2014 September 30 - Morning Manna

Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. (Psalms 51:1-14)

Today's Morsel: What is it about prayer that gets our attention?  Why do people call and ask us for prayer?  Why did God even institute prayer?   What I find about prayer, is that it doesn't change others when I pray, it changes me. There is something about my relationship with God that is increased when I pray.   No matter what I am praying for, I feel better within myself after I have prayed then before I prayed.  David's prayer is Psalm 51 is a prayer of repentance.  It's a hand caught in the cookie jar prayer.  You see when you are caught doing wrong, your prayers are more remorseful because you are seeking forgiveness.  In a sense, repentance and seeking forgiveness for our sins is a hand caught in the cookie jar prayer. When you realize who God is, you realize that you haven't been getting away with anything at all.  Because of His omniscience power, He has seen what you were doing all along.  Ask David.  And once God calls you on it, you want His forgiveness.  When we look at the Lord's prayer, it is designed to bring an inward change in us.  So keep doing it.

Sing: Change my heart oh Lord, attend unto my prayer, from the ends of the earth will I cry unto to Thee, and when my heart is overwhelm, lead me to the Rick that is higher that I, so much higher than I.

Thought for Today: Prayer changes us, so keep doing it. (Parker)

2014 September 29 - Morning Manna

And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way. (Numbers 21:4)

Today's Morsel: Every so often, I come across people who are really discouraged.  When I meet these people, I try to do everything I can to bring some encouragement to them.  I try to find the right words to say to pick them up and hopefully get them back on the right track. Discouragement can be brought upon us in many ways. Loss of a loved one.  An evil medical report.  Loss of employment.  Divorce.  A failed test.  Abuse.  All these things can bring discouragement.  But if we are rooted and grounded in Christ, we should be able to overcome them. "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 30:5).

The Bible says that the children of Israel were much discouraged because of the way.  In other words, their journey was not pleasing to them.  The way that God was taking them to the Promise Land was not the way that they wanted to go. And so they became discouraged. There are ways in the church people can become discouraged.  If they are not being fed by the Word of God.  If every service is all about money.   If they are continually told that they can do better than what they are doing in praise and worship.  That if they miss a church service they are going to hell.  These things, if unchecked, can bring discouragement.  We must realize that we are not on the wrecking crew, but on the building crew.  We are called to build the kingdom, not destroy it.  We must always remember, Jesus came not to condemn us, but to save us.  Let me encourage you, the next time you start to feel discouraged, sing a song of praise to Jesus and you will begin to feel discouragement lift and go away.

Sing: Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come, why should my heart be lonely, and long for heaven and home, when Jesus is my portion?  My constant Friend is He; His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Refrain: I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free, His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Thought for Today: Discouragement is for sinners to drive them to God; saints should already be there. (Parker)

2014 September 27 - Morning Manna

For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season.
(2 Corinthians 7:8)

 

Today's Morsel:   I can remember once in my military days, my commander chewed me out for a mistake that I made and I felt sorry for myself because I didn't think that he understood what had happened.  And when I did get a chance to tell him what happened, he didn't say that he was sorry for doing what he did or said to me.  But I learned a good lesson from him.  It was only for a season. Paul's letter seemed to make the Corinthian church sorry, but he did not tell them that he was sorry for writing it.  He said it was for their good and it was only for a season. Solomon said that  "Open rebuke is better than secret love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful"(Proverbs 27:5-6).  If a friend corrects you, he will do it in love and it will be for your own good and you will love him at the end.

 

Sing: What a friend we have in Jesus. All our sins and griefs to bear, what  privilege to carry, everything to God in prayer.

 

Thought for Today: Open rebuke is better than secret love.

2014 September 26 - Morning Manna

Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour. (Ecclesiastes 10:1)

 

Today's Morsel:   I was sharing with my friend a few days ago that it is amazing to me how God in His wisdom just seems to know what is needful.  You can be reading along in one passage and out of nowhere He just drops a nugget of gold.  Solomon, in all of his wisdom, is writing and talking about wisdom and all of a sudden he inserts today's scripture passage.  At first I thought to myself, what in the world do dead flies in the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour have to do with wisdom.  But the kicker to this verse is not found in the first part, but is the latter part where wisdom is found.  Solomon said that the same way a person who does foolishly or uses foolish ways trying to be smarter than someone else or tries to get a position of honor through foolish methods without considering their reputation, will stink, that is how a fly in the apothecary is.  True wisdom is true honour, and will gain a man a reputation, which is like a box of precious ointment, pleasing and very valuable.

 

Sing: God is so good, God is so good!  God is so good, He's so good to me. 

 

Thought for Today: If you think life stinks, change deodorant. 

2014 September 25 - Morning Manna

Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. (Proverbs 18:21)

 

Today's Morsel:   I think that the number one killer of every saint's faith, is the word, "Can't".  So many of them are quick to say "I can't" before they ever try.  I can't do that.  I can't be there.  I can't sing.  I can't teach.  I can't commit to that.  I can't stay that long.  I can't work with them.  I can't be around them.  I can't stand them.  And sadly the list goes on and on.  The apostle Paul seemed to never use the word can't.  Paul said, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:13).  Paul's words were more of edification and uplifting than destructive.  He said, If I make you sorrow then I have to turn around and make you glad (my words).  We must let our words be seasoned with salt so that they may change things and others around us for the good.  If you find yourself bitter, without hope, or feeling despondent, check your vocabulary.   You may be creating your own hurt by your own words.

 

Sing: Every praise is to our God; Every word of worship is to our God; Every praise, every praise, is to our God.

 

Thought for Today: Some men create their own hurt and then get mad about it when it hurts. 

2014 September 24 - Morning Manna

Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength: nevertheless the poor man's wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard. (Ecclesiastes 9:16)

 

Today's Morsel:   Weight lifting has never made to much sense to me.  Don't get me wrong, I have lifted weights before to build up my upper body strength, but I think that we should have wisdom as to how much we lift.  And God forbid if you do not know your limit.  Solomon said that wisdom is better than strength.  When a man is wise, he is strong.  In so many ways, a man who may seem weak but possesses great wisdom is really strong.  It's amazing to me how many people will listen to a person who has a degree on their wall but not to one who doesn't.  Just because there is a certificate on the wall, doesn't mean that there is wisdom there.  As my parents used to say, you can be an educated fool.  My father had no secular education, and yet I find myself drawing from the wisdom of things that he said, and also from the wisdom of the things that he taught and showed me.  Even though a poor man's wisdom is despised and his word are not heard because he is poor, Solomon said, "Yet, because of his own wisdom he is strong."

 

Sing:  I am weak but Thou art strong, Jesus keep me from all wrong, I'll be satisfied as long, as I walk let me walk close to Thee.

Just a closer walk with Thee, grant it Jesus is my plea, daily walking close to Thee, let it be, dear Lord, let it be.

 

 

Thought for Today: Wisdom is better than strength. Therefore, get wisdom.

2014 September 23 - Morning Manna

But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. (Hebrews 13:16)

 

Today's Morsel:   I think that I have told you that there are certain things that makes God well pleased.  One of those things is faith, and the others are doing good and communicating.  It has been said that 80% of any leader's day is spent in some form of communications.  A lack of communication can not only lead  to a state of depression, but also a lack of self-motivation as well.  When we communicate with others, we are able to share with them things that we may be concerned about.  Especially if we do not understand what and why certain things are taking place.  Jesus said that we should ask and it shall be given unto us.  Asking is a form of communication.  It's saying that you have a need.  Almost all disagreements have something to do with a lack of communications.  Wouldn't it be great if people learned how to communicate instead of yelling, screaming, and interrupting others when they are trying to speak?  As the old saying go, "I know you think that you understood what I said, but I'm not sure that you understood what I meant." 

 

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

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

 

Thought for Today: A lack of communication can lead to depression.

2014 September 22 - Morning Manna

If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. 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? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.
(John 14:7-10)

Bring forth the blind people that have eyes, and the deaf that have ears. Let all the nations be gathered together, and let the people be assembled: who among them can declare this, and shew us former things? let them bring forth their witnesses, that they may be justified: or let them hear, and say, It is truth. Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour. I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, that I am God.  (Isaiah 43:8-12)

 

Today's Morsel:  The central theme and focus in any church should be the revelation of who Jesus Christ was and our relationship to Him.  As a matter of fact, the Apostle John, who is called the beloved, penned an entire book entitled The Revelation of Jesus Christ.  Every author who writes a book,usually has a certain theme or character that they want you to focus on as you are reading.  And the Bible is no different.  The theme and main character of the Bible is Jesus Christ.  From Genesis to Revelation, the focus is on Him.  The Old Testament is Jesus concealed. The New Testament is Jesus revealed.  Jesus told the religious leaders of His earthly days, "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life"(John 5:39-40).   So how do we witness to a dying world that they too can know Him?  "He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked" John said(1 John 2:4-6).  Our lives must witness to the fact that we know Him.  And that means , that our way of life must be a total reflection of Him. Again, Jesus told the religious leaders, "If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God: Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am."(John 8:54-58).  Do you know Him?

 

Sing: The greatest thing in all my life is knowing You; The greatest thing in all my life is knowing You; I want to know You more; I want to know You more; The greatest thing in all my life is knowing You.

 

Thought for Today: The revelation of truth comes from knowing The Truth.

2014 September 20 - Morning Manna

For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (Hebrews 5:12-14)

 

Today's Morsel: My wife had me mount a board in the garage so that she could measure all the kids' and grandkids' height so that each time they visit she can determine how much they have grown.  It's surprising how much each of them have grown since I mounted that board.   Throughout scripture, we are told to grow in Christ.  If we grow physically and not spiritually, we really haven't grown.  Peter tells us to grow in the grace of God (2 Peter 3:18), and Paul told the church of the Hebrews that they ought to be teachers (Hebrews 5:12).  If you are a born again believer and you do not have any kind of ministry in your church, I don't want to discourage you, but you aren't growing.  You are still on milk and Jesus is concerned.  What I find in the church is that when most people who do not have a ministry in the church it  is due to worldliness, intimidations, and fears.  Paul said that when he was a child he acted like a child.  But as he grew he put away childish things and became a man (my words).  Ask yourself, "Why am I not doing more for the Lord then I am doing?"

 

Sing: He's changing me, My Blessed Saviour, 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:  Satan doesn't have a retirement plan so stop working for him.  

2014 September 19 - Morning Manna

Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. (Luke 12:32)

 

Today's Morsel:   Some people are so full of worry that they don't know if they are coming or going.  Their day is filled with worry.  They wake-up worrying.  They go to bed worrying.  When they talk with you it is all about worry. They are so worried that when you see them, you want to say, "Here comes worry."  We worry over things that we have no control over.   Why, when all these things do is  plague us and put us into a state of restlessness.  Isaiah tells us,  "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength"(Isaiah 26:3-4).   Jesus tells us to fear not.  Job said, "But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold"(Job 23:10).  Therefore we should not worry about things.  God will never leave you nor will He forsake thee.

 

 

Sing: He's got the whole world in His hands, He's got the whole world in His hands, He's got the whole world in His hands, He's got the whole world in His hands.

He's got you and me brother in His hands, He's got you and me sister in His hands, He's got you and me brother in His hands, He's got the whole world in His hands.

 

Thought for Today: God's grace is sufficient for thee.

2014 September 18 - Morning Manna

And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house. And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
(Luke 19:1-10)

 

 

Today's Morsel: What would you do if you knew that today you got to meet the most famous person in the world?  You know, I have met many people who the world classifies as famous people.  But none of them compare to who Zacchaeus got to met.  Think about it.   Zacchaeus got to have the Creator of the whole world come to his house.  He got to sit and talk with the Lord of lords and King of Kings.  Zacchaeus is so elated by the visit he's ready to give away everything it seems.  And then he comes to himself and says, I'll give half of my goods to the poor (humor). Then Jesus said that this day is salvation has come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. Would you like a visit from Jesus?  Well ,He will visit if you create an atmosphere for Him to come in to.  If you will keep a continual atmosphere of praise and worship, I promise you He'll visit.

 

Sing: Welcome into this place, welcome into this broken vessel, You desire to abide in the praise of Your people, so we lift our hands, as we lift our hearts, as we offer up this praise unto Your name.

 

Thought for Today: Don't ever forget that you are the temple of the Holy Ghost.

2014 September 17 - Morning Manna

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. (Romans 12:1)

 

Today's Morsel: We got an email from Goggle that they had cancelled one of our gmail accounts because of a violation of the terms of service.  I thought to myself, most people never read the agreement for the terms of service. But I often wonder, how many people would actual sign up for things if they did read the terms of service agreements. This did give me a wakeup call though.  Because I have always been an advocate about reading the small print.  In so many ways, this is what Jesus is going to say to many when they stand before him.  He said, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it" (Matthew 7:21-27).  They won't be able to enter because they violated the terms of service agreement.  James tells us that we have to be doers of the Word and not hearers only, or we violate the agreement.  If you have entered into an agreement with Jesus, may I suggest you read the fine print, the Bible, so that you do not violate the terms of service and miss heaven. "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service" (Romans 12:1).

 

Sing: I have found the way! I have found the way! Oh glory Hallelujah I have found the way.

 

Thought for Today: Your terms of service agreement with Christ is the Bible (Parker)

2014 September 16 - Morning Manna

For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: (Colossians 1:9-12)

 

Today's Morsel: Making a little humor in Bible study, I told the church that the only way they would make it to heaven is that they had to walk.  They looked at me a little puzzled and then I related scripture to them.  I told them to notice what the scripture says, "That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light."; "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh" ... If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit" (Galatians 5:16;25); "Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth" (John 12:35); "This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind" (Ephesians 4:17); "That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory" (1 Thessalonians 2:12).  If we obey the scriptures and walk the walk that they bid us to, we should be able to walk right on up that highway to heaven.  Yet remember, none can walk up there but the pure in heart.

 

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

 

Thought for Today: Having your feet shod with the gospel of peace will make your walk easier. (Parker)

2014 September 15 - Morning Manna

"Hast thou given the horse strength? hast thou clothed his neck with thunder? Canst thou make him afraid as a grasshopper? the glory of his nostrils is terrible. He paweth in the valley, and rejoiceth in his strength: he goeth on to meet the armed men. He mocketh at fear, and is not affrighted; neither turneth he back from the sword. The quiver rattleth against him, the glittering spear and the shield. He swalloweth the ground with fierceness and rage: neither believeth he that it is the sound of the trumpet. He saith among the trumpets, Ha, ha; and he smelleth the battle afar off, the thunder of the captains, and the shouting"(Job 39:19-25).

 

Today's Morsel: God seems to hit Job with some pretty hard questions in the end.  And one of those questions was about the horse.  He shares with him about the horses strength, his inner thinking, his power, and his lack of fear. He said that he can smell the battle and it is as if he says within himself,  "Yes!, this is what I was created for."  The Bible calls for us to be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee  (Psalms 32:9). And this is true.  However, when we are born again and filled with God's Spirit, in so many ways we should be like the horse.  We are to become filled with strength, power, and be without fear.  And because there is a battle raging for the souls of men, we must be able to smell where the fight is and be ready to partake in it if it means delivery of men's souls.

 

Sing: Hold the Fort for I am coming, Jesus signals still, wave it back toward heaven, by Thy grace I will.

 

Thought for Today: Fear is just false evidence appearing real.

2014 September 13 - Morning Manna

By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones. (Hebrews 11:22)

 

Today's Morsel:   One of the duties I was often called upon to perform when I was in the military, was burial detail.  If a veteran or military member died, their family members could request a military burial detail.  This is one of the most sombering duties one can perform.  As I look at the life of Joseph, the Bible says that he gave the children of Israel a commandment concerning his bones.  In other words, Joseph had told them that God would deliver them and they were to not leave his bones in Egypt.  And so someone was responsibility to guard Joseph's tomb until God sent Moses to deliver them.  And then someone had to carry his bones for the entire time that they were in the wilderness until they came into the land of promise.  And scripture states, "And the bones of Joseph, which the children of Israel brought up out of Egypt, buried they in Shechem, in a parcel of ground which Jacob bought of the sons of Hamor the father of Shechem for an hundred pieces of silver: and it became the inheritance of the children of Joseph" (Joshua 24:32).  Joseph knew that God would someday deliver His people even if he was dead. And so he told them don't leave any portion of me here. What about you?  Joseph knew there was a promise land and he was going to enter it either dead or alive and so he said, don't forget my bones when you leave.

 

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

 

Thought for Today: Never stop believing

2014 September 12 - Morning Manna

And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean. But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the LORD his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper. Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage. And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean? Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.

(2 Kings 5:10-14)

 

Today's Morsel: A few months ago, everyone was getting involved in the cold water challenge to raise money for Sheave For Christ.  Great idea, and for a great cause. Sometimes as Christian we need to have fun with these kind of things for the young and not so young alike. Naaman was not only challenged by Elisha to take a cold water challenge, he challenged him to take a dirty water challenge.  And he challenged him to dip seven times while he was in there.  At first, Naaman didn't want to take the dirty water challenge, but some of his soldiers called him chicken if he didn't (my words).  And Naaman would have to pay by remaining a leper for the rest of his life if he didn't. W hat about you?  Have you taken the water challenge?  "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call" (Acts 2:38-39).  "Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 3:20-21).  You can't enter heaven without completing this water challenge.

 

Sing:  Are you washed, in the blood, in the soul cleansing blood of the Lamb?  Are your garments spotless? Are they white as snow? Are you washed in the Blood of the Lamb.

 

Thought for Today: Baptism is still a requirement to enter heaven. (Parker)

2014 September 11 - Morning Manna

 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day; Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:1-7)

 

Today's Morsel:   How do you share your faith with others?  I have seen some people who like to share their faith with others, but who do not want others to share their faith with them.  But yet, some of those same people will turn around and say, "We are all Christians".  We may not all agree in doctrine, but wouldn't it be nice when someone is talking about Jesus and what He's doing in their life or in the life of someone else, that we learn to listen?  Paul told Timothy that the faith that was in him was first in his mother and grandmother.  What if Timothy had not listened to them.  Some of the most encouraging words of edification when I've hit low points in my life have come from other people who do not believe exactly like me. And I am able to see that these people have faith in Jesus Christ, too. "Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares", Paul said (Hebrews 13:1-2).  So the next time, before you block out someone because they may not believe like you, listen.  They just may have the answer you've been waiting for.  

 

Sing: My faith looks up to Thee, Thou Lamb of Calvary, Saviour divine! Now here me while I pray; take all my guilt away. Oh, let me from this day be wholly Thine!

 

Thought for Today:  Faith still has the power to move mountains of fear and doubt.

2014 September 10 - Morning Manna

And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased. (Galatians 5:11)

 

Today's Morsel: One of the things about the cross is that it will create persecution and cause offense.  You see, most people do not understand that when you preach or teach the true doctrine of Christianity, you are preaching the cross.  The only way you can stop others from persecuting the church is for that church to not teach repentance.  If a church stops preaching against sin, then that church usually isn't persecuted, and it's normally this type of church that lets anything go.   But as long as they preach and teach the true doctrine of the cross, persecution will come.  This is why Paul faced so much opposition.  His message was the cross.  He told the church at Corinth, "For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God" (1 Corinthians 1:17-18).  Now some have taken this verse and said that baptism isn't important. No, that's not what Paul is saying.  What Paul is saying is that the charge given to him, as well as to you and me, is and was to preach the gospel.  Baptism is useless if one does not understand the gospel and the purpose/reason they are being baptized.  It is essential for one to have the gospel explained to them before they are baptized.  It may seem foolish to preach about the cross; but if one is saved, then it gives them power. So let me encourage you, the cross still makes a difference.  So keep preaching it even though some may not believe.

 

Sing: So I'll cherish the old rugged cross, till my trophies at last, I lay down; I will cling, to the old rugged cross, and exchange it someday for a crown.

Thought for today: The cross still makes a difference. (Parker)

2014 September 9 - Morning Manna

How is the gold become dim! how is the most fine gold changed! the stones of the sanctuary are poured out in the top of every street. The precious sons of Zion, comparable to fine gold, how are they esteemed as earthen pitchers, the work of the hands of the potter! (Lamentations 4:1-2).

 

Today's Morsel: As born again believers, sons of God, God compares us to gold.  He makes an exclamation as to how is the gold become dim!  If you ever notice, nothing is placed upon gold.  Gold is always placed upon something else.  If you mix anything with gold, it can cause the gold to become tarnished and lose its firmness and value.  Every item in the holy of holies, in the temple, was either made of gold or overlaid with gold; a portrait of the things in heaven.  As sons of God, we are compared to gold because we must be pure in order to enter heaven.  John tells us, "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure" (1 John 3:1-3).  If we hope to see Jesus, we must be pure.  So let me encourage you, don't mix yourself with this world and the things of it, it will cause you to become of no value to God.  If you are planning on seeing Jesus, John said you must purify yourself. "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God" (Galatians 5:19-21).  These things will cause you to become dim and keep you out of heaven.  They will tarnish you.   As Paul also told Timothy, "But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work. Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart" (2 Timothy 2:16-22). Remember, gold is designed to shine, so let your light shine every day and do nothing to cause dimness.

 

Sing: This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine. This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine. This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

 

Thought for Today:  Don't let the world take away your luster (Parker)

2014 September 8 - Morning Manna

But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined. Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food. (Job 23:10-12)

Today's Morsel:  How did Job get himself to such a state that he was willing to trust God no matter what he was going through or what came into his life?  Job had gotten himself into a pattern of worship before his trials came.  If we will get into a pattern of worship and continue in it, we too can overcome adversity and hardships when they come against us. God always knows what we are up against. This is why we must not lose hope.  Notice what Job says about himself. "My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined. Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food."  Job remained steadfast in his walk and obedience to God's word and he was able to endure.  Job realized that it is God who orders the steps of a good man and that it is He that delight in his ways.  You may not understand the steps that God has ordered for you right now, but you must get to the point in your life that you can say as Job did, "But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold."

Sing: Walk with me Lord, walk with me. Walk with me Lord, walk with me. While I'm on this, tedious journey, I want Jesus to walk with me.

Thought for today: Stability requires you to keep your foot on the rock (Parker)

2014 September 6 - Morning Manna

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.  (Hebrews 11:6)

 

Today's Morsel:   How many times in a week would you say that you struggle with your faith?  I think many people do not understand the concept of faith.  Faith doesn't mean that you aren't going to face difficulties and sometimes even lose heart.  Faith means that you are not going to give in when they come.  Scripture is filled with instructions to follow when uncertainties, troubles, and unforeseen things come into our lives.  This is why we are told to study the scriptures and to become a doer of them.  The Bible is filled with examples of what to do and what not to do for every situation.  We are told not to cast away our confidence (Hebrews 10:35-39).  Faith is no more than:  First Acting In The Hope that you have.  As David said to himself,  "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God" (Psalms 42:11).  If you praise God for who He is, you don't have to worry about losing your faith.

 

Sing: Faith can move mountains, mountains of fear and of doubt, faith can move mountains, so why don't you try your faith out.

Thought For Today:  Faith is no more than, First Acting In The Hope that you have.  (Parker)

2014 September 5 - Morning Manna

And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.  

(Ezekiel 22:30)

 

 

Today's Morsel: I have noticed quite a few "now hiring" sign here in the city where I live.  And even when I travel, I see them other places as well.  But I also hear people saying that they can't find work.  And I say to them, "Are you kidding me?  Am I the only one that sees all the Now Hiring signs everywhere?"  People are hiring, but people don't want to work.   Even God is hiring, and He has  always been hiring, yet people don't want to work for Him either.  God said that He sought for a man to stand in the gap and He couldn't find any.  If God can't find any, Houston we've got a problem.  Working for Jesus not only gives you righteousness, peace, and joy here on earth, but the retirement benefits are out of this world.   Let me share with you what I've found about working for Jesus:

1. You can impact others' lives
2. You will have on-the-job-training that you can use forever
3. You will never run out of resources
4. You will always have co-workers who will encourage you
5. You can travel the world over
6. There is no limit as to how high you can go in leadership
7. At the end of every week there is a big old party. It's called church.

 Sing: Jesus use me, oh Lord don't refuse me, for surely there a work that I can do, and even though its humble Lord help my will to crumble, though the cost be great I'll work for you.

Thought for today: Working for Jesus offers  retirement benefits that are out of this world.

2014 September 4 - Morning Manna

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.   (Matthew 11:28-30)

 

Today's Morsel: Some folk are just trying to do too much.  And because they don't want to share the responsibility because of selfish glory, they often times find themselves under a lot of pressure and strain.  We can only do so much buy ourselves.  Jesus sent His disciples out by two because He knew that two are better than one. Thinking about that comment, why do you think Jesus tells us to take His yoke upon us?  It's because He knows that if we yoke up with Him, He will be the one carrying the weight and we will not become burdened and stressed.  I have yet to find anyone that can carry as much as God can. Not even Hercules. Team up with Jesus and let Him carry the load for you.

Sing:   Jesus hold my hand, Lord I need Thee every hour, through this pilgrim land, protect my by Thy saving power, hear my feeble plea, oh Lord look down on me, when I kneel in prayer I know I'll meet You there, Blessed Jesus hold my hand.

Thought for today: Two is always better than one. 

2014 September 3 - Morning Manna

Hast thou with him spread out the sky, which is strong, and as a molten looking glass? (Job 37:18)

 

Today's Morsel: Every so often I like to use words that my Mom used to say to see the expression on today's young and not so young peoples'  faces because they have never heard of them before.  For example, when I was growing up, they would say when a boy and girl went out together they were courting.  But today they say they are dating.  And because we didn't have air conditioners, when it was hot out, they would say "Heist up the window."  But today they say, "Open the window."  And they didn't call a mirror a mirror, it was a looking glass.  James tells us, "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was"(James 1:22-24).  You see the looking glass was for you to see yourself and how you looked.  Another major purpose is to let you know that you are the only one that can fix your own problem.  You can pay a counselor thousands of dollars and think that they are helping you fix your problem. Or you can just look into the Word of God obey it and fix your own problem.

 

Sing:  Look!  It's in there right in the word of God; Look!  It's in there right in the word of God. He set me free, He turned me around, He broke the chains of misery.  So look!  It's in there right in the word of God.

 

Thought for today: Every problem has a solution, you (Parker)

2014 September 2 - Morning Manna

Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished. (Proverbs 16:5)

 

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. (Psalms 51:17)

 

 

Today's Morsel: Someone gave me a paper that lists the difference between proud people and broken people.  I wish I knew who gave it to me so that I might give them the proper credit for sharing it.  But anyhow, I would like to share it with you as I think we should all be aware of these things.

 

• Proud people are self-righteous; they look down on others.
• Broken people esteem all others better than themselves.

• Proud people focus on the failures of others
• Broken people are overwhelmed with a sense of their own spiritual need.

• Proud people desire self-advancement.
• Broken people desire to promote others.

 

• Proud people have a drive to be recognized and appreciated.
• Broken people have a sense of their own unworthiness; they are thrilled that God would use them at all.

 

• Proud people feel confident in how much they know.
• Broken people are humbled by how very much they have to learn.

 

• Proud people are self-conscious.
• Broken people are not concerned with self at all.

 

• Proud people are quick to blame others.
• Broken people accept personal responsibility and can see where they are wrong in a situation.

 

• Proud people are unapproachable or defensive when criticized.
• Broken people receive criticism with a humble, open spirit.

 

• Proud people find it difficult to share their spiritual need with others.
• Broken people are willing to be open and transparent with others as God directs.

 

• Proud people have a hard time saying, “I was wrong; will you please forgive me?”
• Broken people are quick to admit failure and to seek forgiveness when necessary.

 

• Proud people tend to deal in generalities when confessing sin.
• Broken people are able to acknowledge specifics when confessing their sin.

• Proud people wait for the other to come and ask forgiveness when there is a misunderstanding or conflict in a relationship.
• Broken people take the initiative to be reconciled when there is misunderstanding or conflict in relationships; they race to the cross; they see if they can get there first, no matter how wrong the other may have been.

 

• Proud people compare themselves with others and feel worthy of honor.
• Broken people compare themselves to the holiness of God and feel a desperate need for His mercy.

 

• Proud people are blind to their true heart condition.
• Broken people walk in the light.

 

• Proud people don’t think they have anything to repent of.
• Broken people realize they have need of a continual heart attitude of repentance.

 

• Proud people don’t think they need revival, but they are sure that everyone else does.
• Broken people continually sense their need for a fresh encounter with God and for a fresh filling of His Holy Spirit.

 

We should always remember that the sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, God, will not despise (Psalms 51:17). And every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD, and he shall not be unpunished (Proverbs 16:5)

 

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

 

Thought for today: Pride always go before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.

2014 September 1 - 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: When I was in the military stationed in Okinawa, we took a flight to Hawaii.  But the military plane we were on stopped in Guam first.  While sitting in the airport, a Guamanian came up to me and began to talk with me.  He began to ask me about certain topics, and every subject that came up he knew something about it. From sports to politics, he was well versed.  But when he found out that I was a pastor, and the subject of Christianity came up, his knowledge was somewhat lacking.  The Lord told Jeremiah, "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."  God isn't impressed with our worldly knowledge.  He wants us to know Him.

 

Sing:  The greatest thing in all my life is knowing You.  The greatest thing in all my life is knowing You.  I want to know You more, I want to know You more, the greatest thing in all my life is knowing You.

The greatest thing in all my life is loving you...

The greatest thing in all my life is serving you...

Thought for Today:  Both wisdom and money are defenses.  The difference is wisdom gives life. (King Solomon)