefore, you must put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand during these evil days and not get sifted by him (Satan).
Sing:  I’ve got my foot on the rock and my mind's made up; though I walk through the lonely valley, though I drink from the bitter cup; when the devil comes a knocking trying to show me an easier way; I'll stand right, flat on my feet, throw my, head in the air, I'll look him, straight in the eye, I'll say my, foots on the rock and my mind's made up. 

2014 August 2 - Morning Manna

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

(James 4:7)

 

 

Today’s Morsel:  Did you know that if you are facing the devil, then your back is turned toward Jesus?   So let me encourage you to turn around.  James says, if you resist the devil he will flee from you.  So keep your face toward Jesus and you can resist the devil.  You see Satan wants you to stay focused on him as we read in the scriptures his attempt on Jesus.  Paul tells us, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it”(1 Corinthians 10:13).  Satan isn’t called the tempter and accuser of the brethren for nothing.  The only way you can be tempted by something is that it has to be put in front of you. That’s why when you are driving down the road all you see is billboard with pictures that tempt you and appease your flesh.  Think about how far you can see the Golden Arches when you are traveling.  It is to tempt your flesh.  The next time you are tempted and you don't want to give in, look at the beauty of God's  creation.  That will keep your face towards Jesus and your back on Satan.  Remember, Jesus never prayed for your flesh, He prayed for your faith. Because without faith it is impossible to please God. For he that cometh to God, must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him (Hebrews 11:6).

 

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

2014 August 1 - Morning Manna

Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts (Isaiah 55:6-9).

 

Today’s Morsel:  I have come to realize that many of the things we pray and ask God for have already been given to us.  Paul said in Hebrews 6:9 - But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.  There are some things that came with your salvation.  You don’t need to pray for power to stand; it came with your salvation.  You don’t need to pray for strength; it came with your salvation.  You don’t need to pray for love, joy, peace, long-suffering, faith, self-control, humility, and patience; it came with your salvation. We just need to stir up the gift of God that is within us.  When we seek the Lord with all of our heart, everything we have need of will be given.   Jesus said, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).  The kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteous, joy, and peace in the Holy Ghost (Romans 14:17). Therefore, when we seek Jesus with all our heart and find Him, we find everything else we need in our lives.  So the next time you think about praying for something, ask yourself, have I sought after Jesus first?

 

Sing: Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these shall be added unto you, alleluia, hallelujah!