1 March 2010 - Morning Manna

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalms 46:1).

Today’s Morsel: Wallace Johnson, co-Founder of Holiday Inns, said and I quote: “I’ve had a lot of success and my share of trials. I’ve worked long and hard, often as much as 16 hours a day, under some trying circumstances. Through them all, I’ve learned that the only answer to problems and to the future of the world - is having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The only people who are truly happy are those who have found Jesus. The one reason we’ve always had an open Bible in every room in the Holiday Inn motels is to help people find Jesus and the solution to their problems, no matter who they are. I could reminisce about how that open Bible has saved thousands. Once a man from Mobile, Alabama, who had some business reversal packed a gun and drove to Birmingham with the intention of killing himself. When he checked into a Holiday Inn and found the open Bible in his room, he read it and found Jesus.”

I can agree with Mr. Johnson. The word of God has the answer to life's problems, but we must open it and study it to find our answer. I believe that when Jesus said, "You can find me when you seek for me with your whole heart," He was referring to studying His Word. He is the living word. Friend, no matter what the personal problems, social problems, or any other kind of problem you may have, the solution is found in the Word of God, and you coming into knowledge and having a personal relationship with Him. He’s made the difficult way perfect in my life, why not allow Him to do the same in your?

Sing: God will make way, where there seems to be no way. He works in ways we cannot see, He will make a way for me. He will be your guide, hold you closely to His side. With loving strength, for each new day, He will make a way, He will make a way.

27 February 2010 - Morning Manna

According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named
(Ephesians 3:11-15).

Today’s Morsel: When God placed you into His family, He took responibility for your life and your problems. David probably stated it best when he said, “The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want.” God owns the cattle on a thousand hill, the earth is His and the fullness thereof. God doesn’t run out of things. His compassion and mercy is renewed every morning, Jeremiah said. (Lamentation 3:22-24) God has unlimited resources. As He told David, if what I had given you was not enough, all you had to do was ask. When we trust God, we move beyond our understanding and comprehension, into a dimension of belief where we are willing to relax because you know that He’s watching over us. When we reach the place that everything we own belongs to God, then we will realize that everything that God owns belongs to us because we are a part of the family. One of the problems with us humans is we always want to know what God’s will is, so that we can determine if we will trust Him and do what He wants us to do. But God reveals His will only to those who are committed to follow it. God simply says, "Trust me." And if you aren’t willing to do that, then you’ll never know nor understand His will.

Sing: I trust in God, wherever I may be, upon the land or on the rolling sea, for come what may, from day to day, my Heavenly Father watches over, over me.

And I trust in God, I know he cares for me, on the mountain bleak, or on the raging sea; though billows roar, He keeps my soul, my Heavenly Father watches over, over me.

26 February 2010 - Morning Manna

And all the congregation of the children of Israel journeyed from the wilderness of Sin, after their journeys, according to the commandment of the LORD, and pitched in Rephidim: and there was no water for the people to drink. Wherefore the people did chide with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said unto them, Why chide ye with me? wherefore do ye tempt the LORD? And the people thirsted there for water; and the people murmured against Moses, and said, Wherefore is this that thou hast brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our cattle with thirst? And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, What shall I do unto this people? they be almost ready to stone me. And the LORD said unto Moses, Go on before the people, and take with thee of the elders of Israel; and thy rod, wherewith thou smotest the river, take in thine hand, and go. Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel. And he called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah, because of the chiding of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the LORD, saying, Is the LORD among us, or not? (Exodus 17:1-7)

Today’s Morsel: The current weather patterns and earthquakes that have been taking place can make one wonder if God is among us. Rest assured, God is right here with us. He knows everything that is taking place and when it is going to happen. Isaiah said, “Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness. None calleth for justice, nor any pleadeth for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity” (Isaiah 59:1-4). If you ever get to a point that you think God isn’t present, then you need to do as the Apostle Paul admonishes us, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates” (2 Corinthians 13:5) Are you walking and living by and in the faith? If you are, then you should never question God's presence, as you know that He is as close as the mention of His name.

Sing: I’m going to make it, He already said that I would. He goes before me, and He’s working everything for my good. He walks beside me, and heaven is in my view, Oh, I’m gonna make it through.

25 February 2010 - Morning Manna

And Naomi said, Turn again, my daughters: why will ye go with me? are there yet any more sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands? Turn again, my daughters, go your way; for I am too old to have an husband. If I should say, I have hope, if I should have an husband also to night, and should also bear sons; Would ye tarry for them till they were grown? would ye stay for them from having husbands? nay, my daughters; for it grieveth me much for your sakes that the hand of the LORD is gone out against me. And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her. And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law. And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me. When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her (Ruth 1:11-18).

Today’s Morsel: The book of Ruth is probably one of the most power-packed books in the Bible. Ruth reveals to us just what commitment is. She is also an example for the Christian to never lose hope. Ruth reveals that sometimes life may not be fair, but we should not allow things to push us into depression and low self -esteem. Ruth is also a book of faith. When she chose the God of Israel to be her God, God took notice. When she chose to make God’s people her people, God took notice. When she chose to dwell in the land where God’s people were, God took notice. This is an example of being committed to your vows and not allowing your location and situation affect your consecration to God. Let me encourage you, if your situation looks dim, don’t regress. Stay with God, His people, and in His church. God will honor your faith and give you a successful end the same as He did Ruth.

Sing: When gloom and sadness whisper you’ve sinned no use to pray, I look away to Jesus, and He tells me to say.

I see, a crimson stream of blood; it flows from Calvary, its waves which reach the throne of God, are sweeping over me.

24 February 2010 - Morning Manna

Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread. But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death. But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition

(Matthew 15:1-6).

Today’s Morsel: Is the belief that Jesus is God Biblical or traditional? Is the belief of Jesus being a second person in the Godhead Biblical or traditional? Is the belief of no God at all Biblical or traditional? What would you say are some of the traditions you hold to that you may feel are true and that you don’t want to let go of? In some instances, tradition can be bad for you, especially if it goes against the Word of God. The Scribes and Pharisees asked Jesus why his disciples went against tradition of the elders by not washing their hands before they ate bread. I guess this is one of those traditions that our parents picked up, as they always says, “Go wash your hands before you eat.” But Jesus asked the Scribes and Pharisees a question, too. And that question was, “Why do you transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?” If we are not careful, we can assume that something is according to the Word of God because we’ve heard it for so long, or because our parents and others did it, we just think that it's based on God's Word when it may just be a tradition that is not based on God’s Word at all. I know of two things that can destroy a person when it comes to religion. One is sticking with man-made traditions that are not Biblically sound when it come to salvation; and two, not making a change in your life once you see Biblical truth. So just how much of what you are doing in the church today is tradition and how much is of real Biblical truth? Solomon tells is, "Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding" (Proverbs 23:23).

Sing: I serve a risen Saviour, He's in the world today; I know that he is living, whatever men may say, I see his hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer, and just the time I need Him He's always near. He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives to day! He walks with me and talks with me along life's narrow way. He lives, He lives, salvation to impart! You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart.

23 February 2010 - Morning Manna

Now these are the judgments which thou shalt set before them. If thou buy an Hebrew servant, six years he shall serve: and in the seventh he shall go out free for nothing. If he came in by himself, he shall go out by himself: if he were married, then his wife shall go out with him. If his master have given him a wife, and she have born him sons or daughters; the wife and her children shall be her master's, and he shall go out by himself. And if the servant shall plainly say, I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free: Then his master shall bring him unto the judges; he shall also bring him to the door, or unto the door post; and his master shall bore his ear through with an aul; and he shall serve him for ever (Exodus 21:1-6).

Today’s Morsel: Reading and following through history, slavery has been around for quite sometimes. It didn’t begin in America, as far as we can tell, slavery actually began with the children of Israel. However, they were set free, but some of them maintained a slave mentality. You see, when you are a part of something for so long it becomes a part of you and you begin to take upon you its ways, and it becomes hard for you to break. After being set free, many of the Israelite, were used to the ways of Egypt and they wanted to return. The same is true with many people today. Jesus came to set them free from the world and the ways of the world, but because they have become so attached to the world, it’s hard for them to let go, and so they want to return to that lifestyle and way because they became so accustomed to it.

The Lord told Moses “Now these are the judgments which thou shalt set before them. If thou buy an Hebrew servant, six years he shall serve: and in the seventh he shall go out free for nothing. If he came in by himself, he shall go out by himself: if he were married, then his wife shall go out with him. If his master have given him a wife, and she have born him sons or daughters; the wife and her children shall be her master's, and he shall go out by himself. And if the servant shall plainly say, I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free: Then his master shall bring him unto the judges; he shall also bring him to the door, or unto the door post; and his master shall bore his ear through with an aul; and he shall serve him for ever.” They were to be given a choice to stay or they could go. So my question to you today is this, are you making yourself a self inducted slave to this world and the ways of the world? Have you allowed Satan, the master of this world, to put you against a door post and pierce your ear and make you his forever? Friend, Jesus came to make us free and if the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. (John 8:36). You did your time in the world under Satan, harsh taskmaster leadership, and Jesus has paid your bail. Which choice will you make? Let me encourage you, go, and live free.

Sing: Once like a bird in prison I dwelt, no freedom from my sorrow I felt, but Jesus came and listened to me, and glory to God, he set me free.

He set me free, yes, He set me free; He broke the bonds of prison for me. I’m glory bound my Jesus to see, glory to God He set me free.

22 February 2010 - Morning Manna

And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God (Matthew 14:22-33).

Today’s Morsel: Now that I live here in Wisconsin, during these winter months I’ve seen many folks walking on water. That’s right; the ice fishermen here are always walking out onto the frozen lakes and rivers fishing. Even though the water is frozen, it still takes faith to go out there. I guess my faith hasn’t gotten there yet, because I can't imagine sitting on a block of ice trying to catch a fish.

When Jesus came walking on the water to His disciple in the storm, they were afraid, until Jesus told them who He was, to which Peter replied, “If it be you, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” The focus always seems to be that Peter took his eyes off the Lord. Is that really what happened that caused him to sink, or was there something else? Remember, they thought that they saw a ghost. Did Jesus disappear after Peter got out of the boat and start toward Jesus walking on the water, and now Peter was confused and began to sink? You see faith is being able to see Jesus in the dark. It’s being able to know that wherever He was when He bid you come is where He still is. He’s still there even though you may not be able to see Him. Jesus is the living water, and anytime we do not do what He tell us to do through His Word we are walking on Him. When we are disobedient to Him, He will only allow us to walk on Him but for so long, and then He will let us sink in our own ways until we cry out unto Him to save us as Peter did.

Sing: He said come unto me; all ye who are weary, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke and learn of me, and your soul shall be blessed.