2011 March 9 - Morning Manna

Then said the LORD unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no. (Exodus 16:4)

 

Today's Morsel:  On Sunday, the new young pastor arrived at church and found that only an old farmer had shown up.  After waiting a while, the disappointed pastor remarked to the old farmer, “Well, it appears no one else is coming, so we should probably cancel service today.”  The farmer, dressed in his Sunday best, looked at the young preacher and said, “Well Pastor, I don’t know much ’bout preachin’, but I do know something bout farmin’ and if I went out in the field and found only one cow, I’d still feed ‘em.” The excited the young preacher preached for the next 45 minutes a fierce fire and brimstone sermon.  Afterwords the pastor asked the old farmer what he thought.  The old farmer remarked, “Well pastor, I don’t know much bout preachin’, but I do know somethin’ ’bout farmin’ and if I went out in the field and found only one cow, I wouldn’t give ‘em the whole bale at one time.”

 

I've noticed that a lot of parents fills their children's plates during meal time to running over, and then they yell and scream at the child because they don't eat it all.  The child starts saying that they are full or that they don't like certain items on their plate.  And so the scene begins.  As a Grandpa, I can't help but think it would be easier if they put just a little bit on the plate and let the child eat that and then allow them to ask, "Mom and Dad, may I please have some more!"  Some parent think that their child's stomach is a big as theirs.  This would prevent ruining the meal and make the parent feel good about what has been prepared.

 

The Lord told Moses that the children were to gather a certain rate of manna every day to prove them.  God knows that if He gave them too much, they would just waste it.  Jesus said that your heavenly Father knows the things we have need of before we ask Him.  Remember, the last supper was only a small portion, but little is much when God is in it.  As the farmer said, If only one cow showed up, I wouldn't give him the whole bale.

Sing:  Jesus has a table spread, where the saints of God are fed, He invites His chosen people, "Come and dine!"  With His manna He doth feed us and supply our every need, tis so sweet to sup with Jesus all the time.

 

Come and dine the Master calleth, come and dine!  You may feast at Jesus table all the time. He who fed the multitude, turned the water into wine, to the hungry calleth now, come and dine!

2011 March 8 - Morning Manna

Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. (Acts 12:1-5)

Today's Morsel:  Satan's desire is to destroy the work of Christ in the earth.  One of his most effective ways to doing this is to destroy pastors and leaders in the church.  I don't care what denomination you are a part of, when a minster falls into any kind of sin, whether it be pornography, adultery, theft, fornication, or any other sin, it sends a ripple effect throughout the religious and non-religious community alike.   If Satan can bring down a leader of the church, it causes disgrace and ridicule to taint the work of Christ, and the non-religious world will not be attracted to Jesus.  Therefore, we must pray for our pastors as well as all leaders of every church.

 

E.M. Bounds said, "The men in the pew given to praying for the pastor are like poles which hold up the wires along which the electric current runs. They are not the power, neither are they the specific agents in making the Word of the Lord more effective.  But they hold up the wires upon which the divine power runs to the hearts of men.  They make conditions favorable for the preaching of the gospel."  Paul understood that his success in ministry had a direct correlation with the prayers of the saints.  He told the church at Thessalonica, "Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith."(2 Thessalonians 3:1-2). He told Timothy, " I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth"(1 Timothy 2:1-4).  Jesus told Peter, "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak"(Matthew 26:41).  If the church is to be successful and the Gospel preached to the whole world, then men and women must maintain a vigil of prayer for each other.  Especially praying for their pastor.

 

Sing: Whisper a prayer in the morning, Whisper a prayer at noon. Whisper a prayer in the evening, so keep your heart in tune.

2011 March 7 - Morning Manna

And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.  He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. (Revelation 3:14-22)

Today's Morsel: The thought of a believer existing outside of the boundaries of the local church is hard for me to accept.  The Bible says that Jesus had a custom, and that custom was that on the Sabbath day He went to the house of God (Luke 4:16).  God's people are to be in a spiritual relationship with Him and each other, feeding on the Gospel of Christ, and exalting one another daily.  Church means the body of believers, not the building where you assemble.  It is the group with whom our children marry, where we partake of communion, learn about the character of God, and get an understanding of the doctrine.  It's the place where we grow spiritually, as well as pay our tithes and give our offerings.  It's the place where every child of God needs to renew their commitment and vows to Jesus.   I believe that it is time for Christians to understand the importance of the church.  If we truly love Jesus, then we will want to be around His people.  Paul poured his life into the church.  His relationship with the ones he started and sustained was like a father for his children.  When you read Paul's letters, you can easily see his commitment and love for the church and its people.  What could be more important for a child of God.  Jesus called for the church to reevaluate itself.  As the church, we need to reevalute just how important Jesus is to us.  Jesus gave His life for the church, and if we don't value that, we will soon lose our candle stick from its place.

  

Sing:  It's the old ship of Zion, it's the hope, for the lost and dying. It's a soul, saving station, it's the tower, of salvation.  Well it's the church triumphant, O Lord, and it's built by the hand of the Lord.  

 

I'm talking about the church, in the book of Revelation, it's built on a Rock, it's got a firm foundation, it's been through the flood and it's been through the fire, but one of these days, the church is gonna, move up a little higher; it's the church, triumphant, O Lord, and it's built by the hand of the Lord.

2011 March 5 - Morning Manna

Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour; To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour. For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: (Titus 1:1-5).

Today's Morsel:  As capable as Paul was, he never succumbed to taking on more than he could handle or isolating himself from others.  Paul didn't see himself as superman or some super hero, as some folk seem to think they are.  Paul was a leader, like his Master, Jesus, who trained others and let them carry the torch as well.  As we see in Titus, Paul was willing to relinquish authority to others so they could do what needed to be done for the kingdom.   Many folks have a "Lone Ranger" mentality.  They live with the belief that they can correct any wrong, beat the world into submission, be successful at anything, and that they never need help from anyone.  They wear a mask of denial, and their silver bullet is engraved with the word Egoist.  When Jesus sent out His first disciples, He sent them out by two.  You never see in scripture where they went alone.  We need that accountability to others.  Jesus sent them out by two because He knew that there would be support and encouragement from the other.  Solomon said, "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken" (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). Jesus didn't want them to be alone in following Him.  When Paul traveled, he brought others along with him for support, help, and encouragement.  God said of Adam, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him"(Genesis 2:18).  God has made us so that we hunger for relationships with others.  If we deny that hunger, then we endanger our own emotions and spiritual well-being.  Do you know what is the most segregated day of the week is?  Sunday.  Racism always shows it's ugly head on Sunday.

Sing:  You're my brother, your my sister, so take me by the hand; together we will work until He comes; there's no foe that can defeat us, when we're walking side by side, as long as there is love, we can stand.

2011 March 4 - Morning Manna

And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him. And Aaron said unto them, Break off the golden earrings, which are in the ears of your wives, of your sons, and of your daughters, and bring them unto me. And all the people brake off the golden earrings which were in their ears, and brought them unto Aaron. And he received them at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool, after he had made it a molten calf: and they said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. And when Aaron saw it, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made proclamation, and said, To morrow is a feast to the LORD. And they rose up early on the morrow, and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play. And the LORD said unto Moses, Go, get thee down; for thy people, which thou broughtest out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves: They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them: they have made them a molten calf, and have worshipped it, and have sacrificed thereunto, and said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. And the LORD said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people: Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation. (Exodus 32:1-10)

Today's Morsel:  Commentator Matthew Henry stated that the Jews have a tradition that Aaron's colleague, Hur, opposed the construction of  this image of a calf by Aaron, and the people fell upon him and stoned him (and therefore, we never read of him afterwards) and that this frightened Aaron into compliance to make the image.  Who's the crowd you have the hardest time standing up to?  Is it the folks you work with?  Is it your friends?  What about your family?  What about saints of God?  This was Aaron's crowd that he had the hardest time standing up to, God's people.  He didn't have a problem with Pharaoh and his folks.  But when it came to the people of God, he caved in.  Why are  some folks afraid to tell saints of God they are wrong? Why do we just let them keep going and doing wrong, building their own little empires and kingdoms, crushing and micromanaging people, and we say nothing?  The apostle Paul wasn't afraid to tell the crowd or anyone else when they were wrong.  He asked the Galatians' church, "O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?" (Galatians 3:1-3).  He said that he told Peter (the one that God had given the keys of the kingdom to), "But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation. But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?" (Galatians 2:11-14).  Solomon said, "Open rebuke is better than secret love" (Proverbs 27:5).  You don't have to be afraid of the crowd or anyone else.  The only crowd you need to worry about and please is God.  The last time I checked, you and God make a majority in any situation or crowd.

Sing: Would you be free from your passion and pride, there's power in the blood, power in the blood; come for a cleansing to Calvary tide; there's wonderful power in the blood.

There is power, power, wonder working power in the blood, of the lamb; there is power, power, wonder working power in the precious blood of the lamb.

2011 March 3 - Morning Manna

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 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 1:18-25)

Today's Morsel:  Does God ever speak to you in a dream?  The Bible says that He spoke to men of old in a dreams.  When King Solomon asked for wisdom to lead God's people, the  Bible says, "And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment; Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days. And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days. And Solomon awoke; and, behold, it was a dream. And he came to Jerusalem, and stood before the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and offered up burnt offerings, and offered peace offerings, and made a feast to all his servants"(1 Kings 3:10-15). It was a dream.  Elihu, Job's friend, said, "For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not. In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed; Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction, That he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man"(Job 33:14-17).  And Solomon said, "For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool's voice is known by multitude of words" (Ecclesiastes 5:3).  Certainly, dreams can come because of the day's events, or eating pizza late at night!  Yet they can also come from God.  Joseph received the news of Jesus in a dream.   Many of us want God to speak to us and give us instructions or some other assignment, but most of us don't want to change when He does.   Oftentimes, adjustments are required in one or more areas in our lives when He does give us guidance.  Adjustments may need to be made in our circumstances, finances, relationships, commitments, thinking, in our actions, or maybe even in our beliefs for His purposes.  Joseph knew his dream of Mary being pregnant was going to require some major adjustments.  Not only in his life, but also in his thinking.  And your dream from God is probably going to require you to make some adjustments as well.  To go from our ways to God's ways is going to require an adjustment in our lives.  Because His ways are never our ways, nor are His thoughts ours.

"To know the will of God is the greatest knowledge. To do the will of God is the greatest achievement" George W. Truett

Sing: Open the eyes of my heart, Lord, open the eyes of my heart, I want to see you, I want to see you.  To see you high and lifted up, shining in the light of your glory, pour out your power and love, as we sing holy, holy, as we sing holy, holy, I want to see you.

2 March 2011-Morning Manna

O LORD, thou hast deceived me, and I was deceived: thou art stronger than I, and hast prevailed: I am in derision daily, every one mocketh me. For since I spake, I cried out, I cried violence and spoil; because the word of the LORD was made a reproach unto me, and a derision, daily. Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay. For I heard the defaming of many, fear on every side. Report, say they, and we will report it. All my familiars watched for my halting, saying, Peradventure he will be enticed, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him. But the LORD is with me as a mighty terrible one: therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail: they shall be greatly ashamed; for they shall not prosper: their everlasting confusion shall never be forgotten. But, O LORD of hosts, that triest the righteous, and seest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them: for unto thee have I opened my cause. Sing unto the LORD, praise ye the LORD: for he hath delivered the soul of the poor from the hand of evildoers.(Jeremiah 20:7-13)


Today's Morsel: I believe there were days that Jeremiah would have given anything to be someone else because his calling was costing him everything. His friends, his reputation, and perhaps even his life, if some of the people had their way. And because of it, Jeremiah had just as soon let things be as they were. But there was a fire burning inside of him and he could not stay still or keep quite. He said, " For since I spake, I cried out, I cried violence and spoil; because the word of the LORD was made a reproach unto me, and a derision, daily. Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay." A true Holy Ghost filled person isn't going to sit back and let people do wrong in God's house. They are going to call them on it, even if it cost friendships, or reputation, or gets you no gifts at Christmas. The fire within must move you. When our focus is on people, and whether they follow us, favor us, respond to us, affirm us, or give us gifts and praise us, we are still going to carry some pain and disappointment. Our peace in the ministry comes from a strong and clear relationship with God. He gives us our affirmation; He covers us with His love and that should be enough. Jeremiah's main beef was with the religious establishments of his day, those priests and rulers who were suppose to be leading God's people to holiness and contentment. But in their greed and grasp for power, and in their own grip of sin, they had lost their creditability and discernment to lead as God desired of them. And even in the church today, when immorality and pride masquerade as authority , the wounded go untreated, sin escalates, the Gospel isn't preached, and pain perseveres. Therefore, only when my life is lived with His peace, can I lead others to experience His Perfect Peace as well.

Sing: Said I wasn't gonna tell nobody, but I, couldn't keep it to myself, but I, couldn't keep it to myself. Said I wasn't gonna tell nobody, but I, couldn't keep it to myself, what the Lord has done for me.

You ought to been there, when the Lord saved me. You ought to been there, when He gave me the victory. He put a song down in my soul, He wrote my name on the heavenly roll; you ought to been there, when the Lord save me.