My Manna

My Manna

" The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, 'Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!' " Matthew 21:6-11.

The crowds believed Jesus was the Messiah who had come to establish Israel’s independence from Rome. But they wanted a King Messiah who would be their political hero.
In fact, the whole scene replicates a King or General’s triumphant entry into a city. It all seemed so perfect and hopeful.
The only problem was: Jesus wasn’t that kind of Messiah.

The irony may have been lost on the people at the time, the way it is lost on most of us today, but Jesus’ “triumphal entry” was not that of a General or a warrior. 
No, such men ride stallions. Jesus rode in on a donkey. 
The donkey revealed Jesus to be an humble peasant on a peace mission, not a military warrior.

But, as we know, Jesus had a way of constantly turning everything upside down! He rode in on a donkey for His triumphal entry and not only established this irony, but lifted up the lowly donkey in the process. 
Again Jesus showed us that the very thing which we think has no value, has tremendous value in God’s eyes. 
Jesus challenged our values and our notions of supremacy in every way, from our political power to the cruel power we dare to exercise over God’s created world and God’s beloved creatures.

So, what are we to do with this kind of Messiah?

We do not want to conquer evil with peace, humility, and non-violence. We would rather resort to violence and power. 
He comes in peace and humility and rides in on a donkey. That’s why, just a week later, when these would-be followers realized Jesus' goal was one of peace, they stopped shouting “Hosanna” and started shouting “Crucify Him!” 

Jesus didn’t want to just liberate us from ourtemporal enemies-Jesus wanted to liberate us from all of our enemies, from the source of our problems:- sin, evil, and death itself! 
This is the victory that Jesus won!

My Manna

"...but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise." 2 Corinthians 10:12.
An ancient legend tells of a king who walked into his garden one day to find almost everything withered and dying. 

After speaking to an oak near the gate, the king learned that he was troubled because he was not tall and beautiful like the pine. 

The pine overheard their conversation and added that she, too, was upset, for she could not bear delicious fruit like the pear tree. 

The pear tree heard his name and began to complain that he did not have the lovely odor of the spruce. 

And so it went throughout the entire garden.

Near the very edge of the garden grew a little daisy. 
As the king approached, he noticed her bright little face, full of life. 

"Well, little flower," said the monarch, "I'm glad to find that there is at least one happy face in my garden."

"Oh king," she said, "I know I'm little, and not many people notice me, but one day I realized that you if planted me here, you must have had a good reason. So, your majesty, I've determined to be the best little flower I can be!"

Our King has planted a beautiful garden. 
Not one of us is greater than the next. It is his His perfection.

We must come to a place where we trust that-God has a reason for creating us the way He has and has planted us in just the place he desired. 

Comparing ourselves with one another will only make us wither. 
When we become satisfied in His creation (that is us), that's when we'll find true happiness".. and we will shine. 

Let's give God our all our disappointments-- and be determined to be the best that we can be for Him!

My Manna

"First take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck in your brother's eye." Luke 6:42.
Most of us live by a double standard. 

We judge ourselves one way, but we use a different set of rules for others. 
When we sin, we're quick to explain the reasons behind our disobedience:

"I was exhausted."

"I didn't know what I was doing."

"I was under a lot of stress."

When it comes to other people, however, that's another case. 
We put on our judge's robes and pronounce them guilty, regardless of the evidence:

"He knew better."

"This isn't the first time she's done this."

"There's just no excuse for that!"

It's good to help your friends live the life God desires-- but your first priority should be to make sure your own life is pleasing to God. 

When you're diligent to keep sin out of your own heart-- you'll then be able to see others in the correct perspective.

Whenever you're involved in willful, deliberate sin, it distorts everything you see. 

But when your heart is pure-- you won't be so quick to condemn others for their sins, 
- nor will you jump to conclusions about them. 

You'll have the grace to help without judging.

What makes us so comfortable with our own sins-- yet so irritated by the sins of others?

My Manna

"As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby." 1 Peter 2:2.

I love gadgets.

When I buy some new gadget-
I will start pushing buttons and always end up doing the very thing that I wasn't supposed to do.

It is always good to consult the user's manual.

The same is true of our lives.
The Bible gives us direction.
And it also warns us about things we should avoid.

Second Timothy 3:16–17 tells us, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."

God's Word is alive.
It is full of living power, exposing us for what we really are.

I like what Martin Luther said about the Bible:
"The Bible is alive, it speaks to me; it has feet, it runs after me; it has hands, it lays hold of me."

One way that a physician can tell whether someone is healthy or sick is by their appetite or lack thereof.

When a patient doesn't have an appetite-
- it is usually an indication that something is wrong.

In the same way-
- if you are a Christian and don't have an appetite for God's Word, 
- that is an indication of a spiritual breakdown!

It would say that you are not where you ought to be spiritually, because hungry children are healthy children.

Success or failure in the Christian life is dependent on-
- how much of the Bible you get into your heart and mind on a daily basis and how obedient you are to it.

If you neglect the study of the Scriptures-
- then your spiritual life ultimately will unravel.

Why?
Because everything you need to know about God is taught in the Bible.

My Manna

"In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials...though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honour, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love." 1 Peter 1:6-8.

Obviously, we don’t enjoy times of trial or conflict. 

Despite the assurance we have that-God will always be by our side through any and every circumstance-- it is still natural to fear and bemoan such occurrences.Hebrews. 13:5.

In hardships, however, we often forget the very words Christ spoke in John 16:33. 

We hear and certainly relate to the first part of His instruction: 
“In the world you have tribulation.” 

We've all faced enough problems to know that it is not possible to avoid them altogether. 

In fact, Jesus takes it a step further by asserting that our faith in Him will actually lead to even more attacks and criticism.15:18-20. 

Truly it is impossible for a devoted Christian-- to live trouble-free in a world that is hostile toward God.

What we tend to miss in Jesus’ statement, however, is the second half of the verse. 

After delivering the “bad” news that we would have tribulation in our life, He offers a word of hope: 
“But take courage! I have overcome the world.” 

Notice that He didn't say, “I will overcome,” but rather, “I have overcome.” 

In Christ, the victory has already been won. 
He has victory over all things. 
Even the world’s greatest threat, death itself, has already been defeated by Jesus Christ.

Life certainly isn't easy. 
However, we have a loving God who not only understands our suffering but also chose to experience it Himself. 

Because He did-- we can now claim participation in the ultimate victory over every trial of life.

My Manna

"After the fire there was a voice, a soft whisper." 1 Kings 19:12.

Sometimes we look for God in the wrong places. 

We assume there has to be a hundred-voice choir singing before we can hear from God. 
We look for God in thunder and lightning, trumpets and billowing smoke.

But that's not always God's way. 
He can speak through fire or earthquakes or any way he chooses. 

But when we hear him whisper, he knows we're really listening.

The hardest thing to do sometimes is to be quiet and listen. 
We don't like silence. 

We mistakenly assume that-
God isn't pleased with us unless we're active-- so we're always looking for things we can do for God. 

We confuse stillness (spending quiet time with God) with idleness (doing nothing). 
We'd rather be doing something--anything--than sitting still, so we immerse ourselves in noise and activity. 

Then we wonder why we don't hear from God.

But God shouldn't have to shout in order to be heard. 
He is God! 

He shouldn't have to compete with the other noises in our lives.

If we want to hear from God-- we need to stop making so much noise. 

We need to get comfortable being quiet before the Lord-- doing nothing but reading his Word, 
- getting familiar with his Spirit, 
- enjoying just being with him. 

We must stop our activity long enough to listen for his whisper. 
If we're quiet, we'll hear it.

What things make the most noise in your life?

My Manna

"Why are you cast down, O my soul?And why are you disquieted within me?Hope in God;For I shall yet praise Him,The help of my countenance and my God." Psalm 42:5-11.

Whenever you're feeling down-- the best place to turn is the Psalms. 

In today's passage, the writer asks: "Why are you in despair, O my soul?" v.5. 
Surprisingly, this question is the first step in overcoming discouragement.

Look within. 
Before you can deal with your despair, you need to know what is causing it. 

If you're not sure-- ask the Lord to help you figure out what's going on inside you.

Look up. 
The next step is to lift up your eyes to the Lord and place your hope in Him. 
Remember, discouragement comes to everybody at one time or another, but it doesn't have to stay. 

In the course of time, you "shall again praise Him for the help of His presence." v. 5.

Look back. 
Despair has a way of erasing our memory of all the good the Lord has done for us over the years. 
Instead of wallowing in our present misery, we must make an effort to remember His past care and provision. 

Then our faith will overpower discouragement. v. 6.

Look Ahead. 
Knowing that God's plans for us are good-- we can look forward to what He going to do in the future. 

His lovingkindness will support us by day and bring comfort by night as we trust Him to work all things out for our good. v. 8.

When your focus is right-- you'll respond correctly to discouragement. 

The key is to fix your eyes on the Lord. 
Circumstances may cause you to think He's forgotten about you-- but His Word promises that He's there and will bring you through the valley. V.9.

Even if you feel lonely...You're never alone!

My Manna

"And have made us kings and priests to ourGod: and we shall reign on the earth."Revelation 5:10. 

In the eleventh century, King Henry III of Bavaria grew tired ofcourt life and the pressures of being a monarch. 

He made application toPrior Richard at a local monastery-- asking to be accepted as acontemplative and spend the rest of his life in the monastery. 

"YourMajesty," said Prior Richard, "do you understand that the pledge here isone of obedience? That will be hard because you have been a king." 

"Iunderstand," said Henry. "The rest of my life I will be obedient to you, asChrist leads you." 

"Then I will tell you what to do," said Prior Richard."Go back to your throne and serve faithfully in the place where God has putyou." 

When King Henry died, a statement was written: "The King learned torule by being obedient."

We are kings and priests! 
Furthermore, the Bible says that one daywe will rule with Him! 
We need to get ourselves ready!

Are you weary of parenting, ministering,praying or whatever other assignments the Lord has given you for thisseason of your life? 
Please, be encouraged! 

God expects us to be faithfulwhere he puts us, even in the small things. 
Stay strong in the Lord!

My Manna

"I keep the Lord in mind always. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken." Psalm 16:8.

At any banquet or formal meal in early Near Eastern culture-- a person's closest friend and advisor usually sat on his right-hand side (thus the term "right-hand man"). 

The Bible refers to Jesus, you may remember, as sitting down after his resurrection "at the right hand of the Majesty on high" Hebrews 1:3. 

His Father was giving him the highest honour that exists in heaven or on earth.

Therefore, when David acknowledged God's place at his "right hand," he said a lot in a small phrase.

He revealed that God occupied the most important position in his life. 

He declared that God had priority over everyone and everything. 
He called God his close friend and trusted advisor.

David knew from experience that he would be nowhere without God's protection and guidance. 
For David, there was no question about where to put his trust. 

As long as God had his rightful place in David's life-David could take on anything the world had to offer. 
Come what may...David would not be afraid.

Are you aware that you can live with the same confidence David did? 
Have you reserved the most important place in your life for God, 
- or have you given the honour seat to someone or something else?

Only one guest is to sit at your right hand. 
If you haven't extended this honour to God-- now is the time to do so.

And how do you treat the people you truly esteem the highest

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-
- 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-
- 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-
- we de-emphasize the fallout.
"People are too uptight these days."
"They need to stop being ​​​​​​so ​​sensitive​.​"

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 exposed for what they are?

My Manna
"If your hand causes your downfall, cut it off. And if your foot causes your downfall, cut it off. And if your eye causes your downfall, gouge it out. Mark 9:43, 45, 47.

In spite of the importance of breaking decisively with everything of which Christ cannot approve-
- some Christians hide sins and are not willing to get rid of them.

Let there be no illusion about this.
No one can maintain their spiritual freshness as long as they allow known sin to remain and take root in their lives.

This matter of spiritual freshness is decided-
- not by living on the defensive,
- but by living on the offensive. 

It involves making definite decisions-
- decisions such as saying "Yes" to all that Christ offers
- and saying "No" to all that sin offers.

Christianity is-
- not a prohibition
- but a privilege!

But I would add that it does, however, have a prohibition in it.

In our text for today-
Jesus says that if your "hand"or your "eye"causes you to sin, then do something about it.

In other words-
- do not tolerate anything that cuts across the central purpose of your life.

From head to foot-
- you are to belong to Christ.

The order in these verses is important. 

The order is hand, foot, eye.

The "hand"represents the doing of evil-
- the "foot"the approach toward evil,
- and the "eye"the seeing of evil with desire from afar.

What' s the message in all this?

Quite clearly, the message is that sin must be cut out at every stage.
The place to begin, of course, is with the "eye" - the place of desire.

Take care of that, and you won' t have to worry too much about the "hand" and the "foot."

"Father, teach me how to be a decisive and not a double-minded person - especially in relation to this matter of sin. Show me what things I need to break with in my life, and help me to do it. In Jesus' name. Amen."

My Manna​

"Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves." 
2 Corinthians 13:5.

​This year the Lent begins on this 18th,the Ash Wednesday!
​
The six weeks before Easter is called the "Lenten Season".
It is a time to focus on the suffering, death and resurrection of our Saviour,-
Jesus Christ.

Because Jesus died, and thus paid for our sins, we have life.
Because Jesus rose from the dead, we too will rise and enjoy heaven forever.

The word "lent" means "lengthen" and stands for that time in spring when the days grow longer.

The original period of Lent was 40 hours.
In the early 3rd century, Lent was lengthened to 6 days.
About 800 AD it was changed to 40 days.
Lent starts on Ash Wednesday, 40 days before Easter.
Sundays are not included in those 40 days.
Those 40 days correspond with Christ’s 40 days in the wilderness.

Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday, is celebrated in many parts of the world with feasting.
The French call it "Mardi Gras". The Germans call it "Fausching". The feasting comes from the custom of using up household fats prior to the 40 days of Lenten fasting, when no fat is used.
Shrove Tuesday takes it’s name from "shriving" or forgiving sins.
The word "carnival", in relation to Mardi Gras means "good-bye to meat".

In early England, women of the parish traditionally spent Holy Week scrubbing the church, so it would sparkle for the Festival of Easter.

​What is Lent?

1.Lent is the time of preparation.

The Lenten season is intentionally set aside for examination, instruction, repentance and prayer.
This season is one of preparation for all the people of God.

"For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For each one shall bear his own load." Galatians 6:3-5.

2.Lent is the time of penitence.

In the Lenten season, self-examination is crucial.
An individual’s response to the call for purposeful reflection on one’s need for God is an important factor in choosing a discipline with which to actively observe Lent.

For some, fasting is a means of self-examination and denial; yet, fasting is not an appropriate discipline for all people.

The purpose of a Lenten discipline is to strip away those things which clutter one’s life or impede one from being in relationship with God.
It is also a time for people to experience and reflect on the sufferings of Jesus,in light of personal sin and unrighteousness.

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the authour and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despis-ing the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.For consider Him who
endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls."Hebrews 12:1-3.

3.Lent is the time of prayer.

During Lent many people give extra time to personal and public prayer.
The traditional symbol for these forms of Lenten prayer is the pretzel.

In the fifth century, Christians were known to make dough of flour, salt and water, which they shaped into the form of two crossed arms to remind themselves to pray.
The pretzel was only eaten during the season of Lent, as a reminder to pray.

"If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.​"​ 2 Chronicles 7:14.

4.Lent is the time of pursuit.

As Christ fasted and prayed in the desert for forty days, we try to be mindful of Christ for the standards by which we live our lives, with goals of self-giving and suffering love.

With such high goals, any programmatic response may seem to fall short, yet an attempt to incorporate prayer, meditation, and use-ful action in the path of Christ into our lives, is invaluable.

"Then He said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me."Luke 9:23.

5.Lent is the time of passion.

“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke,to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear;
​t​hen your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I." Isaiah 58:6-9.

"To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."Colossians 1:27.

My Manna

"Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them..." Matthew 6:1.

When I received this verse to write about I wondered if there was a connection.

The more I thought about it I decided that the most important issue in a love relationship is purity of heart.

We want to be loved truly.

We don’t want someone making a grand gesture of “love” in front of our family and friends when all they are seeking is to impress others.

We want them to want to impress us only and to do it in a real and loving way.

God wants us to be secret givers and secret prayers.
He wants us to seek only His approval.

It’s hard not to announce your good deeds.
I’ve done it a lot.

But the times that I’ve done charitable acts that I kept quiet about have given me a deeper joy.

It’s between me and God.
It’s a secret we share.

Same thing with prayer.
There are times that we pray in public.

But we need to be careful that it’s for God and not to be seen or heard by others to impress them with our devoutness.

God seeks that time when we are alone just getting to know Him. 

Praying in secret, giving in secret, being His secret agents of good in the world now that’s a great Valentine’s gift to the One that first loved us!

"Dear God, Thank you for loving us unconditionally. Give us the grace to love with purity of heart. Give us the discipline of giving and praying in secret. In Jesus name, Amen!"

My Manna

"For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers." Proverbs 11:14.
              
A severe rash prompted a man from a rural area to come to town to be examined by a local doctor. 

After the usual history taking followed by a series of tests-- the physician advised the patient that he would have to get rid of the dog that was evidently causing the allergic reaction. 

As the man was preparing to leave the office, the doctor asked him out of curiosity if he planned to sell the animal or give it away.

“Neither one,” the patient replied. “I’m going to get me a second opinion. It’s a lot easier to find a doctor than a good bird dog!”

It happens all the time, doesn’t it? 
People go around asking person after person for advice until they hear the opinion that matches theirs. 
But the reality is that we are the worst judges of our own actions because our opinions of ourselves will always be more favourable than reality.

That’s why throughout Scripture, you’ll find verses like today’s that stress the need to surround yourself with a biblical community who will encourage you with the truth even when you may not want to hear it!

The Christian life was never meant to be lived alone. 
There are no “Lone Rangers” of the Christian faith. 

So if you don’t have a community of others who know you and will help you grow in Christ-- join a church Bible study or form a small group that meets weekly. 

The best kind of spiritual growth you’ll ever experience will come when you have others who’ll give you the “​​​​second opinion” you really need!

Pray and ask God to give you a community of believers who will help you grow in your walk with Christ by encouraging you and giving you the “second opinions” you

My Manna

"A wise man will listen and increase his learning, and a discerning man will obtain guidance. Proverbs 1:5".

Most of us want all we can get out of life.
After all, we only have one life to live!

Unless we are wise in our decision making, though, we can waste the one life we have.

Solomon said that a wise person is continually learning more. 

The more he learns, the more a wise person realizes how much is still left to discover.

The more knowledge she gains, the more a wise person understands her potential and the more she is able to give to share with others.

On the other hand, some people try to get by with the least amount of learning possible.
They exert only enough effort in school to get by.

They never read or study anything they don't have to.
They rarely ask questions.
They're indifferent to what's happening around them.
Solomon called these people fools.

But a wise person-
- "walks with the wise." Proverbs 13:20.

He seeks out the company of mature people.
She reads, asks questions, and seizes opportunities to learn more about the wonders of life.

So while you're young-
- make it a habit to spend time with the wisest people you know. 

Observe their lives and ask them lots of questions, being careful to spend more time listening than talking.

The knowledge you gain will enable you to live your life to the maximum.

Don't live life as a fool.
Life is far too important to live carelessly.

What would you have to give up to begin investing your time in learning and listening?

My Manna

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.
              
One Sunday a little boy was acting up during the morning worship hour at church. 

The parents did their best to maintain some sense of order in the pew, but were quickly losing the battle. 

Finally, the father picked the little fellow up and walked sternly down the aisle on his way out. 

Just before reaching the foyer, the child called loudly to the congregation, “Pray for me! Pray for me!”
            
At some point in time, every Christian feels just like that little boy. 
They’re staring in the face of an undesirable outcome and their only hope is to simply say, “Pray for me.” 

But what if, instead of it being a last resort, prayer was the first place you went? 
What if being in a persistent state of faithful prayer wasn’t just something you did when times got tough, but was a way of life?
 
This is exactly the kind of attitude the apostle Paul wrote about in today’s passage. 
He says that the Christian life isn’t just about praying when times get tough; it’s about praying at all times—good and bad.
 
The faith that sustains you when things look the worst is the very same faith that sustains you when things are at their best. 

So pray continually. 
If things are good, thank God for His blessings in your life. 
If things are bad, pray that God would show you His purpose. 

Communication with your Creator is the key to living a life filled with God’s very best!

Ask God to remind you to stay connected with Him through prayer in the good times and BAD

My Manna
   
"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad." 2 Corinthians 5:10.        
      
Not long ago, a young woman was attacked in a residential area while at least 38 neighbours watched from their windows. 
And during the course of the 30-minute assault, not even one person telephoned the police. 

The young lady sustained critical injuries and died for the simple reason that no one would pick up the phone and call for help.
    
Interviews conducted with the people who witnessed this terrible crime revealed that they were not totally indifferent as many had suspected. 
In fact, many of them were horrified when they saw what was happening.But the main reason nobody did anything was that each person thought someone else would take responsibility and get help.

Now, most people will never find themselves in such a critical situation. 
But how often, in the seemingly mundane events of life, do you find yourself saying, “I’ll let someone else do it”? 

Yet all the while, everyone else is thinking the exact same thing. 
This kind of attitude has created a vacuum of responsibility in our society where people simply point fingers instead of doing what’s right.

But on the day you stand before God-- there will be no finger-pointing!

You’ll be judged based on what you did with Christ.And then you’ll be rewarded for the works you have done in the flesh. 

So in this life, take responsibility for your actions and stand up for what’s right when others sit and point fingers.

Pray that God would give you a strong sense of personal responsibility to do what’s right when you’re tempted to point fingers.

My Manna

"Don't envy evil men or desire to be with them, for their hearts plan violence, and their words stir up trouble." Proverbs 24:1-2.

What do wicked people look like? 
Do they dress in black? 
Do they have shifty eyes? 
Are they ugly or covered with warts?

What do they act like? 
Do they prowl around at night? 
Do they have a sinister laugh? 

If only they were so easy to recognize!

The truth is-- evil people are often attractive and pleasant... 
- on the outside, at least. 
But appearances can be deceiving. 
No matter how they look or act outwardly, wicked people hide sin and violence in their hearts. 

Their goal is to cause you harm.
Be careful that you never envy a wicked person. 
You might find yourself admiring someone who appears successful by the world's standards-- but don't be fooled by that. 

Sometimes, success comes at the expense of truth and goodness. 

The Bible teaches that, sooner or later, evil people will be exposed for who they are. 

In the meantime, don't let anyone who is motivated by sin set the direction for your life.

Ask God for the wisdom to discern-- whether someone is living for God or living for his own desires. 

If a friend or acquaintance tries to get you to go against what you know God wants for you, stay away from her!

You might conclude that this proverb doesn't apply to you-- because you don't know anyone who's wicked. 

Hopefully, you're right! 
But ask God to open your eyes... just to be sure!

My Manna

"Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life." John 12:25.
The Civil War might have been averted and a peaceful emancipation of slaves achieved had there been more people like Elijah Lovejoy.
After observing one lynching-Lovejoy was committed forever to fighting the awful sin of slavery. 

Time after time, mob action was brought against him. 
But neither this nor many threats and attempts on his life deterred him.

Repeated destruction of his presses didn't even stop him. 

He said, If by compromise is meant that I should cease from my duty, I cannot make it. I fear God more that I fear man. Crush me if you will, but I shall die at my post.

And he did four days later at the hands of another mob. 
And not one member of the mob that killed him was prosecuted or indicted or punished in any way for this murder. 

But one young man-
- was deeply moved by the Lovejoy martyrdom. 

He had just been elected to the Illinois legislature.His name was Abraham Lincoln.

As a Christian-- you have a calling that's much greater than even your own life. 
And while most today won't experience martyrdom-- the commitment should be the same. 

So devote yourself to the calling of Christ above all others and you'll be blessed forever!

Ask God to give you the strength to commit yourself to Him, no matter the cost!

My Manna

"As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead." James 2:26.
        
A story is told of the renowned artist Paul Gustave Doré, who lost his passport while traveling through Europe. 

So when he came to a border crossing, he explained his predicament to one of the guards. 

Doré hoped he would be recognized and allowed to pass because he was so famous. The guard, however, said that many people had recently attempted to cross the border by falsifying their identities.

Doré firmly insisted that he was the man he claimed to be. 

“Alright,” said the official, “I’ll give you a test, and if you pass it, we’ll allow you to go through.” 

So he handed him a pencil and a sheet of paper and told the artist to sketch several peasants standing nearby. 

Doré did it so quickly and skillfully that the guard was convinced he was indeed who he claimed to be.

In the Christian life, the relationship between faith and works can be a ​great​ thing. 

On the one hand, when it comes to your standing before God-
-​there’s no amount of good deeds you can do to find acceptance. 

It’s by faith alone. 

However, that same faith must be given substance by one’s works. 

Just like Doré, what you do must validate who you claim to be.

So instead of seeing your works as making you holy, think of them as confirmation of the reality that you’ve already been made holy.

And remember that while faith alone saves-
- the faith that saves is not alone!

Pray that God would show you areas in your life where you can be diligent in ​​​​​​validating your faith to the world through good works.

My Manna

I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them." Romans 16:17.
      
Africa’s Victoria Falls produces a cloud of mist that is often heavy enough to impair visibility. 

Once a man was walking the path that skirts the giant gorge, and he noticed a sign on the rim but could not make it out. 

Not wanting to miss whatever it might be noting, he slithered and slid through the mud out to the very brink only to read the message:

“Danger​!​ Crumbling Edge!”

As Christians, it can sometimes be easy to unwittingly miss the danger you’re in until you’ve gone too far. 

This is especially true when it comes to right and wrong ideas of God. 
You flip through the channels on TV at night and come across a preacher whose message sounds great at the beginning. 

But when you really understand the kind of Gospel he’s preaching, you realize it may be very different from what the Bible teaches.

Sadly, many once-faithful followers of Christ have built their house on this “crumbling edge” of mistaken faith, and their whole spiritual life has fallen out from under them because they forgot to stand on the high ground of biblical truth.

So if you find yourself tempted to walk out into the heavy mist of dangerous doctrine where things may not seem as they should, watch out for the warning signs! 

Stay grounded in the truth of Scripture. 
Recognize when what’s being taught is not what the Bible teaches. 

When you do that, you can be sure you’ll build your faith on the solid rock of good doctrine and not on the ​​​​​​crumbling edge of bad theology.

Ask God to give you wisdom to discern between biblical and unbiblical teaching. 
And when you do hear false doctrine, flee from it and cling to the truth of the Bible!

My Manna

"If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done. Keep on sowing your seed, for you never know which will grow. Perhaps it all will." Ecclesiastes 11:4, 6.

One of William Barclay's friends tells the following story: 

In the church where he worshiped there was a lonely old man, old Thomas. 
He had outlived all his friends and hardly anyone knew him. 

When Thomas died, this friend had the feeling that there would be no one to go to the funeral so he decided to go, so that there might be someone to follow the old man to his last resting-place.

There was no one else, and it was a miserable wet day. 
The funeral reached the cemetery, and at the gate there was a soldier waiting. 

An officer, but on his raincoat there were no rank badges. 
He came to the graveside for the ceremony, then when it was over, he stepped forward and before the open grave swept his hand to a salute that might have been given to a king. 

The friend walked away with this soldier, and as they walked, the wind blew the soldier's raincoat open to reveal the shoulder badges of a brigadier general.

The general said:
"You will perhaps be wondering what I am doing here. Years ago Thomas was my Sunday School teacher; I was a wild lad and a sore trial to him. He never knew what he did for me, but I owe everything I am or will be to old Thomas, and today I had to come to salute him at the end." 

Thomas did not know what he was doing.

"Dear God, 
​​I am available​!​
Please make me usable and use me today to be 'as Jesus' in some way to every life I touch so that I will have an influence on others, not only for time, but also for eternity.  
Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus' name, Amen.

My Manna

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11.

In December 1914, inventor Thomas Edison's laboratory burned to the ground.

Edison, who stood calmly nearby watching most of his life's work go up in flames, knew full well his insurance would only cover a fraction of the damage.

However, Edison 's attitude about the fire stunned those around him.

The next morning, Edison returned to look at the charred rubble and declared:
"There is a great value in disaster. All our mistakes are burned up. Thank God we can start anew."

Just a few weeks later-
Edison produced a spectacular invention: 
His first phonograph.

The story of Edison 's attitude is similar to how you and I should view our relationship with Jesus Christ. 

When we accept Him-
He makes all things new.

Our past blunders are gone. 

Psalm 103 says "as far as the east is from the west," that's how far He has removed our transgressions from us.

God loves you so much that He sent His only Son to erase your past sins...so that you could start anew!

Thank God for sending His Son Jesus to forgive your sins.
And thank Him for the chance to start anew each and every day!

My Manna

Whenever someone compiles a list of the most amazing women of the Bible-
- there's one woman who's guaranteed to be at or near the top of the list.

That woman, of course, is Mary, the mother of Jesus.

While denominations of the Christian church disagree about the amount of reverence due this amazing woman-
- there's no denying that Mary gives us all a wonderful example to follow.

Luke 1:46-55 contains a portion of Scripture known as the Magnificat.
This is Mary's song of praise to the Lord.

It starts out:

"My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed." Luke 1:46-48.

In the verses immediately before Mary's song-
- we see a reunion between Mary and her relative, Elizabeth.

Elizabeth was several months pregnant, which was a miracle itself.

As the two women shared their stories-
- it became clear that God was about to do something amazing on this earth,
- the Saviour was about to be born.

Mary was quick to recognize herself as His servant and direct praise to God.

Mary responded with worship.
She reminds us that it is God who is in control.
It is He who deserves all our worship.

Mary recognized the blessing God bestowed upon her.

She began her song, "from now on all generations will call me blessed."
Then she ended it joyfully declaring the incomparable blessings God will pour out on the earth through Jesus.

Use that pattern in your quiet time with God today.

Recognize the blessings in your life.
Praise God for His character.
Then pray that God will send His blessing to the world.

Ask Him what He would have you do to be a part of that!

My Manna

"But why am I so favoured, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?" Luke 1:43.

Two remarkable women, one older and one younger, teach by example a lesson too easily lost.

They teach in what they say and do the amazement every believer should have in sharing the blessings of God.

But it is an amazement that can be felt only in a heart of humility.

Elizabeth was amazed to find herself in the presence of Mary, the mother of her Lord.
Out of a heart of humility she said that she did not deserve to be there.

Mary, on the other hand, was amazed at the fact that God had chosen her to serve Him in this special way.
Her feelings were clear-God owed her nothing.

Yet she had received everything from Him.
Out of a heart of humility she acknowledged His work in her life.

Humility is a natural result when one truly recognizes the awesomeness of God.

These two saints felt honored by God and expressed a deep sense of respect for Him.

Their relationship with God was not a casual one, as if He were a friendly neighbour.
To them, knowing God was an honour.

Are you too casual about the things of God?

Awe is easily lost when familiarity with the Almighty is taken for granted.
Keep a heart of humility and be amazed like Mary and Elizabeth.

Humility can be hard to obtain and even more difficult to keep-especially when we think we are humble.

‹Aim low!
Stay humble.