MORNING MANNA - JULY 16-31, 2006

Yesterday, I went with my family to visit the School Book Depository in Dallas, Texas. It brought back many memories of pictures I saw on TV the day that President John F. Kennedy was shot and killed. As we listened to the guided tour and saw the pictures that were captured on that day, I was greatly saddened by the fact that our president could be gunned down in mid-day. What happened? He was surrounded by secret service agents and law enforcement members. How could it happen? It made me think that, at that moment in time, something changed in America. I could not put my finger on it but at last it hit me that we had stepped over the line. We had failed to respect authority.

God, as our supreme authority, has allowed nations to be formed and has taken nations down. He has greatly blessed America and desires that we also bless Him. One of the ways all people are to bless God is found in 1 Timothy 2:1-2.

We are to pray for all people but especially for those in authority. We are to plead for God's mercy on them and give thanks. This is to be done so we can live in peace, quietness, godliness and dignity. What happened in Dallas that fateful day was certainly far below dignity and godliness. It led to many other horrendous blatant crimes against authority and humanity in general. It almost seems like nothing can stop it.

Good news! God has given us a way to turn things around. Do you want to live in peace and quiet? Do you want to live in godliness and dignity? Begin to pray for our leaders and leaders all over the world. Begin to submit to authority starting with the King of Kings. Plead for mercy upon our leaders and give thanks. 1 Timothy 2:3 says this is good and it pleases God. We want to please you God. Help us to pray for those in authority over us.

Don't you love to gather with your family? Especially after a time away from one another? I do! It's so good to know that you are loved no matter what you have done, what you look like, or how many times you have failed and had to start again. You are a part of the family and you are loved just because you are you.

God's family is just like that. It should be that we enjoy gathering together. The early church gathered in homes and in the temple every day! (Acts 2:46) They did not have a worship order. They had a worship lifestyle. They had different personalities, different likes and dislikes, and they were not in agreement on everything. But, they were in agreement on the fact that they all had the same Father and that He had sent His Son to redeem them from their sin. Because of their great joy and love for God, they shared what they had generously with each other. They functioned as a family, accepting one another in love. Soon the family began to grow because of their infectious joy and love.

Jesus is coming soon for the family of God. We can partner with God to be sure that the family will include as many as possible. Just as God told Adam and Eve to multiply and be fruitful, we too are to multiply and be fruitful in the spiritual sense. Gathering with God's people in love, sharing what we have generously and being transparent with one another is not only fulfilling to us, but very attractive to those who are discouraged and disillusioned with the world. Do we have to broadcast the fact that we are Christians? No! Our actions and behavior will say it all. Do we have to "push" the church we attend? No! The church is not a building or a place, it is a people. It is you and it is me -together. The Word of God says people will know we are Jesus' disciples by our love for one another. (John 13:35) How's your love life? I'm taking a second look at mine.

The New Living Translation says this in Romans 4:1:..."What did he (Abraham) discover about being made right with God?" We might ask ourselves the same question. What do you think makes you right with God? Some will say, "because I am a good person". Some might say, "because I am a generous giver". Some may say, "because I ready my Bible every day". The list goes on and on. All these things are good in themselves. However, that is not what Abraham discovered and that is not what we discover either.

There is a wondrous revelation that comes when we discover that nothing we do makes us right with God. It is something within us that makes us right with God. It is our faith. Even then, some might say, "I don't have much or even any faith." God has us covered there too. Romans 12:3 says that God has given every man a measure of faith. It goes on to say that we should not think of ourselves more highly than we ought. God has given the measure of faith so we can't take credit for it or say that we don't have it. We have just as much as we need. God has supplied it according to His will.

We can live in great freedom when we discover, like Abraham, that we only have to believe in order to be counted right with God. Not only that, our ability to believe (our faith), comes from God. That relieves us of the temptation to compare ourselves with others or to try to live up to the law. We are free to use the gift of faith in order to believe God. As a result God counts us righteous. It's all about God and the gifts of faith and righteousness. Sometimes simple is better. There is an old hymn titled, "Only Believe". Will you believe today?

Who wants to be a slave? But even slaves receive some compensation for their work. They are kept alive so they can work more. However, the living conditions are usually barely tolerable and only the most fit survive. That's the way the devil is with his servants. The New Living Translation says that we were once slaves to the spiritual powers of this world. We were collecting wages but they were the wages of sin. Oh, they kept us alive here in the natural. Alive but not whole. We were existing on the meager wages of sin and the work was hard. On top of that, when operating in that realm, the gross lifetime earnings amount to death! In Romans 6:26, we see that the wages of sin is death.

Oh, but here is the good news! Romans 6:26 also says that the gift of God is eternal life! The gross lifetime credit for serving God is not death, but everlasting life. There are also pages and pages of promises for the in-between. There are such things as peace, healing, forgiveness..............., etc. We were once slaves but, because we believe in the saving power of Jesus, we are now children. Just look at this: ^"Now you are no longer a slave but God's own child. And since you are his child, everything he has belongs to you." (Galatians 4:7 NLT) It's hard to believe it but Jesus gave His life so we could be free from having to work at life. When the blood poured from His body to the cross and onto the ground, we were given the gift of salvation, of rest, of eternal life. It is not about being a slave. It is about being an adopted child. Our Father enjoys giving good gifts to His children. He gave the best He had so we could experience freedom. What would you rather have the devil's wages or God's gift? As for me? I received the gift. I was once a slave to sin. Now, thanks to my Big Brother Jesus, I am my Father's little girl.

At one point in my life, I became aware that I was extremely proud (among other things). I was in a place of leadership in the church which made it even worse. I gave it to Lord and asked to be delivered. He is faithful. He began to deliver me and it felt so good! Then something strange happened. I was so happy that I wasn't proud, I began to be proud that I wasn't proud! Oh the "humanness" of it all!

Psalm 34:2 says, "I will boast only in the LORD." Even though I had been delivered from a measure of pride, I began to boast as though I had done it myself! Nothing that we have or do is in and of ourselves. Everything is a gift from God and it has nothing to do with our works. God does not want any of us to glory in ourselves or even in another person or thing. He wants us to glory in Him alone.

Sometimes we're tempted to think that our works are really, really good. That may be true by the world's standards but God's standards are much different. Isaiah 64:6 lets us know that all of our works are like filthy rags in the eyes of God. That leaves you and me nothing to boast about. Paul kind of sums it up in Galatians 6:14 when he says, " As for me, God forbid that I should boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ." I hope that we can echo that today.

Solomon had just become King of Israel. God had placed him in that position. Solomon responded in worship and by bringing offerings. On that very night God appeared to him with the command, "Ask!" This was followed by the question, "What shall I give you?" Each of us has been put in position by God, whatever that position might be. If we are serious about life, we will go before the Lord in worship and offer back to Him what He has given to us. Rather than being a give and take relationship, it becomes a give and give relationship. God gives to us, we give back and the circle keeps on going.

Does God appear to us today? It is certainly possible. With God, nothing is impossible. (Luke 1:37) The wonderful thing is that God has appeared to us. Jesus said, "if you have seen me, you have seen the Father." (John 14:9) Our Heavenly Father continues to say, "ask" through His Son. Jesus said, "Ask". He said if we would ask, we would receive. (Matthew 7:7). This is not a "microwave age" promise. It takes faith on our part. It actually means, "ask and keep on asking." The promise is that we will receive. What is it that you need today? Will you worship your way into the presence of the Father? Will you offer back to Him what He has given to you? Will you humble yourself and ask for what you need? Nothing is to small to ask for and nothing is too large. Our Father loves to give good gifts to His children. He's waiting for us to ask.

Are ou asking God for something today? His Word says, "Ask and you will receive." When God asked Solomon what he wanted, Solomon asked for wisdom and knowledge to rule Israel. God was pleased. Solomon's request revealed what was in his heart. It did not reflect greed. It was not based on purely personal desire. Since he asked for what was best for himself and the people, God granted his request. Along with it, God gave him riches, wealth and honor!

What do we ask for? James 4:2-3 says we don't have because we have not asked. It goes on to say that sometimes we ask and don't receive because we ask amiss. Solomn asked for what would be best for God's purposes in himself and the people. James says we do not receive because we ask for things to spend on our own pleasure. Solomon received all the extra "things" because his request was in line with God's desires. God desires that none should perish but all have eternal life. Perhaps we might begin then to pray for souls for the Kingdom as we see the end time aproaching. Is it possible that we need to re-prioritize our heart's desires and our prayer lists? His Word says that if we seek His Kingdom and His righteousness first, all the other "things" will be added too! (Matthew 6:33)

Paul and Timothy were leaders in the early church. They had very different backgrounds and differed in age but they had one thing in common. In Philippians 1:1, they identify themselves as servants. Oh, they are not just any servants. They are servants of Jesus Christ. They know they are leaders. They also know they are servants. As believers, we are not any different today. We are all leaders in some sense. Parents are leaders. Even children find themselves leaders if they are older siblings. As believers, others many times watch us looking for a sense of direction.

If someone were to follow in your footsteps, what sort of character would he or she be imitating? If you were raised to a position of very visible leadership, how would your life change? As the leader that you are, in the position you are now in, do you call yourself a servant? Paul and Timothy were in "upper management", yet they identified themselves as servants. The Word of God says that whatever we do, we should do it as if we were doing it for the Lord Jesus. We should not try to please men. We do not serve men, we serve Jesus.

We are also promised a reward for our service to Jesus. Colossians 3:23 tells us that we will receive an inheritance from the Lord as our reward. Whether we are leaders or whether we are following the lead of someone else, we are to remember that all of us belong to Christ. We are all His servants. Colossians 4:1 goes on to let us know that we must be just and equal to those under our authority because we also have a Master in Heaven. He has no favorites. He does not let anyone get away with evil.

From one servant to another, have a wonderful day as you do all to the glory of God!

Paul and Timothy wrote to the believers at Philippi. They began their letter with greetings to the "saints" in Christ Jesus. We have been taught to think that saints are perfect people or that they are those who have been canonized by the Church. However, here's some more good news. Those of us who are in Christ Jesus are saints. It's His Word! God calls us saints and then makes us saints.

The other day I was complimenting someone. He replied, "I'm no saint." Unfortunately, I forgot the Word because I replied, "I didn't go that far." As a believer, he is a saint. If you are a believer, you are a saint too! Writing to the Corinthians, Paul addressed them as, "called to be saints". The Amplified Bible defines that as "God's consecrated people". Friends, we are called to be saints. We are called to be God's consecrated people. God sees the finished work. The Corinthian Church was far from looking like saints but Paul addressed them that way anyway. That is the way God saw them and sees us, through the blood of Jesus.

Who among us is ready to live up to the calling? You are either a believer and a saint or an unbeliever and a sinner. Have a great day and may God give you the strength and conviction to believe and live out the life of a saint!

Jesus is our Shepherd. He is a good shepherd. But, He is also the Lamb. As our Shepherd, he protects and provides for us. As the Lamb of God, He allowed Himself to be sacrificed for us. What an example He has set before us!

Leadership is a lonely place whether you are Jesus or whether you are a servant-leader in His Church. When Paul and Timothy wrote to the Church at Philippi, they wrote to the saints (God's consecrated people) but

they added "with the bishops and deacons" (overseers and assistants of the church).

Sometimes we forget that church leaders are not exempt from the need for encouragement, accountability and prayer. We count on them to lead us many times forgetting that they are lambs as well as shepherds. In their humanity they are just as prone to sin as we are. Because of their visibility, they are subject to great attack from the evil one. Paul and Timothy included them in their letter to the Philippians holding them accountable and also encouraging them.

Today, as you remember that you are also a leader in the capacity and position God has placed you, be on the alert. Satan is going about like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Remembering that, pray for those who are your shepherds. Each one is also a lamb just like you!

A common greeting to believers and one found in the first chapter of Philippians was, "grace and peace".

Grace denotes divine favor. Of course, divine favor can only come from the Divine One, our Father God. The word, "grace" has to do with divine influence on our hearts and its reflection in our lives. It comes from a root word, meaning, "rejoice". This morning, I pray your heart will be divinely influenced. I pray for that influence to be reflected in your life. I pray that for myself too. Let us rejoice! Having God's favor (or grace) on your life brings with it the inward peace that passes all understanding. (Philippians 4:7) Grace and peace really go together. Matthew Henry says, "There is no peace without grace."

When God seems to lift His favor from your life (perhaps due an unresolved sin issue), peace seems to leave also. It is no wonder that Paul and Timothy put the two words together in their greeting to the Philippians. This morning, may grace and peace abide with you. If grace seems to be missing, may God reveal the thing that has come between His favor and your life. May He grant you a heart of repentance. May His peace then keep your heart and mind. Jesus is our Prince of Peace and He will surely work with us until we have both grace and peace!

MORNING MANNA - JULY 27, 2006 - "LORD, I'M SO THANKFUL FOR _____________!"

Paul wrote something special in verse 3 of his letter to the Philippians. He said that every time he thought of them, he gave thanks to God. What a wonderful piece of encouragement to receive from someone else. How long has it been since you told someone or wrote to someone sharing that every time you thought of them you gave thanks to God? When was the last time you really did give thanks to God for someone who came across your mind? I have to admit that I need to take an example from Paul. I need to be thankful for those people God has brought into my life. I need to tell God I am thankful. I need to tell the specific person or persons that I am thankful.

It's hard in today's busy society to thank God for someone in your life. Especially every time you think of them. This would mean that you were almost in constant communion with the Father. Why not? 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says, "pray without ceasing". Prayer isn't just bringing your grocery list of requests to God. It is truly communing with Him about what He loves. He loves people. Aren't you glad?

The amazing thing about this example from Paul is that he was not just going about his business in a comfortable setting. He wrote this letter to the Philippians encouraging them from a Roman prison! Now, when was the last time you thanked God for someone in your life even while you were going through some sort of painful trial? How about starting now? There are people in your life who need encouragement. It is God's desire that you thank Him for those people and pray for them despite what you are going through. I can assure you, you will be blessed. Remember Job? He had lost everything. Even his "friends" turned against him. But, he prayed for them. God must have been pleased since he restored everything Job had lost and gave him double besides!

And Jehovah turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: and Jehovah gave Job twice as much as he had before. - Job 42:10.

Do you really want to please God? Start with one person: "Lord, I am thankful for ___________________ " (you fill in the blank). Then make it a habit to thank God for people and pray for them as He brings them across your mind. Oh, and don't forget to encourage those people by letting them know you are praying.

How do we pray for other people? When do we pray for other people? Yesterday morning, we talked about how Paul constantly prayed for the Philippians. Paul also constantly prayed for the Romans and the Thessalonicans too. Whew! Every time he remembered them, he prayed for them. Philippians 1:4 indicates that he always prayed making all his requests with joy. The word joy actually denotes cheerfulness and calm delight. When we pray for people, are we going to God complaining or are we going to God with joy knowing He is the only One who can bring about salvation, growth and change in anyone? Including us! There's a great reason for being cheerful and walking in calm delight!

How many times do you think to pray for an unsaved one? Remember, it is the lost sheep that God is searching for. He lets us know in Luke 15:6-7 that He rejoices when a lost sheep is found. All of heaven rejoices when just one person comes to Him in repentance. You may have an unsaved loved one. Rejoice! God has allowed you to come before His throne with joy, with calm delight. He wants to save those who are close to you!

Prayer moves the heart and hand of God. Let's be in prayer today for others. Let's pray for their spiritual welfare. Let's especially pray for the lost sheep. Let's pray with joy as Paul did. We have a God who is more than able to save, heal and deliver. We have a God who wants to see His people grow to their full potential and destiny. What a privilege to be able to partner with God in making our requests for others - with joy!

MORNING MANNA - JULY 29, 2006 - PARTNERS

Well, howdy, partner! It's just great having a morning meal with you. God's word makes a delicious breakfast. Yes?? It's marvelous having fellow believers in your life, isn't it? As Paul was thanking God for His partners in the faith in Philippi (found in Philippians 1:3-6), he mentioned (verse 5) that it was because they had been his partners in spreading the good news of Jesus. He said that they had been faithful from the first time they heard it until the time of his writing.

Do you have someone in your life who has been faithful in sharing the news of the gospel? Maybe they have shared with you. Maybe you work with them in sharing it with others. Nevertheless, it's great to have partners in the faith! How do you find yourself today? Are you faithful in sharing the good news with others. Are you faithful in working with the leaders of your church to further the gospel message? Most importantly, are you faithful to your Savior in telling others about what He has done for you? These are good questions to ask ourselves on a regular basis.

I highly doubt (even though I now reside in Texas) that Jesus will greet those of us who have served Him with, "Howdy Partner", but I do want to hear him say, "Well done thou good and faithful servant." I know you do to. So, "let's get 'er done" - partner!

I hope you don't mind but I want to start this morning's spiritual breakfast with some meat. Here it is:

Philippians 1:6 (King James Version) ^{6 (KJV)''}Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:"

I just had to get it right out there. One reason is that it is a verse that was spoken over me many years ago as I began a ministry that I could not have accomplished unless the Lord did it - and HE DID! I have never forgotten the verse and it has kept me through some hard times. Maybe, like me, you have had times when you began to doubt your usefulness. Perhaps there were times or the time is now that you don't feel as close to the Lord as you used to or that you would like to.

Good news! Wonderful news!! It was Jesus who began the good work in you and it is He that will perform it until the day He returns! It's all about Him and His work. It's not about you and me. Sometimes other people have to remind us of that when we get in the spiritual doldrums. Paul did just that for the Philippians. His confidence was in the Lord's promise to finish what He started.

Where is your confidence today? Has Jesus begun a good work in you? Have you believed and received His saving grace? If not, He is waiting to start that work right this minute. Just admit what you already know is true and tell Him you're a sinner. Thank Him for giving you the gift of His life and forgiving your sin. Let Him know how happy you are to receive the eternal life He purchased for you. If you have already done that, be encouraged. He promised never to leave you or forsake you and His promise is to finish everything He started in you!

Paul was in a Roman prison when he wrote to the Philippians letting them know that he very much loved and missed them. This love was not a human or shallow love. It was coming from the very heart of Jesus and flowing through Paul. Even Paul's imprisonment did not stop him from thinking of those he loved and making sure he found a way to let them know. There is more than one kind of prison. Maybe you find yourself in what seems to be a prison of circumstance that keeps you from doing exactly what you would like to do. In spite of that, will you share Jesus with others and let them share with and encourage you?

The people in the church at Philippi had shared the blessings of God with Paul both when he was in prison and when he was free to go about in public letting others know of the goodness of Christ. This gave them a special place in his heart. Whether you are in some sort of bondage or whether someone in your life is there, will it be a give and take of sharing God's Word, His blessing? If so, you will have participated in exchanging bondage for a bond of love. What a difference!

It is during times of trial and bondage that we find out who really cares about us. My friend, let's be like the Philippians and Paul. Let's encourage one another despite the circumstances! Oh, not with just some trite cliche but with the Word of God that heals and brings our hearts into unity. May today find you looking for invisible prison bars. If someone else is behind them, remember they are just like you! If you find yourself looking out from behind them, take heart. Jesus came to set the captives free. Create a bond of love by encouraging and helping someone else. If no one seems to be there for you, encourage yourself in the Lord. David did and we can too! Jesus is always there for us, in bondage and out!!