MORNING MANNA - DECEMBER 16-31, 2006

MORNING MANNA - DECEMBER 31, 2006 - IT'S NEW YEAR'S EVE - WHAT ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT?

Malachi 3:16 (New Living Translation)
^{16 (NLT)}Then those who feared the LORD spoke with each other, and the LORD listened to what they said. In his presence, a scroll of remembrance was written to record the names of those who feared him and loved to think about him.

It's an evening of celebration when we will be closing out an old year and bring in a new year. Or rather, God will be doing that. Many are preparing for a bang-up celebration where liquor will flow freely and people will act in great abandon as "Father Time" appears at midnight to let us know that another year has passed. There will be an abundance of food and jovial festivities. Ladies will try to outdo one another with the fanciest of clothes and hair-do's. Of course there will also be scenes around the world of those sleeping on the streets, homeless and desolate. There will be starving children in third world countries. All the while, our Father in Heaven will be looking down on His creation.

Do you suppose He is looking for those who might have their thoughts on Him instead of this world's revelry or, in the case of the destitute, their pain and suffering? It would appear from Malachi 3:16 that the Lord is pleased with those who think of Him, fear Him and speak with each other about Him. He is silently present in their conversation and is taking notice of their recognition of Him. This verse even indicates that He has a scroll recording the names of those who take the time to think of Him and speak to one another about Him. Malachi 3:17 says that He considers these people His own special treasure and that they will be protected from His coming judgment as an obedient child is spared by a loving father.

The end of this year finds the world a very scary and unpredictable place in which to live. Without the assurance of our Father's love and peace, we might find it difficult to function and cope with all the evil that has taken place and continues to take place. However, as we cross over into a new year this evening, God is still looking for those who will think of Him. Those who will acknowledge Him to one another. Choosing to remember and acknowledge God causes Him to greatly acknowledge you. Yes, wickedness and unrighteousness are prevalent. But God sees it all. He has made special provision for those who choose to acknowledge Him and live in righteousness. (Malachi 3:18) In His time, whether this coming year or some other year, we will again see the difference between the wicked and the righteous. Who is on the Lord's side? Who will reverentially fear Him? Who will love to think of Him? Who will encourage others to do the same? Wouldn't you like your name recorded in His presence for such a choice? At the stroke of midnight, may you be giving thanks to the Father of the universe for granting you another year in which to acknowledge Him.

Malachi 1:8 (New Living Translation)
^{8 (NLT)}When you give blind animals as sacrifices, isn't that wrong? And isn't it wrong to offer animals that are crippled and diseased? Try giving gifts like that to your governor, and see how pleased he is!" says the LORD Almighty.

God was not pleased with the Israelites when He spoke through Malachi. He was angry because of the despicable way they had treated His name. (Malachi 1:7) Apparently they did not even realize they were disrespecting His name because they asked how they had done it when He accused them. Slipping slowly into disrespect can happen sometimes without us even realizing it. Before we know it, we are too familiar with God and begin to forget that He is far above us and deserves the greatest respect and the finest of offerings. He tells us that He is more than willing to provide all our needs. (Philippians 4:19) However, He demands and deserves our praise, worship and respect.

God is more than willing and able to shower His people with all of Heaven's resources. (Malachi 3:10) However, there is a condition involved in this promise. We are to bring all of the tithes into His storehouse first. We are to bring Him the first and the best of what He has given us. It's so easy to forget that this condition exists. When we do forget, we begin to offer what's left instead of what God says is right. He is not happy when we offer the leftovers. He gave His best to purchase our salvation. He emptied Heaven of His most precious Son to bring us eternal life. Will we offer Him a pittance that costs us nothing?

We can't buy anything from God. Everything He offers is a free gift. We can only give back to Him what was already His in the first place. He allows us to use everything that He has made and provided for our needs and comfort. Should we give back to Him anything that is defective or deficient? We could never outgive the Lord. He is a debtor to no one. So, why not give generously and joyfully of our best to the One who gave His best for us? David said he would not offer God something that cost Him nothing. (1 Chronicles 21:24) God asks whether a government official would accept a defective or cheap gift. He also asks why He should show any favor to those who bring unworthy gifts. (Malachi 1:9) We must not have the motive of giving just so we can receive. However, we must also realize the privilege of being able to give to a God whose character it is to give back more than we could ever ask or believe. (Ephesians 3:20) So, what can we prepare to offer the Lord today and throughout this coming year? Our best, of course. The best of our resources. The best of our time. The best of our talent. The best of our heart. We can bring a sacrifice of praise even before we see the answers to our prayers. (Hebrews 13:15) We can proclaim the glory of His name as demonstration of the best of our faith. It may cost something at first but God will never ignore such a sacrifice. Anything it may cost us will be paid back with great interest. Praise the Name of the Lord who loves to give good gifts to His children - even His Kingdom. (Luke 12:32)

DECEMBER 29, 2006 - MORNING MANNA - THE DESTROYER IS DESTROYED

Revelation 20:10 (New Living Translation)
^{10 (NLT)}Then the Devil, who betrayed them, was thrown into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur, joining the beast and the false prophet. There they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

No doubt about it. As believers in Jesus, we have a formidable enemy. He is much stronger than we are if we attempt to go it alone. He is an angel but one who chose darkness over all the light He previously had. Pride and discontent caused him to rebel and be cast from Heaven. (Isaiah 14:12) This enemy is so strong that he deceives the nations! Those who do not have their hearts and minds set on the Lord will surely fall prey to the wiles of the devil. Even those destined for salvation might be deceived if God did not shorten his time. Such is the power of this enemy. But God has shortened his time so that we might not be trapped by his deception. (Matthew 24:22-24) He has a promised end in the lake of fire. Every day we are stalked by this enemy. He roams around looking for anyone whose defenses are down. He looks for those who have separated themselves from the flock of believers. He looks for those who are sin-sick and weak hoping to destroy them. (1 Peter 5:8)

Our only defense against such an enemy is to be rooted and grounded in the love of God. We may fail God at times but His love is continuous and unconditional. We have spiritual armor that we are given to use against our enemy. (Ephesians 6:11) It is important that we use this equipment at all times. But, perhaps just as importantly, we should remember that we belong to God. The enemy will come. He will usually come at the most inopportune times for us. These are the times when we are the weakest. Our job is to remember that the battle is not ours but the Lord's. (2 Chronicles 20:15) We are to remember that nothing can separate us from God's love. (Romans 8:38) The enemy is the head of all the powers of Hell but even He can't separate us from God's love. God is God over Satan! What can we do when we're backed into the corner by the enemy? Keep right on backing up - right into the arms of the Savior. Submission to Him will cause the enemy to flee. (James 4:7)

Yes, this enemy knows that his time is short. He is well aware of his future. His time of being able to betray people will come to an end forever along with all those who followed him - angels and people alike. We must not be overwhelmed by his roar or deceived by his cunning even though it may be tempting. We may stumble and even fall at times but the key is to get up, submit ourselves to God by means of trust and obedience and watch this one ,whose end is coming shortly, flee. He will spend forever in the lake of fire but for today, we can use all the power that God has placed in us while submitting to Him in order to keep the enemy from our lives. Keep that armor on and retreat to the loving arms of the Father. There is safety for those who believe. He may still try to remind you of the bad things from your past but you can remind him of Revelation 20:10 - his future.

MORNING MANNA - DECEMBER 28, 2006 - SING A NEW SONG

Psalms 149:1 (New Living Translation)
^{1 (NLT)}Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song. Sing his praises in the assembly of the faithful.

Every day new songs are written. Listening to today's new songs and even the "new" songs of the past such as in the 40's, I find that many lack any significant message. Some lack any apparent meaning. For example, "mares eat oats and does eat oats and little lambs eat ivy. Diddly divy do, wouldn't you?" (If you remember those words, you're showing some age.) Some are downright depressing such as "You're gone from me. Oh, oh, tragedy." Some are rebellious, some are flippant. The songs of believers are to be filled with praise. They are to contain a message to the Lord of our gratitude and worship. We are also to encourage one another with them. (Ephesians 5:19).

If you were to write a new song today, what message would it carry? If you happened to remember that you will be accountable for every word that comes from your mouth, what words would you sing? (Matthew 12:36) What would your song indicate about the condition of your heart as it poured from your lips (Matthew 12:34). Would you be singing of blessing or cursing? (James 3:10). What songs are you singing this morning? Songs that uplift or songs that direct your thoughts toward the negative?

The Bible says we are to praise the Lord. We are told to sing a new song to the Lord. After all, if we were to assess our lives each day, there would surely be something new about which to praise Him. We are to sing his praises while gathered together with other believers. Even if you can't carry a tune, you can sing a new song to the Lord. He isn't listening to the clarity of your tonal quality or the exactness of your pitch. He's listening to what is coming from your heart. When it is praise to Almighty God, it is beautiful music to Him. Go ahead, sing a new song to the Lord today. Ponder the things He has done for you this year and begin to praise Him for His faithfulness. Start a new trend in your life. Take it into the coming year. Sing to the Lord. Sing a new song!!

MORNING MANNA - DECEMBER 27, 2006 - DON'T BE SPIT OUT
Revelation 3:16 (American Standard Version)
^{16 (ASV)}So because thou art lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spew thee out of my mouth.

As the year draws to a close, we might do well to remember the message to the angel or pastor of the church at Laodicea. We have just come through the Christmas Season when we tend to get drawn up in the festivities forgetting exactly what or who we are celebrating. The church at Laodicea had become content with material wealth and were unaware of their spiritual poverty (Revelation 3:17). When that happens, spiritual lukewarmness can begin to set in.

As worldly distractions blur our vision, we could have a tendency to become lukewarm to the things of God. He is not interested at all in that. He would rather we be cold than lukewarm! No sitting on the fence for God's kids. He only wants those who are on fire and sold out for Him. We must make a choice as to Whom we will serve (Joshua 24:15). From then on we need to walk in devotion and obedience. There are two choices hot or cold. Trying to fit in with the world will cause us to be lukewarm and of no use to the Savior.

Where is your heart this morning? Is it focused on those things which are eternal or has this year's distractions caused your zeal for the Lord to diminish into something lukewarm? As we look to the coming year, may we make the right choice. May the coming year find us resolute in our decision to follow Jesus. As you go about your day today, if you know that old hymn, begin to sing it - "I have decided to follow Jesus - no turning back, no turning back." Don't risk being spit out.

MORNING MANNA - DECEMBER 26, 2006 - THE OPEN DOOR
Revelation 3:8 (New Living Translation)
^{8 (NLT)}"I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can shut. You have little strength, yet you obeyed my word and did not deny me.
If you are young enough, you might remember the TV program, "Let's Make A Deal." The contestant would choose from three different closed doors to get, hopefully, a wonderful prize. Would it be door number 1, door number 2 or door number 3? Choosing the wrong door to open would yield something not so desirable. To the church in Philadelphia, Jesus speaks a comforting word. He tells them that He knows all the things they do and that He has opened a door for them that no one can shut. In the contest of life, they have made the right choices. He says that even though they had only a little strength, they made the choice to obey His Word. They kept right on choosing the Door to life (John 10:9).
We also have choices to make and there are several doors from which we can choose. All but One are doors which will yield only a "booby prize." Choosing any of the false doors will send us from the contest of life into darkness and separation from God. Each of those false doors leads only into darkness. Choosing the real Door is of great importance. That door is Jesus. Having Him will enable us to complete the contest of life a winner. We will receive the top prize (1 Corinthians 9:24).
We are promised great reward for completing the contest in obedience. If we do not deny Jesus, He will not deny us(Matthew 10:32-33). Of course the reverse is true also. If we deny Him here on earth, He will deny us before the Father. Choosing the Door is choosing Life (John 11:25). At the end of life there will be a door. If we have chosen the Door in this life, the door to Heaven will be opened to us and no man can close it. We may feel weak and of little strength but we can be like those in the church of Philadelphia. We can walk in obedience and refuse to deny the only One who can open the door to life. He knew all that they did and watched. He knows everything we do too. He is watching and waiting. He is longing to open that door of welcome for us that no one can shut!

Matthew 1:23 (New Living Translation)
^{23 (NLT)}"Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and he will be called Immanuel (meaning, God is with us)."

A beautiful Christmas morning to you this morning! The Child has been born (Luke 2:11). We are the recipients of the greatest gift ever given (John 3:16). Our Creator has come in the flesh to live with us! (John 1:14) We never have to experience being alone again (John 14:16). We never have to fear an eternity spent without God (John 3:17). The only requirement is that we open the Gift (Romans 6:23). After opening the gift, we can enjoy a lifetime of grace and mercy (Hebrews 4:16).

A gift left unopened is of no use to the recipient and gives the giver no pleasure. How would we feel if we gave a loved one a gift and they left it sitting unopened or, worse yet, didn't even acknowledge getting it? I wonder how our Creator feels. He gave His very best to us even when we were His enemies (Romans 5:10). Some took the gift but left it unopened on the shelf. Some were not even interested and did not acknowledge the gift at all.

What will you do with the gift of Jesus this morning? Will you put Him first before all the hustle and bustle of gifts and Christmas dinners to prepare? As we enjoy this festive day, let's remember Who's birthday we are celebrating. Have you invited Him to the party? Is He the guest of honor where you are? If not, let's make things right. It's His birthday celebration and He brings the greatest gift ever given - abundant life here on earth and eternal life in Heaven. He brings the gift of Himself - God with us. Let's acknowledge the gift of His presence!

MORNING MANNA - DECEMBER 23, 2006 -
COME LET US ADORE HIM

LET US ADORE HIM
Christmas comes but once each year
And everyone goes wild;
Buying gifts and sending cards -
But where’s the manger Child?

Busy lives and celebrations
Fill each passing day.
Cleaning is done, decorations hung,
But where’s the time to pray?

It’s birthday time, the party starts.
Everyone’s here to join the fun,
With brand new clothes and food galore;
But where’s the honored One, God’s Son?

Since Christmas comes but once a year,
And we celebrate His birth;
Why is it that in all we do,
There seems no place for Him on earth?

One glorious night long ago,
The holy angels sang for joy.
Jesus was born in Bethlehem;
God’s perfect baby Boy!

Two thousand years have passed.
Christmas come once more.
As we enter into this joyful season,
Whom will we adore?

OH, COME LET US ADORE HIM
CHRIST THE LORD!

Beatrice Lyon Becker
December 2006

Revelation 3:3 (New Living Translation)
^{3 (NLT)}Go back to what you heard and believed at first; hold to it firmly and turn to me again. Unless you do, I will come upon you suddenly, as unexpected as a thief.

The angel or pastor of the church at Sardis received a message from the Lord that might be good for us to listen to today. Although there were some in Sardis that had not succumbed to practicing evil deeds, most had slipped and were apparently not even aware of it. In these days of declining morals, it is so easy to get caught up in the current trends. Swimming upstream is obviously much harder than going with the flow.

Those in Sardis were very close to being dead even though they had a reputation for being alive. Today, worship music is sometimes even played over secular radio. People are used to hearing about God and hearing so-called worship right along with worldly songs and talk. Could it be that some think they are alive but are dead? The Word of God warns that some will have a form of Godliness but deny the power (2 Timothy 3:5). We need to stay away from such people and align ourselves with those who cling to the true Word of God.

Going back to basics is never a bad idea. Do you have an answer for those who would ask why you believe what you do (1 Peter 3:15)? How about being ready to preach the Word whether it's convenient or not (2 Timothy 4:2). Unless we have reviewed the basics and are grounded in them, we may get side-tracked and end up thinking we are OK when we are really close to being dead. Let's wake up this morning as the Lord admonishes (Revelation 3:2). Jesus calls us to the Living Water which will keep us refreshed and full of the basic elements of life (John 7:38). We can go to Him now and be filled again with the basics!

MORNING MANNA - DECEMBER 22, 2006 - MESSAGE TO "HOLD ON"

Revelation 2:24-25 (New Living Translation)
^{24 (NLT)}But I also have a message for the rest of you in Thyatira who have not followed this false teaching (`deeper truths,' as they call them—depths of Satan, really). I will ask nothing more of you
²⁵except that you hold tightly to what you have until I come.

There are lots of teachings out there in the world today. Too many of them would lead us from the teachings of the Word of God. Deception and greed have motivated people to preach messages that were never given by God. The angel or pastor of the church at Thyatira received a two-fold message from Jesus. They were commended for several things. They were constantly improving in their love, faith, service and patient endurance (Revelation 2:19). Those are things we might check ourselves on also. Would we hear the Savior say that we, too, are constantly improving in these areas?

There was a problem there though. They had begun to let immorality lead them astray (Revelation 2:20). Does that sound like today's society to you? (2 Timothy 3:1-5) Unfortunately many, even in the church, are being led astray by the looseness of the morals we see currently. God, who is great in mercy, gives time to repent (Revelation 2:21). Unfortunately, some will refuse to do so bringing judgment upon themselves (Revelation 2:22-23). We don't need to be found among this group. In fact, we need to do everything we can to persuade those who have fallen to come back to the Truth (Galatians 6:1).

Jesus encourages those who have not followed the so-called "deep" truths which were never within the Word of God. His promises to those of us who will hold fast to the true Word of God are glorious. We will rule the nations with the very authority of God, Himself. And, we are promised the morning star. Just think of that, we are promised Jesus, who is the Morning Star. We will shine like Jesus shines in purity and truth if we will hold on to the real truth that we have learned from Him. He is the Truth. If we cling to this Truth, we will become just like Him (1 John 3:2). So, hide His Word in your heart (Psalm 119:11). It will keep you from sin and allow you to hold fast to the Truth. He is the Word (John 1:14). All these things, the word, the truth, the morning star, are not really "things" at all. They are a person. They are Jesus! We need to hold on to Jesus, even in the midst of perversion, deception and immorality. The promise of the Son awaits those who will do that. Will we be found holding on to Him when He comes again?

MORNING MANNA - DECEMBER 21, 2006 - MESSAGE OF REPENTANCE

Revelation 2:16 (New Living Translation)
^{16 (NLT)}Repent, or I will come to you suddenly and fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

The angel or pastor of the church at Pergamum received a message both of encouragement and warning. Today, we live in a world that is filled with seemingly "gray" areas. The black and white of right and wrong has been blurred by the spin of our declining society. Satan has set up a deceptive kingdom that many are slipping into. Jesus told those in Pergamum that He knew that they lived in the city where the great throne of Satan was located. However, he commended them because they refused to deny Him even in the face of death (Revelation 2:13). Most of us have never faced death because of our belief in Christ but the day may be coming. We live in a land of declining morals and values. We must not fall victim to the works of Satan no matter what the consequences.

Jesus was kind to commend those in Pergamum but He also had some complaints against them. They tolerated people who led them astray and tripped them up, causing them to fall into sin. His message to them was to repent. We, too, need to repent quickly when we find ourselves falling into any type of sin. We need to pray for discernment and not tolerate those who would lead us astray. He has made Himself available to us as our forgiveness if we will recognize and turn from our sin (1 John 2:1). Jesus didn't come to condemn the world but to save it (John 3:17). His very first message was that of repentance (Matthew 4:17).

The promise in this passage is ominous if we have not taken advantage of the forgiveness offered by Jesus by repenting of those things which displease Him. He says He will come suddenly and fight against us with the sword of His mouth. His sword is two edged and it is His Word (Hebrews 4:12). His Word brings the promise of blessing to those that follow it. If we choose a life of sin and unrepentance, we are promised cursing or death. But, that isn't the will or wish of our Savior. He wants us to choose life (Deuteronomy 30:19). He came, suffered, died and rose again so that we could receive that life. He doesn't want anyone to enter into eternity without Him (2 Peter 3:19). What is in your life and mine that we need to turn from this morning? May it be that we heed the message of repentance and turn to Jesus, the lover and Savior of our souls turning from all that would offend Him. We have the sword of the Spirit to fight the enemy of our souls. It is God's Word (Ephesians 6:17). We can use it on the evil one every day if it is hidden in our hearts. It's up to us to use it now on the devil and to discipline ourselves. We certainly don't want to find ourselves fighting against the Lord later! It's really a "no-brainer." God has chosen you. Stay on His side. It's the place of victory!

MORNING MANNA - DECEMBER 20, 2006 - MESSAGE OF FAITHFULNESS

Revelation 2:10 (New Living Translation)
^{10 (NLT)}Don't be afraid of what you are about to suffer. The Devil will throw some of you into prison and put you to the test. You will be persecuted for `ten days.' Remain faithful even when facing death, and I will give you the crown of life.

The angel or pastor of the church in Smyrna received a message that was pretty hard to bear. The message they received was for churches in ages to come also. We are promised so many wonderful blessings in the Word of God but we are also promised that we will suffer for the Lord Jesus (Romans 8:17). There are other scriptures too that confirm this promise. Jesus said that He knew about the suffering and poverty of the church in Smyrna but then proceeded to say that they were really rich! This sounds upside down but then the Kingdom of God usually does seem upside down compared to this world's standards. It will finally be made gloriously clear to us when we reach our eternal home that what we call "riches" in this world are nothing compared with the riches of having the approval and presence of the Lord in our lives.

In this season of hurrying and scurrying to buy and give gifts (which is not bad in itself), it might be good for us to remember that the greatest gift we can have is the presence of God. We may not be able to purchase the big beautiful gifts for others that we would like but we can give the gift of life. We can remember that we have the richness of God Himself living in us and pass it along to others as we go through a season that should be happy but many times is tainted with depression. We are rich if we have Jesus. We have the best gift ever to give others if we give His love.

Suffering will come at some point in our lives but Jesus has promised to give the faithful a crown of life for enduring to the end (Revelation 2:10). We may be put to the test by the enemy but we need not be afraid because Jesus has promised to be with us even to the end of the age whether in our suffering or in our good times (Matthew 28:20). The message of angels from early on has been, "do not fear." Our job is to remain faithful to the end. In doing so, we will be victorious and we will not be hurt by the second death. Remaining faithful may be hard but, as we remember the riches we have in Jesus, it will be easier. Hang on my friend, remain faithful. In this joyful Christmas season remember the child who was sent to suffer and die in your place. It is that same One who will sustain you through all suffering and bring you out victoriously to live with Him forever.

Revelation 2:1 (King James Version)
^{1 (KJV)}Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;

Although the word, "angel" usually refers to Heavenly beings, it has within its meaning, "messenger" and, by implication means, "pastor." Jesus had a word for each of seven churches which he commanded John to write in the book of Revelation. These messages should be taken to heart by all of us. They can be sort of a check list to see where we are in our walk with the Lord. The book of Revelation is the only book that has a promise of blessing for those who read and heed it (Revelation 1:3). Let's be blessed today!

Jesus encouraged the church at Ephesus by letting them know that He was pleased with much of what they had done. We can be encouraged too if we have worked hard and been patient. The church at Ephesus didn't condone evil. They also watched for people claiming to be apostles when they were not. They were patient and the suffered without quitting. Today, we can try to emulate the Ephesians by doing all of the above.

There was one thing, though, that Jesus was not happy about. When I check myself on this point, I find myself lacking too. There is such a temptation to work hard and "do" all of the things above but forget that they must be done with great love. Jesus goes on to let the church at Ephesus (and us) know that He is looking for love. He wants the kind of love that we had when we first realized how much we were loved by Him. How's your love life today? Do you love much because you remember you have been forgiven much? (Luke 7:47) Jesus is looking for those who love Him just as much as they did when they were ushered into the Kingdom of God (Revelation 2:5). He invites us to turn back to that kind of love , not only for Him, but for each other. All of the things that we do for Him are great but if they are not motivated by that first love, they won't count for anything (1 Corinthians 13:1). Are we willing to hear and listen to His Spirit this morning (Revelation 2:7). As we come closer to the day we celebrate the gift of the Son of God, it might help to realize once again that God so loved us that He gave His best (John 3:16). God is love and He has shed His love on us through His Son. Let's offer ours back to Him this morning and each day forward. Let's also love one another as He wants us to (John 13:34). There is a reward. Revelation 2:7 says that, if we are victorious, we will eat from the tree of life! Sounds pretty yummy to me!!

MORNING MANNA - DECEMBER 18, 2006 - MESSAGE OF LIFE

Luke 24:23 (American Standard Version)
^{23 (ASV)}and when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive.

God is in the business of life. Early that first resurrection morning, some women had gone to the tomb of Jesus only to find that God had done business there. The huge stone that had been placed at the opening of the tomb had been rolled away and there was not a body in the tomb. The women were confused but God took care of that too. He sent His messengers with the message of life. Two angels had suddenly appeared in the midst of their confusion and grief announcing, "He's alive."

The women then proceeded back to tell the men who, for the most part, thought the women were out of their minds. Perhaps they were out of their minds for the moment and into the mind of God. They told of the vision they had of angels and of the message they had received. It was Peter that rose up and ran to the tomb to check out the validity of the women's vision (Luke 24:12). Even after finding the empty tomb, Peter wondered about what had happened.

Then, the news must have spread because Jesus joined some believers on the road to Emmaus. The two were walking along in grief rehearsing what had happened earlier. They were so deep in their wondering and grief that they did not recognize Jesus when He joined them (Luke 24:16). God had kept them from recognizing Him. During the conversation, the two told Jesus the story of the women who had amazed all the others with their story of the angelic visitation and message (Luke 24:23). Jesus listened and then gave a rebuke about being slow at heart which figuratively means dull. The women had done what was good. They had shared their testimony and the message they were given but people were having trouble believing them because a dullness of heart had set in. Perhaps it was because of the grief brought on by not remembering that Jesus had promised that He would be raised. How are we at remembering His promises? Do circumstances that look bleak cause us to falter in our faith? Are our hearts dulled by grief or loss? Since Jesus needed to rebuke the two on the Emmaus road, He may need to do the same with us at times. This morning, let's begin the day with renewed faith in all of God's promises. His message is life and always will be. What we might see with our eyes or feel with our emotions will not always be accurate. His Word will remain accurate. Jesus came to bring us life - abundant life. That is the message of the angels and that should be our message of encouragement to one another.

MORNING MANNA - DECEMBER 17, 2006 - PUZZLED?

Luke 24:4-5 (American Standard Version)
^{4 (ASV)}And it came to pass, while they were perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel:
⁵and as they were affrighted and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?

Life can be intensely puzzling. Such was the case when the women went to the tomb where they had buried Jesus after His crucifixion. They had done what was needed and prepared spices to complete the burial process and waited until the Sabbath day was over to do the work. But, a strange thing happened. When they got to the tomb, the stone was rolled away and they couldn't find Jesus's body.

Sometimes in our own lives, the circumstances become very puzzling. Like the women who went to the tomb to take care of Jesus's body, we sometimes need a reminder of things that we knew before our eyes told us to believe something different. They had heard Jesus tell about His mission and how it would work out (Luke 24:5). But, in their grief and confusion they had a temporary lapse of memory. Isn't that just the way it happens with us sometimes? We know the power of God in our lives but when something strange appears, we concentrate on the negative, having a temporary case of amnesia.

God knows that we are like that. This particular morning, He sent His angels to remind the women that Jesus was not dead. He did not need to remain in the tomb. He had risen. A portion of their message to the women was, "Don't you remember?" Sometimes we need that reminder too. All of the resurrection power of Jesus is in us if we have received Him as Lord and Savior of our lives. The enemy would throw us some curve balls to distort that memory but God will send reminders just as He sent the angels to the women that glorious morning when the stone was rolled away and Jesus walked out of the grave. For us, God will use whatever He needs to remind us of His love and salvation. To remind us that we have a risen Savior who is everything we need both now and for eternity. There are many stories today of angelic appearances to do just that. You may have had a visitation from an angel to remind you of His love and care for you. Whether you have or not, this morning is a good morning to be reminded that no stone is too big for God to move. Nothing is too dead for Him to resurrect. No mountain is too big for Him to bring down. So, be encouraged. There are angels all around in the unseen realms. God is on His throne dispatching them on your behalf. Despite something negative that your eyes might see or your mind might tell you, enter into His presence in your spirit and know that He is working all things out for your good (Romans 8:28). In the meantime, He is conforming you to the image of His Son (Romans 8:29). That's the story and, if an angel should appear to you, that's probably what you would hear!

Luke 12:8-9 (American Standard Version)
^{8 (ASV)}And I say unto you, Every one who shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God:
⁹but he that denieth me in the presence of men shall be denied in the presence of the angels of God.

One day there will be a Heavenly court in session. Jesus will be both defense attorney and prosecutor. In Jewish imagery, there are angels present in that courtroom. For those of us who have made confession of Jesus before men, He will defend us. The angels will be sitting there in the presence of God, the judge. However, for those who refused to confess Jesus before men, they will be in the hands of the prosecutor. As the angels watch to see what happens they will see a very sad picture here.

The word, "confess", has within its meaning the idea of covenant. Jesus is the new covenant that gives us access to the Father. What Jesus did on the cross was our way of salvation and entry into the new covenant. When we confess Jesus before men, we indicate that we are a part of that covenant. If we choose to deny Him before men, He says He will deny us before the angels in the courtroom of God. This is not the way to go. The word, "deny" has within its meaning, rejection.

This morning we have the opportunity to be in covenant with the Father who will be our final judge. We also have the opportunity to deny Jesus and fail to enter into that covenant. Life is filled with choices but the choice to confess the Son of God before men is the most important choice we can ever make. Having once been in a legal battle in court, my husband and I had a great attorney. However, watching him maneuver in court gave me a chill. I knew that I was glad he was on my side! I would not have wanted to face him as an opponent. Nor would I want to face Jesus in all of His glory as an opponent May it be that we who are believers realize the importance of living in such a way that our lives confess Him every day before men. May we strive to make Him known as the Wonderful Counselor that He is to those around us. In no way would we want to see anyone rejected in the courtroom of Heaven!