2010 November 2 - Morning Manna

"A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit "(Proverbs 15:4)

Today's Morsel:  When I arrived in Vietnam for combat duty, we were first given an orientation on how the enemy can breach our parameters.  It was amazing to watch how the enemy could get through razor sharp concertina wire.  One guy would slowly and tediously open a hole big enough for the others to easily get through and into the parameter without being seen, and it would be through this breach in the defense that many enemy soldiers would come and destroy lives and material.

Satan's goal is to establish a breach in your defense.  Solomon said, "A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit."  How we speak can bring about life to others.  But if we use our words incorrectly or perversely, we have a breach (an opening) in our spirit for the enemy to enter through.  Somehow we have allowed the enemy to get inside.  Somehow we have allowed the works of the flesh to manifest themselves within us.  Therefore, we need to search our hearts and ensure that the gap is repaired and filled so that no other enemies can come in.   Solomon tells us to guard our hearts for out of it are the issues of life.  We must become as the psalmist when he prayed,  "Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips" (Psalms 141:3).  Sticks and stones do break bones and words sure do hurt.

  

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

2010 November 1 - Morning Manna

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows (1 Timothy 6:6-10).

Today's Morsel: Are you content with your life?  We like to say, “Change my circumstances and then I’ll be happy.”  James says, “Draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh to you."  If I allow God to get close to me, He will take care of my circumstances.   We have to learn to serve God where we are until He clearly calls us elsewhere.  It’s not wrong to better yourself, but more money or a new position doesn’t necessarily mean a better situation nor a change in your outlook.  Jesus said, "But seek ye first the Kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you." That’s the key to coming into the knowledge and knowing God’s will.  If I’m going to live for God, I can do that at any place or at any location.  I use to have people ask me, "How can you serve God in the military?" And I would reply, "The same way you serve God at Wal-mart, K-mart, Burger King or at any other location, I made up my mind."  You see, I can be content driving a Dodge or Cadillac; while living in a nice home or a military tent.  I can be content serving God whether I'm in Okinawa Japan, or 29 palms  California.  I can serve God single or married.  It doesn’t matter. The ball is in my court and I can choose to serve or let it pass.  It's up to me.  Therefore, I conclude that, contentment is totally up to me.   So the issue is not God nor is it my circumstances, but me, myself, and I.  It doesn't matter if ya person a cook, cleaner, clerk, painter, bank teller, washes the sheets, keeps the lawn, tends the animals, or serves the meals and bus tables, etc.  What does it matter what we are asked to do?  Nothing!  All children of God are honored in His sight no matter what our occupataion or location in this life.  Jesus said, "But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat? And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink? Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not. So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do" (Luke 17:9-10).   So no matter your location or your position in life, keep your eyes on Jesus and keep Him first in your life.  Do all heartily as on to the Lord, and just say that was my duty and then you will be content.

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

2010 October 30 - Morning Manna

 Then Job answered and said, Even to day is my complaint bitter: my stroke is heavier than my groaning. Oh that I knew where I might find him! that I might come even to his seat! I would order my cause before him, and fill my mouth with arguments. I would know the words which he would answer me, and understand what he would say unto me. Will he plead against me with his great power? No; but he would put strength in me. There the righteous might dispute with him; so should I be delivered for ever from my judge. Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him: On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him: But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold (Job 23:1-10).

Today's Morsel: I have heard many people questioning their faith, because they can't seem to find God or they keep falling.  Well, I don't know of too many babies that walk without first falling.  A baby has to get his bones and muscles strong to be able to stand.  When you start out on this walk, you are a baby, and you have to have your spiritual bones and muscles developed before you can stand and walk on your own.  Like a baby, you need help at the start.  That's why God gives you a pastor.   Many people want to hear that audible voice from God, or see Jesus' face before they will believe.  But that's not faith.  It may increase your faith, but faith isn't predicated on seeing, but it is based on trust and believing the unseen.  As Jesus told Thomas,  "Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed" (John 20:29).  When Job  was suffering, he wanted to find God so he could ask the reason of his suffering.  He said, I'm looking for him, but I can't find him. But one thing was certain, Job knew that God knew the way that he took and where he was, and when he appeared before God, he would come forth as gold, pure.  What about us when we stand before him?  Will we be pure as gold?  Will our lives reflect that we've held true to our faith and trust in God?  Will we still be set apart as vessels fit for the Master's use?  Let me encourage you, keep walking the walk and maintaining a steady pace.  Remember, mustard seed faith is little faith that grows to big faith.  Friend, don't question your faith because others may seem to be more spiritual than you.  Jesus is the one who determines our faith, not man.

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!

2010 October 29 - Morning Manna

Oh that my words were now written! oh that they were printed in a book! That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock for ever! For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me (Job 19:23-27).

Today's Morsel:  There seem to be many books written, and that are still more being written.  The book of Job is a book that I believe that everyone should read.  Job shows how Christians should respond when things that are not good or expected come into their lives.  It is a reflection of how we should remain focused when we are unfairly accused.  It shows how we should react when the things we've heard that have happened to others, are now happening to us.  It even shows us how to live through pain and suffering.  When Job said, "Oh that my words were now written! oh that they were printed in a book! That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock forever," someone heard him, and they did.  And the words that came from him have been an inspiration for so many.  When the apostle James wanted to get his point across about faith to the church, he said, "Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy" (James 5:11).  Somewhere, James read and heard how Job was patient and waited on the Lord.  There are many books that can bring enlightenment to your situation, but none of them will get you through it like the Bible will.  Paul said, "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope" (Romans 15:4).  I believe that Paul used Job as an example during his time of suffering and afflictions.  As the Psalmist said, "This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me" (Psalms 119:50).  Thank God for His Word, the Bible.  It is the number one best seller year after year.  Do you have a copy?  Heaven and earth will pass away, but My Words will not pass away, Jesus said.

Sing:  In the book it's written "Saved by Grace", O the joy that came to my soul! Now I am forgiven, and I know, by the blood I am made whole.

Chorus: There's a new name written down in glory, and it's mine, O yes, it's mine! And the white robed angels sing the story, "A sinner has come home."  For there's a new name written down in glory, and it's mine, O yes, it's mine! With my sins forgiven I am bound for heaven, never more to roam.

2010 October 28 - Morning Manna

Woe to the rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin: That walk to go down into Egypt, and have not asked at my mouth; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt! (Isaiah 30:1-2)

Today's Morsel:  We've started to receive mail order catalogs and  other periodicals in our mailbox for the purchase of cold weather clothing.  Stores know that after autumn comes winter, and that people will want to cover themselves from the cold winds and snow.  The Lord knows we need a spiritual covering.  He says, "Woe to the children that take counsel from others but not of Him, and that cover with a covering, but not His Spirit, that they may add sin to sin."  Without the Holy Ghost covering you, you will continue to add sin to sin. Therefore, the only thing that can keep you from sinning is the Holy Ghost, The Spirit of God.  The apostle John says,  "And ye know that he(Jesus) was manifested to take away our sins; and in him(Jesus) is no sin. Whosoever abideth in him(Jesus) sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God" (1 John 3:5-9).  Are you born of God?  Then your covering is His Spirit, and we are not called to add sin to our lives.  As Peter tells us, "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).  If you are having problems with continual sinning, this I say then, walk in the Spirit and you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh!

 Sing:  It's all over me and it's keeping me alive. Keeping me alive, it's keeping me alive.  It's all over me and it's keeping me alive, this Holy Ghost is keeping me alive.

2010 October 27 - Morning Manna

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again. (Philippians 1:21-26)

Today's Morsel:  If someone were to ask you what the most difficult decision you've had to make in your life was, what would it be?  Some decisions are easy, while others may be tough to make.  Sometime swe may even have to ask others for their opinion about our decisions, to ensure that we do not make the wrong decision.  Even though the final decision is up to us, there is always that calm assurance when we know that what we are thinking is right for us, and that others agree.  Paul had a big decision to make here. He says, I am in a strait between two.  He said, I want to go and be with the Lord, which is better for me, but for you, it is better that I remain here for your furtherance of joy and faith. Talk about a self-less servant.  Placing the needs of others above your own.  Not everyone will do that.  Paul said, " For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:6-8).  But when you understand who you are in Christ, and what He has called you to do, you then understand that the more you can carry with you to heaven, the better it is.  It is much better than going alone. What decision are you faced with today? Have you looked into God's Word for His help?  Joel said, "Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision" (Joel 3:14).

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

2010 October 26 - 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. (Ephesians 5:1-4)

Today's Morsel:  I like walking into our house when my wife is baking. There is nothing like smelling that sweet aroma of  good food as it hits your nose.  Cookies, pies, and cakes just seem to permeate into the air and cause me to want to taste what is being cooked.  Paul said that we are to be 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 sweet smelling savor.  Paul said that Jesus' offering was as a sweet smelling odor or fragrance to God.  Therefore, he calls for your life to be as such.  Everything that we do should permeate a sweet smell unto the Lord.  But he also tells us, "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."  There are things, if we are not careful, that will send forth a foul smell from us onto God and cause our sacrifice (praise) to be rejected.  And none of us should desire this to happen.  As Solomon said, dead flies in the apothecary cause the ointment to send forth a stench!

Sing: I love you Lord, and I lift my voice, to worship you, O' my soul, rejoice. Take joy my King, in what you hear; let it be a sweet, sweet, sound in your ear.

We exalt Thee! We exalt Thee! We exalt Thee, Oh Lord! We exalt Thee! We exalt Thee! We exalt Thee, Oh Lord.