My Manna

My Manna



"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us." Ephesians 1:7-8.

Imagine an elderly couple living in a dilapidated farmhouse. 

They can barely afford the few groceries and medicines that they need. 
There isn’t even enough money to keep the heat on all the time.

Then a short while after they both have died-
- a huge deposit of oil is discovered on the old homestead. 

All their years of poverty were lived out sitting on top of untapped wealth.

Sadly, many Christians go through life like that elderly couple. 
Such believers have distilled Christianity down to its most basic elements: 

God saved me and someday I’ll go to heaven.

Though Jesus offers an abundant life now-
- they aren’t living it.John 10:10. 

Spiritually poor believers fail to tap into the reservoir of God’s grace. 

Eternity begins the moment we are saved.
There is no reason to wait until heaven to enjoy the Lord’s riches.

God has lavished His grace upon believers. 
We receive righteousness, freedom from legalism, and an unbreakable union with our Father. 

In return, He desires that we invest time and energy in our relationship with Him. 
As we open ourselves to the Father, everything He has to offer pours freely into our lives. 

Our connection with Him makes it possible for us to live joyful, contented lives overflowing with blessing.

True wealth isn’t measured by your bank account.

As fellow heirs with Christ-
- believers have access to God’s riches, which include unspeakable joy, unconditional love, and peace beyond understanding. Rom. 8:17.

Invest in your spiritual life.
End enjoy these blessings of grace..

Confusing contradiction?

My Manna

“Then he said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.” Luke 9:23.

Contemplating my relationship with God-
I envision myself standing on an endless ocean shore. 

The ocean represents my Christian life.The horizon represents eternity.
The cool, exhilarating surf consoles my feet-
- retreating momentarily only to reveal my temporary impression in the shifting sand. 

The receding tide’s unrelenting whisper beckons me to step into the deep and discover Jesus below the surface. 

Regrettably, I am content with the shoreline’s safety. 
I fear the deep may cost me my life.

In Luke 9:23, Jesus unapologetically defines the criteria for being His disciple. 
His non-negotiable counter cultural declaration transcends stagnant belief. 

Jesus invites us to deny and die to self.

In today’s narcissistic culture-
- Jesus’ statement sounds unreasonable and unachievable, 
- but He reiterates with emphasis that if we lose our life for Him, 
- we shall surely save it. 

Is this a confusing contradiction? 
No, Jesus’ unpopular, intimidating assertion is possible, especially for believers yearning to grow through deepening their knowledge and intimacy with God.

Theologian, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, reiterates, “When Christ calls a man, He bids him come and die.” 
So how do we realistically die to self?

Self-preservation paralyzes our resolve to step into the deep and mature in our faith. 

Stepping into the deep involves obedience and risk; however-
Jesus reassures us “whoever loses their life for me will save it” 
- so we shouldn’t be content to live life on the safe shore of stagnant belief. 

Let’s live life embracing Jesus’ daily invitation to step into the deep-
- dying to self 
- thriving in Him.

"Dear Heavenly Father, thank you, Lord, for the privilege of being in relationship with You. Reveal to me the aspects of self that hinder my life in you. Empower me to step off the shore of comfort and stagnant belief and to daily step into the deep so I can get to know you under the surface. Enable me to experience intimacy and life in you. In Jesus’ name, Amen."

My Manna

“Then he said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.” Luke 9:23.

Contemplating my relationship with God-
I envision myself standing on an endless ocean shore. 

The ocean represents my Christian life.
The horizon represents eternity.

The cool, exhilarating surf consoles my feet-
- retreating momentarily only to reveal my temporary impression in the shifting sand. 

The receding tide’s unrelenting whisper beckons me to step into the deep and discover Jesus below the surface. 

Regrettably, I am content with the shoreline’s safety. 
I fear the deep may cost me my life.

In Luke 9:23, Jesus unapologetically defines the criteria for being His disciple. 
His non-negotiable counter cultural declaration transcends stagnant belief. 

Jesus invites us to deny and die to self.

In today’s narcissistic culture-
- Jesus’ statement sounds unreasonable and unachievable, 
- but He reiterates with emphasis that if we lose our life for Him, 
- we shall surely save it. 

Is this a confusing contradiction? 
No, Jesus’ unpopular, intimidating assertion is possible, especially for believers yearning to grow through deepening their knowledge and intimacy with God.

Theologian, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, reiterates, “When Christ calls a man, He bids him come and die.” 
So how do we realistically die to self?

Self-preservation paralyzes our resolve to step into the deep and mature in our faith. 

Stepping into the deep involves obedience and risk; however-
Jesus reassures us “whoever loses their life for me will save it” 
- so we shouldn’t be content to live life on the safe shore of stagnant belief. 

Let’s live life embracing Jesus’ daily invitation to step into the deep-
- dying to self 
- thriving in Him.

"Dear Heavenly Father, thank you, Lord, for the privilege of being in relationship with You. Reveal to me the aspects of self that hinder my life in you. Empower me to step off the shore of comfort and stagnant belief and to daily step into the deep so I can get to know you under the surface. Enable me to experience intimacy and life in you. In Jesus’ name, Amen."

My Manna

 Meditation  


​"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:7.

Our time spent with the Lord has a dramatic impact on our daily life. 

When we set aside periods to meditate upon His Word and listen to what He's telling us-
- we'll start to notice both subtle and dramatic changes taking place.

First-
We'll begin to gain a godly perspective​ well​. 

Certainly the apostle Paul was mindful of this; he actively prayed for himself and others to have the Lord's outlook.Eph. 1:16-19.

When we start to see with enlightened eyes, the world—along with its joy and pain—becomes much clearer, as does our understanding of how to deal with circumstances.

Second-
Spending time with God eliminate the pressures of life.

Jesus warned His disciples that they would face trouble in this world-
-but He assured them that they had no real reason to be afraid. 

Why fear a foe that Christ has already conquered. John 16:33?

Third-
Meditation brings peace of God. 

In this troubled world, we frequently find ourselves in need of a tranquil heart, which can be attained only through Jesus. John 14:27. 

Paul tells us that the world is not even capable of understanding God's peace-
- let alone able to offer us any kind of authentic serenity. Phil. 4:7.

While a desire for personal reward should not be our only reason for spending time with the Lord-
- there are indeed wonderful blessings in store for those who meditate on His Word.

My Manna
Deo Volente 

"Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit"; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away." James 4:13–14.

The Bible doesn't condemn the person who makes plans for the future. 

Rather, it criticizes the person who makes those plans with no thought whatsoever for the will of God.

That is a dangerous thing to do. 
God won't share His glory with another.

There is nothing wrong with making plans. 

Paul told the believers in Ephesus that he would return for renewed ministry among them, "God willing." Acts 18:21. 
He wrote to the Corinthians that he planned another visit "if the Lord willed." 1 Corinthians 4:19. 

On other occasions, Paul spoke of his plans to do certain things and how the Lord changed his plans. 

We have our plans. 
We have our purposes. 
We have our agendas. 
But the Lord shall redirect us.

“D.V.” refers to the Latin phrase-
“Deo Volente” and means, “God willing.”

Jesus taught us to pray, "Your will be done." Luke 11:2. 

Our prayers will be effective and successful when we align our will with the will of God and pray accordingly. 
Prayer is not getting our will in heaven; it is getting God's will on earth. 

It is not moving God our way; it is moving ourselves His way. 
We need to remember that His will may be different from ours. 
And we must be willing to accept that.

The God who knows you inside out also knows what lies ahead for you in life. 

We can always fall back on the simple promise of Jeremiah 29:11: 
"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope."

God's plans for you are better than any plans you have for yourself. 
So don't be afraid of God's will, even if it's different from yours.

[size=48]My Manna[/size]


​

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:7.

Our time spent with the Lord has a dramatic impact on our daily life. 

When we set aside periods to meditate upon His Word and listen to what He's telling us-
- we'll start to notice both subtle and dramatic changes taking place.

First-
We'll begin to gain a godly perspective​ well​. 

Certainly the apostle Paul was mindful of this; he actively prayed for himself and others to have the Lord's outlook.Eph. 1:16-19.

When we start to see with enlightened eyes, the world—along with its joy and pain—becomes much clearer, as does our understanding of how to deal with circumstances.

Second-
Spending time with God eliminate the pressures of life.

Jesus warned His disciples that they would face trouble in this world-
-but He assured them that they had no real reason to be afraid. 

Why fear a foe that Christ has already conquered. John 16:33?

Third-
​​Meditation brings peace of God. 

In this troubled world, we frequently find ourselves in need of a tranquil heart, which can be attained only through Jesus. John 14:27. 

Paul tells us that the world is not even capable of understanding God's peace-
- let alone able to offer us any kind of authentic serenity. Phil. 4:7.

While a desire for personal reward should not be our only reason for spending time with the Lord-
- there are indeed wonderful blessings in store for those who meditate on His Word. 

Stilness
My Manna

"Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Psalm 37:7.
In our modern world, we often hear this familiar call to action: 
“Don’t just stand there—do something!” 

However, there’s an inherent danger in trying to force this way of thinking into our spiritual life.

Too often, whether we voice the belief or not, we act as though God needs our help. 
We wrestle with Him for some degree of control over the events in our life. 

In effect, we proudly make a stand and proclaim:
“Okay, Lord. I think this is what You want to happen, so I’m going to work and work and work and make it come about.”

Somewhere in the back of our mind, we hear the oft-quoted counsel-
“God helps those who help themselves.” 

In fact, the vast majority of Christians believe that this word of advice is found in the Bible. 
It is not.

Actually, this statement is entirely contrary to the Word of God, which instead tells us, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm. 46:10.

The Father knows we cannot help ourselves. 
That is the very reason He sent His Son to die—because we were utterly helpless to improve our sinful condition. Romans. 5:8.

While we seek to do God’s will, we must not forget His fundamental call to stillness before Him. 
When we are quiet in His presence and focused on Him, we put ourselves in the most teachable position possible.

Are you too busy trying to keep up with God? 
Lay down your efforts and simply become quiet. 

What you discover in the stillness may revolutionize your call to Christian service.

My Manna

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Proverbs 9:10.

The connection between these two concepts may initially be difficult to grasp: 
How can fearing God make us wise?

First, we need to understand what it means to fear the Lord. 

This term is used to describe an awesome reverence for God that moves us to acknowledge Him as the sovereign Ruler of heaven and earth, submit to His will, and walk in obedience. 

The result of such a response will be the acquisition of wisdom.

For those of us who commit to living for the Father’s purposes rather than our own, a greater understanding of the Lord starts to develop. 

The Holy Spirit will enable us to see circumstances and people from His divine perspective. 

This kind of wisdom reaches beyond human perception and gives us discernment to make decisions that fit into the Lord’s plans for our lives. 

Knowing that He always works for our best interest-
- we are empowered to walk confidently through both good times and bad.

But there are those who reject God’s instructions—they dishonour Him by refusing to acknowledge His right to rule their lives. 
It’s foolish to rebel against His authority and think you can win. 

Fearing God is the only way to know real wisdom.

What is your attitude toward the Lord? 

If you truly reverence Him, you will listen for His directions and heed His warnings. 

A desire to honour and please Him will motivate you to turn from evil and seek to live in obedience. 

And the result will be wisdom beyond human understanding.

Amends!
My Manna

"Fools mock at making restitution, but there is goodwill among the upright." Proverbs 14:9.

One of the biggest mistakes Christians make is- 
- to underestimate the power of sin.

We don't like to admit when we sin-
- because then we have to make amends for it or change our behaviour. 
So we rationalize that we haven't really sinned at all.

First-
Different name!

We find a better name for it. 
Sin sounds so old-fashioned. 
So harsh. 

Let's call it a "mistake" or a "habit" or a "lapse in judgment." 
That sounds better.
    
Next-
Debate!

We build a case to explain why we did it. 
"Everyone else was doing it." 
"I didn't think anyone would get hurt." 
"It wasn't my fault."
    
Then-
Dispute!

We de-emphasis the fallout. 
"People are too uptight these days." 
"They need to stop being so sensitive."

Finally-
Domination!

It comes down to a control issue. 
We don't like being told what to do. 

We want the freedom to make our own choices. 
But we fail to understand one thing: 
We don't control sin. 

Sin controls us.

Sin is any attitude or behaviour that goes against God's desires. 
He wants us to be free from the guilt, shame, and consequences of sin. 

But as long as we refuse to take sin seriously-
- we'll never experience life the way God desires.

Don't be afraid to see sin for what it is. 
Don't allow a distorted view of sin to rob you of the life God intends for you. 

Ask God to tell you how you can make amends!

What sins in your life need to be dealt with for what they are?
Romans 6:16-23; Galatians 6:7-8.=


Jettison!

My Manna     

"Since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up." Hebrews 12:1.

I heard about a great concert violinist who was asked about the secret to her great performances. 

She answered, "Planned neglect. Anything that would keep me from practicing and playing well must be neglected."

I think that some of us could use some planned neglect in our lives-
- because there is a lot more junk in them than we may realize. 

We take on things we don't need. 
Periodically, we needed to jettison this excess weight and let it go.

The Bible says that God, by His divine power, "has given us everything we need for living a godly life." 2 Peter 1:3.

The Bible also tells us to lay aside the weight and the sin that hinders our progress. Hebrews 12:1. 

Notice the distinction: 
We aren't just to lay aside the sin; we also are to lay aside the weight. 

Does it speed me on my way in this race I am running? 
Or is it a weight — something that slows me down?

David had the right idea when he prayed:"Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalm 139:23-24

My Manna    
"Since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up." Hebrews 12:1.

I heard about a great concert violinist who was asked about the secret to her great performances. 

She answered, "Planned neglect. Anything that would keep me from practicing and playing well must be neglected."

I think that some of us could use some planned neglect in our lives-
- because there is a lot more junk in them than we may realize. 

We take on things we don't need. 
Periodically, we needed to jettison this excess weight and let it go.

The Bible says that God, by His divine power, "has given us everything we need for living a godly life." 2 Peter 1:3.

The Bible also tells us to lay aside the weight and the sin that hinders our progress. Hebrews 12:1. 

Notice the distinction: 
We aren't just to lay aside the sin; we also are to lay aside the weight. 

Does it speed me on my way in this race I am running? 
Or is it a weight — something that slows me down?

David had the right idea when he prayed:
"Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalm 139:23-24.

My Manna

"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." Romans 12:2. 

The high priest of Ancient Israel wore a crown of pure gold on his head called a Nezer, which comes from the word “nazar”. This word "nazar" means to dedicate, consecrate and sacredly separate. 
The word “nazarite” comes from this root, and describes someone who has taken a vow to be separated from the world.

New Covenant believers are called "a royal priesthood." 1 Peter 2:9.
And we also, are called to live a holy life, dedicated to God and separated from the world in our thoughts and intentions.

It's not always an easy task. 
Our thought life is constantly challenged from within and without. 

In this battle, the crown of the high priest can be a powerful symbol for us; the beauty and purity of gold standing for the beauty and purity of thinking with the mind of Messiah. 

Since Jesus was the perfect "Nazarite", set apart in absolute purity-His thoughts were always "golden".
In communion with Him by His spirit, our thought life too, can move more and more toward His perfect mind.

Philippians 4:8 says this:
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things." 

This, as believers, is our mandate to "faith thinking". 

In this world, negativity, cynicism and impurity abound, and it becomes easier and easier to dwell on things that are depressing and sinful, impure and evil. 

But these thoughts must be cut off and destroyed from our minds. 

Thoughts of lust, jealously, covetousness, and self-pity will take us away from our Lord, and need to be taken captive before they get a foothold. 

Replace them with those of Philippians 4:8.

You have the mind of Messiah! 1 Cor. 2:16.
Choose to know and think with it. 

Crown yourself with thoughts that are pure as gold by taking control of that ceaseless flow. 
You'll be amazed at how your life will change under the influence of Christ's mind!


Areas of evil
My Manna

"You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things." Romans 2:1.
Here Paul talks about those who pass judgment on others. 
The apostle makes two points about these people. 

First, he says that these people know the difference between right and wrong; otherwise they would not presume to be judging. 

Paul's second point about these people is that they are guilty because they are doing the same things themselves. 
The judges are as guilty as the ones they have in the dock.

Whenever moral people, those who pride themselves on a degree of righteousness and a standard of ethics, read a statement like this, they are taken by surprise. 
"What do you mean? How could this be?" 

I will use myself as an example, simply because I am such an excellent example of what the rest of us are like. 
I see three ways by which I try to elude the fact that I am guilty of the things that I accuse others of doing:

First-
Blind!

I am congenitally blind toward many of my own faults. 

I do not see that I am doing the same things that others are doing, and yet other people can see that I am. 

We all have these blind spots. 

One of the greatest lies of our age is the idea that we can know ourselves. 
We often argue, "Don't you think I know myself?" 

The answer is, "No, you do not know yourself. You are blind to much of your own life." 
There can be areas that are very hurtful and sinful that you are not aware of.

I caught myself the other day saying to someone, "Relax! Take it easy!" 

It was only afterward that I heard my own voice and realized that--
I was not relaxed, and I was not taking it easy myself. 

Have you ever lectured your children on the sin of procrastination? 
Then did you barely get your income tax report in on time, or not get it in at all? 

How blind we are! 
We are congenitally blind toward many of our own faults. 
We are indeed guilty of doing the very things we accuse others of doing.

A second way-
Bypass!

We try to elude the fact that we are guilty of the very things we accuse others of doing is by conveniently forgetting what we have done that is wrong.. 

We may have been aware of our sin at the time, but somehow we just assume that God is going to forget it. 
We do not have to acknowledge it in any way — he will just forget it. 

As the sin fades from our memory, we think it fades from his, as well. 

Consider our thought life. 
In the Sermon on the Mount we learn that if we hold a feeling of animosity and hatred against someone, then we are guilty of murder, just as though we had taken a knife and plunged it into that person's breast. 

We think these things will go unnoticed, but God sees them in our heart. 
He sees all the actions that we conveniently have forgotten. 

We, who condemn these things in others, find ourselves guilty of the same things. 

Isn't it remarkable that when others mistreat us we always think it is most serious and requires immediate correction. 
But when we mistreat others, we say to them. "You're making so much out of a little thing!"

The third way-
Byname!

We try to elude the fact that we are guilty of the very things we accuse others of doing is by cleverly renaming things.
 
Other people lie and cheat; we simply stretch the truth a little. 
Others betray; we simply are protecting our rights. 
Others steal; we borrow. 
Others have prejudices; we have convictions. 
Others murder and kill; we exploit and ruin. 
Others rape; we pollute. 

We cry, "Those people ought to be stoned!" 
Jesus says, "He that is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone." John 8:7. 
Yes, we are all guilty of the same things we accuse others of doing.

"Father, thank you that you are the God of truth. You do not deceive, you do not delude; you tell the blunt, stark, naked truth, that I might know exactly what I am, and what I can do about it. Save me, Lord, from the folly of trying to protect and rationalize and justify these areas of evil in my life. Grant me the grace to confess and be forgiven.In Jesus Name, 


Stay focused
My Manna

"While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:17,18. 

As believers, we are all called to transform the little world around us. 

C.S. Lewis offered a thoughtful perspective on remaining heavenly minded- 
-while continuing to make an impact in this present world.

In Mere Christianity, he said:
"Hope...means...a continual looking forward to the eternal world...it does not mean that we are to leave the present world as it is. If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were just those who thought most of the next...It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this. Aim at Heaven and you will get earth 'thrown in': aim at earth and you will get neither."

Being heavenly minded is not natural. 

It happens when we focus and meditate on the reality and wonderful hope of the world to come. 
When we do, we can bring a taste of heaven to the little world around us. 

So let's not become complacent-
- but stay focused there, 
- so we can be effective here,- and soon enough we will hear the Lord saying, 
"Well, done you good and faithful servant!

My Manna

"You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things." Romans 2:1.

Here Paul talks about those who pass judgment on others. 
The apostle makes two points about these people. 

First, he says that these people know the difference between right and wrong; otherwise they would not presume to be judging. 

Paul's second point about these people is that they are guilty because they are doing the same things themselves. 
The judges are as guilty as the ones they have in the dock.

Whenever moral people, those who pride themselves on a degree of righteousness and a standard of ethics, read a statement like this, they are taken by surprise. 
"What do you mean? How could this be?" 

I will use myself as an example, simply because I am such an excellent example of what the rest of us are like.

I see three ways by which I try to elude the fact that I am guilty of the things that I accuse others of doing:

First-
Blind!

I am congenitally blind toward many of my own faults. 

I do not see that I am doing the same things that others are doing, and yet other people can see that I am. 

We all have these blind spots. 

One of the greatest lies of our age is the idea that we can know ourselves. 
We often argue, "Don't you think I know myself?" 

The answer is, "No, you do not know yourself. You are blind to much of your own life." 
There can be areas that are very hurtful and sinful that you are not aware of.

I caught myself the other day saying to someone, "Relax! Take it easy!" 

It was only afterward that I heard my own voice and realized that--
I was not relaxed, and I was not taking it easy myself. 

Have you ever lectured your children on the sin of procrastination? 
Then did you barely get your income tax report in on time, or not get it in at all? 

How blind we are! 
We are congenitally blind toward many of our own faults. 
We are indeed guilty of doing the very things we accuse others of doing.

A second way-
Bypass!

We try to elude the fact that we are guilty of the very things we accuse others of doing is by conveniently forgetting what we have done that is wrong. 

We may have been aware of our sin at the time, but somehow we just assume that God is going to forget it. 
We do not have to acknowledge it in any way — he will just forget it. 

As the sin fades from our memory, we think it fades from his, as well. 

Consider our thought life. 
In the Sermon on the Mount we learn that if we hold a feeling of animosity and hatred against someone, then we are guilty of murder, just as though we had taken a knife and plunged it into that person's breast. 

We think these things will go unnoticed, but God sees them in our heart. 
He sees all the actions that we conveniently have forgotten. 

We, who condemn these things in others, find ourselves guilty of the same things. 

Isn't it remarkable that when others mistreat us we always think it is most serious and requires immediate correction. 
But when we mistreat others, we say to them. "You're making so much out of a little thing!"

The third way-
Byname!

We try to elude the fact that we are guilty of the very things we accuse others of doing is by cleverly renaming things.
 
Other people lie and cheat; we simply stretch the truth a little. 
Others betray; we simply are protecting our rights. 
Others steal; we borrow. 
Others have prejudices; we have convictions. 
Others murder and kill; we exploit and ruin. 
Others rape; we pollute. 

We cry, "Those people ought to be stoned!" 
Jesus says, "He that is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone." John 8:7. 
Yes, we are all guilty of the same things we accuse others of doing.

"Father, thank you that you are the God of truth. You do not deceive, you do not delude; you tell the blunt, stark, naked truth, that I might know exactly what I am, and what I can do about it. Save me, Lord, from the folly of trying to protect and rationalize and justify these areas of evil in my life. Grant me the grace to confess and be forgiven.In Jesus Name, Amen."

My Manna

"When there are many words, sin is unavoidable, but the one who controls his lips is wise." Proverbs 10:19.

Every time you speak-
- your words have the potential either to bring joy to others or to cause great pain.

Words of encouragement don't always come easily. 

Building up others requires that-
- we first think about what they need to hear, 
- and then allow the Holy Spirit time to give us the words he wants us to say. 

This requires setting aside the desire to do all the talking-
- focusing our attention instead on the other person. 

It means resisting the urge to interrupt every time we think of something to say.

A fool, on the other hand, doesn't think before speaking. 
A fool is never concerned about saying the right thing at the right time. 

Opportunities to say an encouraging word are often lost-
- because the fool is unprepared and preoccupied with selfish thoughts. 

Some of the deepest hurts people carry throughout life have come from careless words spoken to them by a fool.

Have you missed opportunities to bless others because you were too busy talking to listen to them? 
Are you in the habit of blurting out comments without thinking of the potential damage your words could cause?

Commit yourself to becoming a wise person whose words bring comfort and encouragement. 

Ask questions-
- listen more, 
- and talk less. 

You'll be pleased with the results, and so will those around you.

If you speak the truth, but say it in the wrong way, what kind of damage can that do?

Read Up: Psalm 73:13-17;James 3:7-12.

My Manna

"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." Romans 12:2. 

The high priest of Ancient Israel wore a crown of pure gold on his head called a Nezer, which comes from the word “nazar”. This word "nazar" means to dedicate, consecrate and sacredly separate. 
The word “nazarite” comes from this root, and describes someone who has taken a vow to be separated from the world.

New Covenant believers are called "a royal priesthood." 1 Peter 2:9.
And we also, are called to live a holy life, dedicated to God and separated from the world in our thoughts and intentions.

It's not always an easy task. 
Our thought life is constantly challenged from within and without. 

In this battle, the crown of the high priest can be a powerful symbol for us; the beauty and purity of gold standing for the beauty and purity of thinking with the mind of Messiah. 

Since Jesus was the perfect "Nazarite", set apart in absolute purity-
His thoughts were always "golden".

In communion with Him by His spirit, our thought life too, can move more and more toward His perfect mind.

Philippians 4:8 says this:
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things." 

This, as believers, is our mandate to "faith thinking". 

In this world, negativity, cynicism and impurity abound, and it becomes easier and easier to dwell on things that are depressing and sinful, impure and evil. 

But these thoughts must be cut off and destroyed from our minds. 

Thoughts of lust, jealously, covetousness, and self-pity will take us away from our Lord, and need to be taken captive before they get a foothold. 

Replace them with those of Philippians 4:8.

You have the mind of Messiah! 1 Cor. 2:16.
Choose to know and think with it. 

Crown yourself with thoughts that are pure as gold by taking control of that ceaseless flow. 
You'll be amazed at how your life will change under the influence of Christ's mind!

My Manna

"When there are many words, sin is unavoidable, but the one who controls his lips is wise." Proverbs 10:19.

Every time you speak-
- your words have the potential either to bring joy to others or to cause great pain.

Words of encouragement don't always come easily. 

Building up others requires that-
- we first think about what they need to hear, 
- and then allow the Holy Spirit time to give us the words he wants us to say. 

This requires setting aside the desire to do all the talking-
- focusing our attention instead on the other person. 

It means resisting the urge to interrupt every time we think of something to say.

A fool, on the other hand, doesn't think before speaking. 
A fool is never concerned about saying the right thing at the right time. 

Opportunities to say an encouraging word are often lost-
- because the fool is unprepared and preoccupied with selfish thoughts. 

Some of the deepest hurts people carry throughout life have come from careless words spoken to them by a fool.

Have you missed opportunities to bless others because you were too busy talking to listen to them? 
Are you in the habit of blurting out comments without thinking of the potential damage your words could cause?

Commit yourself to becoming a wise person whose words bring comfort and encouragement. 

Ask questions-
- listen more, 
- and talk less. 

You'll be pleased with the results, and so will those around you.

If you speak the truth, but say it in the wrong way, what kind of damage can that do?

Read Up: Psalm 73:13-17;James 3:7-12.

My Manna

"The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them." Proverbs 11:3. 

Bobby Jones was one of the greatest golfers to ever compete-
- uniquely known for winning the "Grand Slam" of golf winning all four major tournaments in the U.S. and Britain in a single year. 

In 1925, early in his career, having reached the final playoff in the U.S. Open, at a certain point in the match-
- Jones was setting up to strike his ball which was in the rough just off the fairway. 

His iron accidentally touched the ball. 

He immediately became angry with himself, turned to the marshals, and called a penalty on himself.

But the marshals had not seen the ball move-
- so they left the decision to Jones, 
- whether to invoke the penalty,
- a two-stroke penalty. 

Bobby called the penalty on himself-
- not knowing that he would lose the tournament by a single stroke.

When praised for his honesty, he replied, "You may as well praise a man for not robbing a bank!" 

Jones may have lost the tournament-
- but his character was legendary and today the United States Golf Association's award for sportsmanship is known as the "Bobby Jones Award."

Character is what you do when nobody is watching. 
Character is how you treat people who can do absolutely nothing for you. 
Character is how you react when the pressure is on. 
Character is deciding beforehand that you are going to do the right thing.

Every day we're faced with decisions-
- many of which are made when no one is watching, at least no one we can see. 

But let's purpose in our hearts to do the right thing-
- because character truly counts. 

We may not see the dividends immediately-
- but be assured that God is keeping track of our decisions, 
- and He will make good on every one!

My Manna

"See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,redeeming the time, because the days are evil.Wherefore be you not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is." Ephesians 5:15-17.

The way you use your time reveals- 
- your values, priorities, and beliefs about what is true and worthwhile.

As a good steward of this fleeting gift-
- you can make the most of your time by . . .

• Receiving Christ as your personal Saviour. 

Any portion of life spent outside of Godâ€s will is wasted time. 

The only way you will ever reach your true potential and experience genuine peace and prosperity is by personally knowing the One who created you.

• Requesting Him to organise your time. 
The greatest timesaver is prayer. 

As you seek Godâ€s mind concerning your schedule or decisions-
- prayer acts like a compass in your life. 

With respect to time and energy, no one has ever been more efficient than Jesus Christ. 

He consistently recognized that the most valuable way He could use His time was-
- to find a solitary place and commune with the Father.

• Realizing Godâ€s plan for your life and walking daily in His will. 

A believer who knowingly disobeys the Lord will be miserable and ineffective. 

There is no way to maximize your effectiveness if you are struggling against God or have become so hardened to His voice that you no longer hear Him.

• Recording a mission statement for your life. 

As the Creator, God knows the plans He has for you. 

So ask about His desires, and then take the time to summarize how you intend to use the remainder of your earthly days. 

If you stick to the plan God has helped you set-
- you will find that your time will be invested rather than simply 

My Manna

"See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,redeeming the time, because the days are evil.Wherefore be you not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is." Ephesians 5:15-17.

The way you use your time reveals- 
- your values, priorities, and beliefs about what is true and worthwhile.

As a good steward of this fleeting gift-
- you can make the most of your time by . . .

• Receiving Christ as your personal Saviour. 

Any portion of life spent outside of Godâ€s will is wasted time. 

The only way you will ever reach your true potential and experience genuine peace and prosperity is by personally knowing the One who created you.

• Requesting Him to organise your time. 
The greatest timesaver is prayer. 

As you seek Godâ€s mind concerning your schedule or decisions-
- prayer acts like a compass in your life. 

With respect to time and energy, no one has ever been more efficient than Jesus Christ. 

He consistently recognized that the most valuable way He could use His time was-
- to find a solitary place and commune with the Father.

• Realizing Godâ€s plan for your life and walking daily in His will. 

A believer who knowingly disobeys the Lord will be miserable and ineffective. 

There is no way to maximize your effectiveness if you are struggling against God or have become so hardened to His voice that you no longer hear Him.

• Recording a mission statement for your life. 

As the Creator, God knows the plans He has for you. 

So ask about His desires, and then take the time to summarize how you intend to use the remainder of your earthly days. 

If you stick to the plan God has helped you set-
- you will find that your time will be invested rather than simply “spent

My Manna

"If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth." Colossians 3:1-2.

Romans 12 urges us not to think like the world-
- but to be transformed by renewing our minds. 

That may sound like a daunting task-
- but it is possible through Christ.Phil. 4:13. 

Here are some pointers for transforming the way you think:

See that you have the capacity to think rightly. 1 Cor. 2:16. 

If youâ€ve trusted Christ as your Saviour-
Godâ€s Spirit lives inside you. 

Because He is holy and pure, His presence enables you to think holy, pure thoughts. 
And within you is the very same power that raised Christ from the dead. Eph.. 1:19-20.

Seek spiritual things. Col. 3:1-2. 

When a muscle is worked, it grows stronger. 
Similarly, reading the Scriptures provides sustenance to your mind-
- but if you then exercise it through study and meditation, 
- your thinking will become more Christlike.

Sift thoughts through the Word and will of God. 2 Cor. 10:5. 

Too often, even Christians act impetuously without regard for Godâ€s instruction or purposes. 
Avidly reading and obeying His Word and trusting the Holy Spiritâ€s guidance will help you avoid much heartache.

Shun and refuse certain thoughts. Ps. 101:2-3. 

Harmful thoughts are among those things referred to as Satanâ€s “flaming arrows.† Eph. 6:16. 

We may not be responsible for such thoughts popping into our heads-
- but we are accountable for our response to them. 

If you find yourself pausing on or entertaining unhealthy ideas-
- ask God to redirect your thinking. 

Then thank Him because Jesus Christ purchased your forgiveness at Calvary.

My Manna
"If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth." Colossians 3:1-2.

Romans 12 urges us not to think like the world-
- but to be transformed by renewing our minds. 

That may sound like a daunting task-
- but it is possible through Christ.Phil. 4:13. 

Here are some pointers for transforming the way you think:

See that you have the capacity to think rightly. 1 Cor. 2:16. 

If you’ve trusted Christ as your Saviour-
God’s Spirit lives inside you. 

Because He is holy and pure, His presence enables you to think holy, pure thoughts. 
And within you is the very same power that raised Christ from the dead. Eph. 1:19-20.

Seek spiritual things. Col. 3:1-2. 

When a muscle is worked, it grows stronger.

Similarly, reading the Scriptures provides sustenance to your mind-
- but if you then exercise it through study and meditation, 
- your thinking will become more Christlike.

Sift thoughts through the Word and will of God. 2 Cor. 10:5. 

Too often, even Christians act impetuously without regard for God’s instruction or purposes.

Avidly reading and obeying His Word and trusting the Holy Spirit’s guidance will help you avoid much heartache.

Shun and refuse certain thoughts. Ps. 101:2-3. 

Harmful thoughts are among those things referred to as Satan’s “flaming arrows.” Eph. 6:16. 

We may not be responsible for such thoughts popping into our heads-
- but we are accountable for our response to them. 

If you find yourself pausing on or entertaining unhealthy ideas-
- ask God to redirect your thinking. 

Then thank Him because Jesus Christ purchased your forgiveness at Calvary.

My Manna


"See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,redeeming the time, because the days are evil.Wherefore be you not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is." Ephesians 5:15-17.

The way you use your time reveals- 
- your values, priorities, and beliefs about what is true and worthwhile.

As a good steward of this fleeting gift-
- you can make the most of your time by . . .

• Receiving Christ as your personal Saviour. 

Any portion of life spent outside of God’s will is wasted time. 

The only way you will ever reach your true potential and experience genuine peace and prosperity is by personally knowing the One who created you.

• Requesting Him to organise your time. 
The greatest timesaver is prayer. 

As you seek God’s mind concerning your schedule or decisions-
- prayer acts like a compass in your life. 

With respect to time and energy, no one has ever been more efficient than Jesus Christ. 

He consistently recognized that the most valuable way He could use His time was-
- to find a solitary place and commune with the Father.

• Realizing God’s plan for your life and walking daily in His will. 

A believer who knowingly disobeys the Lord will be miserable and ineffective. 

There is no way to maximize your effectiveness if you are struggling against God or have become so hardened to His voice that you no longer hear Him.

• Recording a mission statement for your life. 

As the Creator, God knows the plans He has for you. 

So ask about His desires, and then take the time to summarize how you intend to use the remainder of your earthly days. 

If you stick to the plan God has helped you set-
- you will find that your time will be invested rather than simply “spent.”

To keep in your head
My Manna
"By this we know love of God, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth." 1 John 3:16-18.

In Israel there is an interesting geographical phenomenon!

They are two landlocked seas.
One is alive and one is dead.

The sea full of life is the Kinneret, better known as the Sea of Galilee.
The other sea is a dead Sea.

Now the Kinneret is constantly emptying as it flows through the Jordan River valley into the Dead Sea.
But the Dead Sea does not empty its water at all.

Instead, the Dead Sea is continually shrinking-
- because the intense heat at this lowest place on earth actually evaporates more water than is flowing in.

Do you see a parable here?

The Sea that is alive is the one that gives.

The more of your self, of your life, of your love, that you pour out, the more alive, filled up, and refreshed you will become.
The Lord Jesus exemplified this to the greatest extent ever-
- by giving all He was and all He had,
- even to those who hated Him and were His bitter enemies.

And the love that He gave was returned to Him by His Father in the resurrection-
- and by all the multitude of His redeemed people throughout all ages and into eternity.

Could it possibly be any different for those of us who live lives of giving and loving?
No.

We will continue to be filled by the Lord's infinite abundance no matter how much we pour ourselves out.
Of course, if we hold back, keeping all we have to ourselves, we will begin to evaporate and die.

Give and you will live.
Love, and you will be filled with God’s love.

Hold back, and even that which you have will vanish away.

There once was a sea that was dead
It was, 'cause it only got fed
And never gave up
Not one single cup
Now that's something to k​eep in your head

Let's be givers.
Let's be lovers.

Gospel from India"
Take a look!

“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost..” Luke 19:10.

Do you know what the average prayer request is about?

Physical healing!

“Pray for my aunt who is a Christian and she is about to die.”
“Pray for my saved uncle who is having heart surgery.”

How many prayer meetings have you been to where people asked for prayer for their lost neighbour who is going to hell?

More often than not we are more interested in keeping the saints out of heaven than we are in keeping the lost out of hell.
It is not a tragedy to die and go to heaven.
It is a tragedy to die and go to hell.

It’s time we elevated our prayers outside of the physical realm of life into the spiritual realm.

Take a look at your prayer list today!
Where are the lost who need to be saved?What are you doing to help them find their way?

My Manna

"Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need." Matthew 6:33.

A man was out driving in the country during a heavy rainstorm when he came across an old farmer who was surveying the ruins of his barn.

He pulled over and asked the farmer what happened.

"Roof fell in," the farmer replied.

"What happened with it? Why did it fall in?" asked the stranger.

"It leaked so long, it just finally rotted through," the farmer said.

"Why in the world didn't you fix it before it rotted through?"

"Well, sir," said the farmer, "I just got around to it. When the weather was good, there wasn't a need for it. And when it rained, it was just too wet to work on."

Isn't it amazing that when you want to do something you somehow manage to find the time, no matter how busy you are?

But when someone asks you to do something you don't want to do, suddenly there is just no room in the schedule.

This can happen when it comes to the Christian life as well.

If we are serving God only when it's convenient-
- then we are settling for second best.

If we make time for the things of God only when something better doesn't come along first-
- then we are missing out on what God wants to do in our lives.

How much better it is to make time for the things of God-
- to put the things of God above everything else.

How much better it is to get your priorities right.

Instead of making excuses, make time for the Lord.
It is not only the simple way to live, but it is also the best way.

My Manna

"Whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.." Luke 14:33.

It was George Bernard Shaw who said:
"There are two sources of unhappiness in life. One is not getting what you want; the other is getting it."

This statement reminds me of the account in Matthew 19 of the rich young ruler who came to Jesus seeking answers.

Here was a man who, of all men, should have been content and fulfilled.
He had great influence and affluence.

Yet in spite of all his accomplishments-- there was something missing in his life.
He asked, "Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?"

Jesus told him, "If you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.."

Jesus was not implying that by keeping the Ten Commandments, a person would be saved.
Rather, Jesus held the Ten Commandments up as a mirror to show this man his sin.

The ruler replied, "All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?"

Jesus saw what this man was really all about.

So He took it up a notch and said, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me."

Jesus knew the problem with this young ruler was that possessions had possessed his soul.
But Jesus just as easily could have said something completely different to someone else.

What is really holding someone back from Christ and from further spiritual progress can vary from person to person.

We would do well to come before Jesus and ask-
"Lord, is there anything in my life that is getting in the way of my relationship with You?




My Manna

"He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips." Proverbs 20:19.

Among the many ways we can use our words to hurt others-
- three of them are backbiting, gossip, and flattery.

The word used for backbite in Hebrew means "to play the spy."

It's a picture of someone who collects clues and scraps of information regarding a person's character and then relates the information to anyone who will listen.

Gossip is more subtle because it can veil itself in "acceptable" language.

People will say, "Have you heard?" or "I personally don't believe it's true, but I did hear that.."
Or, here is one of my personal favorites: "I wouldn't normally share this, but I know it won't go any further. Keep this to yourself."

Of course, we Christians like to wrap gossip in spiritual language:
"I need to tell you this about so-and-so so you can pray for them."

But how often do we really follow through and make it a matter of prayer?

A more subtle misuse of the tongue is in flattery.

Flattery is just a fancy lie.
It's when you say something that is really not true to win a person's favour, attention, or approval when you don't mean what you said about him or her at all.

A good definition of gossip and flattery is this:
Gossip is saying behind a person's back what you would never say to his or her face.
Flattery is saying to a person's face what you would never say behind his or her back.

That is why James tells us:
"If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body." James 3:2.

That is a mark of​​ true spirituality

My Manna

"Whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.." Luke 14:33.

It was George Bernard Shaw who said:
"There are two sources of unhappiness in life. One is not getting what you want; the other is getting it."

This statement reminds me of the account in Matthew 19 of the rich young ruler who came to Jesus seeking answers.

Here was a man who, of all men, should have been content and fulfilled.
He had great influence and affluence.

Yet in spite of all his accomplishments-- there was something missing in his life.
He asked, "Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?"

Jesus told him, "If you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.."

Jesus was not implying that by keeping the Ten Commandments, a person would be saved.
Rather, Jesus held the Ten Commandments up as a mirror to show this man his sin.

The ruler replied, "All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?"

Jesus saw what this man was really all about.

So He took it up a notch and said, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me."

Jesus knew the problem with this young ruler was that possessions had possessed his soul.
But Jesus just as easily could have said something completely different to someone else.

What is really holding someone back from Christ and from further spiritual progress can vary from person to person.

We would do well to come before Jesus and ask-
"Lord, is there anything in my life that is getting in the way of my relationship with You?

Revival

My Manna

"Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD,
till he come and rain righteousness upon you." Hosea 10:12.

Revival is that sovereign work of God-
- in which He visits His own people,
- restoring and releasing them into the fullness of His blessing.

Over the years I've often gotten emails asking-
"Do you think revival will ever come to our country?,
When do you think it will come?"

A key aspect of world revival is revival within ourselves.
Revival must begin within each of us.

It's not just a one time event but an ongoing process of desiring to be closer to Him.

Once, a lady asked Billy Sunday "Why do you keep having revival meetings?"

And he quickly retorted, "Why do you always take a bath?"

Revival is an ongoing transformation of our hearts-
to be constantly moved by the Spirit of God.
We need to be daily breaking up our fallow ground-
- those places in our hearts which we've allowed to grow hard.

How?

We have to first ask the Lord to reveal those hard places-
- pray that He would forgive us and
- ask Him to heal all our rough edges that we might be soft before Him and sensitive to His leading.

Only then will we be changed and be in a place-- where we can contribute to revival around