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A SONG AND A PRAYER |
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MORNING MANNA JANUARY 16-31, 2007 MORNING MANNA - JANUARY 31, 2007 - GO AHEAD, MOVE THAT MOUNTAIN! Matthew 21:21 (New Living Translation) Is there a mountain in your life this morning? Is there something blocking your
way so that you can't get through to your God-given destiny. I wouldn't be surprised. We do have an enemy
that really would not like us to be all that God created us to be. It's not just because the enemy is against us.
He is totally against God. What better way to get to God than to go after His children and try to kill them or at least
stunt their growth? What seems to be holding you back this morning? It could be tangible things like
finances. It could be unseen things like fear or insecurity. Maybe there are unsaved people you just can't
seem to reach. Whatever your mountain looks like, Jesus said you could speak to it if you have faith. I know you
have faith because the Bible declares it. (Romans 12:3) God gives us all a measure of faith. What we do with that faith is up to us. All of life is about
choices. Aren't you glad God did not make you a robot? He gave you gifts, such as faith. He did not
force you to use them though. It's purely our choice. Of course, using faith is the right choice. Faith has to be pure. It cannot contain doubt because mountains don't listen
to words that are rooted in doubt. Nobody else does either! We cannot be double-minded in our faith. That
will make us unstable in all of our ways. (James 1:7-8) God responds to the vibrant and unwavering faith of His children. In fact, you can't even
please the Father without using the measure of faith that He has given you! (Hebrews 11:6) The disciples were amazed at what Jesus did when He cursed the fig tree because it had no fruit and
they saw it die. (Matthew 21:18-20) When they questioned Him about such a feat, he assured them that they could do that and more by faith.
When they put words to their faith, the mountain would move. Jesus said, "say to this mountain."
Now we can't just go around saying things to hear ourselves "say". But, if we are led by God's Spirit
to bring down a mountain, we need to do it and we have to use words. "May God lift you up and throw you into the sea." Those are the words. Whatever is holding
you back today can be lifted up and thrown into the sea by God, by faith. Our work is to believe wholeheartedly and
speak. I was just thinking about moving a real mountain and imagining the results that would take place, especially
if it was a big mountain. Depending on how close we were standing to it, we would probably experience some rumbling
and shaking under our feet as the ground around the mountain began to shift and settle. We need to be stable and steady
on our feet! It takes faith to move mountains. Nothing will be the same after the mountain is gone. Some
of the roads that we walked before may be blocked and there may be new places to walk because of the change in the topography.
We might have to watch out and keep from falling into some of the crevices from the newly settled earth. So, are we
ready to use our faith to move that mountain? Are we ready to step out into a whole new expanded and different looking
world by faith? We can be ready because we know from God's Word that He will direct our steps. (Psalm 37:23) If there is a mountain in your life that God did not ordain, He has given you the power to work with
Him by faith to bring it down. He is still in the mountain moving business! (Jeremiah 51:25) MORNING MANNA - JANUARY 30, 2007 - IT'S THE FINGER OF GOD Exodus 8:19 (New Living Translation) Pharaoh
was a tough old thing! God had seen fit to harden his heart. He had gone back on his word too many times and the
Lord allowed his heart to harden to the point that he could not think logically. After many judgments on Egypt, even
Pharaoh's magicians (who had been able to replicate all of the miracles Moses wrought through the power of God)
had to admit that the plague of the gnats (or lice) was the finger of God at work. (Exodus 8:18) Satan has a counterfeit for just about everything God has for us but this time even he was up
against a wall. The magicians had gone as far as they could go. They couldn't keep up with God. Their
magic was no match for God's miracles! You would think that old
Pharaoh would be smart enough to change his course of thinking at this point. He had watched his magicians copy every
miracle that had been done by Moses. Hello! Now it was evident to everyone but hard-hearted Pharaoh that
God was about to do something bigger than life. No more playing games. The big guns were beginning to blaze
from Heaven. There's a lesson to be learned here about
confession and true repentance. Oh, there is a sort of half-hearted, deceitful repentance when we get caught
in a sin that lasts about as long as Pharaoh's repentance to Moses and his apparent willingness to change.
Then we get a few days or weeks of being comfortable and may go right back to our old hard-hearted ways. Pharaoh
had gone too far in this respect. God left him in his hard-hearted state. He was unable to come out of it at this
point even if he wanted to. He was driven to have his own way even at the expense of his people and his country,
not to speak of himself and his own household. (Proverbs 21:29) Hopefully, we will let our consciences be sensitive to the conviction of the Holy Spirit and truly
repent when we have gone astray. (Acts 24:16) We don't have to be like Pharaoh. We have a choice. (Joshua 24:15) God will not always strive with us if we continually stiffen our necks and refuse to repent. (Genesis 6:3) We have only a short lifetime to choose to serve Him. To be turned over to our own desires
and lusts is the very last thing we want. (Romans 1:24) God is so merciful. He will give chance after chance for repentance. But, there's always
His last chance and we don't know when that will be. He will show Himself in judgment, giving us wake up calls.
It's His finger at work in the lives of men. Unlike Pharaoh, let's be thankful for that finger and realize
that it is the finger of love pointing us to repentance and eternal life. MORNING MANNA - JANUARY 29, 2007 - JUST A REMINDER! Exodus 6:2 (New Living Translation) Sometimes
we need a reminder, don't we? Walking by faith is not always easy. Many of us know God's promises but
sometimes we get hung up on what we continue to see with our eyes. We're not the first ones to do that. Even
Moses had some trouble in that area. He had a Word from God that He was to go to Pharaoh and tell him to let the Israelites
go. God had already told Moses that he would lead them out of Egypt. (Exodus 3:10) Later God even told Moses of some of the problems that would occur before he could lead the people
out of Egypt. (Exodus 4:21-23) Even Moses needed a reminder! God has a plan
and a time for everything He has decreed. It's almost always hard to wait for that time and trust in that plan.
Neither are usually what we expect. Was Moses expecting to walk into Pharaoh's throne room and hear, "Oh
yeah, go ahead, take the people and go."? One thing seems apparent, Moses did not expect the magnitude
of problems he encountered when he proceeded to do God's will. We don't usually expect things to get
worse before they get better after committing to do something for the Lord either. But, many times they do. The
enemy is not pleased when we work to take people from his kingdom. He's not going to let them go without a fight.
That's just what happened to Moses and the people he was
trying to deliver from the hand of Pharaoh. Pharaoh made it exponentially harder on those people than it had been.
It was so hard on them, they just wanted to be left alone in their slavery. Sometimes, we work and pray for the deliverance
of ourselves or a loved one from the kingdom of darkness or a destructive habit and we see things getting worse
for them and for us. Maybe we're surprised. If we don't know the enemy's tactics, we will be.
However, the key to victory is to remember that God is God! What He has promised will be done. That's what He
told Moses after Moses protested. (Exodus 5:22-23) Moses did more than protest, it was almost an accusation. However, God did not rebuke him.
He reminded Moses again of His promise and reminded him that He is the Lord. Today, if things are not going
as you expected, don't give up on God's promises. Remember that He is, always has been, always will be the Lord.
All of His promises are yea and amen. (2 Corinthians 1:20 - see the King James Version) As the worship chorus says, "All His promises won't let
go of you." More than that, God Himself, holds you in the palm of His hand and He's not going to let go either!
(Isaiah 49:2) Just a friendly reminder!! MORNING MANNA - JANUARY 28, 2007 - SO THE PEOPLE BELIEVED Exodus 4:31 (New American Standard Bible) There are unbelievers all around us. Many are within our own families. Some even occupy the pews of churches.
Religion is much different than relationship. Religion sometimes keeps us from being true believers by allowing us to
think we can do something to be accepted by God. To be cared for by God. Relationship gives us that assurance
that we are loved by God and deeply cared for. First of all, which category are you in this morning? A believer
because of the relationship you have with the living God through Christ? Or, a religious person, working hard in the church
or otherwise and trying to be a "good" person? In Moses time, the people - God's people, did not truly
believe . It wasn't until they heard that the Lord was concerned about them. It was not until they were
convinced that He had seen their affliction that they really bowed down and worshiped Him. It is still that way today. Many claim to be Christians. Many claim to believe in God. This
is nothing new. The devil believes in God too and he trembles. (James 2:19) There is believing and then there is believing. True belief will cause us to bow down
and worship. (Psalm 138:2) It will cause that great revelation that tells us that, as minute as we are in this vast creation,
God cares about us! Each on of us individually. (Psalm 8:4) Which of you parents has counted every hair on your children's heads lately? God
knows exactly how many hairs you have on yours. He knows how many I have too. (Luke 12:7) Hairs are pretty inconsequential in the scope of things (especially when they are falling out all the
time and new ones - hopefully - are coming in). That's a lot of counting. I'd have to care a whole
lot about something to keep that close a watch on it. God does care a whole lot! (Psalm 138:6, 1 Peter 5:7) If you are a believer enjoying
a relationship with the Father through Jesus this morning, think about those who are not. It may be because they have
not yet been told that the Lord was concerned about them. They may not realize that God has seen whatever trials they
have been through and has been waiting to help them if they will just turn to Him. (Romans 10:14) Like Moses, we must be the ones to let them know that the Lord of all creation cares about them personally.
Sometimes we tend to judge people because of their actions or dress, not fully realizing that these are only symptoms of a
greater problem. Many times, Jesus took care of the physical problems of people before He preached the gospel.
He showed them how much He cared for them and brought them relief. When the pain of their problem was lessened,
they were able to realize the great love of the Father. I know that many people are living in problems they have created
for themselves by poor choices. Many of our problems are caused through ignorance, lack of wisdom or even willful disobedience.
Does that change the fact that God cares for us? Not in the least. (Psalm 107:1) He cares about the smallest of details (the hairs on your head) to your biggest problem (the problem
of sin that separates us from God and from eternal life). He is able to deal with all of that. Although He hates
our sin and cannot look upon it, He has dealt with that too. (Mark 3:28) Jesus has paid the price for our forgiveness. All we have to do is believe. (Acts 16:31) Do you believe He is concerned about you? Have you received His gift of eternal life?
If so, is part of your worship showing and telling others around you that God is also concerned about them?
(1 Peter 3:15) One day everyone will bow down and worship God. (Romans 14:11) May it be by our own choice now and because we realize that He is concerned about us! MORNING MANNA - JANUARY 27, 2007 - GOD CARES ABOUT YOUR WELFARE Exodus 2:25 (New Living Translation) How are things with you this morning? Are there things that you have cried out to God for and nothing seems
to be changing? Does it seem like He doesn't notice your plight? Well, be encouraged. He does notice.
He doesn't miss a thing. If you are being mistreated or lied about, misrepresented or neglected, God sees it all
and your answer is on the way. If things are going very well for you this morning, look around and ask God how you can
be a part of His answer for someone less fortunate. That's what Moses did. That's what God does.
God looked down upon the Israelites when they were in slavery to
the Egyptians. He saw the injustice being done and, in His time, He sent relief through Moses. He was greatly
concerned for their welfare just as He is greatly concerned for ours today. That doesn't mean that He won't
allow us to go through trials and tribulations. He even says that these things are to bring us joy because He is working
out good things in us as we submit to Him through them. (James 1:2) So, if you are between a rock and a hard place today, do not be angry at God or run from
Him. Run to the Rock. (Psalm 62:2) If He didn't love you, he wouldn't test your faith. He does love you and is greatly concerned about
your welfare. He is so concerned that He has promised us that He will not give us anything that He has not already prepared
us to endure. When the time comes that He knows we are to weak to endure, He will make a way of escape. (1 Corinthians 10:13) The temptations in our life are there to make us turn from God and His ways. That's not the
answer. The answer is to do just the opposite and cry out to God. Just as He heard the Israelites cry in
the day of Moses, He hears our cries today. And, He always responds! We can gain reassurance from the Psalmist that it doesn't always feel like God is concerned. He
asks God, "Why do you remain so distant?" "Why do you ignore my cries for help?" (Psalm 22:1) Then he encourages himself by remembering, "Our ancestors trusted in you, and you rescued
them." (Psalm 22:4) He goes on to remember that they trusted in God, He heard their cries and saved them. They
were never disappointed. (Psalm 22:5) This same God who has always heard the cries of His people is deeply concerned about your welfare today.
He gave His Son for your salvation, healing and well-being. Jesus cares so much for His people that He grieves over
them. He is a Savior who weeps over your misfortune and longs for your welfare. He wants to gather you under His
wings where you will be safe. (Matthew 23:37) Will He weep forever because, like the people of Jerusalem, you won't let Him? There is peace
and comfort under those wings. There is safety and love. He truly cares about your welfare and the welfare
of all those that you love. Run under those wings today if you are needy. If you are doing well, guide another
who is troubled to the safety of the Savior. It is a privilege and not a shame to be in His welfare program! MORNING MANNA - JANUARY 26, 2007 - WHAT ARE YOU WORTH? Matthew 16:26 (New Living Translation) Every one of us is made in the image of God, yet we are unique.
There is not another person in this world who is exactly like you or me. From the prints of our fingers to our personalities,
we are wonderfully and marvelously created by the One who created the whole world and all that is in it. (Psalm 139:14) The Message puts it this way: "I thank you, High God - you're breathtaking! Body
and soul, I am marvelously made! I worship in adoration - what a creation!" Yes, out
of all of God's creation the human is by far the most exquisite. I'm not saying that just because
I am one either. The above verse tells me that Jesus thought the same way. He asks us the question, "What,
if anything, in all this wonderfully created world could be worth more than your soul?" Your unique personality.
Your self. Obviously, God agrees with His Son in this respect
since He gave Him to die for our souls even when we thought so little of ourselves and our Creator that we threw them to the
dogs. (Romans 5:8) He came and offered Himself for us so that in receiving Him, we could save our souls rather than throwing
them away for some trinket from the world. I do not say trinket lightly because it was clearly something miraculous
and glorious when God created this world we live in. When we look around at the lofty mountains and gaze at a breathtaking
sunset, we are sometimes left speechless. Yet, compared to us, they dim in glory. We, only we, are made to reflect
the Light of the world. (2 Corinthians 3:18) We are made to be the apple of God's eye. (Deuteronomy 3:10) We are all unique in the way we reflect Him but everyone is just as important and valued as the next.
We are all given a choice to exchange the thing God values most
for something in this world. Or, we can go ahead and lose our life to Jesus only to gain it back in all
its fullness and joy. (Luke 9:24) In all of our uniqueness, the things which tempt us to trade the best for something which will prove
useless and even bring destruction will vary too. Is there something in your life today that you are trading for your
self? It could be something highly visible like drugs, alcohol, gambling, excessive eating or shopping. Or, it could
be something more subtle and not visible to anyone but you and God like pride, arrogance, vanity, unforgiveness, bitterness,
lust, divisiveness, or deceptiveness. When we take the time to remember and really realize just how important we are
to our Creator, we can take everything mentioned above (and anything else God points out to us as something that we are exchanging
for real life) and get rid of it. Those things result in nothing but the loss of our self. The self that God created
with a plan for a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11) The self that God destined for Heaven if we will but receive it. (John 3:16-17) The self that God wants to pour Himself into and work through the unique way in which He
created us. (1 Corinthians 12:4) There is NOTHING more valuable than you are except the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
He has made you a one-of-a-kind and for a special and unique purpose. (Psalm 139:16) Listen to His loving voice this morning and walk in this word today and always. "There is
nothing in this world that is worth losing your soul, your self that I created. You are the apple of My eye."
MORNING MANNA - JANUARY 25, 2007 - THE STATE OF THE UNION Genesis 49:1 (New Living Translation) Night before last, the President of the
United States spoke to all of the people letting us know what state our country is in and where we will
go from here. There are many types of unions. There is the marriage union. There is the family union.
There is the local church union. There is the Kingdom union. In days gone by, the head of the family was still
that - the head. Jacob, though old and about to die, exercised his right as the head to declare a blessing on his sons
or a sort of , "state of the family union." They all listened even though some of them might not consider
what their father said to exactly be a, "blessing." For example, he declared Simeon and Levi to be men of
violence. (Genesis 49:5) Further on, he said, "cursed be their anger" and declared that their descendants would be
scattered. Why? I believe it was because their sin had caused the "union" to be divided and
therefore in danger of falling. (Mark 3:25) Jacob did not whitewash the truth in any of his reports to the family concerning his twelve sons.
Those who were deserving of a good report received it and those who were not did not. It is important for the "union," whatever kind of union it is to be well informed and given the truth about
it's affairs. How are the unions that you are involved in doing this morning? How is your marriage?
Has familiarity and acceptance of the mediocre caused you to stop exchanging information about it's state? And what
about your family? Are there any dinner table conferences in which you, Dad (or Mom if you are forced into single parenthood)
give a report to the children so they will know how things stand and be reminded of the boundaries? And then, what about
your church? Is it run decently and in order? (1 Corinthians 14:40) By that I mean God's order and not the whims of men. Does your pastor receive the respect
he deserves for hopefully declaring to you the state of your congregation every so often? Then there is that Kingdom above all kingdoms. What is the state of the union today in that Kingdom?
I believe it is the same as it always was. God is in control. There is nothing outside of His observance.
He has given us the state of this union in His Word. He declares Himself to be sovereign and gives us notice that the
victory of this Kingdom has already been established. We may not see it entirely with our eyes at this moment but
it will be manifest in His time. We, as citizens of the United States, are blessed to be in a country that
God has blessed. However, as believers, our ultimate citizenship is in a much higher Kingdom. The Kingdom of God.
This Kingdom will finally cover the earth and there will be peace under the Prince of Peace. Until that time there is
an enemy. He does not belong to our Kingdom. Although we know the end of the story, that victory is assured, we
must stand united knowing that the state of the Kingdom is solid and sure. In his State of the Union Address,
our president said the following. "We'll show our enemies abroad that we are united in the goal of victory."
As citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven, God has called us to be united. (John 17:11) He has assured us that the battles are His and not ours. (1 Samuel 17:47) Victory is ours through Christ Jesus!! (Romans 8:37) MORNING MANNA - JANUARY 24, 2007 - LET WORSHIP BE WORSHIP Matthew 15:9 (New Living Translation) What a stinging declaration the above verse is, especially since it comes
straight from Jesus! Jesus wasn't the first to notice counterfeit worship. It began in the Old Testament and continues
to this day. Our worship becomes counterfeit when we try to help God out by adding our own rules and traditions.
It's as if we're saying, "God you're pretty wise but you forgot something." No Way.
God is both all-wise and thorough. We are warned that we must not add or subtract anything from His Word.
(Revelation 22:18-19) Although this scripture probably speaks of the book of Revelation, I think it is a principle.
God is not in need of our editorial help. He has given us His Word and He does not require any added rules, traditions,
or man-made teachings. Worship is simply obeying His Word, trusting
His heart and hand and enjoying His presence. Most of us start out that way when we realize the great gift of salvation.
We simply trust. Then the enemy comes in with suggestions like, "If you don't do this or that,
you're not really a Christian." And on it goes from there with ridiculous suggestion after suggestion.
Sometimes a well-meaning theologian can ruin the most simple and pure faith. Most church denominations start out with
pure and holy ideas after realizing that the previous ones have adopted so much legalism, tradition, men's teachings and
doctrine that true worship and the flow of the Holy Spirit has been totally quenched. (1 Thessalonians 5:19-22) Then what happens? Clutter once again begins to set in and a whole new generation of denominations
and movements emerges. Our own private worship is also diminished
by clutter from some of these denominations and movements and from our own acceptance of the suggestions from the enemy as
to what we have to "do" (or not do) to truly worship. Friends, we don't have to "do" anything.
We have to "be." We were made in the image of God. Jesus plainly said, "Come unto me."
No conditions except that we are tired and heavy laden (who of us isn't at least one of those things).
After coming to salvation, Jesus restores our spirit. We are that new creature that the Bible speaks about. (2 Corinthians 5:17) MORNING MANNA - JANUARY 23, 2007 - I'VE JUST SEEN JESUS! Genesis 45:4 (New Living Translation) The sixty-six books that we know as the Bible are often referred
to as "His-tory." From Genesis to Revelation, God gives us a picture of His Son - the King of Kings and
Lord of Lords. So many of the characters we see have traits to remind us of our Savior. Joseph is almost the perfect
example. In the story of Joseph there are countless similarities of that of Jesus. In the story of Joseph we can
almost see the life of Jesus played out. What a merciful God we have who has given men from the beginning of time a
picture of His Son who would save the world! The similarities are
really too many for a morning devotional but here are some of them. I hope they will encourage you as they did me.
Joseph called his brothers to come to him. They had greatly sinned against him, trying to eliminate him because his
father loved him more than any of the others. Isn't it amazing that Jesus calls us to come to him too. (Matthew 11:28) His brothers had purposed to kill him. Yet he forgave them before they even showed any repentance. They were, in essence his enemies. Yet he loved them still. Jesus did the same for us and even
went to the cross while we were still his enemies. (Romans 5:10 , Romans 5:8) The story
of Joseph and his brothers in Genesis 44-45 is so filled with parallels to the life of Jesus that it boggles my mind. Here are just a
few. Jesus was loved by His Father. Joseph was greatly loved by his father. Jesus was a the Great
Shepherd of His Father's sheep. Joseph also shepherded his father's sheep. Joseph was sold for
20 pieces of silver. Jesus was sold for 30 pieces of silver. (Zechariah 11:12, Matthew 26:14-15) Jesus and Joseph were both sent to save their people. (John 3:16, Genesis 45:7) As Joseph's brothers headed back to their father, Joseph warned them against any quarreling. (Genesis 45:7) Jesus leaves us with a call to unity. (John 17:22) Jesus was serving His Father when He was taken captive. Joseph was serving his master
in Egypt when he was put into prison. Each of these men were thirty years old when they began their ministry.
Joseph tested his brothers three times by having them go to their father and return again. Jesus tested Peter three
times. (Matthew 26:34, 26:75, John 21:17) Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers. The devil used them to create evil but God had another
plan. God turned it to good when Joseph was used to save the lives of all of his family. Jesus was sold by Judas
and hung on a cross to die. Another plan Satan thought would advance his kingdom. God, on the other hand, had a much
greater plan. Today, you and I are saved by the one who was persecuted. We are redeemed by the One who suffered
for us. In Joseph's story, I have seen, not only Jesus, but the loving hand of the Father. I hope you have
too. If there is a circumstance in your life today that looks like it was meant for evil, look up - God is working on
your behalf. What was meant for evil, He will turn to good if you will trust Him! MORNING MANNA - JANUARY 22, 2007 - UPHELD IN YOUR WEAKNESS Psalms 18:18 (New Living Translation) I suppose and, in fact, am pretty sure that our enemies know exactly when to attack. They wait for just the
right moment. It is usually when we are the weakest. Ever had that happen? If not, wait a while......
First of all, let's define those enemies. Aside from what they may look like, they are not people. As believers
we fight against principalities and powers of Satan. (Ephesians 6:12) These enemies may work through people but the people are not our real enemies. They are only
captives of the real enemy. Second, how do these enemies work? They wait in the bushes like a lion for a weak
or sick animal or for one who has wandered away alone. Our enemy is like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour.
(1 Peter 5:8) The enemy is looking for someone to victimize. Praise God we, as His children, are not victims.
We are victors by the mighty power of Jesus. The trouble is that
we do not always live like victors. We sometimes live as though we were victims. When we look like and act like a victim,
we appear to be weak and - zap! We are attacked. Yes, even the best of us with the greatest of intentions can
let down our spiritual armor even for a moment and don't you know it, that enemy hiding in the bushes is right there to
take notice. In a moment of weakness, we feel the attack. The Psalmist said, "but the LORD upheld me."
It is at that very time that we must call upon the Lord. It is at that very time when we are at our weakest that we
can become strong in the strength of the Lord. God shows up and shows off just at the time when we are at our weakest. (2 Corinthians 12:9) All we have to do is call. When we cannot help ourselves, God is pleased to step in and
let His power shine. Have you heard the song by Nicole C. Mullens, "When I Call On Jesus"? It is a song
filled with the truth about our weakness and God's power. She sings, "When I call on Jesus, all things are
possible." Yes, the enemy has to flee when we call on Jesus! (James 4:7) God will give us the strength to mount on wings like an eagle and soar again. (Isaiah 40:31) Have you been under attack lately?
Are you feeling weak and at the end of your rope? Great!! It's time for God to show up and uphold you!
He's already given you words to stand on when you're in trouble. Just take that stand. Begin by confessing,
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13) Thank God that He is your ever present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1) Remember God's promise and take strength in the fact that He is going to be with you even to the
end of time. (Matthew 28:20) Know that you have a sure defense. God is your shield and even your hiding place in your
weakness. (Psalm 119:114) Be comforted in the fact that when the enemy comes at you, God will raise up a standard against him. Be
encouraged by the fact that God remembers that we are weak. (Psalm 136:23) His faithful love for us is there for us even in, especially in, our weakness. Now don't you
feel better? That's only a smattering of the promises we have to cling to from God's Word. That's only
just a few of the assurances of defense we have from the Lord. Yes, the enemy is out there but our God is God over the
enemy. He has made us to be victors and not victims. To help us do that, He upholds us when we become weak or
have a temporary memory lapse of who we are in Christ. (Isaiah 41:10) Be encouraged this morning. God is holding on to you!
MORNING MANNA - JANUARY 21, 2007 - LOVE AND STRENGTH Psalms 18:1 (American Standard Version) Do
you ever have those days (or weeks or months) when it seems that you have no strength? David must have had them too.
In this short passage, he acknowledges that God is his strength. In this age of increased awareness of fitness and body
building supplements and machines, do we sometimes get our focus off of the source of our strength, thinking it is in our
control? There is nothing wrong with being wise and taking care of our bodies. They are the temple of God's
spirit. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) It is true that we must honor God with our body. But, we are made up of three parts. We
are not just bodies. There is spirit, soul and body. The body houses the Spirit of God as well as our own spirit.
Unfortunately, our soul or will and emotions, is right between our bodies and spirits. Sometimes we get a bit out of
balance (or maybe more than a bit!). The Word of God says
that the joy of the Lord is our strength. (Nehemiah 8:10) Jesus went on to offer us fullness of joy (oh boy, fullness of strength!). At least
twice, Jesus said that He desired our joy to be made full. (John 15:11, 16:24) When we are filled with His joy, praise is the obvious product. No wonder David was always praising!
He knew that God was his strength. Even in the hard times, he knew that God's strength would never fail him.
In praise, he exclaimed, I love Thee, O Jehovah! I don't believe for a minute that David always "felt"
strong. There were times and situations in his life when no human being would be exempt from feelings of weakness and
depression. Instead of letting his will and emotions railroad him into unbelief, he allowed his spirit to commune with
God. God's spirit, in turn, responded by letting David's soul and body know that he had supernatural strength.
He encouraged himself in the Lord. (1 Samuel 30:6) The New Living Translation states that David found strength in the Lord. When you go to the King
James Version, it states that David encouraged himself in the Lord. There
are times when I just don't "feel" like praising God. I certainly don't feel strong.
How about you? Does that mean that He is any less praiseworthy? Does it mean that His strength is not
sufficient for any circumstance or situation? Not at all. It means that I am out of balance. My will and
emotions (or soul) have begun to dictate to my body and my spirit has taken a back seat. I have, in essence, put God
in the back seat instead of in His rightful place. Remember, Paul had the same problem. He didn't always
do what his spirit really wanted to do and sometimes he did what his spirit didn't want to do. (Romans 7:15) Maybe you've never experienced that but I sure have! The disciples had that problem too.
They fell asleep just when Jesus needed them most. (Mark 14:38) If this happens to be a morning that you are feeling weak, encourage yourself in the
Lord. Choose to speak the truth to yourself. He is your strength. You couldn't find anything stronger
than God's strength! Begin to praise Him because of what you know, not what you feel. Let Him know
that you love Him and that, as the old song says, without Him you would be nothing. Then go about your day knowing that
your praise has reached His heart and His strength is pulsing through you. If you're feeling particularly strong
today, just praise Him. Don't get caught up in thinking it is you. It's all about Him.
God is our strength! Remember, if He brings us to it, He'll bring us through it!! MORNING MANNA - JANUARY 20, 2007 - DO YOU KNOW THAT YOU KNOW? Psalms 17:6 (New Living Translation) Do you know that your prayers will be answered? Or, are you like the one who dejectedly says, "My prayers
don't get past the ceiling?" Maybe you say, "I hope God heard my prayer. I hope He
will answer." The Psalmist said that He prayed to God because he KNEW that God would answer. All that being
said, answers don't always come in the package we expect. What have you prayed for lately and perhaps
thought that God did not answer your prayer? Have you looked around lately to examine the things you have received
from God? Maybe you missed something because the wrapping on the gift was not what you thought it should be. I
recently heard a speaker telling of how she prayed for the perfect wife for her only son. The package she expected
was someone who had never been married or slept with another man. Isn't that what we all would like in our package?
When her son fell in love and married, the package was quite different. This package included ready-made grandchildren.
Instead of thinking that God did not answer her prayer, she examined the package carefully, with thankfulness, and found that
it was just what God wanted for her. It's interesting
that in His sovereignty, God provides what we need when we pray. What seems like a "no-answer" may
be something quite different. The answer could come in several different ways. A definite, "yes."
A definite, "no." A "wait." A "Here it is, in the right package." Or sometimes,
"If you insist." We definitely don't want the last one! That one usually means that we have stepped
in somehow to help God out a bit in bringing the answer! Not usually a good mix! While it is true that sometimes
we "feel" as though God does not hear us (Lamentations 3:8), He hears everything. Answers may be delayed because we have asked with the wrong motive.
(James 4:3) But, when we begin to get in line with God's desires and His Word, our prayers will most certainly
be answered. (Psalm 37:4) God hears our prayers when we go to Him with
pure hearts. Isaiah 1:15 lets us know that God does not hear the prayers of one who is unrepentant or crimes against another.
The length of our prayers does not necessarily touch the heart of God either. Especially if we are like the Pharasees
who made prayer a show and a pretence rather than praying from a contrite heart. (Mark 12:40) Neither is chanting or repeating rote prayers desirable to God. (Matthew 6:7) A one-word prayer spoken in humility and desperation will attract the attention of God much faster
than some long drawn out vague prayer. One of my most used prayers is, "help!" God has never failed
to answer that one! Jesus made a promise to those who would follow Him. He assured us that our prayers
would be answered. (John 16:23-24) So today we, like the Psalmist can know that God will answer our prayers. What sweet assurance to be
able to know that the God of Heaven and earth does not have a dull ear and is not limited in power. This same God answers
the humble prayers of His children. That's something worth knowing! MORNING MANNA - JANUARY 19, 2007 - WHAT DID YOU SAY? Matthew 12:37 (New Living Translation) "Only kidding!" Ever heard that phrase before? While
whatever was said may have been in jest, nevertheless, the words went out and created something. Sometimes, "Only
kidding," just doesn't cut it. Somebody gets hurt. Now, healing and restoration must be sought.
It's interesting about words. Someone once said, "Let the words you speak be sweet for someday you may have
to eat them." Jesus said that we would be accountable for every idle word we speak. (Matthew 12:36) Why are our words that important? We are created
in the image of God. God is a spirit and within us is a spirit also. God is the Creator. We also have creativeness
within us. God created with His word. So, too, our words create things. They are so powerful, in fact, that they
can cause life and death. (Proverbs 18:21) God created life with his word. If we are His children we are supposed to create life also.
Only those things which are life-building should be spoken. The trouble is that we are constantly hearing negative things.
What we hear enters our heart. Out of our hearts come our words. (Matthew 12:34) In older computer language they used to say, "garbage in, garbage out." What we
hear and dwell on will determine what is in our hearts and ultimately it will come out of our mouth. So much for
most movies, TV, radio, CD's, etc. The Bible warns us
that there is no place in the life of a believer for foolish talk or jesting. (Ephesians 5:4) Our words should reflect a thankful heart. So, what have you been talking about lately?
What have you been listening to lately? What have you been thinking about lately. One sure thing is that, if we
think about the things God has in mind, (Philippians 4:8) we will begin to speak in a different manner. One of my teachers used to say that it was better
to be quiet and be thought a fool than to open one's mouth and remove all doubt. God has a little
different idea on that thought. He says that, if we are wise, our words will be gracious. However, if we are fools,
our words will be our destruction. (Ecclesiastes 10:12) The book of James lets us know that the tongue is an uncontrollable evil (James 3:8) Only God can help us to use our tongues to speak life. Do you want a happy life and good
days? Peter says to control your tongue. (1 Peter 3:10) Like the Psalmist, may it be that we do not sin in what we say. (Psalm 39:1) So, what say you this morning? MORNING MANNA - THERE IS SOMETHING ABOUT THAT NAME Matthew 12:21 (New Living Translation) Why is it that we can freely use the word, "God" or make reference to a "higher being," even
speak the words, "Buddha" or "Mohammed," in public without much controversy today? Yet if the name,
"Jesus" enters into a conversation, many are uncomfortable and some are greatly offended. Of course, you hear
the name often as an angry person vents in an outburst of cursing and even in everyday language as an expletive. How
sad this is considering that we have largely forgotten the fact that Jesus is the most powerful name anyone could ever speak! God sent Jesus into this world to save His own, the Jewish people. (John 1:11) But, they would not receive Him. Wonder of wonders, He extended His salvation and name to the
world! Now anyone who believes on His name can be saved. (John 1:12) But, it doesn't end there. Because of that name, we have all the blessing, power and authority
that rests in it. His name is Wonderful Counselor. Got a problem you can't figure out? Have a situation
that is beyond your wisdom? Speak the Name. His name is Mighty God. He is God come in the flesh. Lacking
in power this morning? Need a boost that's stronger than that morning cup of coffee to get you going? Speak
the Name. His name is Prince of Peace. Is there chaos in some area of your life? Certainly we find chaos
surrounding us in this world. Speak the Name. (Isaiah 9:6) There is no name on this earth besides the name of Jesus in which we can find everything we need now
and for eternity. (Acts 4:12) There is a young boy living today
in my life because of that Name. It was in the darkness just before dawn on a California morning. We were
in the car on the way to catch a flight to MD. Suddenly, the baby in the back seat stopped breathing. Pulling
to the side of the freeway, his mother jumped out and handed the baby to me, scaling the approximately eight foot fence
that kept us from a telephone (this was before cell phones were common). Standing there alone in the
darkness holding a limp and lifeless child, I began to panic. "Lord, please don't let him die in my arms,
I thought. Then I did it. I held him in the air and screamed the Name - "JESUS." God loves it
when we call the name of His beloved Son to Him. Jesus did show up and to make a long story short, my precious
grandson is alive and well today! It's been thirteen years now and he has gone through some hard times but God has
been faithful in his life. He has even gone on a foreign missions trip. Yes, the Name above all Names is worthy
of all of our praise. It is powerful. It is holy. I'm
sure you have some stories of how that Name has impacted your life and maybe you'll be willing to write and share
them. In the meantime, let's just start singing together that Gaither tune that had such an impact with the truth
of its lyrics, "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, there's just something about that Name." Praise the Name of
Jesus! MORNING MANNA - JANUARY 17, 2007
- HAVE YOU SEEN GOD LATELY? Genesis 32:30 (New Living Translation) Heartache, loneliness, troubles, trials. This world is full
of them. They come to both the believer and the non-believer. We all wrestle with these things. Jacob was in a
tight place. He was struggling with the fact that he was to meet his brother after many years. The trouble was,
the last time he saw his brother Esau, things were not very good. In fact, they were terrible. Esau was ready
to kill Jacob. Both were to blame. Esau got himself into trouble by living by his immediate desires and Jacob
got himself in trouble by being deceptive. Our choices will bring results in our lives that we may not desire.
The consequences may endure for years before there is resolution and renewal. But, our God is in the renewal business. Jacob was fearful that Esau would still be of a mind to take his life
and take all that God had given him through the years. He prayed to God, admitting that he was unworthy but reminding
God of His promises to bless him. Then, he separated himself from his family and things and went to be alone for a night.
Whether he went expecting to meet God or not, I don't know. But, God met him. When we are chosen of God, He
will not let us go. He has promised never to leave us or forsake us several times in scripture, one being Hebrews 13:5. Sometimes, like Jacob, when great trials surround us, we need to get away from everything and everyone
and be alone. It is when we are alone, broken and completely dependent before God that He will meet us and give
us the touch we need. As with Jacob, we may have to wrestle a bit. God is able to handle our questions and even
anger. Turning from Him and running would mean certain defeat. Staying alone in our prayer closet or wherever
God leads us will bring victory. Our wrestling, like Jacobs, will result in a blessing. Certainly, when hard situations come into our lives, our first thought might be that the devil caused it. But,
that's not always the case. Sometimes God brings the test for His own reasons as with Job. Sometimes where
we are is the result of our own poor choices. Whatever the case or reason for it, God is not limited. (Luke 1:37) His love is not lessened. (Psalm 36:5) His power is not diminished. (Psalm 147:5) Although at first we may be tempted to see the troubling situation as one devoid of God, it is
just the opposite. He is close to the broken hearted. (Psalm 34:18) He is the defender of the oppressed. (Psalm 9:9) Just when your situation looks the bleakest, run to Him. (Psalm 56:3) Get alone with Him. You may have some wrestling to do but, like Jacob, you will come away saying,
"I have seen God face to face, yet my life has been spared." (John 14:9) By the way, Jacobs story ended in forgiveness and resolution with Esau. (Genesis 33:4) Each of our stories has an ultimate happy ending too - in addition to the blessing
of God's work in our individual circumstances and trials. (2 Timothy 1:10) MORNING MANNA - JANUARY 16, 2007 - JUST A CUP OF WATER? I was well acquainted with a person who would always enter every Publisher's
Clearinghouse contest, every Reader's Digest contest and any other contest materials that came in the mail. He
would plan with great detail what he would do with the money, which always included doing something great for those less fortunate.
However, his great intentions did not match his everyday living. If asked to give of what he had at present for
missions or some other worthy cause, he did not do it. He had numerous occasions that I know of to give of what
he had. He had the opportunity to call or write a note to a friend whose husband was dying of Alzheimer's Disease. He
had the opportunity to read to the shut-in's. And many more. So many opportunities to give just what he had
to give. The Bible says that, if we give just a cup of cold water
to one of the least of Jesus's followers, we will surely be rewarded. This man missed some rewards! Not only
were there some of Jesus's followers who were left unrefreshed by a cool drink of water, this poor man had missed the
point. We do not wait until we have something big to give. (Mark 12:41-44) Whatever it is that we have is material for blessing to another and reward for us. We must be
faithful in even the smallest of matters. (Luke 16:10) Is that how it is today? Or, do we need to examine our lives and begin to refresh others with
what God has given us and receive God's rewards? As I
read in one commentary, God is a God of justice so He must punish or pardon every sin. Certainly we are blessed if we
have run to Jesus for the pardon we all need. However, God is also a rewarder of every good deed.
It was pointed out that God has not left any of us, even the poorest of us, without opportunity to gain rewards. Even
the least of us can present a weary traveler with a cup of cold water. If that is all you have, begin to hand out the
water. Certainly, if we are believers, we have the Living Water inside of us that we can use to refresh and encourage
those who come our way. (Hebrews 10:24) Most of us have a smile. Some of us have money, some have talent, some have an abundance of free
time. We all have something God has given us in accordance with His purpose for us and His Kingdom.
When hidden and not used, we lose the blessing. (Matthew 25:28) We have no reward. However, when we use what we have, even the smallest of things to refresh
others and bless God, we are given more. Read the story again in Matthew, Chapter 25 of the servants who were given
the talents. The one given only one did not do anything with it. But, he could have. He had the same
opportunity as the ones given five and ten talents. He cold have passed that cup of cold water along and received great
reward in return. Be encouraged. It's time to fill that cup and be ready to refresh somebody! You
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