2015 August 31 - Morning Manna

And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging: And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant. And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by. And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me. And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me. And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him, Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee. And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God. (Luke 18:35-43)

Today's Morsel:  Most people who are sight or hearing impaired will tell you that they would like to be able to see or hear.  Just like in times of old, today people say that they see spiritually, but Jesus says that they are blind and cannot see.  The psalmist said that some people are like the idols that they've made.  "Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men's hands. They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not: They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not: They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat. They that make them are like unto them; so is every one that trusteth in them" (Psalms 115:4-8).  The Lord told the prophet Isaiah, after he requested that he be sent, "Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed" (Isaiah 6:10).  When the blind man cried out to Jesus, Jesus asked him what he desired. And the blind man said, "That I might receive my sight." And once he received his sight, he followed Jesus in the way.  If we say that we see spiritually, then we should be walking in the way called straight.  And that way is in obedience to the Word of God.

Sing:  I've found the way!  I've found the way, Oh glory, hallelujah, I've found the way.

Thought for Today: There is only one way to God, baptized in Jesus name!

2015 August 29 - Morning Manna

A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:5-7)

Today's Morsel:  I heard a man once say, "A child unspotted by the world is a trophy of God."  You know, the same way that is it mandatory for every male to register for the draft at 18, I think it should be mandatory that every child has to read their Bible through in school, and pass an examination on it before they can graduate from high school and receive their diploma.  People who are opposed to reading the Bible don't want character in their lives nor their children's lives.  That's the main focus of the Bible, character building.  Yes, I know it has other stories in there, but the overall purpose for the Bible is building character  in your life.  Many will develop their own doctrines from it, but once you come into a true understanding of its purpose  you are going to see that it's all about building character in your life.  All because God is a God is righteousness, and it is His Word.  Notice what Solomon said, "A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction" (Proverbs 1:5-7).  The problem with the world today is those who are in authority aren't listening to God.  

Sing: I'm a new creation, I'm a brand new man! Old things are passed away, I've been born again. More than a conqueror, that's who I am! I'm a new creation, I'm a brand new man.

Thought for Today:  A diploma on the wall without the knowledge of God is just a piece of paper.  

2015 August 28 - Morning Manna

For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me. I was not in safety, neither had I rest, neither was I quiet; yet trouble came. (Job 3:25-26)

Today's Morsel:  Probably one of the greatest stories that should be read and encouraged to be read by Christians, is the book of Job.  To me, Job is a book of life's lessons.  It is a book of ups and downs.  A book of hurts and misunderstandings.  A book of what if's. A book of true friendships. And it is a book of "good things come to those who wait on the Lord."  The book of Job also reflects to the Christian spiritual warfare. It reveals Satan's overall intent.  And that intent is to steal, kill, and to destroy.  Job, however, shows us the value of doing the right thing and building a relationship with God while we are in our right minds, not trying to do it after troubles come.  Job said, "For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me. I was not in safety, neither had I rest, neither was I quiet; yet trouble came"(Job 3:25-26).  When we hear in the news or social media things that are happening to others, we may say, "Thank God for His protective hand that it is not us."  Again, like Job, we hear when it happens to others, but how do we deal with it when it is in our sandbox?  Job simply encourages us with these words, "But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined. Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food. But he is in one mind, and who can turn him? and what his soul desireth, even that he doeth"(Job 23:10-13).  Job just said, "I held to the Word."  You see, a daily intake of the Word of God and being obedient to it will aide us when those unwanted troubles come.

Sing: I know the Lord will make a way for me, I know the Lord will make a way for me; if I live a holy life, shun the wrong and do the right, I know that Lord, will make a way for me.

Thought for Today:  We still have an anchor of hope, Jesus Christ!

2015 August 27 - Morning Manna

I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together. I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed. This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. (Psalms 34:1-8)

Today's Morsel: One of the things we like to do when we have guests in town, is to take them up on "Grand Dad's Bluff ".  From up there they can see three states at once; Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin.  Every once in a while when we go up, I will drop 50 cents into the machine to allow them to magnify their view of our city and the surrounding states.  David said, "O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together."  We know that God inhabits all space and so we cannot make Him any bigger than He already is.  But what we can do, is allow Him to be seen in a bigger way in our lives through our praise, worship, conduct, character,  and daily living.  This is what God desires and one of the reasons that I believe that Jesus said, "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).  Do people see Him when they see you?

Sing:  O' magnify the Lord, for He is worthy to be praised, O' magnify the Lord, for He is worthy to be praised.  Hosanna! blessed be the Rock, blessed be the Rock of my salvation; Hosanna! blessed be the Rock, blessed be the Rock of my salvation.  

Thought for Today: Love still reflects Jesus. 

2015 August 26 - Morning Manna

Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer. O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? how long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? Selah. But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him. Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah. Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD. There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us. Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased. I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety. (Psalms 4:1-8)

Today's Morsel:  Scripture tells us that the Lord said that He had found David a man after His own heart.  I see in scripture many things that bring David into focus of God.  Moses said that God was a man of war; David was a man of war.  God destroys His enemies; David destroyed his enemies.  The list could go on.  But one of the things we see in scripture about David is that he was a man who prayed.  Like Jesus, God in flesh, David prayed.  David wrote, "Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer."  He would later write, "The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all" (Psalms 34:15-19).  If you want gladness in your heart, get into the habit of starting your day with prayer and cease not to call upon His name.  Become a man (or woman) after God's own heart.

Sing:  I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised.  So shall I be saved from my enemies, I will call upon the Lord.

The Lord liveth  and blessed be the Rock, and let the God of my salvation be exalted; The Lord liveth  and blessed be the Rock, and let the God of my salvation be exalted.

Thought for Today:  The effectual fervent prayer  of a righteous man still avails much.

2015 August 25 - Morning Manna

"LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me. Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah. But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah. I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about. Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly. Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah" (Psalms 3:1-8).

Today's Morsel:  Are you feeling a little overwhelmed about all the unrighteousness, indecency, debauchery, and uncleanliness in this land?  If we aren't careful, we can allow what the world is doing to cause us to be drawn into their foolishness and become troubled.  I don't know about you, but I've read The Book and I don't allow what this world is doing to affect me.  My focus is on Jesus because that is where my help comes from. Daily will I seek Him.  David found himself being troubled by many. But he cautions and encourages us that God protected and defended him.  And so David said, I will lay me down and sleep for the Lord will sustain him. We should not fret about the world, it is not our eternal home. If your stakes are down here, you'll be troubled with your surroundings.  But if your heart is set on your eternal home, that New Jerusalem, you'll be at peace and have contentment even in this present world.

Sing: Peace, peace, wonderful peace; coming down from the Father above. Sweep over my spirit forever I pray, in fathomless billows of love.

Thought for Today:  Inability to sleep because of a troubled mind, means your focus is on the wrong thing. 

2015 August 24 - 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:  One of the things about serving God is that He wants us, His children, to be blessed.  If we say that we are His and we are still living with a "below the poverty line attitude and mentality" than we may not be following and obeying the scriptures.  I know that we brought nothing into this world and we can carry nothing out, but that doesn't mean that God's children are to be paupers.  I am not speaking a name-it-and-claim-it doctrine; yet the psalmist said in Psalm 37:25 "I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread."  I do think there is a stipulation though; David said, "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."  We must give ourselves completely to the word of God, and be obedient to it, and then we will see how blessed and highly favored of the Lord we are.  A blessed life is a fruit filled life.  Like the psalmist, I was young and now I am old(er) and I have never seen the righteous forsaken, and I have never seen His seed begging for bread.  God supplies His children's needs when they are obedient to His word and when they sow into His kingdom.

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: The greatest blessing you can receive is remission of sins. 

2015 August 22 - Morning Manna

I will extol thee, O LORD; for thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me. O LORD my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me. O LORD, thou hast brought up my soul from the grave: thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit. Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. (Psalms 30:1-5)

Today's Morsel: Lately, I have found myself having to embrace a lot of folks.   Some are in the church and some are not.  Loss of loved ones, unexplained ill health, indebtedness, divorce, abused children, confused lives, the list goes on and on.  Tears flood their eyes and despondency fills their faces.  As we embrace, I find my eyes filling with tears, too, as I weep with those that weep (just as Paul said in Romans 12:15).  David said, "O LORD my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me. O LORD, thou hast brought up my soul from the grave: thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit... in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning ."  Sometimes we just need to realize that the warrior is still just a child.  Yes, there are going to be those times of tears, but as Eleanor Farjeon, said, "Tears may be the beginning, but they should not be the end of things." Joy should always come in the morning.   Jesus wants to turn our tears to joy and our mourning into dancing.  Weeping may endure for the night, but morning time is coming!

Sing:  No tears in heaven, no crying in glory; all of God's children will be happy don't you see. No pain and sorrow, no more worrying about tomorrow, no tears in heaven for you and me.

Thought for Today: "Tears may be the beginning, but they should not be the end of things."  Eleanor Farjeon, English writer

2015 August 21 - 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: With all the unrest in the world today, many folks are losing their patience. Both Christian and non-Christian  alike are displaying much unrest.  Has Satan gotten you where he wants you, without patience.  No matter who you are, without patience you are sure to lose out.   Bob Levey, American writer, said, "Patience is the ability to let your light shine after your fuse has blown."  Jesus said, "In your patience possess ye your souls" (Luke 21:19).  An indicator that you've lost your patience is no one can any longer see Christ in your life. 

Sing: Learning to lean, I'm learning to lean, I'm learning to lean on Jesus; Finding more power than I've ever dreamed, I'm learning to lean, on Jesus.

Thought for Today: "If you remove the "I" out of patience you won't have any. But if you keep it in, you should have sufficient for any situation or circumstance."

2015 August 20 - Morning Manna

But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
(1 Corinthians 2:7-8)

Today's Morsel:  As believers, one of the things that we must learn is to carefully evaluate our decisions before we put them into action.  Granted, some decisions have to be made right on the spot when it comes to life or destruction.  But things such as purchasing of homes or cars; the decision of who to marry, we need to give careful consideration and decide carefully.  I'm often shocked at the number of people who seem to not realize that every decision that they make has consequences.  I hear people all the time say, "Well if I had known that was going to happen I wouldn't have done it." Or they say, "If they had told me, I wouldn't have signed it."  Even Paul said that if  the people had known who Jesus was they wouldn't have killed him.  Pete Seeger, American folk singer, said, "Education is when you read the fine print; experience is what you get when you don't." Remember, patience is being able to wait.  Carefully evaluate all your decisions before you take action.  

Sing: I lean on You Lord; I lean on You Lord; 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: Don't ever grab a dog by his ears!

2015 August 19 - Morning Manna

Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war. (Proverbs 20:18).

Today's Morsel: I have shared with my family time and time again about an old soldier who gave me some very good advice about purchasing in bulk at the onset of my marriage instead of buying things individually.  He told me, for example, "When you get married, buy a case of corn instead of individual cans. It's cheaper that way.  If you don't eat the entire can of corn during a meal, you can save it for another meal.  And because you bought the case of corn on your first trip to the commissary, when you go shopping again you will only have to replace the items that you've used during the month.  That way you will always have food in your house, you will never run out of the items you need, and you will spend less during the coming monthly shopping trips."  This was good advice, because I found that I could usually save on the purchase of the case versus individual items.  I listened to his counsel. Solomon said that every purpose is established by counsel.   We all need those people in our lives we can turn to for sound counsel.   And we should always be willing to pass on good advice to others,  because it does us no good to keep it to ourselves.  My counsel to you today is to listen to and apply the godly counsel of those over you.

Sing: Do you know the man, the man from Galilee, He made the lame man walk again, and caused the blind to see. He walked upon the water, and even calmed the sea, His name is Jesus, the man from Galilee.

Thought for Today: Always pass on good advice. It's never of any use to oneself. (Oscar Wilder, Irish Playwright.)

2015 August 18 - Morning Manna

  These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
(1 Timothy 3:14-16)

Today's Morsel: Good behavior in the church seems to be slipping and slipping further and further from the American way of life.  That part of etiquette that many once knew seems to be fleeting away.  Paul told Timothy that he wanted him to know how to behave himself in the house of God.  If we understand that we are the church, as some say, and the temple of God, then we need to know how to conduct ourselves within it accordingly.  Our character as a child of God is so important to us, as well as to others.  How should we behave in this natural temple, which we call the church, and in this spiritual temple, which we call the body of Christ?  James tells us to be doers of the word and not hears only.  If we do what God's word tells us, then we won't have to worry about what we are doing nor presenting an appearance of bad behavior in either temple.

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

2015 August 17 - Morning Manna

These be the names of the mighty men whom David had: The Tachmonite that sat in the seat, chief among the captains; the same was Adino the Eznite: he lift up his spear against eight hundred, whom he slew at one time. And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men with David, when they defied the Philistines that were there gathered together to battle, and the men of Israel were gone away: He arose, and smote the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clave unto the sword: and the LORD wrought a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to spoil. And after him was Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite. And the Philistines were gathered together into a troop, where was a piece of ground full of lentiles: and the people fled from the Philistines. But he stood in the midst of the ground, and defended it, and slew the Philistines: and the LORD wrought a great victory. (2 Samuel 23:8-12)

Today's Morsel: As a kid, one of the jobs we were often employed for was that of picking beans. We would be paid 50 cents for a bushel of beans.  Not much compared to today's wage salary.  But we had fun doing it.  It wasn't a requirement for us to do it, unless it was our crop, but we saw it as an opportunity to earn a few dollars on the side to buy the things that we wanted and have fun while we earned the extra money.  Shammah, on the other hand, one of David's mighty men, was willing to take on the Philistines to defend a piece of ground full of peas.  And scripture says, "The people fled from the Philistines.  But he stood in the midst of the ground, and defended it, and slew the Philistines: and the LORD wrought a great victory."  Because he was not willing to give any ground to his enemy, let alone his pea patch, God helped him defeat them.  How much is your pea patch worth to you?  Your pea patch is your church, your family, your home, your community, your country, your goals, your dreams, and your convictions.  Are you going to flee or defend your pea patch?  "If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences" Solomon said (Ecclesiastes 10:4). If you are born again, you need to get some boldness like Shammah, and defend your pea patch.

Sing:  Hold the fort for I am coming Jesus signals still, raise the anthem back toward heaven, by Thy grace we will.

Thought for Today:  How much does your pea patch mean to you?

2015 August 15 - Morning Manna

And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your 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. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:5-11).

Today's Morsel:  Faith reminds me a lot of cement. Cement is nothing but powder until you add water to it.  Then it becomes hardened and strong.  It has been stated that concrete, which is made from cement, reaches its maximum hardness after 30 years.  Maybe this is why Christians who have been in the church for 30 plus years are called the pillars of the church.  They have become, for the most part, steadfast and unmovable.  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; that if we do these things, we shall never fall.  Paul said, "Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec" (Hebrews 6:17-20).  God's word and His oath will make you strong if you hold to them.  How strong will your faith be in 30 years should the Lord tarry?  Keep adding to your faith and allow Him to make you an unshakable pillar.  

Sing: The joy of the Lord is my strength, The joy of the Lord is my strength, The joy of the Lord is my strength, The joy of the Lord is my strength.

Thought for Today:  Add to your faith the word and you'll always be strong in the Lord. 

2015 August 14 - Morning Manna

Blessed be the LORD, because he hath heard the voice of my supplications. The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him. The LORD is their strength, and he is the saving strength of his anointed. Save thy people, and bless thine inheritance: feed them also, and lift them up for ever. (Psalms 28:6-9)

Today's Morsel:  I often wonder why we pray for things that God has already given us.  Everything that we need from the Lord came with our salvation. Therefore, those things that we may think that we do not have, we might just need to stir up the gift that is within us.  And it will show us that we already have those things.  If we look at the fruit of the spirit, and we say that we are lacking these things in our life then we are not following Peter's instruction to add things to our faith (2 Peter 2:5-11), nor are we following Paul's instructions to study (2 Timothy 2:15).  Notice what the psalmist said, he said that the Lord was his strength and his shield as well as others' strength. And he went on to say that He was also the saving strength of His anointed.  So why do we need to pray for strength?  It is already given to us.  Spiritual strength comes from spiritual exercise.  So let's run to church, flip open our Bibles, and jump into the word of God.  Exercise always increases our endurance and strength.

Sing:  He gives strength to me, as I worship Him, as my heart is filled with praise. Jesus breaks the bands, as I raise my hands, He gives glorious victory.

Thought for Today: Bodily exercise profits little. Spiritual exercise profits much.

2015 August 13 - Morning Manna

And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this? Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. (Acts 4:6-13)

Today's Morsel: When I was a kid, most evenings we would watch Chad Huntley and David Brinkley on the evening news.  They were a good newscast team. They seemed to tell the news the way it was.  But today, newscasters have become so politically correct, that you don't know if what they are reporting is truth or error.  When once asked what what he would classify as a successful man, David Brinkley said, "A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him."  I see this as one of the reasons for Peter's success.  The stone which was rejected by the Jews, Jesus, was thrown back at him, and he took and laid the foundation for the church.  "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost" (Acts 2:38).  The apostle Paul would later write, "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 3:11).  If the world throws a brick at you because you are a Christian and love Jesus, lay a firm foundation with it.  Because someone coming after you is going to need to build their life on that very truth.

Sing: We are standing on holy ground, and I know that there are angels all around.  Let us praise, Jesus now, for we are standing in His presence on holy ground.

Thought for Today: "A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him."  David Brinkley, American Newscaster

2015 August 12 - Morning Manna

 After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had. And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years. When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me. Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath. The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed. He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk. Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk? And he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in that place. Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee. (John 5:1-14)

Today's Morsel:  Sometimes I don't think that folks understand the repercussion of sin in their life.  Many people think that they can dip and dab in sin and it not affect them. But James lets us know otherwise. He said: "But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death" (James 1:14-15).  You just flirt with sin a little bit before it attaches itself to you.  And once it connects to the right part of you, it's going to take affect in your life and can bring you down.  The man in today's scripture text was halt for 38 years, and it was because of his sin. Can you image feeling hopeless, rejected, and crawling around for 38 years with no one to help you?  Can you image watching others in the same boat as you are with no help?  Sin can cripple you and leave you ineffective for the Master's use.  Those who are incarcerated don't realize that they are there because of sin.  It's not someone else's fault that they are there.  It's because of sin. They allowed sin to attach itself to them and now they are captivated by it.  And all who are bound by sin are imprisoned by it, and lay crippled until that sin is repented of.  Today, if you are one of those who are feeling crippled by sin, a godly heart of repentance can get Jesus' attention and bring about in change in your life.  As Paul said, sin shall not have dominion over you.  Simply call out to Jesus in repentance of the sin and allow Jesus to make you whole.  

Sing: Pass me not oh gentle Savior, hear my humble cry, while on others Thou art calling, do not pass me by.
I'm calling You Savior! Savior! Hear my humble cry, while on others Thou art calling, do not pass me by.

Thought for Today: Don't ever think that sin will not cripple you.  

2015 August 11 - Morning Manna

Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalms 139:23-24)

Today's Morsel: I keep getting these letters in the mail telling me that it's time for me to bring my car in for service.  I'm glad for businesses that keep me informed of upcoming services due for my vehicle to help me prevent major problems later.  In so many ways, that's what the church is for.  Come in for a spiritual checkup and let Jesus The Fix-It Man tell you what is wrong before you have a major breakdown.  Sad to say, just like with their personal vehicles, many people do not go in for the required spiritual checks and services.  They just keep driving  themselves until they breakdown; and then the repairs are much more costly.  If we do not allow Jesus to service us now on a regular basis, it going to be costly in the end. "Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?" (Hebrews 2:1-4).  Service checks and repairs with Jesus are always free.  Do you need a tune-up?  Be sure to attend your local church regularly!

Sing:

1. God can fix it, He's A fix it man, He fixes souls and bodies all over this land, He said He'd return to His home on high, fix me a mansion up in the sky.

2. If every sinner in this fair land would take one trip to the fix it man, go to Him, get it fixed for free, it would cure our society.

3.  He fixes the black, He fixes the white, red, yellow brown; He fixes them right. He's not a respecter of persons you see, for that same Spirit He gave to me. 

4. God starts fixing me up inside, He said I'm looking for a place to abide. Give Me your heart and live by My plan and then you'll know I'm the fix it man.

Thought for Today: Jesus is the Fix-It Man, but you have to go in for service call.

2015 August 10 - Morning Manna

Moreover the Philistines had yet war again with Israel; and David went down, and his servants with him, and fought against the Philistines: and David waxed faint. And Ishbibenob, which was of the sons of the giant, the weight of whose spear weighed three hundred shekels of brass in weight, he being girded with a new sword, thought to have slain David. But Abishai the son of Zeruiah succoured him, and smote the Philistine, and killed him. Then the men of David sware unto him, saying, Thou shalt go no more out with us to battle, that thou quench not the light of Israel. And it came to pass after this, that there was again a battle with the Philistines at Gob: then Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Saph, which was of the sons of the giant. And there was again a battle in Gob with the Philistines, where Elhanan the son of Jaareoregim, a Bethlehemite, slew the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the staff of whose spear was like a weaver's beam. And there was yet a battle in Gath, where was a man of great stature, that had on every hand six fingers, and on every foot six toes, four and twenty in number; and he also was born to the giant. And when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea the brother of David slew him. These four were born to the giant in Gath, and fell by the hand of David, and by the hand of his servants"
(2 Samuel 21:15-22).

Today's Morsel: I often hear around the church people saying, "Let's kill and defeat the devil."  Well, we can stop saying that because he's already bound and defeated.  What we need to focus on his is offspring.  They are the ones that are causing the troubles.  The same way that David killed Goliath, but they did not kill the rest of the giants.  And then they found themselves having to face them again.  Jesus has Satan bound.  The accuser of the brethren is bound, but not his offspring.  Satan's offspring of pornography, alcohol, drugs, lying, cheating, stealing, witchcraft, hatred, strife, excusers, greed, love for money, debauchery, and all these evils, are still killing spiritual soldiers day by day.  If we don't take care of his offspring, they are going to take care of us and our child.

Sing: Let God arise and His enemies be scattered, Let God arise and His enemies be scattered, Let God arise and His enemies be scattered, Let God! Let God! Arise!

Thought for Today: It's the little foxes that spoil the vine.

2015 August 8 - Morning Manna

Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens. Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the LORD our God, until that he have mercy upon us. Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy upon us: for we are exceedingly filled with contempt. Our soul is exceedingly filled with the scorning of those that are at ease, and with the contempt of the proud.

(Psalms 123:1-4)

Today's Morsel:  With the way the world is going today, many seem to be taking matters into their own hands.  And this is how wars start and lives are lost. People are focusing on their surroundings and not on God.  Solomon admonishes us, "If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences" (Ecclesiastes 10:4). Paul told us that these times would come (see 1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 3).  Therefore, we must keep our eyes on the Lord and wait for Him and not take matters into our own hands.  As the writer of Hebrews informs us, "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).  The psalmist also said, "Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens. Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the LORD our God, until that he have mercy upon us."  So let me encourage you today, don't focus on your surroundings and what is happening around you.  But instead, keep your eyes on the Lord and the things around you will be seen for what they are, nothing in comparison to Him.

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:  If things seem to be obscure, clean your lens.

2015 August 7 - Morning Manna

We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not. And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness. And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. (1 John 5:18-20)

  

Today's Morsel: One of the things about the importance of understanding the deity of God is that everything else in life flows from that knowledge and understanding.  I am of the firm belief that the reason so many people are having such a hard time in their lives is because they do not know who Jesus Christ is. People divorce because they don't know who Jesus is.   People fight, argue, say mean things, and call others bad names because they do not know who Jesus Christ is. Many make bad decisions and wrong choices because they do not know who Jesus is. People don't know who they are, spend millions on products and services trying to change who they are, all because they don't know who Jesus is.  John tells us, "And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life" (1 John 5:20).  Do you know Him?  Who do you say that He is?  Truth always corrects wrong.      

Sing: I'm so glad that I've been buried in the name of the Lord, in the name of the Lord, in the name of the Lord. I'm so glad that I've been buried in the name of the Lord, since the name of the Lord has been revealed.

Thought for Today: Who do you say that I am? (Jesus Christ)

2015 August 6 - Morning Manna

Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied. (Proverbs 27:20)

Today's Morsel: What would you say is the number one thing that would make you satisfied?   I'm sure that many of us could list many different material things.  But really, material things will not fully satisfy us. They may give us a sense of satisfaction for a short time, but it will not last.  Solomon said that our eyes are never satisfied.  Isn't it amazing that the more we see, the more we want.  When I am out, I often times find myself just looking, and then I find myself buying stuff that I already have.  And then I say to myself, Rufus, you did not need more cookies.  And it is all because my eyes told my brain that I needed them. Yikes!  We must get to the point that we go after more of the things of God, those things that satisfy the soul and not our flesh.  Jesus said that they that hunger and thirst after righteousness shall be filled (Matthew 5:6). Maybe this is why we aren't satisfied. We are going after the wrong things to fill us.  When we seek Him and His righteousness, His Spirit will satisfy us. 

Sing: I am so satisfied, I am so satisfied, with my Savior, for He means more to me, more to me, than anything than this world, could ever offer me. 

Thought for Today: The hallmark of satisfaction is contentment. 

2015 August 5 - Morning Manna

He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered. (Proverbs 28:26)

Today's Morsel: I was listening to this lady give another lady some counsel about a situation that she was facing.  And the lady told her to just trust her heart.  Maybe you have heard someone say that to someone before, too.  Solomon said he that trusteth in his own heart is a fool. Why?  Jeremiah said because the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? (Jeremiah 17:9)  You don't know what you will do when you are in an emotional state.   Solomon tells us, "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones" (Proverbs 3:5-8). Always remember, "There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand" (Proverbs 19:21).  If you want to trust a sure thing, trust in the Lord.  

Sing: Jesus be the Lord of all; Jesus be the Lord of all; Jesus be the Lord of all, the kingdoms of my heart. Jesus I surrender all; Jesus I surrender all; Jesus I surrender all, the kingdoms of my heart.

Thought for Today: Godly counsel still works!

2015 August 4 - Morning Manna

He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour. (Proverbs 21:21)

Today's Morsel: So many young men and women are serving prison sentences because they were guilty by association.  They were following the wrong person.  I find it strange that so many people are so gullible when it comes to truth.  There are so many people with educational degrees that have no clue of truth.  They will take what a text book says as truth, but not what the Bible as truth.  And yet these same people say that they are Christians. The last time I checked, the Bible was still the book that  Christians believed as truth, and the only source of complete truth.  Solomon said, "He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour."  Therefore, if we follow Jesus, who causes us to be right and have mercy; we can find eternal life, learn how to do what is right, and receive honor from Him.  If you want honor from man, then follow the text books of education. But if you want honor from Jesus, then follow your Bible.  Who are you following for your source of truth?   

Sing: Jesus is the One who loves me, Jesus is the One who cares.  Jesus is the One who answers, every one of my prayers. I know He'll never leave me, I know He'll always be there, When I have my fears  and doubt, Jesus is the One who cares.

Thought for Today: "If you want honor from man, then follow the text books of education.  But if you want honor from Jesus, then follow your Bible"

2015 Aug 3 - Morning Manna

"David therefore sent out spies, and understood that Saul was come in very deed. And David arose, and came to the place where Saul had pitched: and David beheld the place where Saul lay, and Abner the son of Ner, the captain of his host: and Saul lay in the trench, and the people pitched round about him. Then answered David and said to Ahimelech the Hittite, and to Abishai the son of Zeruiah, brother to Joab, saying, Who will go down with me to Saul to the camp? And Abishai said, I will go down with thee. So David and Abishai came to the people by night: and, behold, Saul lay sleeping within the trench, and his spear stuck in the ground at his bolster: but Abner and the people lay round about him. Then said Abishai to David, God hath delivered thine enemy into thine hand this day: now therefore let me smite him, I pray thee, with the spear even to the earth at once, and I will not smite him the second time. And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the LORD'S anointed, and be guiltless? David said furthermore, As the LORD liveth, the LORD shall smite him; or his day shall come to die; or he shall descend into battle, and perish. The LORD forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the LORD'S anointed: but, I pray thee, take thou now the spear that is at his bolster, and the cruse of water, and let us go. So David took the spear and the cruse of water from Saul's bolster; and they gat them away, and no man saw it, nor knew it, neither awaked: for they were all asleep; because a deep sleep from the LORD was fallen upon them" (1 Samuel 26:4-12)

  

Today's Morsel: One of the things that the enemy of your soul desires to do is draw you deeper into his trap.  He knows that the deeper you are in debt, the deeper you are in depression, the deeper you misunderstand God's word, the easier it will be for him to destroy you.  Scripture says that King Saul went in deep (vs 4); and David could not believe that he did.  David could have easily destroyed Saul, but he would not touch the Lord's anointed.  And so he took his spear and cruse of water.  You see, soldiers always need water and a weapon.  If a soldier does not have these items, he is defenseless.  When David took these from Saul, he was defenseless.   You can be sure that once your enemy draws you in, he will take your Bible.  I'm appalled at the number of people who do not know where their Bibles are.  Paul said that the word of God was as a sword (Ephesians 6:18; Hebrews 4:12).  And Jesus said it was as living water (John 4:10).  Let me encourage you today, don't get in so deep, in over your head, that you don't know where your  Bible is.  Remember, faith always comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.  You need your weapon and you need the living water.

Sing:  O victory in Jesus, my Savior forever. He sought me and He bought me, with His redeeming blood. He loved me e'er I knew Him, and all my love is due Him. He plunged me to victory beneath the cleansing flood.

Thought for Today: Do you know where your Bible is?

2015 August 1 - Morning Manna

Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

(2 Corinthians 3:17)

Today's Morsel:   As I was checking out at the store a few days ago, I noticed the cashiers name was Liberty.  And so to strike up a conversation, I said to her, "Are you free?" She said, " Oh yeah, I'm as free as a bird."  I said to her, "I notice your name is Liberty and that means freedom." She said, "I know, that's why I'm free."   

Many people think that they have freedom because of where they were born, what they have, or who they are.  But according to Friedrich Nietzache, "Freedom is the will to be responsible for ourselves."  Paul informs us that only where the Spirit of the Lord is do we have real freedom.  That being the case, then we must learn to abide in His presence all the time so that we do not forgo our freedom.

Sing: Holy Spirit Thou are welcome in this place. Holy Spirit, Thou are welcome in this place, Omnipotent Father of mercy and grace, Thou are welcome in this place.

Thought for Today:  Don't use your liberty as an occasion for the flesh!