2015 May 30 - Morning Manna

When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. (Matthew 16:13-19)

Today's Morsel:  I think that at one time or another most of us have gotten locked outside of our house, car, office, or our church.  If you are like me, you get that punch in the gut feeling as soon as you realize what you've done.  You can see the keys in the ignition and yet you can't get in because the door is locked. You can pull, yank the handle, and nothing happens. But as soon as someone comes with another key and unlocks it, we can see just how easily accessible it is when the door is unlocked.  Jesus gave Peter the keys to the kingdom of heaven and told him that whatsoever he locked on earth would be locked in heaven; and whatsoever he unlocked on earth would be unlocked in heaven (my wording).  If Peter has the keys from Jesus to heaven, and we read in scriptures of things he said in relationship to salvation and eternal life, do we think he may have unlocked a door with those keys and it is now easily accessible for us to enter heaven?  And if he wrote things that we should not do, do you think he may have locked the door because he knows that they could lead us to hell.  I don't know about you, but I've found that places are so much easier to access if they aren't locked.  And I am not pulling and tugging on the doors that Jesus has locked.  But I am joyfully walking through the doors He has unlocked and opened in my life.

Sing: Open the flood gates of heaven let it rain, let it rain; Open the flood gates of heaven let it rain, let it rain.

Thought for Today: All doors are hard to unlock until you have the key  (O'Brien)

2015 May 29 - Morning Manna

And God spake all these words, saying, I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. (Exodus 20:1-3)

Today's Morsel: When I lived in Asia, they had a god for everything.  Dragon boat races were to the  god of the sea. They had a painted finger nail dance to the gods. The day and month you were born gods.  There was a god of the harvest.  You name it, they had a god for it.  When God gave Moses the law, He told him, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me."  Israel was not to allowed anything to come between them and Jehovah.  They were not to worship any other gods.  Because the land God was taking them to was infested with so many gods, God knew that it would be easy for them to be led astray and follow them to their destruction if they were not forewarned.  We see that King Solomon, the wisest man, allowed the wives he was married to  worship their false gods and this angered God, and it led Solomon astray.  Even today, we see many people worshiping and  following false gods and the gods of the lands.  If we will start our day with prayer and reading the word of God, we can identify false gods and stay away from them.

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

Thought for Today: There is only one God and His name is Jesus.

2015 May 28 - Morning Manna

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us (Romans 5:1-5).

Today's Morsel: One of the things I liked about living in Japan was their system of checks and balances.  No one person had total control.  If you went to their banks to do a transaction or deposit, at least two to three people would verify your transaction to ensure its correctness.  When you went for your immigration visa, at least three people were involved in the process.  Jesus said that no man could come unto the father except by Him (John 14:6).  Even God has a system in place to ensure access into His Kingdom.  And His system for access is faith, repentance, water baptism, the infilling of the Holy Ghost, and living a life of holiness and peace.  (See Hebrews 11:6; Mark 16:15-18; Acts 2:38; Romans 8:9; Hebrews 12:14).  You can obtain access into heaven, you just have to follow the established procedures.

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

 Thought for Today:  Faith will unlock the door every time. 

2015 May 27 - Morning Manna

And Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment upon his heart, when he goeth in unto the holy place, for a memorial before the LORD continually. And thou shalt put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim; and they shall be upon Aaron's heart, when he goeth in before the LORD: and Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel upon his heart before the LORD continually. (Exodus 28:29-30)

Today's Morsel: One of the duties of the high priest was to judge between clean and unclean, and the holy and unholy things that were brought before God.  When God gave Moses instructions for Aaron's garments, He called for two objects or stones to be placed upon the breastplate of judgment.  The urim and the thummim. The word urim means lights, and the word thummim means perfections, or an emblem of complete Truth.   Notice, these two objects where placed upon the breastplate, which covered the heart.  The breastplate of righteousness, or the breastplate of  judgment, was to remind him of seeing and judging truthfully.   As the Lord admonished King David: "Now these be the last words of David. David the son of Jesse said, and the man who was raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel, said, The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word was in my tongue. The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain" (2 Samuel 23:1-4).  The high priest was to represent Jesus in every way of his life.  The same is true for all Christians.  We all must be in judgment for ourselves on a continuous basis to ensure we are allowing our light to shine before men, and living in complete truth, as nothing else will count.

Sing: Holiness! Holiness! Is what I long for, holiness is what I need, Holiness, holiness is what you want from me. 

So take my life and form it;  take my mind, transform it; take my will, conform it to Your's, to Your's, oh Lord.  

Righteousness,  Righteousness, is what I long for, Righteousness, is what I need, 

Righteousness, Righteousness, is what you want from me. 

  

Thought for Today: The judgment of the Lord is true and righteous all together. 

2015 May 26 - Morning Manna

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering. And this is the offering which ye shall take of them; gold, and silver, and brass, And blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats' hair, And rams' skins dyed red, and badgers' skins, and shittim wood, Oil for the light, spices for anointing oil, and for sweet incense, Onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod, and in the breastplate. And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them. (Exodus 25:1-8)

Today's Morsel: When we read God's word in the Books of the Law, we can see just how detailed God is in His instructions for what He wants to be accomplished. And even in his requirements for the people, He identifies what He wants in detail.  But I am afraid that sometimes, when we read His word, we may think that it does not apply to us because we are not under the law but rather under grace.  King  David is probably one of the greatest writers in showing us the value of  God's instructions.  He said: "The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward" (Psalms 19:7-11).  Note the value of God's instructions to us.  If we obey them, they will change our lives for the better.  If you will notice today's passage in Exodus, God told Moses to require certain things from the people to make them a sanctuary so He would dwell among them.  In order words, God was saying, I want them to build a church. I want them to build a place that We can meet together. I want a place that I can dwell among my people.  What are you giving to build the sanctuary for God's presence in your life?  He requires something from all of us.   Are you willingingly giving it?

Sing:  Lord, prepare me, to be a sanctuary, pure and holy, tried and true, and with thanksgiving, I'll be a living, sanctuary, for You.  

Thought for Today: God desires to dwell among His people.

2015 May 25 - Morning Manna

And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son: (Also he bade them teach the children of Judah the use of the bow: behold, it is written in the book of Jasher.) The beauty of Israel is slain upon thy high places: how are the mighty fallen! Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon; lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph. Ye mountains of Gilboa, let there be no dew, neither let there be rain, upon you, nor fields of offerings: for there the shield of the mighty is vilely cast away, the shield of Saul, as though he had not been anointed with oil. From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan turned not back, and the sword of Saul returned not empty. Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided: they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions. Ye daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet, with other delights, who put on ornaments of gold upon your apparel. How are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle! O Jonathan, thou wast slain in thine high places. I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan: very pleasant hast thou been unto me: thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women. How are the mighty fallen, and the weapons of war perished! (2 Samuel 1:17-27)

Today's Morsel:. Memorial Day is not to be confused with Veteran's Day.  Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving, while Veteran's Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans.  And so today we honor those who have fallen in the service of our nation for the freedom and security of our nation and its people.  It will be a day of sadness, celebration, and activities around the world.  But we must not forget the ultimate sacrifice paid by those who have fallen.
When David was told that Saul and Jonathan had been killed in battle, David lamented and wrote this poem, "How are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle!"  Because  of his love for his friend and fellow soldier Jonathan, he wrote, "O Jonathan, thou wast slain in thine high places. I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan: very pleasant hast thou been unto me: thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women. How are the mighty fallen, and the weapons of war perished!"   He said, teach the children.  We, too, must teach the children.  We must not only use this day as a day of celebration and activities, but we must use it to teach the next generation why this day is of such importance.  No my friend, freedom is not free. Someone has paid the ultimate sacrifice by giving their life that we might live and enjoy the freedom and liberty that we have.  Will you pray for the families of those who have lost their loved ones so that you can enjoy today's liberties and freedoms?  Will you also pray for the safety of the men and women of our armed forces and then share with your family and friends why this day is of utmost importance?   

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

Thought for Today: Poem by John McCrae, May 1915

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

2015 May 23 - Morning Manna

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:1-4)

Today's Morsel: Pentecost, or the Feast of Weeks, was 50 days after the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.  As the Lord told Moses, "Even unto the morrow after the seventh sabbath shall ye number fifty days; and ye shall offer a new meat offering unto the LORD" (Leviticus 23:16).  It was one of those days that was required by God for all of the men of Israel to join themselves in Jerusalem for this feast.  Jesus had told His disciples to tarry in Jerusalem until they were endued with power from on high (Acts 1:4-8). And Luke records, "And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance" (Acts 2:1-4). Have you experienced your own personal Pentecost?   Do you ever have one of those time that you just don't know what you are hungry for?  It could be your soul crying out for a drink of some living water.  Allow the Lord to quench the thirst of your soul with the refreshing of His Spirit today.

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: God is still pouring out His Spirit.

2015 May 22 - Morning Manna

And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships. And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him? (Mark 4:35-41)

Today's Morsel: I have been trying to figure out why, when some people are facing adversity, they run from the church, while others who are facing the same adversities remain in the church.  Shouldn't we as Christians, those who say that we know Jesus, know how to stand in adversity?  I really love today's passages of scripture.  They are some of my favorites.  If you will notice, the apostles are  afraid that they are going to perish in the storm, while Jesus isn't fazed.  He's laying in the back of the ship asleep on a pillow.  To me this is an indicator that we should not be disturbed in the storms of  our life, because He gives His beloved rest.  After seeing all the things that Jesus had done, the apostles were still afraid.  Another thing they failed to realize was that Jesus was in the same boat with them and He wasn't fazed about what was happening.  When they awakened Him, He asked them why they were so fearful, how it was that they did not have any faith.  Friend, you aren't in this boat of life by yourself.  Jesus told us that He would not leave us nor forsake us, so why fear?  He's on-board with us.  Let me encourage you, don't leave the church because of fear or anything else, Jesus is with you and will bring peace to you even in the midst of your storm.

Sing:  I know the Peace Speaker, I know Him by name. I know the Peace Speaker, He controls the winds and rain; when He says, 'Peace be still,' they have to obey.  I'm glad I know the Peace Speaker, yes, I know Him by name.

Thought for Today: Except you abide in the ship you cannot be saved (Apostle Paul)

2015 May 21 - Morning Manna

And the LORD said unto Moses and Aaron, This is the ordinance of the passover: There shall no stranger eat thereof: But every man's servant that is bought for money, when thou hast circumcised him, then shall he eat thereof. A foreigner and an hired servant shall not eat thereof. In one house shall it be eaten; thou shalt not carry forth ought of the flesh abroad out of the house; neither shall ye break a bone thereof. All the congregation of Israel shall keep it. And when a stranger shall sojourn with thee, and will keep the passover to the LORD, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one that is born in the land: for no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof. One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you. (Exodus 12:43-49)

Today's Morsel:  We hear a lot in the media these days about people shouting about unfairness.  I had a lady tell me that she was even told that God picks and chooses.  One of the things we need to realize is that God's ways are not our ways; as the Lord spake through the Prophet Isaiah, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts" (Isaiah 55:8-9).  It may seem that God isn't fair but that's not true.  He told Moses and Aaron, "One law shall be to him that is home born, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you."  Notice, one law.  All of Israel was required to do the same thing under the law God gave to them.   Even though God's ways and His thoughts are higher than ours, He is still no respecter of persons.  God said that there was one law for all.  When we turn to the church, there is not one plan of salvation for me and one for you.  God only made one plan, the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  As the apostle Peter admonished: "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).  We must all repent of our sins, be baptized in Jesus' name, and receive the infilling of the Holy Ghost which is evidenced by speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives us utterance, and then live a holy life separated unto God.  That's His Plan.

Sing: There's just one, one, one, one way to God! There's just one, one, one, one way to God! There's just one, one, one, one way to God!  Baptized in Jesus Name!

Thought for Today: I and my Father are One (John 10:30).

2015 May 20 - Morning Manna

He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. (1 John 5:10-13)

Today's Morsel: If someone were to ask you if you were  saved, what would you tell them?  Did you know that you can be saved and know it?  John said, "He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself...He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life."  It just all comes down to whether or not you have Jesus in you.  Is your relationship with Him intact?  Is He number one in your life all the time?  Paul told the church at Rome, "But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his"(Romans 8:9).  Do you have the Holy Ghost.  I'm not talking about a good feeling.  I'm talking about knowing you have it just like they received it in the book of Acts.  Paul said that if not, then we are none of His.  And that means that we do not have eternal life yet.  It's available, yet without His Spirit, we do not have life eternal.  John said, "Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother" (1 John 3:9-10).  Are you doing what is right?  Do you love your brother?  If not, you're not of God.  Jesus is a God of righteousness and love.  If we will compare our life to the Word of God, we can know if we have eternal life or not.

Sing: I am determined to hold out to the end, Jesus is with me on him I can depend. For I know I have salvation, for I feel Him in my soul, I am determine to hold out to the end.

Thought for Today: Eternal life is free, all you have to do is what the word of God tells you.

2015 May 19 - Morning Manna

Now the sojourning of the children of Israel, who dwelt in Egypt, was four hundred and thirty years. And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years, even the selfsame day it came to pass, that all the hosts of the LORD went out from the land of Egypt. It is a night to be much observed unto the LORD for bringing them out from the land of Egypt: this is that night of the LORD to be observed of all the children of Israel in their generations. (Exodus 12:40-42)

Today's Morsel: Do you ever wonder what it must have been like that last night in the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus would be betrayed by Judas?  Picture if you will, Jesus, in one of His final acts of  love for humanity, and yet so many have now so soon forgotten Him.  Even when we look at the children of Israel, scripture says that  this is that night of the LORD to be observed of all the children of Israel in their generations. As Christians, we relate with Israel.  As Gentiles, we have been en-grafted into the body of  Christ.  Israel was instructed to never forget the night that God spared them and brought them out of bondage.  But they so soon forgot.  Before they ever reached the promised land, they murmured and complained and forgot what God had done for them.  They forgot the night.  But Nicodemus remembered the night (John 3:1-24).  He remembered the night that he came to Jesus.  He remembered the night that he learned what true salvation was all about.  He remembered the night that he got to listen to the Savior of the whole world explain to him who the true God was.  Paul said, "And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others" (Ephesians 2:1-3).  Friend, we are in the night.  Darkness surrounded us.  But Peter said that God brought us out unto his marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9).  Have you forgotten the night?  Have you forgotten what Jesus did for you?  Watchmen, what of the night?

Sing:  One night while on life's raging sea, it looked as if I would suffer defeat. As the blackness of night closed off the light my heart sank with fear. My desperate cry rang out with fright; all I could see was no hope in sight. With faith all but gone I met the one who came looking for me.

(Chorus)
He came looking for me, He came looking for me. He made a way when there was no way that I could see. When I drifted so far Jesus was near to rescue my soul and calm all my fears. Now I'm safe from all harm since I met the one who came looking for me.

Thought for Today: Don't ever forget the night that Jesus saved you.

2015 May 18 - Morning Manna

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:35-39).

Today's Morsel: How would you rate your persistence? Would you say that you give up and give in easy when things do not look favorable?  Or do you keep pursuing what you want? I find that David, Gideon, Jesus, and the Apostle Paul were all men of persistence. They each had a determination that nothing was going to stop them. David pursued his enemy to get back his family (1 Samuel 30).  Gideon chased his enemy even though he and his men were faint and tired (Judges 8).  Jesus was willing to go to the cross  that we might have salvation (Matthew 26:36-46). And Paul was not willing to allow anything to stop him from preaching the gospel (Acts 20:24). These stories are written for our learning and encouragement.  The only way we can make heaven and gain eternal life is to be persistent in our walk and relationship with God.  Paul was also so persistent that he said that nothing would be able to separate him from God's love.  What about you?  Are you willing to keep pressing toward the mark of the prize?

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

Thought for Today:  Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence (President Calvin Coolidge).

2015 May 16 - Morning Manna

For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.
(Proverbs 23:7)

Today's Morsel:   I often see people who seem to be sad and possess little if any happiness.  It's as if they are waiting for someone to come along and make them happy.  I hear folks talking about the good old days and the things that they did to make them happy. But now, because they are a little older they don't think they can do those things anymore, so they don't appear to be happy any longer.  I hear parents say to their kids when their kids say that they are bored, "Well go outside and play" to which the kids reply, "There is nothing out there to do, it's boring out there!"  Solomon said that as one thinks in his heart, that's how he is!  Arthur Schopenhauer, 19th- Century German Philosopher, said, "The happiness which we receive from ourselves is greater than that which we obtain from our surroundings."   Therefore, each of us should always be happy.  The last time I read the scriptures, I saw that  "Joy" came with the Holy Ghost.  As Paul told Timothy, "When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also" (2 Timothy 1:5).  He said the thing you are missing is inside of you (my wording). The only person that can stop you from being happy is you.  So put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, lift of your hands in praise, and get some happiness on.

Sing: If you're happy, and you know it, say amen! say men!; Iif you're happy, and you know it, say amen! Amen! When God's Spirit falls on you, makes you shout hallelujah! If you're happy and you know it, say AMEN!

Thought for Today: The only person that can stop you from being happy is you.

2015 May 15 - Morning Manna

Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. (Genesis 3:1-5)

Today's Morsel:  Isn't it amazing that at one time snakes  could talk?  Someone said they still do talk, they are just standing on two feet (humor).  Balaam even had a donkey that talked to him.   In our scripture, here is Eve talking with the serpent.  And we see that the serpent tricked her into believing that she would not die if she ate the forbidden fruit.  Like so many, Eve is having a conversation with the devil and  doesn't even know it.  Some have conversations such as, "Don't let them tell you what you can and cannot wear." "Don't let them tell you where you can and cannot go." "Don't let them tell you what you can and cannot do." "You have the Holy Ghost, that's just their doctrine."  Paul told Timothy, "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils" (1 Timothy 4:1).  He also told the church at Corinth, "Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices" (2 Corinthians 2:11).   If you are not obedient to the word of God and the authority that He places over you, the enemy will always get you to believe his ways.  And it is often through speaking to you through a subtle voice.

Sing: Just to walk with Him, means everything to me. Just to know He's near His hand is leading me. Though the world pass me by, go their way, let me be, just to walk with Him means everything to me.

Thought for Today:  "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world"(1 John 4:1).

2015 May 14 - Morning Manna

Then the LORD said unto Moses, Go in unto Pharaoh, and tell him, Thus saith the LORD God of the Hebrews, Let my people go, that they may serve me. For if thou refuse to let them go, and wilt hold them still, Behold, the hand of the LORD is upon thy cattle which is in the field, upon the horses, upon the asses, upon the camels, upon the oxen, and upon the sheep: there shall be a very grievous murrain. And the LORD shall sever between the cattle of Israel and the cattle of Egypt: and there shall nothing die of all that is the children's of Israel. And the LORD appointed a set time, saying, To morrow the LORD shall do this thing in the land. (Exodus 9:1-5)

Today's Morsel: Everyone seems to be in a hurry these days. We speed because we don't like the posted speed limit signs. We complain if our food takes too long to arrive. We just seem to want everything on our time schedule. But what about God's time? What if those posted speed limit signs were God's way of tell us to slow down and enjoy life. What if our meal delays were God's way of saying, learn to enjoy one another in good fellowship when you are out. Why are there so many scriptures that tell us to wait upon the Lord? His ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts.  Scripture says that when God was dealing with Pharaoh, "And the LORD appointed a set time, saying, tomorrow the LORD shall do this thing in the land." Solomon tells us to everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven (Eccl 3:1).  Because God sets the time that He will do things, we must learn to wait and trust Him and not to take matters into our own hands.

Sing: I lean on You Lord! I lean on You! For the things that I need, I lean on You. When I don't know, just what to do, I've got the faith You're going to see me through, You supply my every need, and I lean on You.

Thought for Today: "Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul" (Hebrews 10:35-39).

2015 May 13 - Morning Manna

Then the LORD said unto Moses, Now shalt thou see what I will do to Pharaoh: for with a strong hand shall he let them go, and with a strong hand shall he drive them out of his land. And God spake unto Moses, and said unto him, I am the LORD: And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them. (Exodus 6:1-3)

Today's Morsel: When we were kids growing up down South, everyone had a nickname.  Most of us didn't know what the other person's real name was until we were graduating from high school.  For so long, we had used each other's nicknames that we didn't even know their real name.  And even today in the church, we call each other brother or sister so much, that when we introduce folks, we say, " This is Brother or Sister So And So.  We rarely use their first name.  God told Moses, "And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them".  They had become so accustom to calling God "God Almighty" that they didn't know His real name.  And so God told Moses that His name was Jehovah, which means LORD; The All Exciting One.  Jesus asked His disciples, "Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?" (Matthew 16:13).  Isaiah had said, "...and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6).  But what was His name?  Paul wrote to the church at Corinth: "Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost" (1 Corinthians 12:3).  Do you know Him by name?  The angel told Mary, And His name shall be called Jesus, (Jehovah-saves) for He shall save His people from their sins (Matthew 1:21).  Get to know Him by name, He would like to be one on a first-name basis with you.

Sing: Yours will be, the only name that matters to me, the only One whose favor I seek, the only Name that matters to me. Yours is the name, the name that saves, mercy and grace the power that forgave me, and Your love is all I've ever needed.

So when I wake up in the land of glory, with the saints I will tell my story, there will be one Name that I'll proclaim. Yes, when I wake up in the land of glory, with the saints I will tell my story, there will be one Name that I'll proclaim. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, just that name.

Thought for Today: "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).  Jesus!

2015 May 12 - Morning Manna

And Moses answered and said, But, behold, they will not believe me, nor hearken unto my voice: for they will say, The LORD hath not appeared unto thee. And the LORD said unto him, What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod. And he said, Cast it on the ground. And he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from before it. And the LORD said unto Moses, Put forth thine hand, and take it by the tail. And he put forth his hand, and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand: That they may believe that the LORD God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath appeared unto thee. (Exodus 4:1-5)

Today's Morsel: What do you do to overcome your fears? Each of us has some level of fear within us. Fear is just False Evidence Appearing Real.  Even though Moses' rod became a serpent by God, it was still a rod. But because Moses saw it as a serpent, he fled from it.  Moses, understanding the danger of  some serpents, feared what was before him.  Yet God told him to reach out and take it by the tail.  God wanted Moses to understand that He knew you have to take control of your fears if you are going to live for Him and do what He is commanding you to do.  Satan will always try to inflict fear in you to prevent you from accomplishing God's purpose and will in your life. But you must take control of your fears.  John wrote, "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love" (1 John 4:18). When our relationship with Jesus is intact, we don't have to fear what man or Satan can do unto us, because greater is he that is within us, than he that is in the world.  So, "Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom" Jesus Christ (Luke 12:32).  Take your fears by the tail and they'll become nothing except something for God to use in your life.

Sing:  Greater is he that is in me, Greater is he that is in me, Greater is he that is in me, than he that is in the world.

Thought for Today: Ain't scared. 

2015 May 11 - Morning Manna

Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph. And he said unto his people, Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we: Come on, let us deal wisely with them; lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that, when there falleth out any war, they join also unto our enemies, and fight against us, and so get them up out of the land. Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses. But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel. (Exodus 1:8-12)

Today's Morsel: A of couple years ago, I planted some tomato plants next to my wife's flower garden.  I had given them a little fertilizer to aid them in their growth.  One day I went outside, and to my surprise, the plants were getting bigger and bigger, taller and taller.  I thought to myself, "Wow, those are going to be some huge tomatoes."  I came in the house and told my wife, " Boy, my tomato plants are growing really well."  She said, "It's probably the Miracle Grow I've been giving them."  I asked her, "What?"  She was feeding my tomatoes Miracle Grow.  The stalks of the tomatoes grew to about two inches in diameter!  Scripture says, "But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew."  I believe that the more we go through in our lives, whether trials, tribulations, or unwarranted circumstances, we should grow in Christ.  Because our trust is not in man but in Christ, our trials should cause our faith to increase and grow.  David encourages us,  "Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all. He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken. Evil shall slay the wicked: and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate. The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate" (Psalms 34:19-22). The apostle Paul encourages us, "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal" (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).   So hang in there, troubles don't last always.  But while they do, use them to build your faith.

Sing:  I'm so glad troubles don't last always.  I'm so glad troubles don't last always. 

May not come when you want Him, but He's on time.  In times of trouble, I find Him to be a friend of mine.  When storm clouds rise in your life, He'll be there;   All your burdens, I know the Lord will bear.

Weeping may endure for a night, keep the faith it will be alright.  Weeping may endure for a night,  keep the faith it will be alright.

I'm so glad troubles don't last always.  I'm so glad troubles don't last always.

Thought for Today: Our light affliction, is but for a moment. 

2015 May 9 - Morning Manna

Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. (Exodus 20:12)

Today's Morsel:  President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation in 1914 that started the holiday we now call "Mothers Day".  He asked Americans to give a public expression of reverence to mothers.  The Carnation was chosen as the flower to be given on Mothers' Day.  Isn't it amazing that God has created all living things to have a mother and a father.  Adam called Eve the mother of all living.  Writing to the church at Ephesus, the apostle Pau,  said that Exodus 20:12 was the first commandment that God gave with a promise (Ephesians 6:2); And that promise was that if children would honor their fathers and mothers their days may be long upon the earth.  Solomon wrote, "My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother" (Proverbs 1:8).  When a child honors and respects his mother; whether natural or spiritual; that child will be blessed.  Believe me, 98% of mothers know what is best for their children.  That includes the church, which is the mother of us all.  Tomorrow, be sure and give honor to your Mother (natural and spiritual) that your days may be blessed upon the earth.

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

Thought for Today: Happy Mother's Day!

2015 May 8 - Morning Manna

And the king of Egypt spake to the Hebrew midwives, of which the name of the one was Shiphrah, and the name of the other Puah: And he said, When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them upon the stools; if it be a son, then ye shall kill him: but if it be a daughter, then she shall live. But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive. And the king of Egypt called for the midwives, and said unto them, Why have ye done this thing, and have saved the men children alive? And the midwives said unto Pharaoh, Because the Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women; for they are lively, and are delivered ere the midwives come in unto them. (Exodus 1:15-19)

Today's Morsel:  I've heard some folks say, when speaking of  an Apostolic church service, "My those folks are lively"; "They really get with it in that church".   Shouldn't all of God's churches be lively?  God's not dead, He is alive.  If heaven rejoices over one sinner that repents, there must be a lot of noise up in heaven.  When Pharaoh got upset with the Hebrew midwives because the Hebrew babies were being born alive, they told him, "Because the Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women; for they are lively, and are delivered ere the midwives come in unto them."   They were saying that the Hebrew women, which represent the church, the mother of us all, were more lively than the Egyptian women.  They are more lively than the women of the world, because they were God's chosen and they had strength to bring forth.  When the religious leaders told  Jesus to command His disciple to be a little quieter (my wording), Jesus responded that if these held their peace the rocks were going to cry out.  I believe Jesus was referring to the Gentiles once they became grafted in.  Peter, who was given the keys to the Kingdom wrote, "If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 2:3-5).  Notice, he said that Jesus was a living stone. Therefore, he said that we should be lively stones because we are built upon a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.  "For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name" (Hebrews 13:14-15).  We should all be lively and get-with it in our worship to the Lord.

Sing: Praise Him! Praise Him! Praise Him in the morning, praise Him in the noon time; Praise Him! Praise Him! Praise Him when the sun goes down.

Thought for Today: With joy shall you draw waters out of the wells of salvation. 

2015 May 7 - Morning Manna

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

Today's Morsel: Do you ever have one of those moments when you can't find what you are looking for?  It has been stated that most people's lack of contentment is because they just can't seem to find that one thing that they are looking for.  People change jobs, careers, homes, furniture,  automobiles, and even spouses, all because they can't seem to find in these things the one thing they are looking for. That  one thing that can bring them satisfaction and contentment.  Isaiah said that we should seek the Lord while He may be found.  You see, if we find Jesus, we can find contentment.  And once we find Him, we will find contentment in what we do, the things we have, and even with others. Jesus told us,"For without Me you can do nothing" (John 15:5).  Believe me, without Him you will never have contentment.

Sing: I found the way that leads to endless day, yonder in the glory land; and the road is bright, for Jesus is the Light, and I hold His guiding hand.

 I have found the way. I have found the way; Glory hallelujah, I have found the way.

Thought for Today: Even a blind dog finds a bone every now and then.

2015 May 6 - Morning Manna

Then Joseph could not refrain himself before all them that stood by him; and he cried, Cause every man to go out from me. And there stood no man with him, while Joseph made himself known unto his brethren. And he wept aloud: and the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard. And Joseph said unto his brethren, I am Joseph; doth my father yet live? And his brethren could not answer him; for they were troubled at his presence. And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt. Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.... And they went up out of Egypt, and came into the land of Canaan unto Jacob their father, And told him, saying, Joseph is yet alive, and he is governor over all the land of Egypt. And Jacob's heart fainted, for he believed them not. And they told him all the words of Joseph, which he had said unto them: and when he saw the wagons which Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of Jacob their father revived: And Israel said, It is enough; Joseph my son is yet alive: I will go and see him before I die. (Genesis 45:1-5;25-28)

  

Today's Morsel: Sometimes I sit and wonder where some of the people I once knew are now.  I think about many of the folks I served with in the military and wonder if they are still alive; I would love to see them.  I can remember when I was a kid and some of our relatives that my mother hadn't seen is years would come home, and she would say to them, "I thought you were dead because I haven't seen you in so long."  Joseph's brothers probably thought that he was still alive but where, they never knew.  But their father Jacob thought that Joseph was dead, because the sons had lied to him and told him that he was.  For years, Jacob lived with the thought of his beloved son Joseph being dead only now to realize that he is alive.  I wonder what the atmosphere was like around the house with the brothers that now had to tell the truth.  When Jesus was crucified on the cross and buried, they thought that he was dead.  But on the first day of the week when they went to the tomb, they were surprised to hear the words, "He is not here, he is alive."  What words of encouragement.  Those words of hope.  Those words of elation rang in their ears.  Jacob, now got to hear the words that he had so longed to hear. Joseph is alive.  Satan wants you to think that your dreams and hopes are dead, but I want you to know that they are still alive.  As Job states: "For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease. Though the root thereof wax old in the earth, and the stock thereof die in the ground; Yet through the scent of water it will bud, and bring forth boughs like a plant" (Job 14:7-9).  Just hold on to Jesus, there is hope.

Sing:  He lives! He lives! Christ Jesus lives today. He walks with me, and talks with me along life's narrow way. He lives! He lives! Salvation to impart, you ask me how I know He lives, He lives, within my heart.

Thought for Today:  Never think there isn't hope.

2015 May 5 - Morning Manna

And he sent Judah before him unto Joseph, to direct his face unto Goshen; and they came into the land of Goshen. And Joseph made ready his chariot, and went up to meet Israel his father, to Goshen, and presented himself unto him; and he fell on his neck, and wept on his neck a good while. And Israel said unto Joseph, Now let me die, since I have seen thy face, because thou art yet alive. And Joseph said unto his brethren, and unto his father's house, I will go up, and shew Pharaoh, and say unto him, My brethren, and my father's house, which were in the land of Canaan, are come unto me; And the men are shepherds, for their trade hath been to feed cattle; and they have brought their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have. And it shall come to pass, when Pharaoh shall call you, and shall say, What is your occupation? That ye shall say, Thy servants' trade hath been about cattle from our youth even until now, both we, and also our fathers: that ye may dwell in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd is an abomination unto the Egyptians. (Genesis 46:28-34)

Today's Morsel: There are many jobs in the world today. And a lot of these jobs can be identified by the uniform that the employees wear.  When Jacob and his family came into Egypt, Joseph wanted them to be in the best part of the land, so he told them that when Pharaoh asked them what their occupation was to tell him that they were shepherds; for every shepherd was an abomination unto the Egyptians. If you are born again, then your occupation is that of a shepherd.  We work for Jesus, the Chief Shepherd, and we are not of the world.  This is one of the reasons our garments should be garments of the Shepherd.  He told Moses when he commanded Aaron and his sons garments to be made that they were to write upon them, "Holiness to the Lord."  What is your occupation?  Do your garments reflect your occupation?  "But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy" (1 Peter 1:15-16).  Do you need to change garments to fit your occupation?

Sing: Put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, lift up your voice and sing.  Pray in the spirit and with understanding, oh magnify the Lord with me.

Thought for Today: "But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy" (1 Peter 1:15-16).

2015 May 4 - Morning Manna

Say among the heathen that the LORD reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously. Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof. Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.

(Psalms 96:10-13)

Today's Morsel: Every Christian should be anticipating that moment of Jesus' return.  The children of Israel knew that the Messiah was to come, but they were not ready.  They were taken totally by surprise.  It seems that only Simeon and Anna, a prophetess, were looking for him to come.  Both of them stayed around the temple waiting for him.  The Psalmist said that  the Lord will come to judge the earth and the people with His truth.  Jesus said that He was the truth (John 14:6).  When He was on earth Jesus said,  "And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.  He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day" (John 12:47-48).  If we are doers of the word of God (James 1:22-25), then we will have nothing to worry about when Jesus comes again to judge us.  We will be ready and expecting Him when He returns.

Sing: Behold He comes, riding on the clouds, shining like the sun at the trumpet's call, lift your voice, it's the year of jubilee out of Zion's hill, salvation comes.

Thought for Today: "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves" (James 1:22)

2015 May 2 - Morning Manna

And he commanded the steward of his house, saying, Fill the men's sacks with food, as much as they can carry, and put every man's money in his sack's mouth.

(Genesis 44:1)

Today's Morsel:  How much trust do you put in those who manage your money at the bank or your investments? For some reason, many have lost trust in those who are to be good stewards.  According to the Greek definition of a steward, he or she is a house distributor (that is manager), or overseer, (that is an employee in that capacity); by extension a fiscal agent (treasurer); figuratively a preacher (of the Gospel).  The Bible says that Joseph commanded the steward of his house.  Paul stated, "Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful" (1 Corinthians 4:2).  He must be found faithful. He must be reliable, dependable, trustworthy, and loyal.  Every employer is looking for men and women who are faithful and good stewards.  Joseph had proven himself to be a good steward to both Potiphar and Pharaoh, and this is why he was placed in charge.  We must first be faithful to God.  You see, if one isn't faithful to God and the things of God, they will never be faithful to others.  

Sing: I'm Yours Lord, everything I am, everything I'm not, everything I've got.  I'm Yours Lord, try me now and see, see if I can be completely Yours.

  

Thought for Today:  Most men will proclaim everyone his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find? (Proverbs 20:6)

2015 May 1 - Morning Manna

Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? (Galatians 5:7)

Today's Morsel: We hear a lot in the news and media today of great men and women running in races. Some are  team races, bike races, motor car races, and team relay races.  Some win,  but only to have their trophies  revoked all because they did not run the race according to the rules. I think probably one of the saddest events I've seen lately was the little league team from Great Lake, Illinois, outside Chicago, who won the Little League world Series, only to have their trophy revoked because the coaches didn't follow the rules.  Paul used many of the day to day activities that surrounded him to explain to the people the value and the importance of obeying God's word and the gospel.  He told the church at Galatia that they had run well but then asked who did hinder them that they should not obey the truth.  When we become Christians, the Bible becomes our rule book for the race that we have entered.  If we do not read it and follow the rules, it's not going to be God's fault if we are not crowned but cast away.  Jesus said:  Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (Matthew 7:21-23). James lets us know that if we do not obey the word of God, we are deceiving our own selves. "Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves" (James 1:21-22). And Paul told the church at Philippi,  "Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain" (Philippians 2:16).  Paul knew the rules and he wasn't about to violate them.  What about you?  Do you know the rules for the race you are now in?  Whatever you do, don't disqualify yourself from entering into heaven. (See also 2 Peter 1:5-11)

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

Thought for Today: Is your crown in jeopardy?