2015 April 30 - Morning Manna

And Esau was forty years old when he took to wife Judith the daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and Bashemath the daughter of Elon the Hittite: Which were a grief of mind unto Isaac and to Rebekah. (Genesis 26:34-35)

Today's Morsel:  I've noticed that some folks will do things spitefully when angry, trying to get even with those that they think have done them wrong.  When Jacob received Esau's birthright from Isaac their father, Esau became angry and married outside of the family lineage line.  This passage carries more weight then it appears.  This may be, we can see now, why God said, "Jacob have I loved but Esau have I hated."  Esau's every action, from not valuing his birthright, to his anger, to marrying outside the family lineage, to threatening to kill his brother,  and even taking another wife of the daughters of Ishmael, all represent worldliness.  Both of his marriages, with the Hittites and Ishmaelites, were outside of the family line and represent marrying outside of the church and into the world.  When Christians allow their anger to cause them to marry outside of the church, it is going to cause grief to their parents; both naturally and spiritually.  Because often times, the parents, if in the church, will immediately see that their son or daughter is walking away from truth.  The same as we see with Esau's action with Isaac and Rebekah.  Scripture says it was a grief of mind unto them.  Not the marriage, though that was improper, but the persons that he married as they, by their perverse and evil ways, brought bitterness into the hearts of Isaac and Rebekah.  We should never make a decision when we are angry, not unless it is the decision to repent.

  

Sing:  Melt my heart, make me real, precious Lord let me feel, Thy love and Thy purity.  Let my will sweetly bend, let Thy glory descend. Precious Lord, have Thy way in me.

  

Thought for Today: Never make a decision when you are angry. Not unless it is the decision to repent.

2015 April 29 - Morning Manna

Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her. (Proverbs 3:13-18)

Today's Morsel:  Someone posted on Facebook the other day that they want to be so full of Jesus, that if a mosquito were to bite them that he would fly away singing "There is power in the blood!"

 Solomon states, "Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding." He also says that wisdom is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her."  Having this understanding and knowledge, we can identify what the tree of life in the midst of the Garden of Eden was with the tree of good and evil (Genesis 2:9), it was wisdom.  It was this tree that wasn't forbidden from Adam and Eve, and it isn't forbidden for you and me.  Notice, wisdom is called a tree of life.  Solomon also tells us that wisdom was with the Lord before the creation of the earth (Proverbs 8:30); and then wisdom says, "Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways. Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD. But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death" (Proverbs 8:32-36).  If you will take hold of the tree of life, you won't be without anything.  Have you tried Jesus lately?

Sing:  If you're happy, and you know it, say amen, say amen!  If you're happy, and you know it, say amen, amen! Cause when God's Spirit falls on you, It makes you shout, hallelujah! If you're happy and you know, it say amen!

Thought for Today: If you are missing happiness, check your wisdom button. 

2015 April 28 - Morning Manna

And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them. But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD. These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God. (Genesis 6:5-9)

Today's Morsel:  I often hear people say that no one is perfect. But I find that that cannot be a true statement since scripture tells us that Noah was a just man and perfect in his generation.  Think about this.  This was before the flood, the law, or the giving of the Holy Ghost.   In order for God to save and use Noah, Noah had to be doing something right in his life.  The Bible says that even though the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of man's heart was evil continually, Noah still found grace in the eyes of God.  I believe that if we all follow the advice James gives, to become doers of the word and not hearers only, we can all become perfect.  Perfection is obtainable if a person puts their mind to do it.  If they just stand upon God's word and not allow others or the things around them to persuade them to do wrong, they can get there.  If we say that we are Christians, then we must go on to perfection.

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

Thought for Today: "Nothing is impossible if you don't think that it can't be done!"(Parker)

2015 April 27 - Morning Manna

When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.  (Matthew 12:43-45)

Today's Morsel: I don't think that many folks understand how devastating it is for them to walk away from God and backslide after they have been filled with His Spirit.   Jesus said,  "When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first."   Think about what some of our conditions were when we first came to God.   All of us were sinners whether our parent raised us in the church or not.  Many of our conditions we'd rather not talk about.  Jesus said that that same unclean spirit is going to return to try and get back into his house that he was kicked out of.  If we are not following Peters advice found in 2 Peter 1:5-9, by adding to our faith, that evil spirit is going to get back in.  And then he's going to get some more of his evil friends and bring to live with him.  We see this in King Saul.  His one act of disobedience opened up the flood gates of sin to come in.  First he did not do what he was told by the Prophet Samuel from God.  And this act of disobedience started his downward spiral in his life.  He became jealous and tried to kill both David and his son Jonathan.  He began to kill those from priest to anyone that he thought had anything to do with David.  He became a murderer of innocent people. He started to dive into witchcraft.  He was in such a state of restlessness and torment that he did not know what to do. And this all began with just one step of disobedience.  Let me encourage you today, keep the word of God in your heart so that those evil spirits cannot get back into your life.  "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee" (Psalms 119:11).

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

Thought for Today: Keep the junk out the trunk.

2015 April 25 - Morning Manna

And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. (Genesis 3:6-10)

Today's Morsel: I've noticed that when many men and women who are in authority are overcome by a fault, and their fault is discovered, they seem to be in a huge state of remorse.  Like Adam and Eve, sin will make you feel ashamed when it is discovered.  There are many things in my life that I didn't know were sins until I came into the truth of God's word.  In so many things, like Paul, I did it in ignorance.   Even though many a time I felt within myself that they were wrong, because I saw everyone else doing them and no one telling me I was wrong, I just assumed that they were alright to do.  But I am so thankful that God has now revealed to me the truth of His word, and I can make the right choices for my life.  What about you?  Are you ashamed of a past sin that you have done or even a present sin that you are doing?  If you are, you can repent of that sin and God will forgive you of it.

Sing: I surrender all. I surrender all.  All to Thee my blessed Savior, I surrender all.

Thought for Today:  You can overcome your sin. Just turn to Jesus.

2015 April 24 - Morning Manna

For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
(Ephesians 3:14-21)

Today's Morsel:  Many people do not understand the awesome power and strength of God.  Paul lets us know that God is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us. Notice, with the power that God has given us, the Holy Ghost, God can do wonders.  When God asked Abraham if there was was anything to hard for the Lord, He was saying, I'm able to do more than you can ask or think.  When Moses said, I'm not able to speak well; God said, Who made man's mouth, I'm able to do with you what you don't know you can do.  When the scripture tells us that one can put a thousand to flight and two can put ten thousand, it's saying, God can do more than you think with a just little than others can do with much.  Paul said that this gospel didn't come in word only, but it came in power.  And God has not changed.  God will work, if we will let Him.

Sing: Nothing is too difficult for Thee, Nothing is too difficult for Thee, great and mighty God, great in power, and mighty indeed, nothing, nothing, absolutely nothing, nothing is too difficult for Thee.

Thought for Today: God is still able!

2015 April 23 - Morning Manna

Return, we beseech thee, O God of hosts: look down from heaven, and behold, and visit this vine; And the vineyard which thy right hand hath planted, and the branch that thou madest strong for thyself. (Psalms 80:14-15)

 Today's Morsel:  When is the last time you've prayed for a visit from the Lord?  The Psalmist prayed for God to look down from heaven, and visit this vine; And the vineyard which thy right hand hath planted, and the branch that thou madest strong for thyself.  Do you ever feel as though you aren't as fruitful as you should be?  Sometimes our fruitlessness may be caused because we haven't had a good old purging by the Lord.  The Bible says, "And he must needs go through Samaria" (John 4:4).  There was a vineyard there that Jesus needed to visit.  There was a city there that needed to be purged.  "And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord" (Luke 4:16-19).  Every so often, Jesus will visit His vineyard.  Have you invited Him to come by and visit yours lately?  

Sing: Come by here Lord, come by here. Come by here Lord, come by here. Come by here Lord, come by here, oh Lord, come by here.

Thought for Today: Some visits are planned, others are not.

2015 April 22 - Morning Manna

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. (Genesis 1:1)

Today's Morsel:  Across America today, many celebrate "Earth Day".  Earth Day is the day designated for fostering appreciation of the earth's environment and awareness of the issues that threaten it.  There are many things that threaten the earth today, but none like sin.  The greatest threat present with us today is not greenhouse gasses, but sin and evil.  Yes, today is a great day to recognize the threats that are coming upon us and do something about it. Yes, I believe we should keep the earth clean and beware of  threats, but it will require a return to God's word  by all to keep our world clean and safe.  When God created the heavens and earth, He made it good.  It was so good, that God even used some of the dirt to make man.  And then He called it very good.   But then sin entered the good that God had made and corrupted it.  Since today is earth day, as we go about to clean up the earth, why not take a look inside and see if there are things that you may need to clean up in your life to get you back to that original state of being very good, as that is how God intended you to be from the beginning.

Sing: This is the day, this is the day, that the Lord has made, that the Lord has made. I will rejoice, I will rejoice and be glad in it, and be glad in it. This is the day, that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it, this is the day, this is the day, that the Lord has made.

Thought for Today: The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof. 

2015 April 21 - Morning Manna

Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat. But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste? For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor. When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me. For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always. For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial. Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her. (Matthew 26:6-13)

Today's Morsel: I often wonder why Jesus said that wheresoever this gospel is preached, Mary's story should be told for a memorial.   Some may ask what was the big deal.  We see that even some of them that were there saw it as a waste.  How do you see it?  You see, the anointing preserves your body from decay and makes us sons of God.  Paul, writing to the church at Rome stated, "But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you"(Romans 8:11).  (See also Romans 8:9)  David said, "For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption" (Psalms 16:10).  I believe that Jesus wanted her story told because Mary's story was a type and shadow of receiving the Holy Ghost before we are baptized. You see, the Holy Ghost was not yet given because that Jesus was not yet glorified, John said (John 7:37-39).  Some people receive the Holy Ghost (the anointing) before they are baptized (buried with Christ).  Was this why Jesus wanted her story told?  I think that every story and account written in scripture has a direct correlation with our relationship and well-being with Christ.  And the anointing is no exception.

Sing: Anointing fall on me. Anointing fall on me. Let the power of the Holy Ghost fall on me, Anointing fall on me.

Thought for Today: "Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his" (Romans 8:9).

2015 April 20 - Morning Manna

And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. (Genesis 1:31)

  

Today's Morsel: I can remember in school when we did good on a test paper, our teacher would sometimes write "Very good" on the top of our paper with a smiley face.  And then there were those times when we had to stand and give an oral report, and the teacher would  say, "Very good!"   Scripture says that when God created the heavens and the earth, when He was completed, "And God saw everything that he had made, and, behold, it was "very good."  Notice, everything was "Very good."   So if God made everything "Very good", where did so much evil come from?  I find what I believe to be the answer.  "In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes" (Judges 17:6); "Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me" (Romans 7:17).  In the world today we seem to have few, if any, leaders who are willing to take a stand against sin and wrong.  Yet the church must take a stand and not fear what man can do unto them.  The church still has the answer to the world's problems.   You see, this is one of the reasons that after a person who has been an abuser, murderer, drunkard, or molester, becomes born again and their life is changed, and they become ministers of the gospel, it is because the "Very good" was always there from the beginning because that's how God makes us.  They just had to have the sinful heart washed cleaned through the blood of the Lamb,  and then the "Very good" could be restored.  

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

Thought for Today: Obedience to the gospel will bring out the very good in any man (Parker)

2015 April 18 - Morning Manna

Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old: Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done. For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children: That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children: That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments: And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God. (Psalms 78:1-8)

Today's Morsel:  I believe that family devotions are critical, especially in these last days.  What we are seeing taking place in the world today are signs of a failure to teach the next generation God's word and His laws.  Solomon, who was the wisest man, admonished, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it" (Proverbs 22:6).  His father David wrote that, "The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple" (Psalms 19:7).  Both David and his son Solomon knew what God's word and His instructions to the children of Israel were.  And so they gave caution to teach them to the children. "Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth", Solomon said (Proverbs 19:2).  If we want to see a change in the world, a change from evil to good, then we have to get back to a solid teaching of the word of God in the home and in our churches.

Sing: Tell me the story of Jesus, write on my heart every word, tell me the story most precious, more precious than ever was heard.

Thought for Today:  Evil can only be stopped with truth. (Parker)

2015 April 17 - Morning Manna

Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. (2 Corinthians 4:1-4)

Today's Morsel: It has been stated that many people can't sleep at night because they are carrying around within themselves a hidden truth.  They are aware of crimes that were committed and who did them, wrongs that others have done to others or themselves, of people on the lam who have escaped from jail or prison, or evils that are taking place; yet they are afraid to come forth with the truth due to fear.  And so they live their lives in torment, pain, panic, and even sleeplessness.  This is how it is with the gospel.  Many people know its truth, but yet they hold it within because of fear.  They know that it can set others free, but yet they refuse to come forth and share it.  And so they live their lives in torment, restlessness, and they are afraid that someone will find out that they know the truth and will call them a Christian.  Paul said that if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost.  People are serving time for crimes that they did not do, because someone with the truth, some who knows the truth, will not come forth to set them free.  People are serving time in Satan's jail cells because people who know the truth won't come forth to set them free.  Remember, if the truth can make one free, shouldn't we desire to make everyone free.  If Jesus Christ made you free, shouldn't you desire to make someone else free. Freely you have received, freely give.

Sing: He set me free, yes, He set me free, He broke the bars of prison for me, I'm glory bound my Jesus to see, glory to God, He set me free.

Thought for Today:  Am I hiding the truth?

2015 April 16 - Morning Manna

Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you? Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart. And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward:
(2 Corinthians 3:1-4).

Today's Morsel:  Often when I am at a conference or in my travels, people will come up to me and say that they know me.  Or they may ask where they know me from.  I usually play it off to see if they can recollect where they know me from.  And they look bewildered for a while, and then they will come back to me and say that they have read my books, or "You are......"  What do people think when they see you?  Do they say, "There goes a Christian?"  Or "Man, that was one of the most nicest people I have ever met in my life."  Paul said that we are epistles known and read of all men.  That means that someone is watching you.  This passage doesn't just apply to the church and the world, it applies inside your home.  Even our children and grandchildren can read our lives.  We should never say that we are Christians and have our lives reflect otherwise. What are people reading off the pages of your life.  What are they going to say about you when this chapter of your life comes to an end?  As a Christian, Christ's attributes and traits of character should always be displayed in our lives.  Rest assured, if others can't read Jesus, the hope of glory, in your life, than neither can you.

Sing: Give me oil in my lamp keep me burning. Give me oil in my lamp I pray. Give me oil in my lamp, keep me burning, burning, burning,  keep me burning till the break of day.  

Thought for Today: Somebody is watching you.

2015 April 15 - Morning Manna

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. (2 Timothy 3:1-7)

Today's Morsel: Ralph Waldo Emerson, American writer and philosopher said, "People seem not to see that their opinion of the world is also a confession of character."  As we observe the world today, based on Paul's instruction to Timothy, and the things that we see taking place in the world, we can see some people's character.  Wrong is voted over right.  Lies are accepted over truth.  Perversion is accepted over good, true, and correctness.  Injustice is accepted over justices.  And we wonder why the world we live in is turned upside down.  So many people don't value character.  It isn't taught in schools, it isn't taught in many churches, or even in many homes anymore.  People are afraid to speak out against wrong.  Isaiah put it plainly when he wrote: "For our transgressions are multiplied before thee, and our sins testify against us: for our transgressions are with us; and as for our iniquities, we know them; In transgressing and lying against the LORD, and departing away from our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood. And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter. Yea, truth faileth; and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey: and the LORD saw it, and it displeased him that there was no judgment" (Isaiah 59:12-15).  As Jesus told Pilate, "My kingdom is not of this world."  His kingdom is a righteous kingdom and those that plan to enter it with Him must be righteous too. Truth is always truth no matter who says it isn't.

Sing:  All over the world, the Spirit it's moving, All over the world, like the prophet said it would be. All over the world, there's a mighty revelation, of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.

Thought for Today:  "People seem not to see that their opinion of the world is also a confession of character."  Ralph Waldo Emerson, American writer and philosopher

2015 April 14 - Morning Manna

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. (Galatians 6:9)

Today's Morsel:  Most failures in life occur because people quit too soon.  Some folks make one mistake and they throw in the towel on their vision and dreams and walk away.  All a mistake is is a miss-take. You just missed a step.  If you ever watch horse jumping, most mistakes occur because the rider either causes the horse to jump too soon, or he pulls back on the reins while the horse is in his leap.  But the rider does not quit because they make a mistake. They circle again and allow the horse to recover from the mistake because the rider knows that the horse has the capability to overcome the obstacle.  Jesus knows that you have the capability to overcome your mistake, too.  Scripture tells us not to grow weary in well doing.  You can always recover if you don't quit.

Sing:  Victory ahead, victory ahead, through the blood of Jesus, victory ahead; trusting in the Lord, I hear the conquer's tread, by faith I see the victory ahead.

Thought for today: Let us not be weary in well doing.

2015 April 13 - Morning Manna

        "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" (Psalms 119:105)

Today's Morsel:  One of the purposes for the word of God is to keep us out of darkness and bring us into the marvelous light.  Jesus said that those that follow Him would not walk in darkness but would have the light of life (John 8:12).  For the life of me, I can't figure out why so many people who say that they are Christians and followers of Christ, still choose to walk in darkness.  Some may say that this is just my opinion.  But really, it isn't.  Any people who say that they are born again have to choose to walk in darkness.  Notice what John says, "This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin"(1 John 1:5-7).  Always remember, the more the darkness the dimmer the light.  The brighter the light, the dimmer the darkness. Which are you walking in today?

Sing: Light of the world You stepped down in to darkness opened my eyes let me see. Beauty that made this heart adore You hope of a life spent with You.

And here I am to worship, here I am to bow down, here I am to say that You're my God, You're altogether lovely, altogether worthy, altogether wonderful to me.

Thought for Today: Jesus is still the light of the world.

2015 April 11 - Morning Manna

"And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him... And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;" (Colossians 3:17; 23).

Today's Morsel: What would you classify as a hard day's work?  I find that most people I ask these days how they are doing, their first reply is always, "Busy!"  I ask them what they are doing?  And I'm still waiting for them to tell me what they are doing that they are so busy.  Is this a cop-out to make people think that they are hard at work?   Paul said that whatsoever we do in word or deed to do all in the name of the Lord Jesus. That being the case, we should never be busy; because we are laborers together with Him, as Paul said.  And He carries the load.  Jesus said, "Take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for my yolk is easy and my burdens are light" (Matthew 11:28-30).  Many Christians  use the phrase, "He won't put any more on you than you can handle!"  Again, if this is the case, no Christian should ever be too busy to meet with others, share the gospel, teach a home Bible study, and be at church, since God knows how much we can take.  If you are always (too) busy, you may want to check who your employer is. Because it sure isn't Jesus.

Sing: When He call me, I will answer, when He calls me, I will hear, when He calls me, I will answer, I'll be somewhere working for my Lord.

  I'll be somewhere working! I'll be somewhere working! I'll be somewhere working for my Lord! I'll be somewhere working! I'll be somewhere working! I'll be somewhere working for my Lord!

Thought for Today:  Hard work spotlights the character of people: Some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses, and some don't turn up at all. Sam Ewing, American writer

2015 April 10 - Morning Manna

And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. (Genesis 3:17-19)

Today's Morsel: There is nothing like a good day's work. I don't know about you, but I don't care too much for hand-me-outs.  I feel so much better when I have worked up a good sweat doing lawn, house, and garden work, or even a job that I've been hired for.  My wife always says that I can sweat in a snow storm!  And she is right, I even sweat when I'm out shoveling snow.  When I was a kid, my dad ensured that we accomplished a good day's work.  As a matter of fact, we carried a rag or towel to wipe the sweat from our brow.  But today, I hear people complaining about a little sweat.  They want jobs inside with air conditioners to keep them cool. God told Adam, that he would have to work the fields and in the sweat of his face to bring in his bread.  Was this a harsh punishment to Adam for his disobedience?  No!  This was just an example of what Paul would later write, "Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat" (2 Thessalonians 3:8-10).  Even Jesus prayed until His sweat was as drops of blood.  Learn the value of laboring for the Lord, it brings great satisfaction.

Sing: Well I feel good! I feel good! Just to know I've been redeemed makes me feel good.  I feel good! I feel good! Just to know I've been redeemed makes me feel good.

Thought for Today: "Nobody ever drowned in his own sweat." Ann Landers

2015 April 9 - Morning Manna

And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham. For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him. If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law. 

(Hebrews 7:9-12)

Today's Morsel: Why do saints of God have trouble adjusting to new leadership?  If you ever notice, more people will leave from a church when they get new leadership than at any other time.  For some reason, some saints do not like to hear a new voice other than the one that they have been use to. Maybe the problem is they have become to accustomed to the wrong voice.  Jesus said, "My sheep know my voice and I am know of them."  This is one of the reasons that saints need to be taught to keep their eyes on the Lord and not on man.  They should be obedient to the man of God, but never should they allow the man to replace Jesus in their life.  If they do, and there is a leadership change, they may not be able to adjust.  Paul told the Hebrews, that since there was a change in priesthood, there was made a necessity to change also the law.  Remember, the law came by Moses, and this is why the Jews had such a hard time with Jesus changing things.  They failed to realize that a new sheriff was in town.  They were use to Moses' law.  This is what they had been taught, told to obey, and what they were use to.  We see that even when they summoned Stephen to the council they said through false witnesses, "For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us" (Acts 6:14).   And after Jesus open the man's eyes who was born blind, the council told the blind man after he told them that Jesus had open his eyes, "They reviled him, and said, Thou art his disciple; but we are Moses' disciples. We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not from whence he is" (John 9:28-29).  They were not willing to change because they were use to the law of Moses.  But Jesus had already prophesied through the prophets the changes He would make to the law when He came.  The Jews were looking for a high priest after Aaron and the Levitical priesthood.  But Jesus was made a high priest  after the order of Melchisedec. "To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually" (Hebrews 7:2-3).  So the next time you are getting a new pastor or there is a change in spiritual-leadership at your church, know that there are going to be some changes.   So keep your eyes on Jesus as His priesthood will never change.

Sing:  Who is this who comes with healing for the halt, the blind, the lame, saying softly to the sinner "Follow me"; only come in faith believing as of old the people came, and the lame shall walk, the blind again shall see."

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

Thought for Today: The law was given my Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ (John 1:17).

2015 April 8 - Morning Manna

Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (Philippians 4:4-6)

Today's Morsel: I think today is one of those days that we need to get our praise on.  When is the last time you did a praise jig?  You know, just forgot about everyone else and  danced like you just don't care.   You know, just throw your hands in the air, and wave 'um like you just don't care.  Do the Holy Poky.   I know you are saying about right  now that I must be crazy.  No I'm not.  I'm in my right mind.  If God has given us a garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, then why are we going to be down when we can be up.  Paul said that we should rejoice in the Lord always. We need to be full of cheer.  Joyful.  Happy.  Celebrating.  And we should feel very happy and showing great happiness about Jesus all the time.   The more wind you put on fire the brighter it burns.  Did David say, I was sad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord?  No!  He said, I was glad.  I was excited.  The more you praise God the less likely you are to complain.

Sing:  Alive!  Alive!  Alive forever more, my Jesus is alive, alive forever more.  Alive!  Alive!  Alive forever more, my Jesus is alive.

 Sing hallelujah, Sing hallelujah, my Jesus is alive forever more; Sing hallelujah, sing hallelujah, my Jesus is alive.

Thought for Today: Praise still wins battles. 

2015 April 7 - Morning Manna

 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. (Romans 6:13-18)

Today's Morsel: If someone were to ask you what your church's doctrine is, could you tell them?   What about the doctrine of Jesus and the apostles?    Doctrine serves two purposes.  First, to ensure you are in compliance with higher instructions, and second, to ensure you are enforcing the standard.  Paul told the church at Rome that they were like all of us, sinners.  But because they had obeyed  from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered them; and being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.  Notice, they had obeyed the doctrine and were now no longer sinners, but saints of the most high God. What doctrine did they obey?  The gospel.  What gospel?  The gospel of Jesus Christ.  The death, burial, and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1-5). They had repented of their sins, been baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, and they were risen to walk in newness of life. "What shall we say then?  Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?  God forbid.  How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life" (Romans 6:1-4).  If you really want to know the doctrine of Jesus Christ and the apostles, read the book of Acts, and then you can determine if you are in compliance and enforcing the standard in your own life.

Sing: It's real! It's' real! I know it's real, its this Pentecostal blessing and I know, I know, it's real;  It's real! It's' real! I know it's real, its this Pentecostal blessing and I know, I know, it's real.

Thought for Today: "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple" (Romans 16:17-18)

2015 April 6 - 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: At what point would you look at a person as being mature in Christ?  What yardstick would you use to measure them?  In spirituality, age cannot be used to determine spiritual maturity.  I have seen many people in their natural age that are immature spiritually.  But once we are filled with God's Spirit, we should begin to move towards maturity.  And that begins with developing the trait of self-discipline or temperance.  In the natural, you can usually tell how mature a person is by their conduct and actions.  And these same tokens, their conduct and action, should reveal their spiritual maturity.  Paul told the Hebrews that they had need of milk and not of strong meat because they were still spiritually immature.  If we are going to have a clear understanding of spiritual things, then we must become a doer of God's Word and not a hearer only.

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

O deeper yet, I pray, and higher every day, and wiser, blessed Lord, in Thy precious holy word.

Thought for Today:  The deeper we get into God's word, the more mature we will become.

2015 Apr 4 - Morning Manna

Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? (John 11:24-26)

Today's Morsel:  The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the doctrine of every disciple, the faith of every true believer, the courage of every martyr, the theme of every sermon, and the power of every evangelist.  Luke writing the Theophilus wrote that there were many infallible proofs that Jesus had risen.  "The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence" (Acts 1:1-5).  What are some of those infallible proofs?  

1. After His resurrection He appeared first to Mary Magdalene out of whom He had cast seven devils.  (John 20:11-18)

2. He appeared to the women returning from the grave. Matthew 28:5-10

3. He appeared to Peter.  (Luke 24:34)

4. He appeared to the two men on the road to Emmaus. (Luke 24:13-31)

5. He appeared to the apostles when Thomas was not present.  (John 20:24-25)

6. He appeared to the apostles when Thomas was present.  (John 20:26-29)

7. He appeared to over five hundred brethren. (1 Corinthians 15:6)

8. He was seen of James.  (1 Corinthians 15:7)

9. He was seen again by the eleven apostles. (Acts 1:3-12)

10. He was seen by Paul on the road to Damascus.  (Acts 9:1-6)

Many of these eyewitnesses died a martyrs' death because they preached the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  They were glad to die for a living Christ.  If you  have received the Holy Ghost, then you, too, are a witness to the infallible proof of His resurrection.

Sing:  Alive! Alive! Alive forever more. My Jesus is alive, alive forever more.  Alive! Alive!  Alive forever more, my Jesus is alive.

Sing Hallelujah! Sing Hallelujah! My Jesus is alive, alive forever more. Sing Hallelujah! Sing Hallelujah! My Jesus is alive.

Thought for Today:  Our God's not dead, He is alive.

2015 Apr 3 - Morning Manna

"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross" (Philippians 2:5-8).

Today's Morsel:  It has been stated that the death of the Jesus Christ is mentioned more than 120 times in the New Testament, and that it was spoken of many times by the prophets in the Old Testament.  The death of Jesus was vicarious.  He was God's substitute for sinners.  On the cross, Jesus was made sin for the whole world.  Paul wrote to the church at Corinth, "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him" (2 Corinthians 5:21).  And now if we put our faith in Him, we can become the righteousness of God.  His death was a natural death.  He died just like any other human being.  His death was a preternatural death.  It was not an afterthought with God, it was a forethought with God.  And because it was a forethought, Jesus could say, "Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father" (John 10:17-18).  Only God in the form of man could die a vicarious, natural, and preternatural death.  We call today, "Good Friday".  But when you die to this world, through repentance, and you gain an understanding as to why He humbled Himself, and became obedient to death on an old cross, then and only then can you understand why for you, everyday is a "Good Friday."

Sing:  Go ahead drive the nails in My hands, laugh at Me where you stand.  Go ahead, and say it isn't Me, The day will come when you will see, 'Cause I'll rise again. There's no power on earth can tie Me down.  Yes, I'll rise again, death can't keep Me in the ground.

Thought for Today:  Jesus died so that we could live.

2015 April 2 - Morning Manna

For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD. And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt. (Exodus 12:12-13)

Today's Morsel: As I drive by car dealerships, I notice the price tags on the windows of some of the vehicles ranging anywhere from $12,000 to $48,000.  And I see that many folks are driving these vehicles.  And then I ask myself, I wonder how many of them are driving without car insurance. And then there is life insurance.  I'm always getting these letters in the mail offering me an opportunity to purchase insurance.  However, at my age they will only offer me a term life policy.  You see most insurance companies want you to buy a term life policy in hopes that you will outlive the term.  If that happens, you are out of your money.  My wife and I were in Old Country Buffet (OCB) one day, and an elderly gentleman and his wife came over by our table.  As we began to converse, he told me that he was a retired insurance salesman.  And when he asked me what I did, I told him that I was an insurance salesman, too.  He said, "Really, what company?  I said, Jesus Christ, INC."  And then I let him know that I only sell whole life policies.  He really got a good laugh out of it.  God didn't want the children of Israel to leave out of Egypt without insurance.  And so he told Moses that everyone was to take blood and place it upon the door post.  "And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you."  The blood was to serve as their life insurance, and it serves as yours and mine today as well.  Are you insured?  Don't settle for term life, but take out a whole life policy.  "And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ"(1 Thessalonians 5:23).

Sing:  When I see the blood. When I see the blood. When I see the blood, I will pass, I will pass over you.

Thought for Today:  The blood of Jesus Christ still has protective power.

2015 April 1 - Morning Manna

Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did. But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man. (John 2:23-25)

Today's Morsel:  Usually in marriage counseling, I try to get people not to rush into marriage, but to wait until they get to know each other first.  I try to get each one of them to see that within everyone there are those hidden idiosyncrasies and  ways of behaving, thinking, and feeling that are peculiar to each of us and that we should know these things before we say "I do" for a life-long commitment.  The Bible says that Jesus knew all men and that He knew what was in man.  This is because He is the Creator of us all.  As Paul told the church at Colossi:  "For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist" (Colossians 1:16-17).  There is nothing hidden from Him.  As he told Jeremiah,  "Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations" (Jeremiah 1:5). And he knows what He created you for, too.  He told Nathanael ... "Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee" (John 1:48).  He knows what is in each of us.  Our thoughts, our hurts, our bitterness, our intentions, and even our hidden and past sins.  King David even found out that his sins weren't hidden from God.  There is no wrong motive, thought, or idea that is hidden from Him and yet He still loves us and offers to us eternal salvation.  What a God!

  

Sing: He knew me, and yet He loved me, He whose glory makes the heavens shine; I'm so unworthy, of such mercy, yet when He was on the cross, I was on His mind.

Thought for Today:  God always knows what you are up to.