2012 September 8 - Morning Manna

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:7)

Today's Morsel: Solomon said that respecting and morally reverencing God are the beginning of knowledge. How is it that so many people can seem to be so smart in so many things and yet not know God. What is even scarier to me, is,the number of people who say that they are Christian and yet they display or possess little or no godly wisdom. "Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people as they eat bread: they have not called upon God, the psalmist said" (Psalms 53:4). I believe that because man does not reverence God, he doesn't get to live out half his days. When we understand why we do what we do, it makes life so much simpler. B ut many folks do not know why they do what they do. I asked a person once why they had gotten a tattoo on their body. And to my surprise they said that they didn't know. I said, "You mean to tell me you spent all that money to have it done and you don't know why you did it?" Help us Lord! Solomon said that fools despise wisdom and instructions. In other words, people who say that there is no God (Psalms 14:1) will not receive wisdom and instruction. I believe that one of the reasons so many countries are facing disasters is because they don't know God. Scripture says, "The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God", David said (Psalms 9:17). But Daniel admonishes us, "And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits" (Daniel 11:32). When you know God, you are going to be strong and do great things. Because when you know Him, you love Him, and when you love Him, you reverence Him, and reverence Him The Truth will make you free.

Sing: I know it was the blood! I know it was the blood! I know it was the blood saved me. One day when I was lost Jesus died on the cross, and I know it was the blood saved me.

2012 September 7 - Morning Manna

And Elijah said unto Ahab, Get thee up, eat and drink; for there is a sound of abundance of rain. So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he cast himself down upon the earth, and put his face between his knees, And said to his servant, Go up now, look toward the sea. And he went up, and looked, and said, There is nothing. And he said, Go again seven times. And it came to pass at the seventh time, that he said, Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man's hand. And he said, Go up, say unto Ahab, Prepare thy chariot, and get thee down, that the rain stop thee not. And it came to pass in the mean while, that the heaven was black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. And Ahab rode, and went to Jezreel. (1 Kings 18:41-45)

Today's Morsel: Have you ever looked and looked for something that you were missing and couldn't find it? And then you look again later and you found what you were looking for in one of the places you had already looked? And you said to yourself, "I know I looked there and it wasn't there before." And you start thinking, someone is playing tricks on me. Or you may say, the devil is messing with my mind.

When it hadn't rained for three and a half years, Elijah said unto Ahab, "Get thee up, eat and drink; for there is a sound of abundance of rain." So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he cast himself down upon the earth, and put his face between his knees, And said to his servant, go up now, look toward the sea. Elijah told the king that it was going to rain. Not only that it was going to rain, but that it was going to be a mighty downpour. So you better get moving toward shelter. And then he sent his servant to go look toward the sea. But his servant came back and said, "There is nothing." And Elijah told him to go seven times. I'm sure the servant thought, "I've looked three times and I've told you there is nothing there." But He was told seven, the same way Naaman was told to dip seven times in the Jordan River (2 Kings 5). Seven is God's number of perfection. If the man of God tells you to do something that isn't immoral or doesn't go against God's Word, do it! And so after seven times, Elijah's servant returned and said, "Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man's hand." This was confirmation to Elijah that it was going to rain because little is much when God is in it. And scripture says, "And it came to pass in the mean while, that the heaven was black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain." Sometimes what you are looking for from God might require you to keep looking. God says, "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. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. And I will be found of you, saith the LORD" (Jeremiah 29:11-14). Don't stop looking, because what you are looking for is still right there.

Sing: I'm looking for a miracle. I see the invisible. I fell the intangible. You know the sky, the sky is the limit to what I can have; The sky is the limit to what I can have, If you will believe it, you will receive it, God will perform it today, yea, yea; if you will believe it, you can receive it, and God will perform it today.

2012 September 6 - Morning Manna

Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. 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 4:4-7)

Today's Morsel: One of the things that I've noticed these days is,many don't give peace a chance. Isaiah said that Jesus would be called the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 6:9), and that He would keep us in perfect peace if our minds were stayed on Him (Isaiah 26:3). So why are people afraid to give peace a chance? Why are they afraid to trust Jesus with their problems and situations? Why are they afraid to allow Him to operate in them the way that He wants to, and not the way they want Him to? Paul told the church at Ephesus that Jesus had broken down the middle way between us, and that we now have free access to the Father. That being that case, then we should be able to walk in peace. If we have free access to the Father, then why don't we always live in a state of tranquility? I know that Paul told the church at Thessalonica that when they say peace and safety, then suddenly cometh destruction ( 1Thessalonians5:3). But that still shouldn't stop us from giving Jesus a chance to bring about tranquility and peace within our life. Paul said that we should be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let our requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. As a child of God, you should not be living in a tormented lifestyle nor in doubt, or double-mindedness. When your mind is stayed on Jesus, He will give you the calmness and serenity you need in your life.

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

2012 September 5 - Morning Manna

This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. (1 John 5:6-9)

Today's Morsel: If you've ever had to appear in court as a witness, they wanted you to tell the truth. But have you ever noticed that people who are trying to be a witness for someone who is guilty seem to have a very hard time telling the truth. And it isn't long before they get the guilty party in more trouble, because they get caught in lie after lie because often times they aren't actually aware of what actually even happened.

John said it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. He said that the witness of God is greater than any witness of man. When a person is a true witness, the spirit will bear this out. Jesus told His disciples not to be concerned with what to say, because the spirit would speak for them (my words), because the witness of God is the Spirit of God. And the Spirit of God bears record with our spirit that we are the sons of God. What does that mean? It mean that when God's spirit is within you, your actions, your attitude, your thoughts, mind-set, feelings, stance and position, and how you approach certain situations and circumstance will reflect God. This is why Galatians 5:22-23 is called the fruit of the spirit, because it reveals God's character. This is why John said, "If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth" (1 John 1:6). In other words, you're a false witness. Jesus said through the prophet Isaiah, "Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour. I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, that I am God" (Isaiah 43:10-12). If Jesus chose us to be His witnesses, are you a good witness for Him? Do your life, actions, and attitude reveal him. If you were on trial for knowing and being with Jesus, would you be found guilty?

Sing: Dear Lord I'll be a witness, if you will help my weakness, I know that I'm not worthy, Lord, of Thee. By eyes of faith I see Thee, Upon the cross of Calvary; dear Lord I cry, let me Thy servant be.

Jesus, use me and Lord don't refuse me, for surely there's a work that I can do; and even though it's humble, Lord, help my will to crumble, though the cost be great I'll work for you.

2012 September 4 - Morning Manna

Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. (Revelation 2:1-7)

Today's Morsel: Do you really know what your church teaches, believes and stands for? Or do you just take what is being said as the gospel truth? On all accounts the church at Ephesus seems to be a church that was holding true to what had been taught them. Listen to what Jesus said to them, "I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted." Sounds like what a true church of Jesus is suppose to be doing. But then listen to what He tells them, "Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate." Notice, they had left their first love. They hadn't lost their love for Jesus, they were working. They were labouring in the vineyard by all accounts. But they had lost their love for the truth. And because they had lost their love for the truth, they were accepting the doctrine of the Nicolaitans. The doctrine of the Nicolaitans was that it is okay to eat things sacrificed and offered to idols. And also that it was okay to commit fornication. You see, you can do the work of the Lord all day long, but if your church's doctrine isn't causing you to come out from the world and be separated unto God and live a holy and separate lifestyle, you may be following the doctrine of the Nicolaitans. Paul told the church at Corinth, "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God" (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). A lady asked me a few days ago if I thought a person could lose their salvation. I told her that if the church of Ephesus was going to lose theirs' except they repented, you better believe you can lose it. "Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent," Jesus said. The Apostle John admonishes us, "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world" (1 John 4:1). You need to understand that church and serving Jesus is more than just music and good preaching. It's 100% truth. Living the truth. Teaching the truth. And obeying the truth. It is about the truth and nothing but the truth.

Sing: When in service for my Lord, dark may be the night, but I'll cling more close to Him, He will give me light; Satan's snares may vex my soul, turn my thoughts aside; but my Lord goes ahead, leads wherever betides.

O I want to see Him, look upon His face, there to sing forever of His saving grace; on the streets of Glory, let me lift my voice; cares all past, home at last, ever to rejoice.

2012 September 3 - Morning Manna

Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. (Galatians 3:24-29)

Today's Morsel: Well, it's time to head back to school. All around the world, people are heading back to school to finish and move forward. We, too, must start school when it come to the Word and things of God. We must study to show ourselves approved of God as Paul said (2 Timothy 2:15. Paul seems to be an educator when it comes to the things of God. He told Timothy, "And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also"(2 Timothy 2:2). He told the church at Philippi, "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content" (Philippians 4:11). And he told the church at Galatia that the law was our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ. When we study Old Testament scripture it should draw us to Christ and reveal to us who Jesus truly was. When we understand Old Testament scriptures, we can understand Paul when he said," Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power" (Colossians 2:8-10). The mind is a terrible thing to waste. Isaiah asked the question, "Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear" (Isaiah 28:9-12). He said that the precepts; the commandment, the rule, the instruction, and the principles that guides our actions, especially ones that guide our moral behavior, are going to be taught to those who are weaned from the milk. You can't be a babe and grow in Christ. It's time that we get off the milk and start eating the meat of the Word. That begins by studying and attending school.

Sing: Deeper, Deeper in the love of Jesus, daily let me go; higher, higher in the school of wisdom, more of grace to know.

O' deeper yet, I pray, and higher every day, and wiser, blessed Lord, in Thy precious Holy Word.

2012 September 1 - Morning Manna

And the sons of the prophets said unto Elisha, Behold now, the place where we dwell with thee is too strait for us. Let us go, we pray thee, unto Jordan, and take thence every man a beam, and let us make us a place there, where we may dwell. And he answered, Go ye. And one said, Be content, I pray thee, and go with thy servants. And he answered, I will go. So he went with them. And when they came to Jordan, they cut down wood. But as one was felling a beam, the axe head fell into the water: and he cried, and said, Alas, master! for it was borrowed. And the man of God said, Where fell it? And he shewed him the place. And he cut down a stick, and cast it in thither; and the iron did swim. Therefore said he, Take it up to thee. And he put out his hand, and took it.

(2 Kings 6:1-7)

Today's Morsel: The Bible says that Elisha, did twice as many miracles than his mentor Elijah did during his ministry. Many people today are looking for a miracle in their lives. Some are looking for:

üMiraculous healing

üWin the lottery

üA way to get out of debt

üThe right job

üA godly Spouse

üA change in their health

üA change in their situation

Whatever it is, they want a miracle to take place. But most people don't have the patience to wait for it. They seem to be on pins and needles while they are waiting. Isaiah said: "He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint" (Isaiah 40:29-31). The writer of Hebrews said, "For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee. And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise" (Hebrews 6:13-15). Abraham had to wait for his miracle. Joseph had to wait for his as well. And we must learn to wait for our miracle, too. Paul said, "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). What would it take to get you to the point that you are willing to wait on your miracle without losing hope? If you are waiting on something from God, then do not cast away your confidence because it has a great recompense of reward attached to it. (Hebrews 10:35-39).

Sing: I 'm learning how to lean, and depend on Jesus. He's my friend, and He's my guide. I'm learning how to lean, and depend on Jesus, I found out, if I would trust Him, He will provide.