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A SONG AND A PRAYER |
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MORNING MANNA - FEBRUARY 16-28, 2007
Enter subhead content here  MORNING MANNA -FEBRUARY
28, 2007 - ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE! Mark 9:23 (Amplified Bible) Have you ever had a situation that seemed to go on and on but it seemed
so awfully wrong? If you are a parent, that situation may very well concern your child. Nothing can wear us down
or get to our emotions more than a child in pain or having gone a wrong direction. Watching a child suffer is one of
the greatest trials a parent can endure. The dad in this story had heard of Jesus and His followers who had cast out
demons and healed sick people. He had at last come in contact with the disciples (Mark 9:18) for deliverance. How his hopes must have been dashed when the disciples were unable to deliver
deliverance! This boy had been possessed from the time he was a child.
Can you imagine his parents watching him each time he came under attack wondering if this would be the last time? Wondering
if death would take their child? Can you imagine their living on pins and needles wondering when the next attack would
come? Now, the boy's dad was encouraged. He had heard of Jesus. He felt faith leap up inside of him.
Perhaps his boy would now be set free from this awful thing that tried to kill him. Have you ever thought you
had found the solution to a big problem and had your hopes completely dissolved in an instant? The Bible tells
us that hope deferred makes the heart sick. (Proverbs 13:12) This particular dad's heart must have been pretty sick by now. Have you ever felt that way?
I have. Jesus had been on his way the whole time. When he came
upon the bewildered group surrounding His disciples, the boy's dad spoke up. I can sort of imagine that he was frustrated,
saddened and disillusioned because the disciples were not able to grant the healing he had asked for. Sometimes
we go to different people trusting in their prayers rather than putting our trust in the One who answers those prayers.
While it is true that God hears and does answer our prayers for one another, He is the source. It is He who flows through
us when we pray for another and not our own power. But, we must have faith. Belief in the power of God, through
His Son Jesus Christ is essential. This boy's father had some doubt now even if he didn't have it before
because Jesus's followers could not help him. So, when he spoke to Jesus, he said, "if you
can do anything, He was not settled in his mind that what he was asking for was possible. There's no
doubt about it. Jesus can do anything! But, as co-workers with Him, we have a part to
play. When He was asked by His disciples why they couldn't accomplish the task, His answer was simple. "This
kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting. (see KJV) " (Mark 9:29) Today, is there something in your life that has caused you to be heartsick? If there
is something that just doesn't seem to go away, you have the opportunity to pour yourself into prayer and fasting and
go boldly before the throne of grace for your answer. (Hebrews 4:16) You may have a friend or loved one who needs some sort of answer that seems impossible.
Encourage them with Jesus's words, "all things are possible to him who believes." Exhibit
a contagious faith that will help others know that with God nothing is impossible! (Matthew 17:20) All things are possible!! Join with those whose faith is strong -
Jesus is on His way! MORNING MANNA - FEBRUARY 27, 2007 - CORRECT ME IF I'M WRONG Proverbs 10:17 (Amplified Bible) "Mother, I'd rather do it myself." This is a quote
from a TV commercial but you have to be old to remember it. It typifies a young girl who does not want the correction
of her mother in what she is attempting to do. Hopefully, you and I are not those that pull away from our Heavenly Father,
in essence saying, "Father, I'd rather do it myself! It is good to be corrected, (Proverbs 12:1) though sometimes it can be a blow to the ego. But, what is ego anyway? Is it not something
that should be laid down at the feet of Jesus so that we can know who we really are in Him rather than try to be self-made?
When we go off on some project or tangent (and it may even be a ministry) ignoring God's correction and signposts, the
results will not be pleasing. There may be an exchange something like this. Me: "God, what's Your
opinion of my endeavor." God: "It isn't worth anything." Me: "I know - but
I'd like to hear it anyway." When we resist God's correction, whether it be directly from His Word as we
read and study or from a brother or sister in Christ holding us accountable, we're indicating to God that we don't
think His opinion is worth anything. Oh my!! Correction and discipline
are never pleasant at the time. (Hebrews 12:11) But it does yield a harvest of life if we will allow ourselves to receive it and be trained by it.
Proverbs 10:17 says that, if we will do that, we will walk in the way of life. Even better, we can then be a way
of life for others! We all want to be disciples of Jesus and do His bidding here on earth. But it takes discipline
to be a disciple. That's where the word comes from. Being His disciple will bring abundant life as we take
on His yoke which is easy and learn His ways. But, if we insist on carrying the heavy yoke of trying to do it all in
our own strength, we will surely fall into a ditch or die of exhaustion even before we get to the ditch! Luke 14:26 lets us know that we can't even be called Jesus's disciple unless we're willing to take up
our cross and follow Him. It takes discipline to give up the life you planned out for yourself and pick up whatever
cross God has given you. It takes correction from His Word to stay on the right path and not get detoured. There
is a reward though. His Word says that we will be happy if we have been disciplined. (Psalm 94:12) We have to be willing to work in tandem with
God and accept His discipline and correction because it comes from His loving hand. Don't be like the following
illustration in which I see the man in front as being God. Two men were riding
a bicycle built for two when they came to a big steep hill. It took a great deal of struggle for the men to complete what
proved to be a very stiff climb. When they got to the top the man in front turned to the other and said, "Boy, that sure
was a hard climb." The fellow in back replied, "Yes!, and if I hadn't kept the brakes on all the way we would
certainly have rolled down backwards." —Illustrations Unlimited When God is disciplining us, we need not be the ones who put on the brakes! Rather,
we should stay in time with what He is doing! The benefits are wonderful. The road from faith to faith will be
a lot easier. And the journey will be a lot faster. We will also be equipped to help others along the path of
life rather than leading them down a garden path which will end at some point! This morning, let's reflect
on things in our lives that God might want to lovingly correct. Let's also remember that it's not just
about us (although we are very important to our Heavenly Father). When we have been set on a straight course, we
will be able to lead others on the pathway to abundant life. Not in the way that seems right to a man
because it's ways are death. (Proverbs 16:25) But, in God's ways. Correction is a wonderful thing. If you are going through some
of it now, be blessed!! God loves you. If He didn't he wouldn't bother trying to discipline you. You are
His child. (Proverbs 3:12) I don't know about you but sometimes I'm tempted to wonder why He loves me so much. I'm
tempted to want out of this discipline stuff. The neat thing is, though, that even in His most severe discipline
of us, He has promised to be there. He loves and guides us all the way through it. (John 14:16) MORNING MANNA - FEBRUARY 26, 2007 - WHEN JESUS COMES TO TOWN Mark 7:28 (New Living Translation) Jesus had never visited Gentile territory before nor would He again. It is recorded
that this particular time would be the only time He would travel outside of Jewish territory. I'm sure He was there
for a specific purpose. Maybe more than one purpose. One purpose was to show us that nothing is impossible
with Him and that He compassionately fulfills the law with His love. Another reason might just have been that He knew
of this tenacious Syro-Phoenician woman whose faith would show the world how to touch the heart of the Master. She was
only a Gentile woman but she would make her way into the scripture as someone who was affirmed by Jesus. This woman started out by believing what she had not seen. She knew Jesus was
a Jew. She knew she was a woman and that she was a Gentile. She knew all this did not mix. By the letter
of the Jewish law, Jesus was not supposed to talk to women or Gentiles. But this little woman believed that something
would happen that she had never seen happen before. She was motivated by her love for her daughter who was under demonic
control. She had heard of Jesus and how He had the power to deliver. Now He was in her town! Without wasting
a moment, she found him and fell at His feet. Her faith had risen up in her and she was determined to see her daughter
whole again. Oh my, I wonder what her neighbors and friends
thought of her and this outrageous display. Everyone knew that Jesus wouldn't have time for a Gentile woman.
Her faith saw past that. She was going to stick to her beliefs. Well, Jesus promptly reminded her that He should
be taking care of His own, the Jewish people. He actually, in essence, called her a dog! He said it wasn't
right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs. (Mark 7:27) She could have very well gone away with her tail between her legs like a dog. But, she pressed
on. Can you imagine how those around must have been laughing at her, both Jews and Gentiles? Being a woman, she
might have even resorted to tears or a temper tantrum. Seemingly overlooking the fact that Jesus had insulted her, she
boldly but humbly said, "That's true, Lord, but even the dogs under the table are given some crumbs from the children's
plates." (Mark 7:28) Adversity and even "rules" must never stop us from going to God for our needs. He can
only say, "No." If so, we can know that it will be in our best interest. But, if He sees that we
have faith to press in, His answer may very well be, "Yes." We will never know until we ask. The Lord
even tells us that we don't have what we need because we don't ask for it. (James 4:2) It is risky to ask sometimes. Our petitions may be outlandish in natural terms. But, if we never
press for the answer, one thing is certain. We will never get the answer. Jesus was pleased with the
woman in this story. She completely acknowledged who she was, admitting that she was not deserving of what
Jesus was bringing to the Jews. She knew her place but she also knew the heart of her compassionate Lord. And
she went straight for it. He granted her request and her daughter was healed. (Mark 7:29-30) None of us are deserving of anything that God gives us but He is so willing to listen to our desires
and He loves to give us those desires if we are willing to use them for Him and give Him glory. If there is
anything you need today? Don't hesitate to ask for it in humility and boldness. (Hebrews 4:16) Cling to Jesus and don't let go until He answers. Martin Luther's wife's last words denoted
a lifestyle that we should all follow. "I will stick to Christ as a burr to a topcoat) (Catherine von Bora)
The Syro-Phoenician woman did that. She was affirmed and got her answer. Will we do that? MORNING MANNA - FEBRUARY 25, 2007 - GOD'S HEART OR OUR TRADITIONS? Mark 7:6-8 (New Living Translation) It
may be that you have experienced some rebuke or feelings of condemnation when confronted by somebody who was, "religious."
(Mark 7:1) They may have left you feeling ostracized because you didn't do things like they did.
(Mark 7:2) Or you didn't look like they did. That is exactly what the Pharasees did. They even
had the gall to confront Jesus, the Son of God and His followers. (Mark 7:3) They tried to make them feel less than who they were. They passed judgment on them! Why?
Because of their tradition. Has that ever happened to you or, have you seen it happen to anyone else? I certainly
have. At one point in our lives, we attended a lovely church. It was large enough to accommodate many worshipers
but there were actually quite few that attended. They didn't have a pastor. Later I found out why. They
always got rid of the ones that came! We began to work in the church and catch the vision of the new pastor's heart.
He would go out into the neighborhood (which was in great need of Jesus). He would invite everyone to come in to the
worship service so that they might find Christ. (Matthew 22:9) Well, they did find Him at first because of the pastor's heart and the few of us newcomers that
were there to share the gospel. However, those few that had been there for a long time were not about to have the church
"defiled" by "riffraff". As the bikers and other
spiritually needy persons began to fill the church, they were ministered to by the pastor. There were testimonies such
as, "I never knew what it was like to be truly loved until I came here." People were seeing Jesus at work.
They were unclean people (literally) but they wanted and needed Jesus. How wonderful! Yes, but not for long.
You see, the original "congregation" had their own ideas about how church should look (an smell and sound).
Everyone should look, talk and smell like they did and, if you didn't........ Well, you weren't welcome.
Not only did they throw out the pastor and bring many awful allegations and threats against him. By their clinging to
their "traditions," they pushed away pews full of those seeking to find Jesus. Yes, they claimed to be Christians
but they did not honor God with their hearts. They weren't interested in His command to be fishers of men. (Mark 1:17) They wanted to keep their church clean and tidy - totally traditional. That's exactly what
they did. Many souls were lost. A dedicated pastor's heart was broken and his life in shambles because of
ritual - because of tradition. (Mark 9:42) An example is given of a long-ago rabbi who
was imprisoned. Another rabbi would bring him water daily so he could wash and drink. One day the prison
guard spilled half of the water. The prisoner then chose to wash with the half that was left. When encouraged
to drink some of it so that he would not die, his reply was, "He who eats with unwashed hands perpetrates a crime that
ought to be punished with death. Better for me to die of thirst than to transgress the traditions of my ancestors.”
Because of his tie to man-made tradition, he chose to disobey the sixth commandment and commit to self-murder. (Exodus 20:13) God's laws were given to protect us and to save us from our sin. They were given in love
and they are to be followed in love. Jesus didn't come to break them. He came to fulfill them.
(Matthew 5:17) How did He do this? With love. (Galatians 5:13) The King James Version says, "but rather love which sums up the law." The love
of the Father will allow us to step out of our pre-conceived ideas and traditions to extend our hands and hearts to one another
despite how that other one looks or acts. (Acts 10:34) Are we seeing the bigger picture of love today or are we tied to some tradition or ritual that we have
been taught? Remember, Jesus asked us only to be fishers of men. We need to catch them with the bait of His irresistible
love. He will do the cleaning!! MORNING MANNA - FEBRUARY 24, 2007 - JUST ONE TOUCH Mark 6:56 (New Living Translation) If I were a betting person, I would bet you that either you or someone in your life is in need of some kind of healing
this morning. It may not be physical. It may be emotional. It may be mental. It may be spiritual.
Jesus is interested in every facet of our being. He came so that we might have life and have it more abundantly.
(John 10:10) It is the devil who would like to take your health away. He will steal, kill or destroy any part
of you that he can get to. God wants you and me to be whole persons able to serve Him and give testimony of His goodness.
He wants us to overcome the enemy and we can do it because of Jesus blood and our own testimony of that goodness.
(Revelation 12:11) That does not mean that we won't have to suffer at times but our suffering will be because of our
mission for the Lord, not because we gave the devil permission to ransack the temple of God (our bodies). (1 Corinthians 6:19) There are many accounts of Jesus just walking through
the streets and crowds gathering. Those who were sick flocked to Him. Those who had sick members of their family
or friends carried them to where He was. Many today say that there were not mass healings in Jesus time but my
Bible reads differently. Just because a crowd exists, doesn't mean Jesus is there either. We have
to be gathered in His Name and for His glory. If just two or three are gathered in His Name, He said He would be
right in the midst. (Matthew 18:20) In fact, sometimes He dealt with only a few in doing great miracles because of the lack of faith in
some. (Luke 8:51) Jesus will be where He is needed, wanted and invited! This morning, He is with you and me as
we link our faith together. He is reminding us that He bore many stripes, allowed His body to be broken and shredded
by whips and that His precious blood flowed for us even before He was nailed to the cross. He did that for our
healing. (Isaiah 53:5, 1 Peter 2:24) What is going
on in your life that needs healing this morning? Who is in your life that you might carry to Jesus in prayer for healing
today? It only takes one touch in faith to receive the gift He paid for as his body was broken for us two thousand years
ago. Mind, body, or spirit? It doesn't matter. He is Lord of all and He is full of compassion.
(Matthew 14:14) Are you or is there someone in your life feeling sick, worn out and useless? Go to the Master.
He wants to make you new again. There is a story of a very old, sick looking violin. It was held up
at an auction but the bids were very low. Nobody saw the value of that scratched up old thing. Then a man walked
up from the audience, took it up in his hands and began to play. All of a sudden, beautiful music filled the room.
It took only one touch of a master's hand to bring that violin back to life and show its value. You are God's
precious instrument. You may feel sick or old or beaten up today but one touch from the Master and you will be
made whole again! MORNING MANNA - FEBRUARY 23, 2007 - HE'S JUST ONE OF US! Mark 6:3 (New Living Translation) We may not have to look far to find someone among our family or friends who is endowed
with great gifts from God. There may be one who has great spiritual insight. Or, one that has the gift of healing.
One might have the gift of the discernment of spirits. No doubt, that person may seem a bit "different"
than we are because of their God-given ability to open up the scriptures or to function in any of the other gifts of
the Holy Spirit. On the other hand, in everyday life, they look a lot like us because they have to function
and survive in this world too just like everyone else. I have
been privileged to know men and women of God who are highly gifted. I have noticed something about them.
As they operate in their calling or their giftedness, they seem bigger than life. But, as I have talked and socialized
with them, sometimes my vision of them returns to "normal" and they just seem like anybody else. That's
when the temptation comes to perhaps be jealous or just not esteem them as highly as I should. This was a big problem
in Nazareth a couple of thousand years ago. Jesus had returned to his hometown and the people who knew Him. He
was around his family and his friends. You would think this a safe place to be. Not! Oh, at first they were
taken off guard by the power He had and His authoritative teaching in the synagogue. (Mark 6:2) But, that gave way to their feelings about Him. And, about themselves. Because
they knew His earthly roots and overlooked His Heavenly roots, they were offended and refused to believe in Him.
They were bound by what they saw. They obviously didn't think God had much of a hand on them either since they couldn't
possibly believe that something so good could come from among them! (Mark 6:3) Familiarity can sometimes blur our vision.
It seems to have done that in Nazareth. They were unable to see the deity that walked among them. They could or
would not receive the wonderful things that God had for them. Remember the story of Joseph? He told his brothers
and father of the dreams God gave him and almost got himself killed in the process! Maybe jealousy plays a part here?
Whatever the cause, the people brought sin upon themselves by not recognizing that God was among them. They
didn't just refuse to recognize it. They were actually offended! Oh, how many who were sick, demon possessed
or oppressed, financially broken, emotionally traumatized, troubled with family difficulties, etc., lost out on
what God was going to do for them! How many (perhaps most of the town) didn't enter into a relationship with
Jesus, the only One who could bring them salvation? Because of their unbelief, He couldn't do any mighty
miracles among them. (Mark 6:5) Those of us who claim the Name of Christ today walk in and out of our churches, small
groups and conventions. We are very familiar with all the "talk." But are we changed so that we
walk the "walk?" Are we different because we have been in the presence of Jesus? Or, do we just walk
in and out of the presence of Jesus as if it were a light thing? Oh, that I. Oh, that you. Oh, that everyone
would realize He is among us today. It is not a light thing. The glory of God is heavy. (2 Chronicles 5:14) He shows up and works through the most common of us. But, do we receive Him or are we offended
because of our familiarity with Him and those He uses? Is Jesus standing among us this morning in amazement
because of our unbelief? (Mark 6:6) Or, is He able to do mighty miracles among us because we are partnering with Him in faith?
(Matthew 15:28) MORNING MANNA - FEBRUARY 22, 2007 - THE GREATEST MIRACLE Mark 5:39 (New Living Translation) Jesus!
The same yesterday, today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8) As He walked the earth, He showed us that He had all power over everything, including death!
When He rose from the dead, He demonstrated resurrection power. He has a plan for each of our lives and not even death
itself can stop that plan! Just picture Him walking through the town. He was on his way to the home of Jairus,
whose daughter was severely ill and about to die. Jairus must have been on pins and needles and wanting Him to hurry.
After all, death is death - right? It was his daughter. How would you or I feel? Some of us have been
in that place and we know how it feels. There may have been other parents in the crowd with sick children too.
But Jesus was centered on going to the home of Jairus. Then suddenly there was an interruption. A woman pressed
her way through the crowd to touch Jesus. Not good. She was a woman. And, she was an unclean woman because
she had been stricken with bleeding that would not stop. That a woman would touch Jesus, and an unclean woman at that,
was very serious. It just was not to be done. But, she was desperate. She had no money - she'd spent
it all on doctors who were unable to heal her. Now what would happen? Would she be stoned or trampled by the crowd?
Would Jesus ignore or rebuke her? No. She finally made it and touched the hem of His robe. (Mark 5:27-28) As the anointing flowed from Him, she was healed! She pressed forward in faith through great
opposition and Jesus met her there. He told her that her faith had made her whole. (Mark 5:34) The above account from the gospel of Mark
is very exciting but it doesn't stop there. Jairus was still waiting. He had to stop and wait for Jesus to
show compassion on this woman, of all things. But, his daughter was dying. Sometimes we have to wait
on God for the answers to our prayers. In this case, the Word shows us that we may have to wait in very uncomfortable
situations. (Psalm 27:14) Jairus was the leader of the local synagogue so he most likely knew Psalm 27:14. There is no record that he became impatient even though it seemed obvious that his request was more
pressing than this woman's request. Besides that, he was a leader of the synagogue and she was only a woman, unclean
at that. Jesus is truly no respecter of persons. (Acts 10:34) His love is the same for every one of us in spite of our gender, race, situation, position or
any other factor. He has a plan for every one of our lives. It is not the same for every one of us but it is a
perfect plan. When that plan is finished, we will go home to be with Him which is far better than being here in
this troubled earth. (Philippians 1:23) Healing is wonderful and shows the mighty power of God. But, most likely we will get sick again
at some point because we live in a fallen world. The ultimate healing will be when we enter glory and never suffer sickness
or pain again. As they continued on the way to Jairus's home,
the word came that it was too late. The little girl had died. Others told Jairus not to bother Jesus any more
about it. (Mark 5:35) But here was another who pressed in great faith. Jesus, who knows how easy it is for us to fall
into fear instead of faith, urged Jairus not to be afraid. (Mark 5:36) When He got to the home of Jairus, He found the people mourning. He told them the little girl
was only sleeping. They laughed. They laughed at Jesus! Friends, they will laugh at you and me too if we
display outrageous faith. Notice that Jesus did not let everyone in the room with Him as He went in to do a work of
faith. Only Peter, James, John and Jairus and his wife. These had seen Him do other great works and their
faith in Him had been growing. We, too, should seek those who have exercised their faith and know that nothing is impossible
with God when we have a crisis situation. Don't hang around with or listen to those who would laugh at the
thought of a miracle. As Jesus entered the room, He took the little girl's hand and told her to get up. She
had been dead but the touch of the Masters hand and the sound of His voice raised her! She immediately got up.
Why? First, it was to bring glory to God. Secondly, He had a plan for the little girl's life and even death
could not stop His plan. No doubt, like everyone else, she would have to die again when her earthly plan was fulfilled.
Many things enter into these two stories, the least of which is not faith. Faith in God and His plan for our lives is
essential. We are not always the ones who receive the miraculous healing and everyone who dies is not raised from the
dead to continue functioning for a while on this earth. But it does happen! It happened then and it happens
today. Either way, our job is to have faith, to trust and to believe in God's sovereign plan for each one of us.
Jesus could have called ten thousand angels to save Him from the cross but God's plan was that He would be our Savior.
That was His mission. He knew that it was possible for God to deliver Him from going through the suffering but, instead,
He prayed that famous prayer in the garden, "not my will but Yours be done." Is there a sick or dead
situation in your life today? Know that God is fully able to heal and resurrect. But, know too, that His plan
for your life is perfect and begin to trust Him in faith to give you everything you need to get through that situation and
bring glory to Him in the process! The greatest miracle is that you're in His loving hands!! MORNING MANNA - FEBRUARY 21, 2007 - TELLING STORIES Mark 4:33 (New Living Translation) Doesn't everyone like a good story? It's pretty evident
by the number of fictional novels that are sold. Even more so, by the number of movies, sit-coms, soap-operas, etc.
that we view. Sometimes stories are a way of escape for us. Sometimes they help us to relate to something deep
within our hearts. We can come away from one with many thoughts and emotions running through our hearts and minds.
We might come away sad, or angry, or encouraged, or driven to further pursuit of the subject. While we may not enjoy
sitting in a classroom and hearing the dry, technical aspects of things, we might receive the same material if was incorporated
into a story. Especially if it were one that dealt with the things we encounter in our everyday lives. Jesus told many stories. It seems that He told them because He knew that many
people were not deep thinkers. So He told them as much as they could understand. The true Kingdom of God was almost
foreign to those Jesus spoke to because of all the taught traditions and added rules. Many hearts were hardened to just
a lifestyle of obeying the rules. One could then feel good about oneself if they had routinely done "what was right."
Religion seemed to rule over relationship. It could be that it is just like that in our day in some cases. Many
people go to church. Some even a few times a week. They work hard. They "do" lots of right things.
But, they do not have a close relationship to the Lord. They are caught up in the busyness of religion. When this
happens hearts begin to harden. We lose sight of who we are in Christ why we are busying ourselves. It is instead
a comparison of what we do with what others do. Then there are some who have shut their minds to Jesus and hardened their
own hearts. Oh, that we might win that one back from the Kingdom of darkness to the Kingdom of Light! (Ephesians 4:17-19) Jesus told stories and gave
illustrations to help people begin to understand the true and deep principles of the Kingdom of God. He wanted to bring
light to their hearts. (Mark 4:22) He would not force these truths on them. Nor will He force them on us. But, in His mercy,
He makes it easy for us to begin to hear and understand. He said anyone who is willing to hear should listen
and understand. (Mark 4:23) It may start with just a story but, the more we pay attention to what we hear, the more we will understand.
(Mark 4:24) I want to understand more and more. I know you do too. As we begin to understand more
and more, we have to remember that others may not be where we are. It is good to have personal stories as well as fictional
stories to engage others in conversation about the Kingdom of God. We don't want to turn people away by talking
to them about things they just aren't in a position to understand at the moment. There has to be a balance and Jesus had
it. Some will just not be interested in His Word and a relationship with Him. The sad thing is that whatever
understanding they did have will be taken away and they will be left in their hard-hearted state. All the more,
we should try to be winsome with the way we deal with people who may not have much understanding that we might win
their hearts to want to listen and understand. Those who are open to His Word will be given more and more understanding.
(Mark 4:25) No stories from me today - just an encouragement to us all to let our conversation flow with stories,
both fictional and true, that illustrate the bountiful, glorious Kingdom of God! MORNING MANNA - FEBRUARY 20, 2007 - WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO OFFER? Several offerings were required of
the Israelites as they came to the tabernacle. A sin offering, a burnt offering, peace offering and a grain offering.
Blood had to be spilled and bread had to be offered. The people brought them all and then experienced the presence of
the Lord. (Leviticus 9:5) In that day, God provided a way for His people to be able to experience
His presence even though they were sinful. It was His desire to tabernacle with them. He never lost that desire
for His people and so, when the timing was right, He instituted a once and for all sacrifice. One who would come and
tabernacle with us personally. (Revelation 3:20) Jesus was the perfect offering. (Hebrews 10:14) His body was the bread and He spilled His precious blood. He gave all so we could have all. We are now free and not forced to give all those offerings. Jesus
paid the price. However, shouldn't we, who have been given so much want to give back in return? Shouldn't
we, who have been redeemed by such great love, be jumping up and down (so to speak) to give an offering? I don't
mean just money, although that is very important. Jesus spoke a great deal about it. I mean shouldn't one
who has received much be wanting and willing to give much? Everything we have comes from the loving hand of God.
He has not held back even His best from us. (John 3:16) We now have the opportunity to give back. (Romans 12:1) We are not forced, although we will be judged if we have been selfish with what has been given
to us or willfully used it improperly. (Luke 12:48) We are given the privilege. I once heard a well-known speaker say that she
never went to any church but what she gave an offering - by faith. Again, it's not just money that we give.
It's really a lifestyle. What do you have to give to glorify God today? What do you have to give because
He has given to you? Time? Talent? Encouragement? Hospitality? Praise? Worship?
Love? What? We all have something. We all have a lot! Experiencing His glorious presence is a gift
we all now have because Jesus sent His Spirit to live in us. Out of us should flow the living water. (John 7:37-39) Offerings should flow, whatever they may be (Word or worth), from a heart filled with gratitude
and faith because of the supreme offering was given and the price was paid. Let's encourage one another today to
give offerings often our ourselves and our resources. Go ahead, walk right up, by faith, to God and present what you
have. In that moment, you will experience a wonderful closeness as it passes from your hand to His! (2 Corinthians 9:10-14) MORNING MANNA - FEBRUARY 19, 2007 - EVERYTHING? YES EVERYTHING! Psalms 37:5 (New Living Translation) There's not one thing that we do in our lives that we shouldn't commit to the Lord. Wow! That's
comprehensive. Now stop for a minute and just start thinking of all the things you do in a day or night. Are they
all things you would want to commit to the Lord or could commit to the Lord without shame or embarrassment? We're
not perfect. There are things in all of our lives that we may not be able to answer, "yes, the Lord is pleased
with this, I can commit it to Him." But, the Word says, "everything." The word, "everything,"
is actually translated, "thy way," in the KJV. It comes from a word that has to do with the road you travel,
the course of life or mode of action. It includes conversation, custom, manner, etc. That's pretty much everything
in life. If there is something in our lives this morning that we
can honestly say we could not, in good conscience, commit to the Lord and ask His blessing thereon, we need to repent
of that thing. He has promised that He will bring the things that we commit to Him into being. He will help us.
But He will not help us in our sin, except to show us the way out. As we have conversation, as we examine
the customs we have in our lives, as we journey this road called life, let's strive to be doing only those things that God
would be pleased to bless. We are all in different places this morning.
Some of us have more baggage than others. If you are carrying those things which are not pleasing to the Lord,
begin by going through security. The Word of God will help us by allowing us to leave anything dangerous
behind. Gladly let Jesus take those things which would endanger your journey away. So many temptations exist
on the road and sometimes those who follow them seem to prosper. (Psalm 37:1) But we need not worry about that or become envious. They may "look" prosperous but
it will soon end. (Psalm 37:2) When we have rid ourselves of those things that God cannot possibly bless, we can trust Him and
find true prosperity and safety. (Psalm 37:3) When we delight in Him and want the things that He can truly bless, He will give us our heart's
desires. (Psalm 37:4) Becoming like Jesus, truly gentle and lowly will bring us possession of all that God has in store
for us. We will be guarded by our Father and His angels and live in prosperous security! (Psalm 37:11). There is so much more encouragement in the verses contained in Psalm 37:1-11. Why not read it through several times? MORNING MANNA - FEBRUARY 18, 2007 - SOME THINGS SHOULDN'T WAIT Leviticus 5:5 (The Message) While I don't usually use The Message for Bible Study because it is a paraphrase, I was impressed by its interpretation
of the above verse. There are so many things going on in the world today and we tend to overlook the "little stuff"
as though it didn't make a difference. Sometimes little things are swept under the rug without a second thought.
(Psalm 32:5) But, as we become more aware of our place in the Kingdom, shouldn't it be that our lives become more and more
pure? (Philippians 1:10) A little bit can contaminate a whole lot. (SS 2:15) As they say, it's the little foxes that spoil the vines. Sometimes we do things or say things without thinking that are not really all that bad. But they are not totally
good. (Philippians 4:8) The Israelites were kept accountable for lots of things, including small ones. While we do not want to make
a habit of creating "rules" and "religion" instead of relationship, a good relationship cannot be obtained
without open and constant communication. If I hurt someone close to me with my actions or speech, they will most probably
not be close to me for very long! I need to confess what I have done and be truly sorry for the hurt I have caused.
(Psalm 38:18) It's that way with our relationship with God too and it is not just with the big things. It's
with everything, including every small stray thought, word or deed. Confession brings with it a cleansing of the soul
and allows us to start over again with a fresh slate. It requires humility. (Isaiah 29:19) By nature, God cannot look upon any sin. (Romans 2:1) Yet, in His mercy, He has granted us forgiveness upon confession and repentance of any sin, small or large. (Romans 5:15) We still live in a natural and fallen world. There
will be times that we have a wrong thought, word or deed. But, we do have a Father that understands that and has made
a way for us to be forgiven. It's not automatic though. We have to confess our sin first. (1 John 1:9) When we realize that we are guilty (whether by ignorance or willfulness), it is good to immediately confess
the sin so that we can be forgiven. Things that are swept under the rug have a tendency to accumulate. Pretty
soon, a lot of small stuff can become a problem in our lives and even create negative habits, the least of which is not deception.
We have not only deceived others, but deceived ourselves as well. (1 John 1:8) When we don't face the small sins, we have a tendency to think better of ourselves than we really are. The
Bible says that when you have sinned in one area, you have broken the whole law. (James 2:10) So, while we may not be a murderer, a thief, or an adulterer, we have still sinned. All of us have at one time
or another. (Romans 3:23) All unconfessed sin will leave us in a state of unforgiveness. A good habit to develop is to be constantly sensitive
to our thoughts first. All of our actions come out of them. Secondly, we need be sensitive to our actions. All
of our habits come out of them. Thirdly, we must be sensitive to all of our habits. Our character comes out
of them. God doesn't want you to sweat the small stuff or forget it either. He wants you to take it right
to Him. There He will forgive you and you will have nothing under the rug that might come out later or accumulate into
something you don't want in your life. MORNING MANNA - FEBRUARY 17, 2007 - DIG, DIG, DIG Mark 2:4 (New Living Translation) So many times, it seems
as if there just is no way to bring change to a negative situation. In our own strength, this is true. But,
it is not true if we know and believe in the power of our Jesus. (Acts 10:38) He showed His great power while here on earth and had it recorded in His Word so that we
who are living today could have faith. He is just the same today as He was when He walked here bodily. (Hebrews 13:8) There are many saints calling upon Him this morning but He is available to each one of us. If
it seems like prayers are not answered, it is not because He does not hear. (Psalm 69:33) He sees every situation we are in. (Proverbs 5:21, Genesis 16:13) There is an answer for each of our troubles but it may take some digging on our part to get to it. God is not so much interested in making us comfortable as in making us complete.
Being made complete in Him is a process and we will go through certain trials and waiting periods to get to that point.
(We will only become wholly complete when we see Him in glory.) (1 John 3:2) There may be times here on earth when we have to dig to discover the path God has for us to find
the answer to our prayers. These friends mentioned in Mark 2:24 were great intercessors. They cared deeply for their friend who was so sick, he couldn't get
up off of his mat. They desperately wanted to get to Jesus but the crowd was too dense in the house where Jesus
was preaching. It must have been a stretch of their faith to finally decide to go up on someone else's roof and
dig a hole in it so they could finally get their friend to the feet of Jesus! In fact, it seems downright brazen.
It was someone else's house. Besides that, they were interrupting a service!! (I assume they paid for the fixing
the roof after the incident was over.) When our faith is being
stretched, it is difficult. I don't know about you but sometimes I have felt like that stretchy character my kids
had (you have to be old to remember this), Stretch Armstrong. He was a very strong guy and made of some kind of stretchy
material so you could take his arms or legs and stretch them to the max. He didn't break. He just stretched.
When you let go, he popped right back to normal. God will stretch us like that sometimes. He knows exactly when
to stop so that we don't break. Kind of like pulling taffy. There will be times of stretching and then
times when we are allowed to kind of get back to feeling normal again. Trials will come but God will not allow us to
be tested or tried more than we can bear before He stops the stretching. The Message puts 1 Corinthians 10:13 this way: "No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have
had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he'll never let you be pushed past
your limit; he'll always be there to help you come through it." Just because we don't see an answer
to prayer right away, we must not give up. We may have to come out of our comfort zone to get through it but God
has promised that He will be there. He wants us to have a, "dig, dig, dig" mentality. He wants us to
do everything possible to get to Him with our petitions for ourselves and for those He has put on our hearts. Imagine
the outcome of this story if those loyal friends had not decided to dig? They didn't just pray. They put some
feet to their prayers and got their hands dirty too. Who knows what the fate of their friend might have been if
they did not have such a bold faith? One thing we can know is that the sick man was attended to by Jesus and made whole
so that he could be all that God made him to be. It wasn't easy. It took some risk on the part of the believers. The
Message says that Jesus was impressed by their "bold belief." This morning, let's be determined
to have that same bold belief and dig, dig, dig wherever the Spirit says to dig as we go before the throne of God with out
petitions. Because of Jesus, we can be bold. The Message paraphrases Hebrews 4:16 this way: "So let's walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take
the mercy, accept the help." A good place to start digging is in His Word. Get out your spiritual shovels
this morning and let's dig, dig, dig! MORNING MANNA - FEBRUARY 16, 2007 - LEAVING THE FOOLISH, CLEAVING TO THE WISE Proverbs 9:6 (New Living Translation) Do you want to live a long and abundant life? Who doesn't? The book of Proverbs has some things to
say about how to do that and Jesus takes it further in the New Testament. The Message puts the above verse this way:
"Leave your impoverished confusion and live! Walk up the street to a life with meaning." Wisdom
is not just something that we are zapped with. It comes from understanding and from right choices. It can also
come from suffering the consequences of making some wrong choices. Sometmes we lack judgment and fall prey to the devil's
suggestions leaving us looking very foolish. The devil is the author of confusion. (1 Corinthians 14:33 also see KJV) God is the author of peace. If we are living in any confusion, we must leave
it and cleave to the Author of peace. Abundant life will not contain confusion or doubt but a secure resting in the
goodness of our Heavenly Father. Leaving our foolish ways
behind is sometimes easier said than done but it is never too late. And, lest we think we have no foolish ways, we might
ask God to examine our lives and reveal to us even the small places where we use our time and resources in a foolish way.
Wisdom comes from experience and understanding. What have our experiences taught us? Hopefully they have helped
us in the process of ridding ourselves of anything that does not contribute to our life in Christ. That includes the
choosing of intimate friends from among those who do not honor Him. It is so much easier for someone to pull us down
than it is for us to pull someone up. Stand on a stair with someone below you and see which is easier! (Psalm 119:63) Besides that, if we keep as intimate companions, those who have foolishly not committed to Jesus, we
will be thought of as fools. (Proverbs 13:20) We will also be tempted to do those things which would rob us of a long and abundant life. Jesus came to give us abundant life (John 10:10). Living a life that is committed to Jesus is a wise thing. Proverbs 9:11 says that wisdom will multiply our days and add years to our lives. Just doing those things that
are righteous in nature and not doing those things which are not will lengthen our days. We will be healthier and have
more energy. Proverbs 9:12 goes on to say that if we scorn wisdom (Jesus being the embodiment of wisdom), we will be the one to
suffer. Wow, that's an understatement. There is no suffering like being separated from God for eternity. (Matthew 25:30) While there is a worldly wisdom, that is not what we should seek. God says that he will destroy
those who are wise in their own eyes. (1 Corinthians 3:19) That kind of wisdom is foolishness to God. We are to seek and can find Godly wisdom. (Ephesians 1:8) God has poured it out for us along with understanding. Paul's prayer was that we should know
what God wants to do in our lives and be wise with spiritual wisdom. (Colossians 1:9) He didn't just say know what God wants to do. He said, "have a complete knowledge."
Isn't it exciting that God wants you and me to completely know what He wants to do in our lives and wants us to be filled
with spiritual wisdom? He has not only shown us the way in Proverbs but has provided the way through Jesus! Let
Him speak this morning to each of us and fill us with wisdom and understanding so that we can know and be everything He made
us to be! There is no foolishness or confusion found there! Enter content here Enter content here Enter content here Enter content here |
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