9 February 2010 - Morning Manna

But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works (2 Corinthians 11:12-15).

Today’s Morsel: Beware of terrorist groups in church. Latest news reports are that five terrorist cell groups have been operating in many of our churches. They have been identified as: Bin Sleeping, Bin Arguing, Bin Fighting, Bin Complaining, and Bin Missing. Their leader, Lucifer Bin Working, trained these groups to destroy the body of Christ. The plan is to come into the church disguised as Christians and to work within the church to discourage, disrupt, and destroy. However, there have been reports of a sixth group. A tiny cell known by the name Bin Praying is actually the only effective counter terrorism force in the church. Unlike other terrorist cells, the Bin Praying team does not blend in with whoever and whatever comes along. Bin Praying does whatever is needed to uplift and encourage the body of Christ. We have noticed that the Bin Praying cell group has different characteristics than the others. They have Bin Watching, Bin Waiting, Bin Fasting, and Bin Longing for their Master, Jesus Christ to return. NO CHURCH IS EXEMPT! (However, you can spot them if you bin looking and bin going.)

Can you identify the true workers of the Lord from the false ones? The apostle Paul said “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” Let me encourage you today, get into the Word of God study to ensure that you aren’t being lead by false prophets and teachers of Satan. Remember, Satan knows the Word of God and can preach a good message, too. But if you have been studying and have a strong relationship with Jesus, you’ll be able to identify them by the little things that they say and do. So keep you heart with all diligence for out of it are the issues of life.

Sing: There is none like you, no one else can touch my heart like you do; I can search throughout eternity long and find, there is none like you.

8 February 2010 - Morning Manna

And the children of Israel did so: and Joseph gave them wagons, according to the commandment of Pharaoh, and gave them provision for the way. To all of them he gave each man changes of raiment; but to Benjamin he gave three hundred pieces of silver, and five changes of raiment. And to his father he sent after this manner; ten asses laden with the good things of Egypt, and ten she asses laden with corn and bread and meat for his father by the way. So he sent his brethren away, and they departed: and he said unto them, See that ye fall not out by the way (Genesis 45:21-24).

Today’s Mosel: When I first joined the Army, they would always use the guys that were overweight to be the road guards. The road guard's purpose was to run ahead of the formation as fast as possible to the intersections or road crossings to stop the traffic. The Drill Instructors felt that by making the overweight soldiers run often it would help them lose weight. I can remember once when one of the guys in our platoon was called upon to take his post as road guard, but he was not present. He had fallen out by the way. He couldn’t take all the running that was required of him. Like that road guard, many people are carrying too much weight of the world and cares of their past, and they aren’t able to be where they are supposed to be when they are called upon, because they have fallen out by the way. I’m sure that many of you have seen people that come into the church and they are immediately on fire for the Lord, but all of a sudden they wane and you don’t see them anymore and you wonder what happened to them. Well the answer lies in the fact that they fell out by the way. They allowed something to pull them off the pathway. When Joseph sent his brothers to go get his father Jacob he told them, “See that ye fall not out by the way.” In other words, don’t you allow anything to stop you or cause you to stop along the way. We must not allow anything to pull us off the path that Jesus has placed us upon. We are heading to our heavenly home and there will be things trying to tempt you, but as the apostle Peter tell us,” Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you” (1 Peter 5:6-10). So stay the course and do not fall out by the way, there is a great reward waiting for you.

Sing: For me for me for me, there’s a mansion there for me, in glory land so bright and far, where the victory crown I soon shall wear; come and go with me, for I won't be back you see, if anybody’s gonna be happy over there it’s me me me me me.

6 February 2010 - Morning Manna

And they took Joseph's coat, and killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the coat in the blood; And they sent the coat of many colours, and they brought it to their father; and said, This have we found: know now whether it be thy son's coat or no. And he knew it, and said, It is my son's coat; an evil beast hath devoured him; Joseph is without doubt rent in pieces. And Jacob rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his loins, and mourned for his son many days. And all his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted; and he said, For I will go down into the grave unto my son mourning. Thus his father wept for him. And the Midianites sold him into Egypt unto Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh's, and captain of the guard (Genesis 37:31-36).

Today’s Morsel: When Joseph's brothers wanted to deceive their father Jacob for their error of hating and selling their brother Joseph into slavery, they took his coat of many colors and dipped it into blood to make it appear as though a wild animal had killed him. Joseph's brothers took his garment from him. I wonder if Joseph's brothers cast lots upon his coat before they decided to dip it with blood to see who would get it. They dipped his coat in blood. Why blood? The apostle John's writing in the book of Revelation speaking of Jesus said, “And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God” (Revelations 19:13). Joseph's brothers saw him as their enemy because he would tell his father of their evil doings. Why not rip his coat into pieces? Because this garment was special the same way as Jesus' garment was special. Joseph is a type and shadow of Jesus Christ. David said of Jesus, “They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture” (Psalms 22:18). Matthew completes the fulfillment by writing, “And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots” (Matthew 27:35). Because Joseph's coat was of many colors, it represented the body of Christ, as Jesus is no respecter of persons. Therefore, every born again believer who has repented of their sins and is baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of those sins has been dipped in His blood. “And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission” (Hebrews 9:22). Joseph was sold for 20 pieces of silver. Jesus was sold for 30 pieces of silver. Joseph was sold into slavery, Jesus was crucified. And this happened all because of hatred for them both. But both Joseph and Jesus were sent forth by God to preserve life. And as Paul Harvey would say, and now you know the rest of the story.

Sing: The blood that Jesus shed for me, way back on Calvary, it's the blood that gives me strength, from day to day, it will never lose its power. For it reaches, to the highest mountain, and it flows to the lowest valley, it’s the blood, that gives me strength, from day, to day, it will never lose its power.

5 February 2010 - Morning Manna

Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish (Proverbs 12:1).

Today’s Morsel: How many of you would say that you always follow the instructions? I have come to realize that very few people follow instructions given to them. I’m sure that some of you may have attended a school course and the instructor, wanting to see if you were paying attention to his instructions, gave you this so called fast test. When he said go, people were running and jumping, calling out their name, and so on and so forth, and when they finished and read the instructions again, it just said, "Read through the entire test before doing anything." And then the last question on the test said to only sign the paper and turn it in. The word Bible stands for, “Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth.” Therefore, we need to follow what it tells us to do. Solomon said,"Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge." Knowledge is all that can be known. It’s all the information, facts, truths, and principles we can learn throughout our time. Solomon also said, “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding” (Proverbs 9:9-10). When God says to us, you have not obeyed My word, He’s saying, you have not followed the instructions I’ve given you. A man’s ways are cleansed by the Word of God. God knows what’s best for us, and so He gave us instructions to follow. I have come to realize that most problems, circumstances, and hardships that come a Christians way, are often because they do not follow Biblical instructions. If “neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12), should not all Christians have the same way for people to be saved? There cannot be more than one way. Let me leave you with a question today. Is your salvation based on Biblical instructions or man’s instructions? Who's instructions are you following?

Sing: Saved! Saved! Saved! I’m happy on my way. Saved! Saved! Saved! I love Him more each day. Saved! Saved! Saved! I know He’s mine each hour, cause He saves and He keeps and He satisfies me by His power!

4 February 2010 - Morning Manna

Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway (1 Corinthians 9:24-27).

Today’s Morsel: If you know anything about the Olympics or follow the Olympics, it’s the chance of a lifetime for the athlete to win a crown. When those participates enter the field, they know that they have to give it their all if they in every way to stand a chance of being in the winner’s circle at the end. The same is true for the Christian. We have to give it our all. A false start, enhanced drug usage, illegal promotional contracts, and many other things can disqualify a participant in the Olympics. False doctrine, traditions, philosophies, and continual usage of the world’s ways can disqualify a Christian in this race. Using this analogy of a race Paul said, “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.” Every believer is in this race, the race for eternal life. And we are running for the finish line. And we must cross to win. But the rules in this race are a little different than a natural race. The only person you are running against is yourself. This race will test your integrity as you run. It will test just how honest you are with yourself. It will also test your endurance, self-control, discipline, patience, and your faith. You only get one shot to cross the finish line. So my question to you today is this, will the crowd of witnesses which have gone on before us cheer as you cross the finish line or will they hang their head in shame? What will Jesus say to you? Will He say, "Well done, thy good and faith servant", or will He say "Who did hinder you that you should not have obeyed the truth."

Sing: Many once started to run in this race, but with our Redeemer they could not keep pace; others accepted because it was new, but not very many seem bound to go through.

But I’m going through, yes, I’m going through, I’ll pay the price, whatever others do; I’ll take the way, with the Lord’s despised few; I started out with Jesus, and I’m going through.

3 February 2010 - Morning Manna

And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way. And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time? And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding. So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine. And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters. And they that kept them fled, and went their ways into the city, and told every thing, and what was befallen to the possessed of the devils. And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart out of their coasts (Matthew 8:28-34).

Today’s Morsel: When the demons asked Jesus to let them go into the swine, I wonder if this is where the term “Deviled ham” came from? Sometime when you read through scripture we can get some good humor, as laughter is the best medicine for the soul.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t like it when I hear saints of God glorifying the devil at every turn in their life by saying what the devil is doing to them. Why so much elevation of the enemy? Are they not aware that each time they glorify and elevate the enemy of their soul they give him ammunition to defeat them and other weak Christians as well? When they do such things, either they themselves are outside of the sheepfold or they do not have a strong relationship with Jesus. You see, people who glorify the devil by talking about what the devil is doing in their life instead of what Jesus is doing in their life do not understand their God. People who do this are working and operating in their own strength and power and have forgotten that Jesus gave them power over every enemy of their soul. In Matthew 10, scripture says, “And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease…. And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give” ((Matthew 10:1;7-8). Are you a disciple of Jesus? Friend, if you say that you are a born again believer, you must be it in more than just word only, you must be it in action and demonstration of God’s Spirit and power working in and through your life. The same way the devils begged Jesus to let them go into the swine, they should be requesting the same thing from you when you step on the scene.

Sing: God is great, and greatly to be praised, God is great in my soul. God is great, and greatly to be praised, God is great in my soul.

2 February 2010 - Morning Manna

Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly. And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. (Matthew 6:1-13)

Today’s Morsel: I’m sure if you have been around the church for long, you’ve heard a lot about prayer and the importance of prayer. Why did Jesus place so much emphasis on prayer? Part of Jesus’ teaching to His disciples was be careful how you pray. What did Jesus see in the temple that He was displeased with? What did He see when He saw the two men praying, that He felt that He needed to use as a teaching point for His disciples? Apparently, one of them was focused on himself in his praying, while the other was more focused on his repentance. There are many books and lessons that can be purchased to teach about prayer and how to pray, but Jesus gives us the best example when He said, "Enter into your secret closest, and close the door and there pray." Your secret closest is within yourself. In other words, you do not have to yell and scream at the top of your voice when you pray to make someone think that you are spiritual. In many ways, praying is a quiet time alone with just you and the Lord; you talking with Him and Him talking with you. If you are talking one on one with the Lord, I don’t think you focus on yourself and your achievements, I think you need to listen to what He desires to impart unto you. I don’t believe that you have to yell and scream at Him to get your point across. I believe that this is what Jesus wanted us to see in these two men's prayer lives.

The apostle asked Jesus, "Lord teach us to pray even as John taught His disciples to pray." Were they looking for a way of how to pray? Were they wanting to know what to say when they prayed? Did they see Jesus praying and they wanted to emulate His actions in their praying? Did they notice that Jesus accomplished great things after He prayed? Prayer, more than anything else, is communication with God and intercession for others. Jesus already knows the things that we have need of, therefore, we shouldn’t have to elevate ourselves during our pray time, nor ask Him for things for ourselves. I think that we should thank Him in advance for providing the things we have need of and for hearing our prayer for others. The key to feeling good about your prayer time is when you depart and you know that you have been in the presence of the Lord.

Sing: Someone is praying for you. Someone is praying for you, when you feel you're alone, and your heart would break in two; remember, someone is praying for you.