2015 October 31 - Morning Manna

By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion. We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof. For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion. How shall we sing the LORD'S song in a strange land? (Psalms 137:1-4)

Today's Morsel:  Being able to deal with discouragement, despair, depression, despondency, and dejection require you to know God and have a strong relationship with him.  Most people fail to realize that the aforementioned things all have an undercurrent that will try to pull you under.  And that undercurrent is a pull from hell.  If we do not retain a strong faith and relationship in Christ Jesus, and if we do not keep our minds stayed on Him, we can become easily pulled down into discouragement, depression, and a low state of despondency.  If we do, the undercurrent can drowned us.  John said that in Jesus Christ was life, and that the life was the light of men (John 1:4).  Therefore, if we say that we are Christians and have Christ's Spirit in us, we should be able to see every evil for what it is and avoid it.  Keep your heart and mind on Christ, and He will give you strength.

Sing: When gloom and sadness whispers, you've sinned,  no use to pray, I look away to Jesus, and He tells me to say:

I see a crimson stream of blood. It flows from Calvary, its waves which reach the throne of God, are sweeping over me.

Thought for Today:  Stay under the blood and you'll have great joy.

2015 October 30 - Morning Manna

Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest's house. And Peter followed afar off. And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them. But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him. And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not. And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not. And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean. And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew. And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. (Luke 22:54-61)

Today's Morsel:  Oprah Winfrey said,  "Failure is just life trying to move us in another direction."   When Peter denied the Lord three times, he felt as though he was a failure because just a few days earlier he had confessed that he was willing to die for the Lord.  Sometimes, our bragging about what we will do may be put to the test quicker than we think.  Yet we should never see failure in our moments of weakness as a reason to quit.  We should see it as a weakness that God is showing us that needs to be developed, or as Oprah Winfrey said, life trying to move us in another direction.  So the next time you fail, don't quit, but see it as God showing you a weakness and go back to the altar, open your Bible and work on self development.

Sing:  He will never fail, for He is God! He will never fail, He gave us His word!  He will  never fail, He'll see you through! He will never fail, for He loves you.

Thought for Today:  Never see failure in our moments of weakness as a reason to quit.

2015 October 29 - Morning Manna

And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly. And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying, As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations. Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee. (Genesis 17:1-5)

Today's Morsel:  God's covenant blessings are not freely given.  They require an obedience to receive.  God had made a promise to Abraham when he was 75 years old that if he left home He would bless him.  Yet the promise was not fulfilled until Abraham was 100 years old.  During that 25 year span,  Abraham made a few costly mistakes which I believe delayed him in receiving his promise.  So now at 99 God appears to him and tells him to walk before Him and be perfect and that He will make a covenant with him.  And so, at 100 years of age, Abraham received the covenant promise of  Isaac.  Paul tells us that if we are baptized into Jesus Christ, then we are Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise.  In other words, what God promised Abraham is for us today, too.  But we must walk before God and be perfect in order receive the promise.

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

Thought for Today:  Whatever you need, God's got it, and He's waiting to give it to you.

2015 October 28 - Morning Manna

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)

Today's Morsel:  There are three religious groups that believe in one God.  Judaism, Islam, and Christianity.  And of those three groups, only a few realize that Jesus is God. Howbeit is there not in every man that knowledge?  As Paul told king Agrippa, this thing was not done in a corner.  This revelation of truth wasn't hidden.   Jesus revealed Himself to all His disciples, and they in turn revealed Him to the world.  They all knew He was God.  Paul told Timothy,  "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 3:16).  Matthew even reached back to reveal Isaiah's prophecy as to who Jesus was. "Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.  Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS" (Matthew 1:23-25).  Who do you say that Jesus is?   And Jesus said unto them, "Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world. I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins... " (John 8:23-24).  No one can forgive sins but God.  And the Apostle John wrote, "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."  Do you realize who He is?

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

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

Thought for Today:  To find the answer to the mystery requires you to search it out.

2015 October 27 - Morning Manna

Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.  (Matthew 25:1-13)

Today's Morsel: How many times have you heard the sermon about the five wise and the five foolish virgins? Most of the time we hear that the five foolish didn't get to go in because they didn't have oil.  But that's not the reason they didn't get to go in.  They didn't get to go in because they were not ready.  They slumbered and slept until the call.   But they were not prepared when the call came, they did nothing to get ready.  They went back and got oil after the call.  The Lord was still there when they came back.  So we need to realize, it's not the oil, it's actually the readiness.  The Lord told them when they wanted to get in,"I know you not."  Only those that were ready went in.  If we remain ready, we'll have the oil and everything else we need to get in.  If you are not 100% ready when Jesus comes again, He doesn't know you.  Behold He cometh!  So get ready while you have a chance.

Sing: I'm getting ready to leave this world. I'm getting ready for those gates of pearls.  Keeping my record right, watching both day and night, I'm getting ready to leave this world.

Thought for Today:  The only thing that can prevent you from going to heaven is you. (Rufus Parker)

2015 October 26 - 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. (Job 1:1)

Today's Morsel:  Most people in the church have heard of Job's suffering caused by Satan on him.  And the majority of folks focus on the beginning and the end of Job's life and not what transpired in the middle pages of his story.  Yes, we can look to the end of the book and talk about Job's double blessings, but the message for the saints is in the middle pages of the book of Job.  You see, it's in the middle pages of in the  book where the saints find the key to enduring under stressful conditions.   It's in the middle of the book that you learn how to deal with false accusations and evil.   It's in the middle of the book that Job's character is revealed to his friends.  The book of Job isn't about why bad things happen to good people, the book of Job is about right priorities in life.  The number main priorities of every saint is to walk perfect and upright, to fear God, and to eschew evil.  As long as those priorities are in order, hell can't defeat you.  As Solomon said, "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil" (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).  Read the whole story, not just the beginning and end.  The meat of the matter is in the middle.

Sing: Let me walk with You, Jesus, don't ever leave me alone.  For without You I could never, no never make heaven my home.

Thought for Today:  The position of God in your life doesn't change because of your suffering.  

2015 October 24 - Morning Manna

And in that day thou shalt say, O LORD, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me. Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation. (Isaiah 12:1-3)

Today's Morsel:  I don't have the strength to go on.  I don't have the strength to put up with it anymore.  I don't have the strength to face him ever again.  I don't have the strength to tell her.  I don't have the strength to pick that up.  Please pray my strength in the Lord.  Have you ever heard those comments?  Why is it that some are strengthened and strong while others are feeble and weak?  Why do some have the strength to continue on under adversity while others do not?  Eleanor Roosevelt said, "You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face." There are going to come those times that you have to overcome fear so that you will be stronger in your walk and relationship with God.  John said that if we fear we are not made perfect in love.  Isaiah said that the LORD JEHOVAH was his strength and song; and also his salvation.  When we know God and worship Him, He gives us strength to carry on.  "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world" (1 John 4:4).  Draw your strength from the Lord and you will always be able to go on. 

Sing:  The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous run in to it, and they are safe; The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous run in to it, and they are safe.  Blessed be the name of the Lord.   Blessed be the name of the Lord,  Most High.  Blessed be the name of the Lord.  Blessed be the name of the Lord,  Blessed be the name of the Lord Most High.

Thought for Today: "You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face."  Eleanor Roosevelt. 

2015 October 23 - Morning Manna

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)

Today's Morsel:  Henry Ward Beecher said, "It's not work that kills men, it is worry."  Why do so many people worry about things that they have no control over.  We can't control the weather.  We can't control what other people do.  We can't control airlines, trains, and transportation delays; and we for sure can't control death.  So why do we worry about all these things.  We should only be concerned about the things that we can control.  Like our attitudes, our actions, and our eternal salvation.  Paul said, "We should be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."   So let me encourage you today, don't sweat the small stuff.  Just keep your focus on those things you can control and you will be at peace with yourself.

Sing:  Many things about tomorrow, I don't seem to understand, but I know who holds tomorrow and I know who holds my hand.

Thought for Today: "It is not work that kills men, it is worry." Henry Ward Beecher.

2015 October 22 - Morning Manna

"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day" (Genesis 1:1-5).

Today's Morsel:   A few days ago, my wife and I drove to another church in our District to celebrate in their 50th year church anniversary.  They went back to the old church building that they had some of their first services in.  Many of the first pastors and saints returned to tell  stories of the church, their salvation that took place there, stories of their weddings that had taken place in that building, and many other memories were shared.  It was an exciting time for so many.  We should all be ready to share the story about the place, time, and date that God saved us.  Our personal testimony should be one of the things that we often talk about.  The first five books of the Bible are really just sharing with us what God did.  The first five verses of Genesis chapter 1 are God putting into place the New Testament plan of salvation.  It says that He divided the light from the darkness.  And that is what salvation is.  When God saves you, He takes you out of darkness and brings you into His marvelous light.  Do you remember the first day you were saved?  Don't ever forget your testimony.  Tell it often and share it with as many as will listen. 

Sing: Somebody ought to testify, Somebody ought to testify; for God I'll live, for God I'll die, somebody ought testify.

Thought for Today:  Don't ever forget the day God brought you out of darkness.

2015 October 21 - Morning Manna

And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be. And I will bless her, and give thee a son also of her: yea, I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of people shall be of her. Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, Shall a child be born unto him that is an hundred years old? and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear? And Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before thee! And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.
(Genesis 17:15-19)

Today's Morsel:  Isaac Bashevis Singer, Polish American writer said, "Doubt is part of all religion."  And that is true.  We see that Abraham doubted God that he and Sarah would have a child now that they were well past age.  Thomas doubted that Jesus had risen from the grave (John 20:24-29).  The disciples doubted that God could feed the multitude with two fish and five loaves (John 6:9).  Jesus asked Peter why did he doubt when he was walking on the water because of the winds and the waves (Matthew 14:31).  And even on the Day of Pentecost, they were amazed and in doubt after they saw the out pouring of the Holy Ghost with 120 speaking in tongues in the the upper room (Acts 2:12).  Even though doubt is part of all religion, we cannot allow doubt to hinder us in believing what God says in His word.

Sing:  If you trust God and never doubt, He will surely bring you out, God promised in His word, and it will never pass away.

Thought for Today:  Don't allow doubt to hinder you from believing God's word.

2015 October 20 - Morning Manna

And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about. And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all. And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.
(Luke 4:14-19)

Today's Morsel: One of the most important things to learn before traveling to a foreign country, is to gain an understanding of that country's customs and courtesies. What may be done in your country may not be allowed in another.  Luke said that one of Jesus' custom was that on the Sabbath day He went to church.  If we say that we are Christians and believe in Jesus Christ, then we should follow His example, we should have the same custom of going to church.   As chosen children of God, we must have an appetite for the things of God.  Prayer, worship, reading the word, witnessing of God's goodness to others, and understanding true Christian customs and courtesies should top our appetite list.  If God calls for us to be holy, then be assured one of heaven's customs is holiness.  Spend time gaining an understanding of the customs and courtesies of the Kingdom of God.

Sing:  Show me Your ways, that way I may walk with You. Show me Your ways, I put my hope in You.

The cry of my heart is to love You more, to live with the touch of  Your hand, stronger each day, show me Your way. 

Thought for Today: Holiness is a custom of God. 

2015 October 19 - Morning Manna

Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day: Lest when thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelt therein; And when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied; Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the LORD thy God, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage; Who led thee through that great and terrible wilderness, wherein were fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where there was no water; who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint; Who fed thee in the wilderness with manna, which thy fathers knew not, that he might humble thee, and that he might prove thee, to do thee good at thy latter end; And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth. (Deuteronomy 8:11-17)

Today's Morsel:  Marie-Jeanne Riccooni, 18th-century French writer said, "Fortune does not change men; it only unmasks them."  Isn't it amazing what wealth does to some people?  So many seem to forget the Lord when their wealth increases.  For some unknown reason, when people get better jobs or reach certain levels of status in life, their real colors appear.  What is it about wealth and fame that reveals a person's true identity?  Is this God's way of showing us who we really are within?  Is it His way of allowing us to see who we really are?  Even Jesus said after observing the giving in the synagogue that they had only given out of their abundance while the poor widow gave all (Luke 21:1-4).  As Christians, our wealth and fame should reveal only Christ to the world around us, and nothing else.   Our change should have already taken place at the altar of repentance.  If you were to ask yourself, Who is this behind this mask I'm wearing?; you can rest assured fortune will reveal it to you.  Hopefully your finances reveal it is Christ in you.

Sing:  It's my desire to live for Jesus.  It's my desire to be like Him.  You can take this world's  wealth and riches, I don't need earth's fame; it's my desire to live for Him.

Thought for Today: Who is this behind this mask I'm wearing?  Hopefully your finances reveal it is Christ.

2015 October 17 - Morning Manna

"Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it" (Ephesians 5:21-25)

Today's Morsel:  One of the things about marriage is that most couples don't realize that they are each responsible for the success and failure of the marriage.  I have seen a future wife not return for counseling sessions because I share with them the scripture that wives are to submit themselves to their own husbands as unto the Lord.  They already have in their minds that they are not going to allow their future husband to tell them what to do.  This marriage is set for failure before it ever gets started.  The reason for godly marriage counsel is so each person has a clear understanding of God requires of them to help them have a successful marriage.  As Solomon said, "Get wisdom and with all thy getting get an understanding" (Proverbs 4:7) . A woman is not surrendering her authority when she submits to her husband.  She is submitting to his spiritual leadership as head of household as her protector and as her provider.  But Paul also tells the husband to love his wife as himself.  One of the ways a women can tell if a man loves himself is by his character and wisdom.  This is what a women should be looking for in a man before she marries him in the first place.   She should be checking for godly character and godly wisdom.  If she doesn't see these things, she should avoid the relationship from the very start.  The same holds true for the man.  If a man doesn't see submission by a woman to her spiritual head which is to Jesus, to her father, and her pastor,  he should also avoid the relationship.  The requirements for a good marriage come from God not man.  God ordained marriage, and He set things in order for success.

Sing: I love you! I love you! I love you! What more can I say, but that I truly love you.  And I'll try to live my life so that it says it too; I love you! I love you! I truly love you.

Thought for Today: "Can two walk together, except they be agreed?" (Amos 3:3)

2015 October 16 - Morning Manna

"For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God." (Romans 8:24-27)

Today's Morsel:  You know, scripture has a lot to say about hope.  Paul places it in the category with faith and love.  Someone penned a song which says, "Faith, hope, and charity that's the way to live successfully. How do I know? The Bible tells me so."  Paul said, "For we are saved by hope."  In other words, if we are looking for that eternal glory and the soon coming of the Lord, we must have hope and patiently wait for it.  Paul also tells us that the thing which was written before was written for our example, that we through patience and comfort of the scripture might find hope (Romans 15:4).  God's word is a great source of hope for us.  We are told to study and apply it (2 Timothy 2:15, James 1:22).  Solomon admonishes, "Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life" (Proverbs 13:12).  Jesus is always at the end of hope.  We know He is the tree of life.

Sing:  Faith, hope, and charity that's the way to live successfully. How do I know? The Bible tells me so.

Thought for Today:  Jesus is always at the end of hope. He is the tree of life.

2015 October 15 - Morning Manna

"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God"
 (2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1)

Today's Morsel:  If I had to choose which sport I like best it would probably be football.  And that is because I played the game.  But in the game of football, both offense and defense can be flagged for certain infractions.  Some of the infractions are:  Offsides, holding, tripping,  premeditated celebration, and excessive celebration.  Let me share with you how they apply to the church.  OFFSIDES:  If you are yoked with unbelievers, fellowshipping with the unrighteous,  in a relationship with darkness, and eating at Satan's table, you are guilty of being offsides.  HOLDING: If you aren't paying tithes, giving offerings, and you are clutching your purse or wallet when offering time comes, you are guilty of holding.  TRIPPING: If you think darkness is light and light is darkness, and you think you can do what the world does and make it to heaven, you are tripping. PREMEDITATED CELEBRATION:  If you make up your mind to skip church to go to the game, go to some amusement park, or go do anything other than being at the house of God, you are guilty of premeditated celebration. EXCESSIVE CELEBRATION:  This penalty should be thrown on every Christian every day.   When we think of the goodness of Jesus and all He has done for us, our souls should cry out HALLELUJAH, praise God for saving me.

Sing: When I think of the goodness of Jesus, and all He has done for me, my soul cries out, hallelujah, praise God for saving me. 

2015 October 14 - Morning Manna

There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. (Proverbs 14:12)

Today's Morsel:  The Global Positioning System (GPS) seems to be what most people use for traveling these days.  It is a good tool and I'm glad that we have one.  It sure makes it easier to find our direction and destination.  But there is one thing it doesn't work for.  And that is showing us how to get to heaven.  There is no GPS for that.  But there is a B- I-B-L-E that has the directions from earth all the way to glory.  We just have to read it and obey it.  The wise men followed the star in search of Jesus and they  found Him.   If we follow that Bright and Morning Star,  we'll find Him too and we will even find our way home. Checked your map lately?

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

Thought for Today:  If you follow Jesus, you'll blaze a path for someone else to follow, too.

2015 October 13 - Morning Manna

So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk. Now Eli the priest sat upon a seat by a post of the temple of the LORD. And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore. And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head. And it came to pass, as she continued praying before the LORD, that Eli marked her mouth. Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken. And Eli said unto her, How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy wine from thee. And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD. Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto. Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him. And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad. And they rose up in the morning early, and worshipped before the LORD, and returned, and came to their house to Ramah: and Elkanah knew Hannah his wife; and the LORD remembered her. Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the LORD." (1 Samuel 1:9-20).

Today's Morsel: I often wonder if the reason some of our prayers aren't answered is because God isn't getting anything out of it.  We pray and ask God for a job, and then we won't tithe or give offerings.  We ask for a child and then you don't train them for the ministry or even bring them to church.  We ask God to heal us, and then we seek for jobs and do things outside the church  with our time.  When Hannah asked God for a son, she said, "O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head."  God answered her prayer because He got something out of it.  He got a prophet.  Hannah fulfilled her promise.  God knew her heart.  And He knows ours, too. I just wonder what would happen if we prayed as Hannah did and then kept our vows.  Solomon said, "When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay. Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel, that it was an error: wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thine hands?"(Ecclesiastes 5:4-6).  I want God to get something out of all my prayers from this day forth. What about you?

Sing:  Hear my cry, oh Lord, attend unto my prayer, from the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, and when my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to that rock that is higher than I, so much higher than I.

Thought for Today:  What will God get if He answers your prayer?

2015 October 12 - Morning Manna

By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. (Hebrews 11:8-10)

Today's Morsel:  Today we celebrate Columbus Day.  Columbus Day was first recognized as a legal holiday in the United States through the lobbying of Angelo Noce, a first generation Italian, in Denver.  The first statewide Columbus Day holiday was proclaimed by Colorado governor Jesse F. McDonald in 1905, and it was made a statutory holiday in 1907.  In April 1934, as a result of lobbying by the Knights of Columbus and New York City Italian leader Generso Pople, Congress and President Franklin Delano Roosevelt proclaimed October 12 a federal holiday under the name Columbus Day.

 Somewhat like Abraham, Columbus felt a call to seek for a new country.  I'm sure he was a bit apprehensive about his new journey the same as Abraham was.  I am sure many probably tried to get Columbus to turn around after days of no sight of land.  But maybe Columbus had read the book of Hebrews and read where it said of the Patriarchs,  "These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city" (Hebrews 11:13-16).  Columbus discovered America because he didn't turn back.  You will not find that heavenly city unless you keep looking and seeking.  If you turn back, you will never make it.

Sing:  There's a country far beyond the starry skies, there's a city where there never comes a night, if we're faithful we shall go there by and by, tis the city where the Lamb is the Light.

Thought for Today:  If you are seeking that holy city, don't turn back. It's closer than you think. 

2015 October 10 - Morning Manna

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

(Hebrews 11:1)

Today' Morsel:  Last month, our local church's monthly theme was "Now Faith."  I told them that I was going to do a play on words and show them why they needed "Faith Now."   Two of the reasons I told them why they need "Faith Now" was because of discouragement and contingency.  Discouragement can oftentimes appear without warning and catch us unaware.  Someone says something that hurts us.  We lose our job. We don't get hired for a job.  The death of a loved one or friend.  These are just a few of the things that can shake our faith and bring discouragement.  And so this is why we need "Faith Now".  When these type things happen  to us, we have to be able to retain our trust and confidence in God to see us through.   And the other was because of contingency.  Job, Daniel, Joshua, and Paul were men who had "Now Faith" for contingency.   Job said that he had heard about how things happen to others (Job 3:25-26), and he prepared.  Daniel prayed  three times daily (Daniel 6).   Joshua was obedient and believed God under Moses' leadership and it proved profitable in his own leadership later (Joshua 10).  And Paul was able to recall his faith on the ship to Rome (Acts 27).  They built their faith in God before those unforeseeable events of trouble happened in their lives.  As Christians, we are told that we are going to suffer persecution, face hatred, fiery trials, and rejection.  Knowing this, shouldn't we build up our faith in God now so that when these things come we do not lose heart become hopeless?  "But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life" Jude said (Jude 1:20-21).  How's your faith now?  Are you building it up for "then"?

Sing: Faith, Faith, Faith, just a little bit of faith; Faith, Faith, Faith, just a little bit of faith.  You don't need a whole lot, just use what you've got; Faith, Faith, Faith, just a little bit of faith.

 Thought for Today: "Above all, taking the shield of faith wherewith you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked" (Apostle Paul).

2015 October 9 - Morning Manna

Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. (Ephesians 5:1-11)

Today's Morsel: What do you use to determine if you will have a relationship with people?  Many people do not consider the consequence of a relationship until it is too late.  People marry thinking they are entering a great relationship only to find out later that it was a huge mistake.  Some share their hearts with people thinking it's a good relationship only to find out what they said to the person is known by so many others.  If you rush into a relationship, someone is most likely going to get hurt.  Solomon's mother told him to choose carefully those he associated with (Proverbs 1:10-15).  Paul tells us to have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.  Let me share with you three ways to ensure a good relationship:  1. Look for people who have a strong relationship with God;  2. Look for people who are strong in their obedience to God;  3. Look for people who have strong confidence in God.   If any one of these three are missing, it's not a good relationship for you to become involved in.

Sing:  Jesus hold my hand, Lord I need Thee every hour. Through this pilgrim land, protect me by Thy saving power. Hear my feeble plea, oh Lord, look down on me, when I kneel in prayer, I know I'll meet you there, blessed Jesus hold my hand.

Thought for Today:  Can you relate to the person you are with on a ship?  If not, then it's probably not a good relationship, because loose lips sink ships.

2015 October 8 - Morning Manna

For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
(2 Corinthians 6:2)

Today's Morsel:  How much thought do you put on the word "Now"?   Most people that read the Bible go through their day not  giving too much thought to the word "Now".  The word "Now" can mean that something has already happened or that we need to do something ourselves now.  A parent who is upset with their child's wrong behavior may say, "I want you to do what I told you, NOW!!!!"; calling for immediate action on the child's part.  American playwright Arthur Miller said,  "The word 'Now' is like a bomb through the window, and it ticks."   Paul said that now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.  I think he meant that because tomorrow is not promised we need to act now because it is the accepted time.  It means to do it right now.  Do you need salvation in your life today?  If so, today, NOW, is the time. Read and apply Acts 2:38-42, as that is what 3,000 people did on the Day of Pentecost when they were told to save themselves from this untoward generation. They acted immediately upon the "Now" that Peter spoke of.  Accepting salvation  now can prevent accepting hell later?

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

We shall see the King, we shall see the King, we shall see the King when He comes, He's coming in power, we'll hail the blessed hour, we shall see the King when He comes.

Thought for Today: "The word "Now is like a bomb through the window, and it ticks."  Arthur Miller, American playwright

2015 October 7 - Morning Manna

And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God? And the people answered him after this manner, saying, So shall it be done to the man that killeth him. And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle. And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause? (1 Samuel 17:26-29)

Today's Morsel:  One of the things the army teaches you in Rifle Marksmanship is how to apply "immediate action" to get your weapon firing again should it ever fail to fire.  They give you this training in basic training so that you can apply it on the battlefield or in combat if needed.  There are so many things that the army teaches that I find myself using even now on a continual basis.  For example, most soldiers that come on an accident know how to apply first aid, they know what to do because it is part of their continual training.  King David had understanding that no one was to disrespect the God of Israel.  And so when he heard Goliath cursing and defying the army and God of Israel, he took immediate action to correct the problem. And God destroyed his enemy for him.  Whether we like it or not, there are going to be times that we need to take immediate action to correct unwanted problems and circumstances.  If we prepare now, we will be ready when  those times come. Training in times of peace prepare us for the days of combat.

Sing:  God's got an army marching through the land, deliverance is their song, there's healing in their hands, with everlasting joy and gladness in their heart, and in this army I've got a part.

Thought for Today:  The more sweat in peace, the less blood in combat.

2015 October 6 - Morning Manna

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

(Ephesians 6:10)

Today's Morsel:  Being a born again believer for over 30 years now and walking in truth, I have had plenty of time to observe new and not so new believers in Christ.  One of the things that I find, is that those who are strong in the Lord are more obedient to the things of God and to those who God has placed over them.  When one is strong in the things that they love most, they will be obedient and discipline themselves to remain strong in that area.  If we say that we love God, then we should be strong in Him and obedient to Him.  The apostle Paul calls for us to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.  If we eat from the word of God daily and give ourselves to exercising our mind with wisdom, knowledge and understanding of that word, we will be strong and obedient in the things of the Lord.  Have you done any spiritual body building lately?

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:  Obedience begins with strengthening oneself in the Lord.

2015 October 5 - Morning Manna

The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear? (Proverbs 18:14)

Today's Morsel:  I was talking with a friend a few days ago about all the different illnesses in the world today. Every disease you can think of is before us.  It seems that new illnesses are being named and reported on a daily basis.  And the system seems to be trying to find a cure for all of them.   Then add to that all the unrest in the world, and in the home, many are being wounded in their spirits.  One of the most deadly diseases is a wounded spirit.   A wounded spirit will always be with you unless you allow Jesus to heal you of it.  There is no doctor that can diagnosis any type of medication for it.  They may prescribe different kinds  of pills and drugs, but this disease is not cured by drug.  It is only cured by God.  "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new" (2 Corinthians 5:17).  Is your spirit wounded?  Are you carrying around past hurts or perhaps present hurts?  Then why not allow Jesus the opportunity to perform what He said that He came to do.  For He said, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord" (Luke 4:18-19).  Believe me, He is the only cure for this disease.  Jesus can make you whole.

Sing:  He touched me!  He touched me!  And oh the joy that floods my soul, something happened, and now I know, Jesus touched me and He made me whole.

Thought for Today:  Jesus is still the answer for the world today. 

2015 October 3 - Morning Manna

"For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness" (Colossians 1:9-11)

  

Today's Morsel: Now that I am getting older, I've had to change my physical activities to more walking than running.  I've learned that the continual pounding on the old knees isn't to good for me.   I find more scriptures about walking than I do running anyhow.  We are told to walk in the spirit and we will not fulfill the lust of our flesh (Galatians 5:16).  The Lord told Abraham in Genesis 13:17 to "Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give it unto thee."  And then, "When Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect" (Genesis 17:1). And Abraham is called a friend of God.  Paul told the church at Colossi, "For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness." When we walk according to God's word, we will be blessed in our deeds.  Why not give walking a try, walking with the Lord that is.

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: "Walk on , walk on, with hope in your heart, and you'll never walk alone" (Oscar Hammerstein)

2015 October 2 - Morning Manna

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. (Jeremiah 29:11)

Today's Morsel:  Sometimes I reflect on my life and I ask myself why didn't I pursue acting.  When I was in school I liked acting in school plays.  I was even asked once about trying out for a part in" Driving Miss Daisy" here in La Crosse at the Community Theater, but I didn't do it.   Ashleigh Brillant, British cartoonist said, "My life has a superb cast, but I can't figure out the plot."  The Lord said through the prophet Jeremiah, "I know the thoughts that I think toward you. Thoughts of peace, and not evil, to give you an expected end."  One of the surest ways to find what God thinks about us is to read and perform His word.  When we do, we see also what role He wants us to play in this life.

Sing:  Aren't you getting just a bit tired, of fooling around? You're trying to act you way through this life but you are not gaining ground. Why not try the Lord today, just ask Him in your heart to stay, and you'll find Jesus' love to be the greatest gift that you've ever found.

   Jesus got a hold of my life and He won't let me go. Jesus got in to my heart, He got in to my soul. I used to be oh so sad, but now I happy, free and I'm glad, cause Jesus got a hold of my life and He won't let me go.

Thought for Today:  Find the part Jesus has for you, and perform it.

2015 October 1 - Morning Manna

And it came to pass after these things, that Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard, which was in Jezreel, hard by the palace of Ahab king of Samaria. And Ahab spake unto Naboth, saying, Give me thy vineyard, that I may have it for a garden of herbs, because it is near unto my house: and I will give thee for it a better vineyard than it; or, if it seem good to thee, I will give thee the worth of it in money. And Naboth said to Ahab, The LORD forbid it me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee. And Ahab came into his house heavy and displeased because of the word which Naboth the Jezreelite had spoken to him: for he had said, I will not give thee the inheritance of my fathers. And he laid him down upon his bed, and turned away his face, and would eat no bread. But Jezebel his wife came to him, and said unto him, Why is thy spirit so sad, that thou eatest no bread? And he said unto her, Because I spake unto Naboth the Jezreelite, and said unto him, Give me thy vineyard for money; or else, if it please thee, I will give thee another vineyard for it: and he answered, I will not give thee my vineyard.
 (1 Kings 21:1-6)

Today's Morsel: One of the greatest lessons we can learn in life at the earliest stage is that of contentment with what we already have.  When we want or lust after what others have it is sure to lead us into heartache and trouble.  Ahab was a king.  He had more than what one could probably ask for.  But he wanted Naboth's vineyard.  And when he didn't give it to him or trade with him, he became sad and downtrodden.  James said that when lust is conceived, it will bring forth sin, and when sin is finish it will bring forth death.  Anything that causes you to be heartbroken because you can't have it will surely lead you to sin and make wrong choices.  Do not err my beloved brethren.  Be content with the things you have been given.

Sing:  Jesus, You know what's best for me. So lead on, Jesus, I'll go wherever You lead.

Thought for Today:  "Self-Pity in its early stage is as snug as a feather mattress.  Only when it hardens does it become uncomfortable."  Maya Angelou, American writer.