2015 January 31 - Morning Manna

And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. And Jesus said unto the centurion,  Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour. (Matthew 8:5-13)

Today's Morsel:  What is it about a child's cry that a mother realizes something definitely isn't right and they come running?  I have seen kids cry and their parents just get annoyed with them.  But then, as soon as that intonation changes to the tone that says, "Where's mom," they come running.  Well, faith is somewhat like that with Jesus.  We may cry out and He doesn't come.  But then there is that intonation that gets His attention and He says, there is something is wrong with my child.  The faith of the centurion was so that he amazed Jesus; and nothing really amazes God. The centurion's faith was so strong in Jesus' abilities that Jesus went 'WOW!  I haven't seen this kind of faith in all Israel' (my wording). When God says that, you've got great faith.  This is the faith that all of us should have in Christ.  Scripture says: "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).  If you want Him to do what you are asking of Him, let Him see your WOW faith.

Sing: Touching Jesus, is all that really matters, and your life will never be the same; There is only, one way to touch Him, just believe when you call on His name.

Thought for Today: Faith as a child will get God's attention every time.

2015 January 30 - Morning Manna

And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.  (Matthew 10:28)

Today's Morsel:  One of the biggest reasons there is not transformation in people's lives is that people don't fear God anymore. You know, when I first got saved, they preached so much about hell that people said they were scaring the people off.  And so they went about using the word fear in regards to respect, reverencing, and honoring God.  And that is true.  But we also need to be afraid of God. We've made God out to be this loving compassionate, forgiving everybody God, and no one fears Him anymore.  We just come before God any way we feel like.  We look any way we want to look, we do anything  that makes us feel good.  We dip and dab in the things of the world as we see pleasing to us.  Many people don't fear God anymore.  But I do.  Did you know that Jesus preached and taught more about hell than He did heaven so that you and I would transform and change. The parable of Lazarus and the rich man was to inspire change in peoples' thinking and lives.  People today are somewhat like Hezekiah, thinking that they are alright and ready for heaven.  Yet when God sent Isaiah to tell Hezekiah to set his house in order for he was going to die, suddenly Hezekiah feared God and turned his face to the wall, weeping and repenting; praying for God's mercy and forgiveness. When the hand came out and wrote on the wall before king Belshazzar, he feared and quaked (See Daniel 5).  Jesus said we need to fear him that can cast us into hell.  Fear is supposed to cause you to stay away from things that can hinder your transformation while at the same time keep you pure and holy for Christ.  If you don't fear and respect God, you will never transform into His likeness.  As the writer of Hebrews admonishes, "It's a fear thing to fall into the falls of the living God" (Hebrews 10:31).

Sing: Oh my brother are you ready for the call? To crown your Savior, King and Lord of all; the kingdoms of this world, shall soon before Him fall, we shall see the King when He come.

We shall see the King!   We shall see the King!  We shall see the King when He comes; He's coming in His Power, we'll hail the blessed hour, we shall see the  King when He comes.

Thought for Today: True transformation begins with a fear of and for God.

2015 January 29 - Morning Manna

Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?... Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matthew 6:25; 31-33)

Today's Morsel: It seems that folks are concerned about many things these days.  And their focus on those things are causing many to forgo their walk with God.  But how is the gold so soon become dim? Can you think of anything that is more important to you than eternal life?  Jesus came for one purpose, and that was so we may have life and that more abundant.  Eternal life is what He came to give.  We can say He came for other things, but the main purpose was to give us life.  He wants each of us to live and reign with Him in heaven forever and ever.  But if we focus on what we will eat, or what we will drink; what we will put on, or other things of this world, we may miss out on eternal life. Jesus said that He already knew that you would have need of those things, so not to worry about them; but rather focus on the things that will bring you eternal life.  What we need to focus on is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.  That's the Kingdom of God (Romans 14:17).

Sing:  I'm gonna view that holy city one of these days! You know, I'm gonna view that holy city one these day, hallelujah! I'm gonna view that holy city, view that holy city one of these days, one of these days.

Thought for Today:  What's more important than eternal life?

2015 January 28 - Morning Manna

On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour: And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.... Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

(Acts 10:9-15;34-35)

Today's Morsel: One of the things that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said in his "I Have A Dream" speech in 1963, was that he looked forward to the day when man would be judged not by the color of his skin, but the content of his character.  Most people that I know don't care about other peoples' skin color.  They are just concerned with their moral fiber.  If the church is going to be what Jesus desires of it to be, then we all must move beyond skin color and allow God's Spirit to lead and direct us, as He is no respecter of persons.  If we were to use the word of  God as our gauge to measure others by, we would  probably see our own shortcomings before we see those of others and then we could make the corrections needed to be like Christ.  And we will be able to say to ourselves, free at last, free at last, thank God Almighty, I am free at last.  

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: What yardstick do you use to measure and judge others by? 

2015 January 27 - Morning Manna

"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons." (Colossians 3:23-25)

Today's Morsel:  The law of sowing and reaping applies to everyone as God is no respecter of persons.  If you wrong others, others are going to wrong you.  If you gossip about others, others are going to gossip about you.  If you steal from others, others are going to steal from you.  If you do good to others, others will do good to you.  When Jacob lied to his father Isaac, and stole from his brother Esau his birthright, his uncle Laban lied and stole from him, too.  He even gave him the wrong wife and changed his wages ten times.  If you want to reap good, then you have to do good things for and to others.  Malachi asked if a man would rob God?  Some people do, and then they wonder why they have no joy, peace, love, contentment, and righteousness.  It's all because God allows the devil to steal it from them because they've stolen from Him.  The writer of Hebrews tells us,  "But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased" (Hebrews 13:16).  Can you identify anything that God has wronged or stolen from you?  No?  Then purpose to do right in your life for Him, too.  

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

Thought for Today: Doing wrong didn't come with the Spirit of God (Parker)

2015 January 26 - Morning Manna

 " The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever"(Psalms 23:1-6).

Today's Morsel:  When we look closely at the 23rd Psalm, we see that within its verse are divine leadership, protection, comfort, provision, rest, salvation, and forgiveness.  All this is found in one Psalm.  There is no reason for us killing ourselves trying to find these things in others or in the world.  The scriptures are designed so that we can find hope and put our trust in Christ and have eternal life (Romans 15:4; Proverbs 3:5-6; John 3:16).  If we allow Jesus to be the head of our lives and lead us, we will be less stress filled and discontented.  James admonishes 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. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed" (James 1:22-25).  If you take heed to the word of God, you will see the importance of the house of God, and  you will see that Jesus will provide everything that you have need of according to His perfect will just like the Psalmist said.

Sing: Jehovah Jireh, my Provider, His grace is sufficient for me, for me, for me; Jehovah Jirah, my Provider, His grace is sufficient for me.

My God shall supply all my needs, according to His riches in glory, He shall give His angels charge over me; Jehovah Jireh careth for me, for me, Jehovah Jireh careth for me.

Thought for Today:  There is something following you (Jerry  Jones).

2015 January 24 - Morning Manna

Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him. (John 11:14-15)

Today's Morsel: Throughout scripture, Jesus allowed many things to happen to get His disciples to a point of belief.  They, the disciples, were stuck in their unbelief.  Many today, even though they are born again and see God at work on a continuous basis, are like the disciples were, stuck in their unbelief.  The disciples walked and saw the miracles that Jesus did, and yet they had trouble with believing.  In today's  passage, Lazarus, the friend of Jesus, had died.  Martha and  Mary told Jesus that if  He had been there Lazarus would not have died (John 11:21;32).  And Jesus told the disciples that He was glad for their sake that He was not there so that they would believe.  However, we find that even with the raising of Lazarus, some still did not believe.  Paul wrote to the church at Rome, "For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged" (Romans 3:3-4).  Our ability to trust God and to take Him at His word should not be based on our seeing, but on our faith.  If we will walk by our faith and not our sight, we can take Christ at His word and live victoriously in this world.

Sing:  Have faith in God, have faith in God, Have faith in God, the Almighty, have faith in God.

Thought for Today: Faith comes by hearing the word of God.

2015 January 23 - Morning Manna

And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong.

(Luke 4:28-29)

Today's Morsel: By now, many people have returned their Christmas gifts that they received that they didn't like or want.  There seems to be a lot more discontentment after Christmas than before Christmas. We should learn to appreciate the fact that someone was caring enough to consider us.  But our world has become a world of unthankful people.  And therefore, it is easy to reject and return what was given to them.   God gave us the best gift (James 1:17) and yet, many still do not want it.  Gifts are given as a thought of kindness not based on what we may want or need.  John wrote, "He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God" (John 1:11-13).  The greatest gift of all was rejected and is still rejected by many.  What about you?

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

Thought for Today: That gift given to you may someday have great value. 

2015 January 22 - Morning Manna

The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel; To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: (Proverbs 1:1-5).

Today's Morsel: I believe that the older a person becomes, the more wisdom of God they should have. But I am afraid that too many are obtaining the wisdom of the world and not the wisdom of God.  Paul tells us that the wisdom of this world is foolish with God (1 Corinthians 3:19).  Solomon said that a wise man will hear, and will increase in learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels.  He also wrote, "Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning" (Proverbs 9:9).  If you listen and apply the word of God to your life, at the end of the day you will be much wiser.

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, put your trust in me.

Thought for Today: Wisdom is known of her children.

2015 January 21 - Morning Manna

And Jacob lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, Esau came, and with him four hundred men. And he divided the children unto Leah, and unto Rachel, and unto the two handmaids. And he put the handmaids and their children foremost, and Leah and her children after, and Rachel and Joseph hindermost. And he passed over before them, and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother. And Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him: and they wept. (Genesis 33:1-4)

Today's Morsel:  Browsing through the web, I came across the follow article. It says that today is National Hugs Day.  And I wanted to share it with you.

 "What a great day! This is an opportunity to give and receive.  Give a hug, and you automatically receive one in return.  Sure, someone might not hug back, but how often does that happen?  Hugs are loving.  Hugs are therapeutic. Hugs are caring.  Hugs are celebratory.  Hugs make you feel good inside.  Have you ever received a hug from someone who did not care?  I didn't think so.  That's proof positive that you're loved and cared about.  Celebrate today by giving hugs to family, friends and loved ones.  You'll love the warm feeling you get."  Care to give it a try!

Sing: Draw me close to you, never let me go, I lay it all down again to hear you say that I'm your friend. You are my desire, no one else will do. 'Cause nothing else can take your place, to feel the warmth of your embrace.  Help me find the way, bring me back to you.

You're all I want. You're all I've ever needed. You're all I want  Help me know you are near.

Thought for today: They say that you should give at least 8 hugs a day.

2015 January 20 - Morning Manna

Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands. (Proverbs 14:1)

Today's Morsel: The Bible lets us know that the woman is to be the keeper of the home (Titus 2:5); and Solomon says, that  every wise woman buildeth her house.  The Psalmist also tells us that except the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain that build it (Psalm 127:1).  When we look at these three passages, they let us know that the wise women must set in order in her home the things of God.  She must ensure that the principles and teachings of God are implemented in her home.  She is the keeper of her home's atmosphere.  She must be alert to not allow anything that will destroy her home to enter it.  This is why she is to be the keeper.  In olden times, the married woman did not work outside of the home; her home was job.  She was to ensure it was kept up, clean, and neat for her family.  She ensured there was an atmosphere for the presence of God at all times.  But today, the principle of good housekeeping seems to be missing for many and I can't help but think that this is contributing to divorce, rebellious children, stress, and unfaithfulness in the land.  A wise woman still builds her house.

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

Thought for Today: You are the temple of the Holy Ghost.

2015 January 19 - Morning Manna

Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it. (Isaiah 40:4-5)

Today's Morsel:   Today we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for his fight in action against racial injustice in America.  Many today do not know what he and others went through to achieve their objective through a nonviolent approach.  His 1963 speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial has been seen as the pivotal point that turned the hearts of many Americans to see the injustice being rendered upon people of color in the nation.  Dr. King, a Baptist  Minister, often used many passages of scriptures in his speeches.  And one of those passages was from the prophet Isaiah, which he used in his famous I have a dream speech. Here is the end of that famous speech.

I have a dream today!

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight; "and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together."

This is our hope, and this is the faith that I go back to the South with.

With this faith, we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith, we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith, we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.

And this will be the day -- this will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with new meaning:

My country 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing.

Land where my fathers died, land of the Pilgrim's pride,

From every mountainside, let freedom ring!

And if America is to be a great nation, this must become true.

And so let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire.

Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York.

Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania.

Let freedom ring from the snow-capped Rockies of Colorado.

Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California.

But not only that:

Let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia.

Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee.

Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi.

From every mountainside, let freedom ring.

And when this happens, and when we allow freedom ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual:

   Free at last! Free at last!  Thank God Almighty, we are free at last.

Sing: My country 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the Pilgrim's pride, From every mountainside, let freedom ring!

Thought for Today: Keep the dream alive.

2015 January 17 - Morning Manna

There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway. He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter: He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do. (Acts 10:1-6)

Today's Morsel: God seems to use the heavenly host to bring good news to those He chooses.  Cornelius, a soldier, was a devout man.  The Bible lets us know that he feared God and gave much alms to the people and that he prayed always.  By all accounts, Cornelius, according to some teachings, would be classified as a man that was saved.  But he wasn't.  And so the Lord sent an angel to him to send for Peter who would tell him what he needed to do to become saved.  You see, our good works cannot save us.  Just confessing Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior cannot save us.  God has put a plan into place for our salvation.  And that plan is found in John 3:3-5.  We must be born again of the water and the spirit to see and enter the Kingdom of God.  Notice, the end state of Cornelius after he sent for Peter and Peter told them what they needed to do.  Scripture says: "And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days" (Acts 10:42-48).  You see, the message of Acts 2:38, which is the fulfillment of John 3:3-5, was already implemented by Peter on the Day of Pentecost.  Therefore, Cornelius, who was already a devout man, could easily receive what other things God had for him because his heart was right.  When our heart is committed to prayer, wisdom will flow to us.

Sing: The wind is blowing again, the wind is blowing again, just like the Day of Pentecost, the wind is blowing again.

Thought for Today: When our heart is committed to prayer, wisdom will flow to us (Parker).

2015 January 16 - Morning Manna

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. (1 Peter 3:15-16)

Today's Morsel: There seems to be too many Christian who have troubled conscience.  Their minds seem to be plagued about many things.   How to do what is right versus wrong, it seems to be so confusing for them.  They seem to keep making the wrong choices because of a confused mind. Isaiah lets us know that God would keep us in perfect peace if our minds would stay upon Him (Isaiah 26:3).  Peter said that we should have a good conscience.  There should be no confusion in the heart  and mind of a child of God.  Paul lets us know that the peace of God which passeth all understanding will keep your heart and mind.  If your conscience isn't clear today, what is bothering you?  Have you thought about discussing it with Jesus?  "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you"(1 Peter 5:7).

Sing: Cast all your cares! Cast all your cares! Cast all your cares, upon Jesus. For he is truly able to help you with them all, so cast all your cares upon Him.

Thought for Today: A troubled conscience means that Jesus is out of place (Parker).

2015 January 15 - Morning Manna

Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer, And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house: Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. (Philemon 1:1-6)

Today's Morsel: Does your faith communicate?  What does your faith say about you?  Does it say that you trust God?  Does it say you are a true believer in Him?  Or does it say something else.  When our faith communicates, it pushes doubt and unbelief aside and standouts for others to see.  Faith doesn't face facts; it never gives up.  Faith defies all reasons.  When your faith communicates, it is clearly visible by all.  Paul told Philemon that he had heard of his love and faith, which he had toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; That the communication of his faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.  In others word, Philemon was allowing his faith to communicate to others.  When a person's faith communicates, they cannot be offended nor hindered by others because their total reliance is in Christ. If you faint in the day of adversity, your faith, as well as your strength, may be small.

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 still required to please God. 

2015 January 14 - Morning Manna

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore. (Psalms 121:1-8)

Today's Morsel: The Psalmist seems to be aware of where his help came from.  He seems to have a solid understanding of where to turn when things weren't going right for him.  He said, "I will lift my eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord."  How must trust do you put in the Lord?  Do you know where to turn when things aren't going right for you? I believe that every believer should memorize this Psalm and be able to quote it to themselves because it is such an encouraging passage when you have your back against the wall.  This is one of the reasons I believe that the apostle Paul admonishes us to sing to ourselves Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in our hearts to the Lord.  We must remember that all scripture is inspired by God, and the things that were written afore were written for our learning that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures we might find hope.

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

Thought for Today: Never forget where your help comes from.

2015 January 13 - Morning Manna

Blessed be the LORD, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth. Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped. Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.

(Psalms 124:6-8)

Today's Morsel: Since my salvation, I often wonder how many other things the Lord has saved me from.  Since I have received salvation, I can look back and see what type person I truly was.  To be honest with you, my life was a total mess and I didn't even realize it.  The Bible truly does reveal the hidden things of darkness and dishonesty.  I was in Satan's cage and didn't even know it.  Sad to say, many today are still in his cage and don't know it.  Because many have been in his cage for so long, Jesus has opened the door to freedom, yet they choose to remain in the cage because they have become accustom to it.  The Bible says that those of us who are saved have escaped.  And now our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.  Jesus is our helper.  The writer of Hebrews lets us know that now we can  come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16).

Sing: Reach out and touch the Lord as He passes by, you will find He's not too busy to hear your heart's cry; He is passing by this moment your need to supply, so reach out and touch the Lord, as He goes by.

Thought for Today: Jesus still helps those who call upon His name.

2015 January 12 - Morning Manna

Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox. (Proverbs 14:4)

Today's Morsel: The story is told of a Russian farmer who had many cows.  One cold winter in Russia, a strong snow storm was coming and the farmer did not have enough room to place all is cows.  And so he told His wife that he would have to place some of them in the living room until after winter.  But the wife said no way. But it was either that or lose the cows.  And so it was agreed that it would only be until the storm passed . But the winter lasted longer than expected and the cows were allowed to remain in the house all winter.  At the onset, the stench was unbearable, but over a period of time, even the farmer's wife became used to the smell and it became bearable.  That's how sin is in our lives, we know it is there, we can see what it is doing, but we allow it to remain.  And so over a period of time, we become accustom to it and pretty soon it no longer bothers us.  Solomon said that where there is no oxen the crib is clean. When we are free from sin in our lives, we too are clean and vessels fit for the Masters use.

Sing: He took my sins away, He took my sins away, and He keeps me singing every day; I'm so glad, He took my sins away, He took my sins away.

Thought for Today:  Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.

2015 January 10 - 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: I have come to realize that when people backslide and fall away from truth, it is because they never moved on to perfection.  For some unknown reason, they got into a holding pattern, and didn't not see the need to go forth.  It's easy to get into a holding pattern if you are not willing to share your faith with others and tell them about what Christ has not only came to do, but what He's done in your life. The more Bible studies you teach, the more you are moving into perfection.  As you are studying to teach others, you, yourself, are developing spiritual and mentally in the things of God.  If all you know is the basic principles of salvation, you aren't growing in Christ.  Peter tells us to add to our faith (2 Peter 1:5-11), and to grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ  (2 Peter 3:18).  Acts 2:38 just got you on the right road, but it is going to take a life of daily commitment and dedication to God's word to make it all the way to the end.

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

Thought for Today: Study to show yourself approved unto God.

2015 January 9 - Morning Manna

Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec. (Hebrews 5:7-10)

Today's Morsel: There have been many books written about salvation.  And there are many sermons preached weekly about salvation.  But only one book reveals the truth about salvation, and that is the Bible.  Even though the Bible was written by man,  it was inspired by the Holy Ghost (2 Peter 1:20-21) . The writer of Hebrews lets us know that Jesus Christ became the author of eternal salvation unto them that obey Him.  When we obey the word of God, the Bible, we are obeying Jesus Christ, the word made flesh (John 1:14).  As Peter admonished when questioned, "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).  Therefore, we must look unto Jesus who is not only the author and finisher of our faith, but also our eternal salvation.

Sing: Saved! Saved! Saved!  I'm happy on my way. Saved! Saved! Saved!  I love Him more each day. Saved! Saved! Saved!  I know He's mine each hour, for He saves and He keeps and He satisfies me by His Power.

Thought for Today: The Bible is still the number one best seller.

2015 January 8 - Morning Manna

But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils. Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he? All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not
(1 Corinthians 10:20-23).

Today's Morsel: Having just completed a tour to the Holy Land last month, each morning and evening we were greeted/blessed with a good smorgasbord of fine food and cuisine for breakfast and dinner, all included in our tour package.   And because there was so much great food, I had to use a lot of self-discipline to ensure that I did not exceed my weight limit for our return flight (humor).  But think about this for a moment.  Each Sunday around the world, pastors and ministers are laying out a smorgasbord of  great spiritual food, but many folks still choose to eat at Satan's table.  Or many that come to the house of God choose to pick and choose what they consume from the feast set before them.  Paul said that we cannot eat at the Lord's table and the table of the devil. In other words, when you say that you are a Christian, then you should not be partaking in anything that will defile the temple of God, which you are.  Even though alcohol, tobacco, movies, and television and many other things are all lawful (legal), it could mean that you are partaking at the devil's table. This is why as Christians, you have to have self-discipline and know why you are doing what you are doing.  Just because things are lawful, those same things  may hinder your spiritual growth and development.

Sing: "Come and Dine", the Master calleth, "Come and Dine"; You may feast at Jesus' table all the time; He who fed the multitude, turned the water into to wine, to the hungry calleth now, "Come and Dine."

Thought for Today:  Stay away from the devil's table.

2015 January 7 - Morning Manna

And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision. And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see; And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep; That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I.
(1 Samuel 3:1-4)

Today's Morsel:  When we look at the instructions that God gave to Moses, Aaron, and his sons, they were told to never let the lights go out in the temple, nor the fire in the altar ( Exodus 27:20-21; Leviticus 24:1-4).  But we see that Eli allowed the lights to go out.  As I read this passage, I asked myself if he allowed burnout to take place in his life so that he no longer considered the things of the church as important.  Or did he see a lack of commitment on the peoples' part and he lost focus on what he had been called to do.  When the apostle Paul calls believers the temple of the Holy Ghost, he is relating us to the temple of God, and giving us warning as to how we are to care for the temple the same way the priest of old were to do.  Eli, by allowing the lights to go out in the temple, should be a wake-up call to each of us that we must stay focused on the things that God has asked us to do so that we do not allow the lights of our spiritual temples to go out.  

Sing: Whoso offerth praise glorifieth Me; Whoso offerth praise glorifieth Me, and to him that ordereth his conversation aright, will I show the salvation of God.

Thought for Today: Keep the light on in the light house.

2015 January 6 - Morning Manna

Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth (1 Corinthians 10:24).

Today's Morsel: As I travel and go about my day, I notice that many people are confused in life.  I often hear the comment, "I just don't know what I'm going to do".  Or " I'm just trying to make it."   Now these aren't just people in the world, these are those who confess to be born again.  Where did they lose their joy?  Why have they hung their harps of the willows as the children of Israel did, and they will not sing and play the song of Zion to build themselves up (Psalms 137:1-2)?  Paul admonishes us that we should be concerned with the wealth of others.  Not financial wealth, but their health and their well being.  The church is a body and that body must function effectively.  I believe that one of the greatest gifts, other than the gift of the Holy Ghost, that one can have, is the gift of encouragement and exhortation.  I believe that each day we should go about trying to encourage others because we never know when we might need to be encouraged ourselves.  Paul also said to the children at Philippi, "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus"  (Philippians 2:3-5).  When we are concerned with others and we have the mind of Christ, we will do good for others, encourage others, and build others up.

Sing: You're my brother your my sister, so take me by the hand, together we will work until He comes.  There's no foe that can defeat us when we're walking side by side, as long as there is love, we can stand.

Thought for Today: "A word fitly spoken in due season, how good is it." 

2015 January 5 - Morning Manna

There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

(Luke 13:1-5)

Today's Morsel: I am totally amazed at how fearfully and wonderfully we are made.  We all have our own unique blood, DNA, and eyesight, and such.  Some folks are labored as having bad blood; meaning that there are disagreements between families or gangs.  If they have bad blood it did not come from Jesus.  When they told Jesus that Pilate had mingled Galilaeans' blood with their sacrifices, they thought that Jesus would be upset.  But Jesus asked them, "Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish."   What was wrong with the Galilaeans blood?  They were looked down upon as being unclean. They were seen as heathens.  It has been stated that every person who is cut  or shot bleeds red.  If your blood is contaminated, it didn't come from Jesus, because His blood is pure. Do you need a transfusion?

 Sing: There is a fountain filled with blood, flows from Immanuel's veins; and sinners plunged beneath the flood, lose all their guilty and stain, lose all their guilt and stain, lose all their guilt and stain; And sinners plunged beneath the flood, lose all their guilty and stain.

Thought for Today: His blood still remove sins.

2015 January 3 - Morning Manna

Jacob are not consumed.

(Malachi 3:6)

Today's Morsel: A few days ago, I had a taste for some pork and beans and hot dogs.  My darling wife got it all cooked up for me, and the pork and beans that I was so use to did not taste like they did when I was young.  I told my wife that I couldn't believe that they changed those beans. How do you feel when things are changed from the way that you were used to?  I like change, but sometimes and some stuff should just be left alone.  Like my Jesus.  I like Him just the way He is.  So don't try to change Him on me, because I will know.  I know what He tastes like; He's sweeter than the honey and the honeycomb.  I have become so used to that taste, that if you try to change Him I will know.  And I pray that everyone of you will know Him too.  "O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him" the Psalmist said (Psalms 34:8).  You don't have to change your church service trying to present Jesus to folks in some special way so they will come to Him. Just preach the gospel.  If they get a good taste of Him, they'll be back to continue to find Him.

Sing:  Like Honey in the Rock, sweet honey in the Rock.      For  He tastes like Honey in the Rock. O, taste and see, that the Lord is food, for He tastes like Honey in the Rock.

Thought for Today: You can't change God.

2015 January 2 - Morning Manna

Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that. And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself. 

(Matthew 27:3-5).

Today's Morsel: Do you ever reflect and ask say to yourself:  I'm sure each day that Peter heard the rooster crow he asked himself why he denied His Lord.  I'm sure Pilate asked himself why he allowed Jesus to be crucified.  I'm sure David asked himself why he had Uriah killed.  I'm sure Joseph's brethren asked themselves daily why they sold their brother into slavery. And I'm sure we all at one time or another have asked ourselves why we have done some of the things which we have done.  Because God is a forgiving God, when we have a why question, because of our wrong, we just need to remember what the letters stand for.  Worship God.  Humble yourselves before Him.  And  Yield not to the tempter and we can become an overcomer of that wrong.   

Sing: Why should I feel discouraged. And why should the shadows come. And why should my heart feel lonely and long for heaven and home. When Jesus is my portion, a constant friend is He.  His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches over me.

I sing because I'm happy. I sing because I am free; His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches over me.

Thought for Today: Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord and He will lift you up.

2015 January 1 - Morning Manna

And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying, This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you. (Exodus 12:1-2)

Today's Morsel:  When God was ready to bring the children of Israel out of bondage and carry them into the Promised Land, He told Moses and Aaron that this was going to be the beginning of a new month and a new year. In other words, God was getting ready to start fresh and new with them.  One of the things about the  New Year is that it gives us an opportunity to look back and see how good God really has been to us.  It gives us an opportunity to see what we accomplished, and at the same time set new goals and visions for ourselves.  What goals are you going to make for yourself this year?  What are some of the things that you hope to accomplish, should the Lord tarry? As the old saying goes, "If you don't aim for something you are bound to hit nothing."  Why not purpose to read your Bible through this year.  Why not purpose to see how many people you can win to the Lord.  Or maybe be more effective in your community, school, and churches.   I believe this is going to be a great year for you because God is going to lead you into a land flowing with milk and honey.

Sing: It's a new season, it's a new day, a fresh anointing is flowing my way, it's a spirit of power and prosperity, it's a new season coming my way.

Thought for Today:  "Changing the way you think, will also change the way you act" (Parker)