2015 June 30 - Morning Manna

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

Today's Morsel: When I was stationed in Germany, I had this shepherd who came through my Petroleum Tank Farm that would ask me if it was okay if he allowed his sheep to graze around the tank farm, as the grass was always so green.  I always granted him permission. This shepherd knew where to lead his sheep for greener pastures. Jesus is the same way. He knows where to lead us to.  Maybe today you are a little discouraged and could use a little encouragement. What I would like you to do is go back through our scripture reading and read the 23rd Psalm, but this time everywhere you see an "I", "me", or "my"; insert your name. Read it through two or three times that way and see what a difference it will make to you.  Jesus wants you to know that He will never leave you nor forsake you.

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

Sing: The Lord is my shepherd, He has everything that I need. He maketh me lie down in green pastures, and He leadeth me beside the quiet streams. I will not fear in the valley because He protects me from hidden enemies. He's my Comfort, my Provider, my Savior, and my Lord; He anoints me, and He leads me, and He cares for me forever, and ever, and ever amen!

Thought for Today: If you are feeling dry, God may be leading you to a better pasture. 

2015 June 29 - Morning Manna

 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul. (Proverbs 16:17)

Today's Morsel: When we were missionaries, my wife and I put 52,000 miles on the vehicle we had in 16 months.  That was a lot of highway to cover.  And over all that highway, in every church service, we were trying to help pastors get folks to depart from evil and live upright while sharing what God was doing on foreign soil.  Solomon said that the highway of the upright is to depart from evil.  I know he's not talk about the black top highway we drive on, but he's talking about the way that we should live. We that are born again must live higher than the evil and sins of this world around us.  We must be on a higher plane. We must stay upon the Solid Rock.  Habakkuk said that God would cause him to walk upon his high places (Habakkuk 3:17-19).  It should be a compliment if people see us as being on a higher level.  Just don't allow it to be prideful.  Simply walk in your high places where God has placed you.

Sing: Lord lift me up and let me stand, by faith on heaven's table land; a higher plane, than I have found, Lord plant my feet on higher ground!

Thought for Today: Stay away from evil and you won't have to worry about the valley of the shadow of death.

2015 June 26 - Morning Manna

What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. (Psalms 34:12-14)

Today's Morsel: If you could choose how long you could live, how many years would you choose? Scripture says, "And Enoch lived sixty and five years, and begat Methuselah: And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters: And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years: And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him. And Methuselah lived an hundred eighty and seven years, and begat Lamech: And Methuselah lived after he begat Lamech seven hundred eighty and two years, and begat sons and daughters: And all the days of Methuselah were nine hundred sixty and nine years: and he died"(Genesis 5:21-27).  These men lived what we would call a long and good life.  But the psalmist also tells us how we too can have a long and good life.  He said, "Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it."  "Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof", Solomon said (Proverbs 18:21). We must remember that James tells us that, "Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell" (James 3:5-6).  The ball for long life is in our court and it begins with our words.  

Sing: Welcome Holy Spirit, we are in your presence, come fill us with your power, live inside of me!

Thought for Today:  A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver (Proverbs 25:11).

2015 June 25 - Morning Manna

Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.

(Proverbs 13:10)

Today'  Morsel: I often wonder why they call a group of lions a "pride"?  And then I wonder, just how many relationships could be mended if people would let go of their pride; how many marriages could be saved, lives maintained,  or peace reached among people if just one would forgo their pride? Solomon tells us that pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before one falls.  Pride can be dangerous and we may not even know it's total results.   Solomon also tells us, "The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with" (Proverbs 17:14).  He said leave it alone.  Once you open the flood gate for contention there is no stopping it from flowing.  So don't open the breech in the wall of your heart.  Once pride gets into a person's heart, that heart can become hateful, jealous, and even demonic.  When you find one that isn't willing to forgo pride, stand back and watch their downward spiral.  You keep yourself humble. "A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit" (Proverbs 29:23). Crush pride before it takes root in your own heart.

Sing:  I've got peace like a river, I've got peace like a river, I've got peace like a river in my soul. I've got peace like a river, I've got peace like a river, I've got peace like a river in my soul.

Thought for Today: If you have contention with someone, check your cage, your lions may be out! 

2015 June 24 - Morning Manna

Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways.
(Psalms 128:1)

Today's Morsel:  A few day ago, I asked you what you use to determine if a person is blessed.  The psalmist said,  "Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways."  That being the case, everyone who says that they are Christian, should then be blessed.  We who know truth should always walk in His ways and reverence Him.  If it feels as though your blessing fountain has stopped flowing, check your pathway, you may be walking in the wrong way.

Sing: I am blessed, I am blessed, everyday that I live I am blessed. When I wake up in the morning, till I lay my head to rest, I am blessed, I am blessed.

Thought for Today: "Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD" (Psalms 119:1)

2015 June 23 - Morning Manna

And the LORD was very angry with Aaron to have destroyed him: and I prayed for Aaron also the same time. And I took your sin, the calf which ye had made, and burnt it with fire, and stamped it, and ground it very small, even until it was as small as dust: and I cast the dust thereof into the brook that descended out of the mount. And at Taberah, and at Massah, and at Kibrothhattaavah, ye provoked the LORD to wrath. Likewise when the LORD sent you from Kadeshbarnea, saying, Go up and possess the land which I have given you; then ye rebelled against the commandment of the LORD your God, and ye believed him not, nor hearkened to his voice. Ye have been rebellious against the LORD from the day that I knew you. (Deuteronomy 9:20-24)

Today's Morsel: As Moses is doing a recapitulation with the children of Israel before they cross into the Promise Land, he seems to be somewhat angry with them in his discussion with them for their rebellion and stubbornness.  But I don't think that he is as angry with them, but rather he is desiring them to get the message.  Sometimes, spiritual leadership has to crack the whip.  Moses knew that all the things that God had done for them by this point, and they should have been some of the most obedient people upon the earth.  Yet they were not. He told them, "You have been rebellious against the Lord from the day that I knew you."  Ouch! Moses knew that if they did not wake up, they would not enjoy the blessing and protection of God.  The book of Deuteronomy should speak to all of us if we say that we are born again.  We must learn to do what is right and stop being a rebellious people when it comes to God's word or else we will forfeit our eternal reward of heaven.

Sing: I'll say yes, Lord, yes, to Your will and to Your way. I'll say yes, Lord, yes, I will trust You and obey, when Your Spirit speaks to me, with my whole heart I'll agree, and my answer will be yes, Lord, yes.

Thought for Today: For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. (The Prophet Samuel).

2015 June 22 - Morning Manna

 Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. (Matthew 26:36-41)

Today's Morsel: I was listening to the radio the other day, and a minister stated that the majority of our prayers are either for someone else or for our wants. I thought to myself that this is true. We are either interceding for others or for a want the majority of the time.  If you want to change your world with a prayer, then pray as Jesus prayed, "Nevertheless, not my will, but Thy will be done." When you can get to the point of "nevertheless" in your prayer life, it will really change how you view, prioritize, and decide what things are important  in your life.  Even though Jesus wanted the cup to be removed, He realized that His purpose for coming and dying was so that we could live.  His prayer of  "Nevertheless" changed the world.

Sing: Thanks! Thanks! I give you thanks for all You have done, I am so blessed, my soul has found rest, oh Lord, I give you thanks.

Thought for Today: A prayer of "Nevertheless" will change your world.

2015 June 27 - Morning Manna

I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree. Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found. Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace. (Psalms 37:35-37)

Today's Morsel: I don't know about you, but I don't get too upset when the wicked are in authority, because I know that unless they repent, they will soon be driven away  like the chaff with the wind. The psalmist said that he sought for the wicked and he  couldn't be found.  He encourages us to mark the prefect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.  In other words, you'll be able to find a perfect man when you seek for him.  He'll still be there.  You see a perfect man will be like that tree that is planted by the rivers of water.  He'll still be green and flourishing bringing forth fruit in his season.  The perfect man is the man like Noah, Job, or Daniel (Ezekiel 14:13-14).  The perfect man is moved to building his house to protect and save his family, because he's already been warned that God will destroy this earth.  The perfect man rises early and worships and sacrifices for his family because his children may sin against God, or he may lose everything that he's got.  The perfect man prays three times a day because he never knows when he may need the lions mouth shut.  The perfect man walks in his integrity and his children are blessed after him.  So let me encourage you today, don't waste all your time posting and talking about evil people on social media.  Pretty soon you'll look around and they'll be gone unless they repent.  Just mark the perfect man, keep your eyes on him and you'll have peace in your soul.

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

Thought for Today: Be ye perfect even as your father in heaven is perfect!

2015 June 20 - Morning Manna

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)

Today's Morsel: If Satan is winning the battle in any area, I believe that it is the area of the destruction of fatherhood.  Fathers just seem to be missing in the most important thing of their children's lives, and that is showing them a strong and firm relationship with their heavenly Father, Jesus Christ.  Many fathers think that enrolling their children in sports and buying them the latest gadget will cause their children to see them as a good father.  But a good father is one who will pattern his life after their heavenly Father Jesus Christ, and allow Him to be seen in everything that they do.  Jesus said that we should let our light shine before men, that they may see our good works, and glorify Him.  As we honor our earthly fathers this weekend, let's not forget the one who has done so much for us all, Jesus Christ.  He has given us an example of what a real father should be.  May we all pattern our lives after Him.  

Sing: Heavenly Father, I appreciate You. Heavenly Father, I appreciate You.  I love You, adore You, I bow down before You, Heavenly Father, I appreciate You.

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

2015 June 19 - Morning Manna

They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever. As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even for ever. (Psalms 125:1-2)

Today's Morsel: In December 2014, we got to tour Israel. What a great tour.  Since I became a Christian in 1984, I have always wanted to tour Israel.  And God made a way  for that to happen for me. The Bible surely does come to life when you tour Israel.  Just to know that you've walked and sat where our Lord walked and sat cannot be described in words.  The psalmist said, "As the mountains are around Jerusalem,  so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even forever."  There is nothing like knowing that God has you covered and protected.  Paul said that the gospel came also with much assurance.  And I believe that part of that assurance deals with our protection.  David wrote in Psalms 91, "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD,  He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler" (Psalms 91:1-4).  What a passage of comfort and assurance.  We don't need to fret or worry because Jesus has us covered at all times and in all places.

Sing: I am Covered! Covered! Covered by His blood. Walking by faith, living in love. I am Covered! Covered! Covered by His blood, Jesus has rescued me.

Thought for Today: You can only lose your protection if you walk out from under it.

2015 June 18 - Morning Manna

And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said: He hath said, which heard the words of God, and knew the knowledge of the most High, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open: I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.
(Numbers 24:15-17)

Today's Morsel: In the  70's, there was a movie entitled, "Jesus Christ Super Star."  I never saw it, but the title captured my attention.  Balaam said that there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel. Scripture says, "Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him" (Matthew 2:1-2). The wise men said that they had seen his star in the east. The one that Balaam had prophesied about as coming out of Jacob had come and was now being sought by wise men. Even today, wise men, and those who seem to be wise, should  still be seeking Him.

Sing:  This Star drew nigh to the northwest, over Bethlehem it took its rest, and there it did both stop and stay, right over the place where Jesus lay.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, born is the King of Israel.

Thought for Today: Wise men still seek Him. 

2015 June 17 - Morning Manna

There be three things which are too wonderful for me, yea, four which I know not: The way of an eagle in the air; the way of a serpent upon a rock; the way of a ship in the midst of the sea; and the way of a man with a maid.
(Proverbs 30:18-19)

Today's Morsel: Solomon, who was the wisest man, seems to find himself like most of us wondering why certain things happen.  I have had people who have lost loved ones ask me why.  I really don't know why.  Certain things only God knows and I'm not Him and I don't try to play Him nor answer for Him.   Solomon said, "There be three things which are too wonderful for me, yea, four which I know not: The way of an eagle in the air; the way of a serpent upon a rock; the way of a ship in the midst of the sea; and the way of a man with a maid."  He doesn't know what these things will do.  The eagle may dive or keep soaring, the serpent may bite, the ship may sink, or the man may misuse the maid.  Even his father David wrote,  "LORD, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me" (Psalms 131:1).  I guess the best thing we can do is just trust God and know that He works all things for our good according to His perfect will.

Sing: Wonderful! Wonderful! Jesus is to me. Counselor, Prince of Peace, Mighty God is He; saving me, keeping me, from all sin and shame; wonderful is my Redeemer, praise His name.

Thought for Today: God is not the author of confusion, He is the giver of peace.

2015 June 16 - Morning Manna

Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only. And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord. Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord. Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
(Acts 11:19-26)

Today's Morsel: Spiritual development seemed to be at the heart of Paul's ministry.  He stated, "Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God" (Acts 20:19-24).  I often hear men say that their churches aren't growing and they become discouraged and the spirit of quitting gets upon them.  But quitting should never be in a minister's heart, especially because their church isn't growing.  There is always a correct way to relinquish command.  If you are using the number system to measure your growth process, you are going to be discouraged.  God's doesn't use a numbering system to measure your growth process, He uses a measurement of spiritual maturity of those present.  When reading through the book of Acts, I noticed that sometimes Paul and Barnabas would spend an entire year or longer in one location teaching the people so they could mature in Christ.  Let me encourage you, don't bail ship because of numbers.  Remember, it is God that gives the increase, we just sow the seed.  Keep sowing and allow God to do His part.

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

Standing! Standing! Standing on the promises of Christ my Savior.  Standing! Standing! I'm standing on the promises of God.

Thought for Today: Strengthen the body by declaring the word.

2015 June 15 - Morning Manna

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:7)

Today's Morsel:  Mahatma Gandhi said that one of the "Seven Deadly Sins" was "Knowledge with Character."  I am becoming very concerned with the number of people who are supposed to be the smartest because of their educational levels and degrees, yet they seem to be those regarded as having or showing a low level of intelligence. Somewhere our education system is failing people.  And those who are supposed to be educated are allowing it to happen. Our schools and governmental agencies  are fighting over "Common Core" but not "Common Character."  As the old saying goes, "Education without character makes one an educated fool."  Gandhi sure knew what he was talking about.  So many have rejected God's Word, which gives us knowledge, wisdom, instructions, and understanding, all of which produce character.  They have rejected it for money which takes wings and flies away.  When nations fall, it is because they've lost their character.  God will fight for any nation who has character at its core.  You don't develop character in the heat of battle or in circumstances and crisis.  Character is built by how you live your life on a daily basis based on the Word of God.  Friend, I don't care how much you know, character still counts and God will judge us in the end based on our character that has been built on the foundation of His Word.

Sing:  If you could see where Jesus brought me from, to where I am today; then you would know the reason why I love Him so, now you can take the world's wealth and riches I don't need earth's fame; it's my desire, to live for Him.

Thought for Today: When nations fall, it is because they've lost their character.

2015 June 13 - Morning Manna

Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. (2 Timothy 2:1-4)

Today's Morsel: Tomorrow we will celebrate the U.S. Army's Birthday.  This year will mark the U.S. Army's 240th year in existence.  Many men and women have donned the uniform of the U.S. Army in support of the freedom of this great nation.  And so we say, Happy Birthday Army!

The army has so many good things that it teaches when it comes to character.  Granted, many will violate those principles and teachings and give the Army a bad name, the same way some do the church.   A military is established for the defense of its people.  This is one of the reasons I believe Paul told Timothy that he should endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ; and that no man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life  so that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.  Jesus said that He had chosen us (John 15:16), and put us into His army for the defense of the gospel.  Every born again believer must realize that they are in the Lord's army, and that Jesus wants us to be good soldiers of the cross for Him.  We must not entangle ourselves in the affairs of this life.  It may destroy our character as one of God's soldiers.  We may be in this world, but we are not of this world.  We are soldiers in God's army, and we are marching onward.

Sing: I may never march in the infantry, ride in the Calvary, shoot the artillery; I may never soar over the enemy, but I'm in the Lord's Army, yes sir!

Thought for Today:  Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand.

2015 June 12 - Morning Manna

"When he had caused the tribe of Benjamin to come near by their families, the family of Matri was taken, and Saul the son of Kish was taken: and when they sought him, he could not be found. Therefore they enquired of the LORD further, if the man should yet come thither. And the LORD answered, Behold, he hath hid himself among the stuff"
(1 Samuel 10:21-22)

  

Today's Morsel:  Isn't it amazing that the scripture says that Saul was hiding among the stuff.  I hear people saying that they are broke and don't have anything. But its something that those same people that say that they are broke and have nothing, have locks on their doors and alarm systems on their houses to protect their stuff?  I wonder what would happen if people would put locks and alarms upon their hearts to protect them from worldly influence, outside corruption, integrity violations, and immorality?  Solomon encourages us, "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life" (Proverbs 4:23).

Sing:  Cover me when I'm not strong, Cover me when I am going through the storm...Cover me when all seems hopeless, Cover me when my faith is gone, Let the Peace that Passes all understanding Cover Me... Cover Me...

Thought for Today: "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty" (Psalms 91:1).

2015 June 11 - Morning Manna

Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go (Isaiah 48:17).

Today's Morsel: I received Today's Morsel from a Special Operations Soldier that I served with in Okinawa.  It's title is, "Direction".

Direction

The compass is a very useful tool to have with you when you go hunting.  A GPS is better, but can malfunction because of lack of signal or the batteries run down.  I experienced that very personally.  While on a mission when I was in the Army, we received the first GPS for use on that mission.  They were bulky and weighed almost 2 kilos.  They were not at all like the small hand held GPS that you can purchase now.  At a critical point in very mountainous terrain, my GPS and the reserve GPS quit receiving the satellite signal.  My unit was some great distance from where we needed to be.  Since I was the point man, I was responsible for navigation.  Not liking the situation I was now in, but having prepared for such an event, I took out my map and compass and continued to lead my unit to its destination to complete our mission.  Later, my commander asked me what had happened with the GPS.  I could give no answer other than that the GPS had stopped receiving the satellite signal.  My commander then praised me for having a good backup plan so that we were able to successfully complete our mission.  Even now when I have gone hunting and I use a GPS, I still carry a map and a compass.  If my batteries run down or my GPS won’t receive a signal, I want to be sure to take the right path so that I can return home to my family and friends.

What about in everyday life? What direction should we be going in our daily life?  Do we just follow any route in our life or is there a “map” and a “compass” that can lead us in a direction that will benefit our daily living?  The answer to that question for me is that there is a “map” and a “compass” that can give me a direction in my daily living.

My Bible is my map as it gives me all the detailed directions of where to go and where not to go so that I take the right path each day.  To insure that I am staying on the right path and to keep me going in the right direction my compass is my faith in knowing that as long as I trust in the Word of God, I will make it to my destination a winner.

Not everyone can follow the right path and win all the time in the day to day living.  But if you use the Bible as your map and Faith as your compass, you will get to your destination a TRUE WINNER!  (Borgeson)

What do you use to direct your way? The Lord said through the Prophet Isaiah, "Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go."  Are you on or off course?  Have you checked your moral compass lately?

Sing: He leadeth me! He leadeth me! By His own hand He leadeth me; His faithful follower I would be, for by His hand He leadeth me.

Thought for Today: Have you checked your moral compass lately? 

2015 June 10 - Morning Manna

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish. (Psalms 1:1-6)

  

Today's Morsel: What would you look for to see is if a person is blessed?  David gave us some indicators of a blessed man in Psalm 1.   David said to be a blessed man requires one to not pattern himself after the ways of the world but after the ways of God.  If one delights himself in the law of the Lord and obeys what he reads, he will be blessed.  A big house, lots of money, and a fine car, do not represent one as being blessed.  According to David, the blessed man is the one who trust in the Lord.  James said, "But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed" (James 1:25).  If you want to be a blessed man, spend some of your time in the word of God and allow it to become a part of your life and your blessings will flow.  You will be able to say as Mary, "For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed." (Luke 1:48)

Sing: I am blessed. I am blessed. Every day that I live, I am blessed. When I wake up in the morning, till I lay my head to rest, I am blessed, I am blessed.

Thought for Today: Blessed is the man who trusts in Him.

2015 June 9 - Morning Manna

Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope. This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me. The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from thy law. I remembered thy judgments of old, O LORD; and have comforted myself. Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law. Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage. I have remembered thy name, O LORD, in the night, and have kept thy law. This I had, because I kept thy precepts. (Psalms 119:49-56)

Today's Morsel: I have noticed that during funerals, most ministers or people who have to say something about the deceased usually look into the Book of  Psalms to locate the right words to say to bring about strength and comfort to the bereaved.  The  Psalmist wrote in today's passage, "Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope."  Paul, in writing to the church at Rome, said, "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope" (Romans 15:4). Paul knew that if one would remember the words of God that were already written and if they studied them, they could find hope in their situations and circumstances; as we are saved by hope.  The Psalmist also wrote, "This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me... I remembered thy judgments of old, O LORD; and have comforted myself...Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage."  God's word will always bring comfort to the hurting when presented correctly.

Sing:  Jesus, I'll never forget what you've done for me. Jesus, I'll never forget how you set me free.  Jesus, I'll never forget how you brought me out.  Jesus, I'll never forget, no never!

  

Thought for  Today: The word still comforts in afflictions.

2015 June 8 - Morning Manna

There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil. And there were born unto him seven sons and three daughters. His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east. And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them. And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually.

(Job 1:1-5)

Today's Morsel: Reading through the book of Job, I find that Job had a great relationship with God.  Even scripture tells us that Job was perfect and upright, and one that feared God and eschewed evil.  In other words, Job made it a habit of doing what was right daily.  Job didn't wait until his troubles came to begin to worship and to seek after God.  He already knew where to turn when trials came. Many people seem to wait until they are overtaken in their trials and troubles before they seek God for help.  But not Job. You see, when you are going through trials and unwanted circumstances in your life, you usually do not think straight and oftentimes you will make the wrong decision about your circumstances.  But Job did things according to the word while he was in his right mind, and then when his trials came he could still find the strength to continue to worship his God and continue on the right path.

Sing: In His presence there's fullness of joy, at His right hand, pleasures forever more; Oh, what fellowship divine, I am His and He is mine.  In the presence of the Lord there's fullness of joy.

Thought for Today:  Obedience to the word, will ensure strength in times of trouble.

2015 June 6 - Morning Manna

As for the oblation of the firstfruits, ye shall offer them unto the LORD: but they shall not be burnt on the altar for a sweet savour. And every oblation of thy meat offering shalt thou season with salt; neither shalt thou suffer the salt of the covenant of thy God to be lacking from thy meat offering: with all thine offerings thou shalt offer salt. And if thou offer a meat offering of thy firstfruits unto the LORD, thou shalt offer for the meat offering of thy firstfruits green ears of corn dried by the fire, even corn beaten out of full ears. And thou shalt put oil upon it, and lay frankincense thereon: it is a meat offering. And the priest shall burn the memorial of it, part of the beaten corn thereof, and part of the oil thereof, with all the frankincense thereof: it is an offering made by fire unto the LORD. (Leviticus 2:12-16)

Today's Morsel:  I like reading the instructions that God gave to Moses and Aaron in preparing the sacrifices that were to be offered.  He told them "And every oblation of thy meat offering shalt thou season with salt; neither shalt thou suffer the salt of the covenant of thy God to be lacking from thy meat offering: with all thine offerings thou shalt offer salt."  The offering was not to be lacking salt.  Today we hear people saying that salt isn't good for you.  Well, whose report will you believe!  God said, "Don't let the meat offering be lacking salt."  Jesus said, "Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men" (Matthew 5:13); "Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned" (Luke 14:34)?  If we are living sacrifices for God, we must have salt in our lives because we are called to change things.  Nothing changes salt, it is salt that changes other things.

Sing: Whose report will you believe? We shall believe the report of the Lord. Whose report will you believe, we shall believe the report of the Lord. His report says I am healed, His report says I am filled, His report says I am free, His report says victory.

Thought for today: Salt is good for you.  

2015 June 5 - Morning Manna

 For my name's sake will I defer mine anger, and for my praise will I refrain for thee, that I cut thee not off. Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction. For mine own sake, even for mine own sake, will I do it: for how should my name be polluted? and I will not give my glory unto another.  (Isaiah 48:9-11)

Today's Morsel: I often wonder why some of the best Christians seem to be those who come out of great distresses, those who have been oppressed, or those who are inundated with many troubles.  It seems that once many of these people are filled with God's Spirit, they have a great desire to do something for the Lord.  The Lord said through the Prophet Isaiah, "For my name's sake will I defer mine anger, and for my praise will I refrain for thee, that I cut thee not off. Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction." Maybe this is what the psalmist meant when he said, "Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all" (Psalms 34:19).  When  afflictions are taking place in our lives it could be God's way of refining us for His glory.  As Paul said, "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).  If it feels the fire is hot, hang in there and you will be purified to be the real thing.

Sing: I've got a fire! I've got a fire burning, burning inside of me.  I've got a fire!  I've got a fire burning, burning inside of me. Your presence is my passion, when you captured my gaze, you set me ablaze with your fire, fire, fire, you baptized me with your Spirit and fire.

Thought for Today: You should never want to be a half-done Christian.

2015 June 4 - Morning Manna

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. (Matthew 7:21-29)

Today's Morsel:   When I was a kid growing up in North Carolina, most of our summers were spent at the beach.  We would often spend our days building castles in the sand.  Sometimes, we would see who could build the biggest or the most unique ones.  But one thing was always for certain, once the tides started coming in, or it began to rain, or the wind began to blow, our sand castles were either washed away, destroyed or partially destroyed, or blown away.  Jesus relates our lives to how we build it and what we build it upon.  If you will notice Jesus' teachings, He always includes the consequence for both right choices and wrong choices.  In today's passage, He said that if we build our house on the rock, which is the word, it will stand.  But if not, it will be just like building a castle in the sand without a firm foundation.  He said it is going to fall when the rain, floods, and strong winds come.  How are you building your life?  Are you heeding the Word of God?  James said that if we hear it and don't obey it, we can deceive ourselves.   Paul said in 1 Corinthians 10:12, "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall."   The apostle Peter said that if we add to our faith virtue, and to virtue knowledge, And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity; and that if these things are in us, and abound, they will make us to not be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, and that we will never fall (2 Peter 1:6-8;10).

 

Sing: I go to Rock of my salvation, I go to the stone that the builder rejected. I go to the mountain and the mountain stands by me. When the earth all around me is sinking sand, on Christ the Solid Rock I stand. When I need a shelter, when I need a friend I go to the Rock!

Thought for the Today: "For who is God, save the LORD? and who is a rock, save our God?" (2 Samuel 22:32)

2015 June 3 - Morning Manna

Tremble, thou earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob; Which turned the rock into a standing water, the flint into a fountain of waters. (Psalms 114:7-8)

Today's Morsel: I can remember when the plumber was drilling to install the pipes for water to our home.  When I asked him how deep he had to go, he said that he had to drill through the rock.  I thought to myself, drill through the rock?  I wasn't aware that underneath the earth crust was a layer of rock.  I would later learn this in school.

 The psalmist calls for the earth to tremble at him which turns the rock into a standing water and the flint into a fountain of waters.  The Lord told Moses to speak to the rock and it would give forth drink.  Paul told the church at Corinth:  "Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ" (1 Corinthians 10:1-4).   Notice, they drank from that spiritual rock which was Christ.  Israel was sustained in the wilderness by drinking from the Rock. "In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.  He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified." (John 7:37-39). The Holy Ghost is that living water that flows out from the rock and quenches a person's thirsty soul.  In John 4, Jesus told the woman at the well, "If you had asked of me, I would have given you living water."   Jesus is the Rock.  As the Lord admonished Jeremiah:  "For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water"(Jeremiah 2:13).  Don't forsake the water!

Sing: Drinking at the springs of living water, happy now am I, my soul they satisfy. Drinking at the springs of living water, oh a wonderful and bountiful supply.

Thought for Today: Jesus is still that living water.

2015 June 2 - Morning Manna

And he made the laver of brass, and the foot of it of brass, of the lookingglasses of the women assembling, which assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. (Exodus 38:8)

Today's Morsel:  Growing up in the south, you rarely heard the elder folks call a mirror a mirror.  They called it a "looking glass".   Bezaleel, which was chosen by God for workmanship, made the brazen laver for washing out of looking glass.  Solomon said, "As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man" (Proverbs 27:19). God wanted the priest to be able to see himself when he washed. Paul admonishes us, "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost" (Titus 3:5).  James said that being obedient to the Word of God, is like looking into a looking glass; "For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the word, this man shall be blessed in his deed" (James 1:23-25).  The only reason you need to look in a mirror is to see how you look, or to see what's behind you.  And God's Word does both.  You can see who you are in Him, and what He's brought you out of. The only thing behind you now is goodness and mercy.  And if you see things in your life today that need correcting, be sure to make those changes to become more Christlike.  

Sing: Look! It's in there, right in the word of God. Look! It's in there, right in the word of God. Just open up the Book, take a good old look, and you'll find that everything you need is right there in that Book.

 Thought for Today: When is the last time you checked your life by the Book?

2015 June 1 - Morning Manna

"And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah: And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, To devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, And in cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship"(Exodus 31:1-5).

Today's Morsel: I'm sure most of you have seen kids wearing T-shirts that say, " School of Hard Knocks." I decided to ask a kid one day what it meant.  He gave me that  look as if to say he didn't have a clue.   Do you ever wonder why God made all of us with a special talent or ability?  It's sad to say that many people live their entire life miserable, and never accomplish anything, because they don't use the talent or ability that God has given to them for His Kingdom.  Many of these folks use their talents and ability for the world and not for what God gave it to them for.  They don't have a clue.  The Lord told Moses, "I have called by name Bezaleel and I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, To devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, And in cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship."  God had called him and gave him the wisdom, knowledge, and understanding of the work for the tabernacle in the wilderness.  When God calls us and chooses us for a work, and puts His Spirit in us, and we should become workman for His Kingdom.  We must take the talents and abilities He gives us and put them to use for His Glory and His Kingdom.

Sing:  I'll say yes, Lord, yes to Your Will and to Your Way.  I'll say yes, Lord, yes; I will trust You and obey; When Your Spirit speaks to me, with my whole heart I'll agree, and my answer will be yes, Lord, yes.

Thought for Today: You don't have to go through the school of hard knocks to receive education.  Just read the word and allow the Spirit to lead you.