MORNING MANNA - AUGUST 31, 2006 - MERCY TO THE MERCIFUL

Epaphroditus was a key player in Paul's life (Philippians 2:25-27) .  He was a member of the church at Philippi and had gone to Rome to minister to Paul while he was in prison.  You would think that God would reward him greatly for such a sacrifice.  But, while he was in Rome, he got very seriously ill.  Of course it was distressing to him.  It was also distressing to Paul and to those at home in Philippi.  The illness was so bad that Epaphroditus almost died.

Have you ever done something for the Lord and then had something seemingly bad happen to you?  It is a bit faith-shaking sometimes.  It might even feel as though you have been tricked.  One commentator notes that the distress experienced by Epaphroditus was similar to the agony Jesus experienced in Gethsemane (Luke 22:42).  Here he was away from home, serving the man of God and he developed some sort of terrible sickness.  Besides being uncomfortable and scary, it probably didn't seem fair.  But, being a man of unshakable faith, Epaphroditus, no doubt, was submitted to the will of God whether it meant he would live or die.

As the old song says, "God sits on high and He looks down low."  His ways are so much higher than ours (Isaiah 55:9).  Sometimes there is just no human explanation for the hard things that happen in our lives.  In some cases, God delivers us with a strong hand and at other times that same strong hand leads us through them.  At all times, God is merciful.  In the case of Epaphroditus, Paul says that God had mercy on the both of them.  Epaphroditus recovered, no doubt by the healing hand of God.  Paul was spared the sorrow of his death which would have been doubly hard since he was still in prison.  Both Paul and Epaphroditus were merciful in their dealings with others and God responded by showing them mercy.  As we deal with others today, let's try to extend the kind of treatment that we might like to receive ourselves.  The scripture says that we will reap whatever we sow (Galatians 6:7).  I guess the modern phrase is "what goes around comes around."  Spread something good around today!

MORNING MANNA - AUGUST 30, 2006 - SERVICE "WITH"

Do you have someone in your life that is like a child to you?  Perhaps you have led someone to Jesus and they have become like your very own child.  I have someone like that and so did Paul (Philippians 2:22).  Timothy stuck by Paul through thick and thin.  He served with Paul.  One commentary says that we might expect that Paul would have said that Timothy served him as a child serves a father.  But, Paul did not say it like that.  He said that Timothy served with him.  We are all servants of God with one another.  There is a saying we have probably all heard but it's good to be reminded again, "the ground is level at the foot of the cross."

Jesus, the Son, serves with the Father and with the Holy Spirit.  There is complete unity.  Timothy's service and Paul's willingness to refer to him as a fellow-worker instead of an underling is an example of the unity of the Trinity.  It should be an example of the unity of the church also.  We all serve together along with each other, no matter what. Age, race, gender or any other difference makes no difference (Galatians 3:28).  We are all one in Christ!

When one is absent, another can fill in.  When one is in need, another can come to the rescue.  When one rejoices, we all rejoice.  When one weeps, we are all sorrowful.  Are you older?  Don't think you can't learn something from the younger!  Are you younger?  Don't think you can discard all the ways and wisdom of your elders!  There is not one of us that can do without the rest.  No man is an island.  No man stands alone (hmmm, that sounds like a song!).  Whether you function in the capacity of child, parent, brother or sister, you are important.  You make a difference.  Let's stand with one another and for God and His Kingdom as Timothy stood with Paul. As the Father, Son and Holy Ghost stand together.  Service comes in all ages, sizes, genders, and colors!  What a beautiful tapestry God has created!!

MORNING MANNA - AUGUST 29, 2006 - WHOSE PLANS?

Timothy must have been a real joy to the apostle, Paul.  In fact, Paul exclaimed that there was no one like Timothy for having a real interest in the believers at Philippi.  There were obviously other Christians in Rome where Paul was imprisoned but he didn't consider anyone like Timothy as far as having a true and sincere interest in others.  I wonder what the Christian community would be like if we all were like Timothy.  According to Philippians 2:21, while other Christians were worrying about their own affairs, Timothy was focused on the plan and purpose of Jesus.  Paul could take joy in the fact that Timothy would put other things aside to go and check on the welfare of the believers in Philippi.  The ones that Paul had nurtured in the faith.  What he was unable to do at the time, Timothy would do for him.   

I don't know about you but my life is not so noble - not yet anyway.  I think it is a process.  I think the process will go faster when we completely submit our will to the Lord.  Dying to our own agenda is sometimes very hard to do.  The world we live in presses in and makes many demands on our time and energy.  But it is a necessity to place Kingdom work ahead of all this if we are to become more like Jesus.  If we are to fulfill our purpose in the Body of Christ, we will have to fit in perfectly (Ephesians 4:16).  That is exactly what Timothy was doing in working together with Paul and the other believers. 

What can we do today to become more like Timothy?  The first thing is to submit our will and our plans to the Lord.  He is totally interested in our willingness.  The rest is then up to Him.  As He leads, we only need to trust in His love for us and follow.   Whatever it is that He places in our path to do will be profitable if we take the limitless love that He gives us and pour it out on someone else.  Can I do that??  Only through His strength and grace.  But then, He promises plenty of that!  We can do all things through Christ.  He will strengthen us!

MORNING MANNA - AUGUST 28, 2006 - WHO'S YOUR TIMOTHY?

Timothy, a young preacher, was with Paul in Rome.  It was during Paul's imprisonment there.  How encouraging that must have been to Paul!  Even though Paul did not complain about his confinement, it must have been uncomfortable, not to speak of inconvenient.  Just imagine not being able to go where you want to go, not being able to take care of business.  His business was doing God's business.  Paul had a heart for believers and had spent lots of time pouring the gospel into many.  He really wanted to keep track of them and know that they were progressing in the faith but how could he? 

That's where Timothy comes in.  Paul was fortunate to have a young person who stood with him in hard times.  Somebody who was willing to do some menial stuff even though he was a leader himself.  Timothy could go and bring back the news that Paul was longing to hear!  Isn't it is wonderful when someone comes alongside to help in a time of need?  Maybe you have experienced a "Timothy" in your life.  I know I have.  Many times.  Praise God!  Isn't it just like God to bring people into our lives just when we need them?  What a picture and work of His Holy Spirit!

Next time you get a bit down, remember those "Timothy's" God has brought in and out of your life.  Thank Him for them and pray a blessing upon them.  While you're doing that, consider being a "Timothy" to someone else.  One last thought.  When there's no one there "with skin on," remember the Holy Spirit is always there when you need somebody to come alongside!  Be especially blessed today!!

MORNING MANNA - AUGUST 27, 2006 - CONSIDER IT A PRIVILEGE

Paul was interested in people.  He was not only interested, he was filled with love for them.  Oh, he had not always been that way.  At one point he was more interested in the law than in relationship.  He was well trained in the law but untrained in love.  Then Jesus stepped into his life.  How many of you know that when Jesus steps into your life, things are going to change!?!

Has Jesus made an impact on your life?  If so, you will witness to the fact that love is the only thing that will enable you to fulfill the law.  Love will cause you to even be joyful when given the opportunity to lay down your life for someone else.  Paul was ready to actually die for the believers he so loved.  We are not usually called to physically die for another but we are called to lay down our lives (our agenda, our plans, our wants, etc.) for others and, in essence, for the Lord.

Paul considered it a privilege to be called to die for those he loved.  How about us?  Do we consider it a privilege to change our plans or give up something we want in order to help someone?  Are we willing to lay down something of ourselves, to sacrifice, for another's benefit?  Hopefully, we are becoming more and more like our Savior who gave His life so we could experience abundant life!

MORNING MANNA - AUGUST 26, 2006 - WORTHWHILE WORK

Who in your life has labored to bring you the good news of the gospel?  Who has encouraged and admonished you in love?  Paul did this for the Philippian believers and he was hoping that they would do the same for others.  In Philippians 2:16, he tells them, after just encouraging them to shine as bright stars in a dark world, to hold forth the word of life.  When you stop to think about it, Jesus is the one that paid with His life so we could know and experience the good news of salvation.  Paul was following His example.  Paul did not want to find out that his work had been for nothing.  Paul wanted to be joyful in the fruit of his labor when he saw Jesus again. 

I would guess that any good Sunday School teacher, pastor, evangelist, or other person who works to spread the message of Jesus feels the same way.  You have probably sown into people's lives and would like to find out that they are passing along the goodness.  What greater reward could we get than to know our seed is being multiplied!  I know that I am really jubilant when I find out that my children and grandchildren are taking the good seed that I have sown (it wasn't all good but I trust God to kill the weeds) and spreading it even further!  In 3 John 1:4, John speaks of somewhat the same thing.  He was extremely happy to have heard that one of his "children" was living out the gospel. 

This might be a good time to thank those people who have sown into your life.  Pray for them too because the more they sow, the more temptation and opposition they experience.  It might also be a good time to reflect on how much you have sown into the lives of others.  If your bag of seed is still sitting in the corner somewhere, why not pull it out and begin sowing.  If your seed bag is not very full, why not go to the Source of the seed.  Read His Word.  Seek His Presence.  Then take your now overflowing bag of seed and go out refreshed.  Do a bit of sowing and be ready to reap a harvest of joy when Jesus comes and finds that you have done a good job in His field! 

MORNING MANNA - AUGUST 25, 2006 - YOU'RE A STAR! 

It's hard to face but we do live in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation.  Yes, there is a remnant of God's people left and that is what, by the power of the Holy Spirit in us, preserves this nation and the world.  I guess it was no different in Paul's day.  He wanted Christians then to live blameless lives among the wicked (Philippians 2:15).  That is what God wants us to do today too.  It's very hard sometimes.  Things that many people have no qualms about saying or doing today are truly offensive to God.  As Christians, you and I see and hear these things every day.  It's really impossible to keep from it. 

Once we see or hear things that are wicked and offensive to God, they are in our memory.  No wonder the Bible tells us that we must constantly renew our minds (Romans 12:2) and take every thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:5) .  Offenses will come (Luke 17:1) .  We are not to get so used to them that we begin to accept offensive acts and words.  Nor, are we to get so self-righteous that we condemn people instead of trying to shed His Light into their lives.

Paul says that we are to be seen as bright lights in this dark world.  As stars.  As beacons.  Our lives should shine in this world as brightly as a fine diamond shines when placed on a black velvet backdrop.  It only takes one flicker of light to dispel much darkness.  So, how is your life today?  Is it brightly shining - burning with the fire of the Holy Spirit?  I hope so.  I want mine to shine too.  Today, let's remember each other in prayer.  Let's join together in asking God to polish His diamonds up (that's us) and make us shine so brightly that those walking in darkness will be drawn to His Light!  Twinkle, twinkle.  You're God's star!

MORNING MANNA - AUGUST 24, 2006 - WHO LET THE DOGS OUT?

An old Chinese proverb says, "One dog barks at something; the rest bark at him."  I know.  This is not a devotional written around old Chinese proverbs!  I just wondered if you've heard much barking lately. Actually, I'm reminded of that verse in Philippians 2:14 that says we should do all things without murmurings and disputings.  Unfortunately, there seems to be too much of that going on today in the Kingdom of God.  "Who's right, the Baptists, the Presbyterians, or........?"  "Do we have to wear choir robes?"  "The pastor should preach longer."  "Why is church so hot?"  "I wish the pastor wouldn't preach past noon."  "The music is too loud."  "So and so didn't even say hello to me."  Betcha can't say that you haven't heard at least one of those before (and more)!  They all have to do with grumbling, faultfinding and complaining, as well as doubting.  Now, how is that going to build God's Kingdom?  The last I heard, He said that a house divided against itself would fall (Mark 3:24)! 

The bottom line about complaining is that, no matter what we complain about, it really is complaining against God.  That's where the buck always stops.  You're in whatever situation is causing you to complain because He has put you there.  He never called us to complain.  In fact if you want to stop going around that mountain that's been holding you back for so long, stop complaining!  Our journey through life would be more direct and comfortable if we would take a lesson from the Israelites. They spent forty years on what should have been a few days journey.  Our complaining will not change God.  He will still be gracious and merciful.  Even in their complaining, He didn't let their clothes wear out - for forty years!!  He didn't let their feet swell either but the Bible doesn't say that they didn't get tired!  Now, if you want to wear the same outfit and look at the same scenery for forty years, go ahead and complain.  I'd rather get dressed in God's righteousness and His new mercies every morning! 

About those dogs.  Too often I have represented the one who barked first.  I don't want to do that any more.  It seems that it doesn't really change anything but raise the noise level so high that I can't hear the still small voice of God any more.  As for doubting, that goes with another "d" word.  Double-minded.  I'm told that a double-minded person is unstable in all his ways (James 1:8).  Being unstable leaves us open to falling.  Now, who wants to wear the same outfit, see the same scenery, and stumble over every stone and grumble for years (not to speak of having to listen to all those other dogs barking)?  I know you don't.  Neither do I.  So, this morning I will encourage and instruct myself and you can do the same.  Self, thou shalt not complain! 

MORNING MANNA - AUGUST 23, 2006 - WHO AND WHAT?

The "who" is God.  The "what" is work.  How exciting is it that the God who created the universe, from the biggest to the most minute thing in it, cares about you and me??  The One who is worthy of all of our praise actually has chosen to use you and me!!  Not only that, He has made it clear that we can't really help much except by just submitting to Him and watching what He does in and through us.  It is not by our work that we are saved.  It is His work.  He began it and He continues it!!  What a deeper understanding that gives me of Jesus's words to us, "come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest."  That does not mean we stop doing things, only that we stop striving and let God do them through us.

Now how exciting is it that God works in us to bring His deepest desires to fruition (Philippians 2:13) ?  I don't know about you but I do know that I'm not really the greatest material for such use.  He has reminded me that while it is true, I am not worth anything without him (John 15:5), with Him ALL things are possible (Mark 10:27) .  He assures me that NOTHING is impossible with Him (Matthew 17:20).  The only thing I have to do is believe and act on that belief.  Oh, it all sounds simple.  Maybe it is to you. For me, resting in Him is one of the hardest things to do.  But.......ALL things are possible!!  Just a second while I take my seat beside Him in the heavenly realms! 

It is God's desire to work in us.  Sometimes we get that a little bit confused and think that He just wants to work on us - that He is only interested in hammering away at our faults.  Yes, it is true that He wants us to walk in as much revelation as He has given us and be holy.  But, even that is solely dependent upon Him doing the work from the inside out.   Some of us are more strong-willed than others.  Some can hide what is really inside under the cover of lots of good religious "works".  I know that you're not one of those but you might just want to watch out if come in contact with one.  I think Jesus called them hypocrites - and worse!  But God sees right through everything and looks at the heart.  We can't hide anything in there from Him.  He's looking for a willing heart that will allow Him to do His good pleasure through it.  Yes, sometimes willing hearts make mistakes but we are His workmanship and He knows how to fix and maintain us.  Set your willing heart at rest in the Savior, let Him take you by the hand.  When He gives you a loving nudge, go for it.  On your journey through today, just watch. Enjoy the work He will do - in you!

MORNING MANNA - AUGUST 22, 2006 - WORK YOUR OWN SIDE OF THE STREET!

Have you ever thought about what Paul meant when he said, "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" (Philippians 2:12)?  It might be confusing depending on how you look at it.  First of all, scripture does say that we are not saved by works, but by grace (Ephesians 2:8-9).  So what did Paul mean?  Perhaps part of what he meant was, "work your own side of the street."  In America, we live in a production-oriented society.  Religion, by itself, teaches us that by doing good things, we can somehow earn a place in Heaven.  But Heaven is a gift, not something to work for.  How sad when we work for something that Jesus paid such a price to give us!  No, we don't work "for"- we work "because!"  Because we have been given so very much.

When Paul gave this instruction, he was writing from prison.  Before being imprisoned, he had spent time with the believers at Philippi ministering to them.  Now he could not be with them.  Nevertheless, he wanted them to obey just as they had when he was there to nudge them along in the faith.  Sometimes we are placed in a position where we need to continue in the faith without a "leader".  That does not excuse us from living in reverent obedience to God.  If we face a season where there seems to be no one there to lead, we need to "much more" (as Paul said) work out our salvation.  Our Helper, the Holy Spirit will step in and give us the power and the will to do it.  It's up to us to use that will and power correctly.  God will not make our choices for us.  That's our side of the street.  He has already worked His side of the street by giving us the gift of salvation.  It is complete.  But is the gift unwrapped or is it still in the box and tied up with a scarlet ribbon?

We have to unwrap the gift and use it every moment of every day.   Only then will it become totally effective in our lives.  How can we work out our salvation?  The words, "work out" have great depth to their meaning.  It means to fully accomplish or finish a thing.  I want to be a finisher.  Every day, I want to be more in accord with the Word and will of God.  If you are reading this, I'm sure you do too.  I encourage you (me too) to work your side of the street.  Read the Word.  Walk in the revelation God has given you today.  Become a more disciplined Christian - in other words, a disciple.  Use everything God has given you and work your side of the street not "for" something but "because" of His great love for you!

MORNING MANNA - AUGUST 21, 2006 - EVERY KNEE, EVERY TONGUE - ONLY ONE NAME

What's in a name?  In the case of Jesus - everything!!  For starters, there is life (and where would we all be without it?).  John 20:31 tells us that Jesus is the Anointed One.  He is the Son of God.  If we believe that, we have life in His name - abundant life.  He's also health.  In Acts 3:6 we see that Peter did some name-dropping, or should I say lifting?  He saw a lame man at the side of the road and, in the Name of Jesus, told him to get up and walk.  No problem!  The man did it.  Jesus, Himself, said that if we asked anything in His name He would do it (John 14:14).  There is so much more but there wouldn't be enough time or enough paper to describe all that is in The Name.  The name of Jesus. 

In short, there is power in the name of Jesus.  Paul cast a demon out of a young woman ordering it to be gone in the Name of Jesus (Acts 16:18).  Of course, the demon had to flee.  But, the name of Jesus can also be dangerous.  Some Jewish exorcists decided they would use it too because they had seen and heard how Paul did it.  They tried casting a demon out of a man.  That did not turn out so well.  The demon, not recognizing them as true believers, jumped from the demon-possessed man and leaped on the would-be believers (Acts 19:13-17).  It was bad.  They were totally overcome and ran from the building wounded and naked!  This is certainly not a name to be taken lightly or to be used by those who have not first bowed and confessed that Jesus is Lord. 

Philippians 2:10 tells us that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow.  Things in heaven, in earth and under the earth.  Verse 11 says that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.  Every single thing must and will bow at just the mention of the Name of Jesus.  Every tongue must and will confess that He is Lord.  The question is when.  It's our choice.  God is gracious.  We can do it willingly now and experience a powerful abundant life.  Or, we can wait until later.  The latter is definitely not a great idea. It won't be a case of "better late than never."  One day it will be too late to receive salvation in the Name of Jesus.  On that day God will force everyone and everything to bow and confess that His Son is Lord.  This morning, let's willingly and purposefully lift up the Name of Jesus together confessing His Lordship. Jesus is the only name in which we can find everything we need.

MORNING MANNA - AUGUST 20, 2006 - ATTITUDE AND ALTITUDE

There is an old hymn titled, "Higher Ground."  Part of it goes like this:  "Lord, lift me up and let me stand by faith on Heaven's table land; A higher plane than I have found, Lord plant my feet on higher ground."  Just coming through some valleys in my life has caused me to do some soul-searching.  Oh yes, I want to be on higher ground just like any other person in their right mind.  And, it does take faith but, as the Bible says, faith without works is dead.  Walking on higher ground will come when we have enough faith to check our attitude and make any necessary changes in our thinking.

I just heard a very wise preacher give an example of how he learned about attitude and altitude while training to be a pilot. Isn't it wonderful the things God will use to teach us something!?!  When things weren't going just right, his instructor would tell him that he wasn't paying attention to the attitude meter (I didn't even know there was such a thing in an airplane).  You see, the performance of the plane was dependent on the pilot keeping a check on the correctness of the attitude meter.  In other words, there could not be an effective change in and/or maintenance of altitude until the attitude was changed!  Hmm........

You and I need to keep a constant check on our attitude meter if we want God to plant our feet on higher ground.  In Philippians 2:5-8 Paul tells us that we are to "have the mind of Christ".  Some versions say, "the attitude of Christ".  What was His attitude?  It was the attitude of a humble servant.  He had true humility. He knew He was God and that he had all the rights associated with that position.  But He chose to willingly give them up for the sake of others.  He didn't just give up  a few little things.  He became a man, walked a sinless life and then He died for us.  Oh, He was still God and He proved that all the time.  He healed others.  He delivered others.  He forgave others.  I could go on and on here.  The point is that He, being God, had every right to use these powers to help Himself and bring comfort to Himself but instead He gave them up for others (you and me being one of those others)!  Now that's a good attitude!  As God promised, the altitude followed the attitude.  Jesus is now highly exalted sitting next to our Father praying for you and me. (Philippians 2:9)

I just feel like preaching - not so much to you but to me!  Lord, help us to check our attitude meter today. Renew our minds by the washing of Your Word.  Give us the attitude of Jesus.  Help us to be humble.  Let us serve You by serving those you created and love.  As our attitude changes, remind us that our altitude has already been determined - thank You for seating us in heavenly places with You! (Ephesians 2:6)

MORNING MANNA - AUGUST 19, 2006 - WHO ARE YOU LOOKING AT?

Where does your minds eye rest the most?  Up, toward God?  Out toward others?  Or, in toward yourself?  These are good check-point questions when we deal with a loss of joy and peace in our lives.  Of course, up toward God is the first step toward regaining balance.  It is in Him where we find the security of peace and the freedom to enjoy life.  Always looking in toward ourselves, even if we are striving to be the best person we can be, will lead to selfishness.

In Philippians 2:3-4, Paul is giving an instruction that is more like a command.  One version starts out by saying, "Don't be selfish; don't live to make a good impression on others."  Some selfishness is evident.  We usually stay away from people that always want their own way or always have to be right.  Some people are selfish in another way.  They focus on being the best they can (to make a good impression on people) be at the expense and disregard of others. These people are not always that easy to spot.  They have a sort of false humility that shows up in always seeming to strive for perfection.  Paul goes on in verse 3 to talk about real humility.  He says we should think of others as better than ourselves.  Verse 4 continues by saying that we should be interested in others and not just in our own wants and needs.

Have you lost your joy today?  I would venture to say that it has happened to all of us at one time or another.  Instead of turning your eyes in on yourself (whether it be to your shortcomings or your best qualities) , lift them to Jesus the giver of all joy.  Then look outward to your brothers and sisters, recognizing their talents and gifts, uplifting them where they are weak.  See what they are interested in and take an interest with them.  Your spiritual eyes will take a minute to refocus from self to a larger picture but you will like what you see!  As a young person, I learned a little question which you have probably heard but it bears repeating.  It's this:  "How Do You Spell Joy?"  You probably already know the answer but just in case you don't, here it is:  "J-esus, O-thers, Y-ourself."  Who comes last?  Yourself!!  It may sound basic and even childlike.  It seems backwards, but it's Biblical and it works every time!!  Joy to you, my friend!

MORNING MANNA - AUGUST 18, 2006 - FOUR QUESTIONS - ONE HEART

I have a song I like to sing called, "Christian in the House".  It is really asking the question, "Is there a Christian in the House?".  The songwriter expresses the need for someone to "take a stand" and "lend a hand" in the time of need.  Paul is basically asking the same thing in Philippians 2:1-2.  He is having a hard time and is asking four questions of the Philippian believers (the questions are for us too).  The first is, "Can you encourage me?"  The second is, "Can you bring comfort?"  The third?  "Are we living together in the Spirit ?" And finally, "Is there any tenderness and sympathy in your heart?"  In other words, "Is there a Christian in the house?"  After asking those four questions, he goes on.  He seems to be answering his own question.  As I read it, he is assuming that those things are basic and at least hoping that the Philippians have all those traits. 

You would think that all the above would make Paul really happy but, after asking all the questions, he asks them to do something else.  The impossible.  No, not really but today you would think it was impossible.  He wants his brothers and sisters in Christ to make him truly happy by living in unity.  Imagine that!  He doesn't like all their bickering about the style of worship or the color of the carpet in the Temple.  He's only going to be happy when they agree wholeheartedly, love one another and work together with one heart and purpose.  If he were selfish, he would be thinking about them working together to get him out of prison.  But Paul is not even thinking about himself.  He's thinking of the welfare of those he has brought up in the faith.  He's passing along the message of a prayer that Jesus prayed for them and for you and me (John 17:11).

Friends, what is it that drives a wedge between us?  What is it that keeps us from having one mind and one purpose.  It's when we don't have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16) and when our purpose is not to spread the gospel message at any cost (1 Corinthians 9:23 NLT).  Sounds good, sounds easy.  But it's not.  It means we have to put aside our man-made traditions, our cultural preferences, our prejudices, our own likes and dislikes.  It means we have to come to God in the Name of the Lord Jesus bringing a sacrifice of praise (Hebrews 13:15 NLT).  It means we praise in spite of whether we happen to be in our comfort zone.  It means being able to sing from the bottom of a pure hear, "I am crucified with Christ, therefore I no longer lives.  Jesus Christ now lives in me."  That's unity!  Well, God has certainly spoken to and challenged me this morning!  You too??