Morning Manna

In November 2007 when I began the Morning Manna podcast, I would read through the Bible a chapter each day. It took a long time but I made it through the whole Bible twice with that format. In today's episode, I'm going "Old School" and reading Psalm 27 to you. Be encouraged by it truth and promises.

One of the challenges we have in this technology/information age, is to keep our electronic devices charged. You know, your phone, your tablet, your Kindle and your laptop. The same is true though for our spiritual lives. As we serve God and others in ministry, we become depleted and need to recharge our spiritual batteries. Let's talk about in on today's Morning Manna.

Fixation is defined as an obsessive or unhealthy preoccupation or attachment. What are we fixed on today? What occupies our minds and hearts? 2 Corinthians 4:18 says; So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. So may I say... "the fix is in." Our fixation must not be on the visible chaos and division. It must be on the eternal.

Google the word "trying" and then images... you'll find a bunch of inspiring memes about the importance of trying. But Pastor Craig Groeschel offered an alternative in his message this week that I found more inspiring and instructive. Should we be trying or should we be training... because trying can be trying.

In today's episode I want to encourage your to don't stop... don't quit... keep on keeping on. I know how difficult those times are when you just want to stop and throw in the towel. Don't do it! Keep your eyes on Jesus and his purpose and plan for your life and the world we live in.

We're all probably familiar with the term "On Mission," but what I want to challenge you with today is... are you "On Purpose." Most people struggle with three basic issues in life. The first is identity: “Who am I?” The second is importance: “Do I matter?” And the third is impact: “What is my purpose in life?” Have you found your purpose? Let's talk about it on today's Morning Manna.

Psalm 46:2 says; "Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea." Change can be hard. It's difficult. You may not like it, but God is there in the midst of it. Let's talk about it on today's Morning Manna.

During our struggles with the Covid pandemic, there is a lot of focus on immunity. One of the things that I and my wife do is to strengthen our immune system by taking good natural vitamins. But what I want to talk about today is not physical immunity... but spiritual immunity.

What is an Identity Crisis? An identity crisis is a time in life when an individual begins to seriously look for answers about the nature of his or her being and the search for an identity. The key thing for believers, is that our identity comes from who God says we are... not what others or our own mind says to us during times of struggles or failure. Let's talk about it on today's Morning Manna.

In today's episode I share about a beautiful Uber ride I had to Fredericksburg, Virginia. There was a lot of historical sites along my two and a half hour drive. History is important and God in His Word has a lot to say about it. Let's talk about it on today's Morning Manna.

1 Peter 4:7 tell us this; "... the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." The peace of God is our guard and protects our hearts (emotional challenges) and our minds (mental issues). Seek His peace today and experience His protection.

While normally viewed from a negative perspective, I want to think of this word in a positive perspective. I want to you to be a provocateur in a biblical sense. Here's your assignment today from Hebrews 10:24. "And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works. Be provocative... be engaged in this kind of provocation today. Show people the love of Christ. Live out 1 Peter 3:12 - Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that, though they slander you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.

In today's episode I want to share a powerful quote from a book I'm reading. The book is High Performance Habits by Brendon Burchard. The quote is... "Release Tension - Set Intention." Let's talk about it on today's Morning Manna.

Jesus spoke powerful words in John 13:34-35 - "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” The evidence... the proof that you are a Christian is that you love one another. Let's talk about it on today's Morning Manna.

Distraction is the process of diverting the attention of an individual or group from a desired area of focus and thereby blocking or diminishing the reception of desired information. There has never been a time in my 70 years of life, where there are so many opportunities to be distracted and lose focus. Let's talk about it on today's Morning Manna.

Ephesians 6:12 says; "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." It's important to identify who your real enemy is if you're going to wrestle effectively and victoriously. Let's talk about it on today's Morning Manna.

So let me clarify that in today's episode I'm not talking about Roy Roger's horse or the trigger pull of a handgun. A trigger is an external event or circumstance that may produce very uncomfortable emotional symptoms, such as anxiety, panic, discouragement, despair, or negative self-talk. The trigger I'm talking about today is fear and David's remedy for that was this... "Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?

Remember when the Pandemic came upon us and there was a frenzy in stores to find sanitation wipes? It was crazy wasn't it? The product I use in my car while doing Uber and Lyft are 75% alcohol! Wow... pretty strong eh? But the cleansing we need the most doesn't come from Wal-Mart, Target, Walgreens, or CVS... it comes from the Word of God. Let's talk about it on today's Morning Manna.

So no, I'm not going to be talking about the movie, "Lethal Weapon" but I am going to share about are most effective and lethal weapon we have in our spiritual arsenal against our battle with Satan and the evil we face. Jesus said it this way; "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God."

Well here we go into another new year... 2021. What a challenge 2020 was but here we are. Instead of focusing on the new year, I want you today to focus on the new you. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says; "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a NEW creation, old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." Yes it's a new day, a new month, a new year, but focus on living out the new you today.