2012 October 16 - Morning Manna

Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh; When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you.
(Proverbs 1:24-27)

Today's Morsel: After 911, many people became afraid to fly. And even today, many will not travel to foreign countries for fear of flying and the unknown. Even here in this land of plenty, many are now fearful of what is taking place throughout the land and the world. Many are asking what is going on. Why is there so much unrest and fighting? Jesus said, "And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken" (Luke 21:25-26). Is what we are seeing because of us not heeding the Lord's call? Is it because we have not accepted his counsel and obeyed His word? Scripture tells us, "The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God" (Psalms 9:17). The last time I checked, the word "all" means all, everyone. Therefore, there is no nation or people that forgets God that will survive His destruction. Are there misfortunes in your life? Does it seem as though your world is being turned upside down? As an individual, have you refused God's call to you? Have you refused to take hold of His hand? To understand the Lord of God, you have to answer His call and take hold of His hand. "But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world. But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you. But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me. But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people" (Romans 10:18-21).

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.

2012 October 15 - Morning Manna

Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the LORD hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me. The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider. (Isaiah 1:2-3)

Today's Morsel: When I was a kid, we farmed using mules. It was amazing to me how well those old mules knew their way home as well as how well they knew our voices. When I came home from school, I could just call to them and they would come.

The Lord said through the prophet Isaiah that the ox knows his owner, and the ass his master's crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider. Why don't the people of God know and understand their master? Why do they not consider that the things they do and that the places they go may go against the word of God? Jesus said, "Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am" (John 13:13). He further admonish, "And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say" (Luke 6:46)? Should not we know our Master and Lord? Should we not do what He has commanded of us to do? When is the last time you sat down and considered if you are doing what God has commanded you. The Lord said through the Prophet Haggai, "Now therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways. Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes. Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways" (Haggai 1:5-7). Have you considered why your aren't being satisfied? Are your ways according to His word? If we don't consider our ways, we could easily end up in the wrong way and doing the wrong thing. If we say that we know Him, then we ought to walk the same as He walked, John said (1 John 2:6), and we should always be considering our ways.

Sing: The other day I sat down to ponder, on all the Lord had done for me. And I said Lord I want to thank you for the way you have brought me through. As I rose to depart from His presence, I heard His voice speaking softly to me.

Don't forget, to tell others about me. Don't forget to meantion My name. Don't forget tell them how much I love them, and don't forget the reason I came.

2012 October 13 - Morning Manna

For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard. And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way. Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise. And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle? (Matthew 20:1-6)

Today's Morsel: The biggest discussion in the upcoming presidential election is the economy. All I hear about is people being out of work. Are they really out of work, or do they just don't won't to work? Are they out of work or do they not want to work where the jobs are being offered or the pay isn't what they want to accept? Jesus said that the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard. These men Jesus spoke of were willing to work for a penny a day. And everyone that was willing to work in his vineyard, he hired them and sent them in the field to work. Notice, they all started with the same salary. They were all offered the same thing. None of them were selected to be higher than the other. This parable isn't about money, it's about all being on the same level in God's kingdom. It's about all laboring to seek and to save the lost regardless of the price being offered. You see there are many who will not work in the kingdom of God because there is no monetary value given. Working in God's kingdom isn't about monetary value, it's about spiritual value. When you work in God's kingdom, He supplies all your needs, both spiritual and physical. You will never have to worry about being without. As David said, "I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread" (Psalms 37:25). Paul told the church at Thessalonica , "For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed"(2 Thessalonians 3:7-14). Are you working?

Sing: Jesus use me, oh' 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 October 12 - Morning Manna

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. (1 Peter 3:15-17)

Today's Morsel: If someone were to ask you what the will of God is could you tell them? How many of you know what the will of God is for your life? Have you ever heard someone say, "I wish I knew what the will of God is for my life?" Well, let me give you a few scriptures to help you:

"See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (1 Thessalonians 5:15-18).

"And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint" (Luke 18:1).

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).

"Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil" (1 Thessalonians 5:19-22).

"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."(2 Peter 3:9).

"Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession" (Hebrews 4:14).

And finally, "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 sweet smelling 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).

As Peter said, "For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing."

Sing: Have thine own way Lord! Have Thine own way! Thou art the Potter, I am the clay. Mould me and make me after Thy will, while I am waiting yielded and still.

2012 October 11 - Morning Manna

And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates. And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof. And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal. And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel. And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass. And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst. (Revelation 21:10-20)

Today's Morsel: When we look at our new home in heaven as displayed by John, we see that it is not only going to be robust and huge, but it is also going to be beautiful. As I looked at this building, John reveals the beauty of the foundation by identifying precious gems that are within them. Aaron's breast plate was also displayed with precious gems representing each tribe of Israel. Therefore, we can see the type of shadow from earthly things for heavenly things. The breast plate worn by Aaron, represented the beauty of righteousness and holiness and strength and power in one. The church is one. Paul said, "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit" (Ephesians 2:19-22). That means that born again believers' lives must be built upon a solid foundation. Why did John draw our attention to the beauty of the foundation, and why must our lives be built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets? Because beauty is the quality presented in a thing or person that gives intense pleasure or deep satisfaction to the mind, whether it arises from sensory manifestations, a meaningful design or pattern, or something else such as a personality in which high spiritual qualities are manifested. We don't usually look at a foundation of a building as being beautiful because it isn't seen. This is why Peter tells us, "Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price" (1 Peter 3:3-4). Peter said that your beauty is hidden within. And when beauty is hidden within, it will be revealed outward for all to see. This is why scripture admonishes us, "Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness" (Psalms 29:2). Holiness sets us as believers apart from nonbelievers. All because the beauty of holiness is the foundation of the church.

Sing: Glory hallelujah! I shall not be moved. Anchored in Jehovah and I shall not be moved, just like a tree planted by the waters, I shall not be moved.

2012 October 10 - Morning Manna

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:1-4)

Today's Morsel: Acts chapter 2 is a fulfillment of many prophecies from the Old Testament scriptures, and no born again believer should be surprised at what happened. The Psalmist had recorded, "Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore"(Psalms 16:9-11). The Prophet Isaiah recorded, "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 28:10-12). And the Prophet Jeremiah recorded, "Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Take these evidences, this evidence of the purchase, both which is sealed, and this evidence which is open; and put them in an earthen vessel, that they may continue many days." (Jeremiah 32:14). And even the Prophet Ezekiel penned, "And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them."(Ezekiel 36:27). Micah, one of the minor prophets recorded, "But truly I am full of power by the spirit of the LORD, and of judgment, and of might, to declare unto Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin" (Micah 3:8). And Jesus Himself said, "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you" (John 14:26). He also told His disciples, "And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high," (Luke 24:49). Luke records the fulfillment of these prophecies when he wrote, "And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." There are other indicators that you have been filled with God's Spirit as displayed by the fruits of the Spirit in one's life (Galatians 5:22-23). But the undisputable evidence to oneself of being filled with God's Spirit is speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives the utterance, the same as it did upon the 120 in the upper room on the Day of Pentecost as recorded in Acts chapter 2, and the Gentiles in Acts 10:44-48. As Jesus said, "Search the scriptures" (John 5:39-40).

Sing: The wind is blowing again! The wind is blowing again! Just like the day of Pentecost, the wind is blowing again!

On the day of Pentecost, a mighty rushing wind, blew into the upper room, and baptized all of them; with a power greater than any earth foe, I now I'm so glad I've got it too, I want to let the whole world know.

Because greater is He that's within me, greater is He that's within me, greater is He that's within me, than he that is in the world.

2012 October 9 - Morning Manna

And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships. And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him? (Mark 4:35-41)

Today's Morsel: When I was a kid, attending the Methodist Church where I grew up, when you came through the front door of the church, there wasn't any light switches to turn on the lights. I don't know who designed or wired the church, but the light switches were in the back of the church behind the choir loft and preaching area. So to tell a teenager to go turn on the lights when he got to church was like walking on pins and needles, especially after we had just had a funeral. Thank God for His Redeeming Power.

When the apostles of Jesus found themselves in a storm and they felt that their lives were going to be lost, yes they had fear, and Jesus asked them why were they so fearful, how was it that they had no faith. I can identify with the apostles. The same way for me to go turn on those lights was testing my faith, this storm was testing theirs'. Even though Jesus was with them and He was with me, I still didn't know if anything or anyone else was in there or not. Fear is FalseEvidence Appearing Real. There's just something about that apprehension that we just don't know. I'm sure the apostles were like the man when he said, "Lord I believe, but help Thou my unbelief." John said that fear torments us. And I totally agree. There are just somethings that this humanity has to overcome, and fear is one of them. God didn't give it to us. And thanks be to God who has given me the victory over this enemy and He will give it to you too.

Sing: Precious Lord, take my hand, lead me, on let me stand, I am tired, I am weak, I am lone, through the storm, through the night lead me on to the light, take my hand precious Lord and lead me home.