Daily Manna from Heaven

It was a year I will never forget! 1988 would see my family move back to the States after spending eight of the most rewarding years of our lives in the mission field of Thailand.

Our departure was more sudden than we had anticipated, as there were problems in our home congregation and the money just was not there. Paula and I prayed for wisdom, and the answer came loud and clear. Yet, we had made so many friends; and it was difficult to pack up eight years into shipping crates and footlockers, get on a train which would take us to an airplane, and just leave! But we did!

However, before we left, we spent several weeks traveling all over the country saying good bye to those we loved so much. It was a difficult assignment, but God provided the grace we all needed. I remember one particular good bye that will stay with me forever, or I hope it does. His name was Paw Phim. Paw in the Thai language is a term of respect and endearment for older men. It is equivalent to our “Father.” Paw Phim had become like a second father to me, for it was in his village that I preached my first sermon in Thai.

On that particular day, I knew no one understood, but Paw Phim took my hand after the sermon and told me it was one of the finest sermons he had ever heard. Years later I would ask Paw Phim if he really understood what I said, and he told me, “Of course not, but what your face and heart said on that day spoke much louder than what came out of your mouth. I knew then that you loved the Thai people, and it was then I became to love you like a son.” WOW! Aren’t I a lucky man? Paw Phim was the last stop on my circuit of “good byes.” It was the most difficult. I didn’t usually bring food when I went to visit him because it offended him.

But I was tired of seeing him get up at 4:00 in the morning and walk over a mile on those swollen, beaten up knees, to go to a small pond to seine a few little fish for me to have in my soup and rice for breakfast. I was tired of seeing his family do without so I could have a little meat with my rice and vegetables at the evening meal. For my last visit, I brought two chickens and a bag full of vegetables and fruit. He didn’t like it one bit and accepted it begrudgingly.

However, I was not to outdo Paw Phim! At our last meal, we had roasted beef along with a host of other delicacies. It was unbelievable! We never had beef — there just wasn’t any to be had — water buffalo, yes, but not real beef from a cow! Yet there it was. I asked him where he got it and he told me not to worry about it. I was to eat it and enjoy it for this was the least he could do for me before we had to say our good byes. I kept digging, because I wanted to know what he had just done for me.

It was then that my heart began to break, for I found out that Paw Phim had slaughtered his only cow, which gave milk to his grand-kids, so I could have beef at our last meal. I gently rebuked him and offered to give him money to buy another cow. It was then that these words poured out of his weather-beaten face, “Joe, I didn’t give my cow to you, I gave it to God. Do you think I would do that for you?” Again, WOW! How does God make people like this? I don’t know, but everyone should have a Paw Phim in his or her life! This story came to its powerful conclusion three years later.

I went back to visit my second home in Thailand. Of course I went to see Paw Phim. His health was bad, but his mind and heart were the same. He asked me if I remembered that cow he had slaughtered, and I said that I had. He then took my hand and led me to the back of his house. Standing there were three beautiful cows! I asked Paw Phim where he got them, and his answer? “Where do you think I got them, Joe? God delivered them to me three weeks after you left!” No, I didn’t buy those cows, but someone did! How God provided those three cows I’ll never know, but I don’t need to know!

The point of this story is not about the cows, but about the faith and trust of a Thai Christian named Paw Phim who lives on the other side of the world, yet still teaches us that faith and trust will always win the day! Thank you Paw Phim! I’ll see you soon.

==>>CLICK HERE

I shook my head in disbelief. This couldn’t be the right place.

After all, I couldn’t possibly be welcome here. I had been given an invitation several times, by several different people, and I had finally decided to see what this place was all about. But, this just couldn’t be the right place.

Quickly, I glanced down at the invitation that I clutched in my hand. I scanned past the words, “Come as you are. No jacket required” and found the location. Yes, I was at the right place. I peered through the window again and saw a room of people whose faces seemed to glow with joy.

All were neatly dressed, adorned in fine garments and appeared strangely clean as they dined at this exquisite restaurant. Ashamed, I looked down at my own tattered and torn clothing, covered in stains. I was dirty, in fact, filthy. A foul smell seemed to consume me and I couldn’t shake the grime that clung to my body.

As I turned around to leave, the words from the invitation seemed to leap out at me…”Come as you are. No jacket required.” I decided to give it a shot. Mustering up every bit of courage I could find, I opened the door to this restaurant and walked up to a man standing behind a podium. “Your name, sir?” he asked me with a smile. “Jimmy D. Brown,” I mumbled without looking up. I thrust my hands deep into my pockets, hoping to conceal their stains. He didn’t seem to notice the filth that I was covered in and he continued, “Very good, sir.

A table is reserved in your name. Would you like to be seated?” I couldn’t believe what I heard! A grin broke out on my face and I said, “Yes, of course!” He led me to a table, and sure enough, there was a place-card with my name written on it in a deep, dark red.

As I browsed over a menu, I saw many delightful items listed. There were things like, “peace,” “joy,” “blessings,” “confidence,” “assurance,” “hope,” “love,” “faith,” and “mercy.” I realized that this was no ordinary restaurant! I flipped the menu back to the front in order to see where I was at…”God’s Grace,” was the name of this place.

The man returned and said, “I recommend the ‘Special of the Day’. With it you are entitled to heaping portions of everything on this menu.” You’ve got to be kidding! I thought to myself. You mean, I can have ALL of this?! “What is the ‘Special of the Day’?” I asked with excitement ringing in my voice. “Salvation,” was his reply. “I’ll take it,” I practically cried out. Then, as quickly as I made that statement, the joy left my body.

A sick painful ache jerked through my stomach and tears filled my eyes. Between my sobs I said…”Mister, look at me. I’m dirty and nasty. I am unclean and unworthy of such things. I’d love to have all of this, but, but, I just can’t afford it.” Undaunted, the man smiled again. “Sir, your check has already been taken care of by that Gentleman over there,” he said as he pointed to the front of the room. “His name is Jesus.”

Turning, I saw a man whose very presence seemed to light the room. He was almost too much to look at. I found myself walking towards Him and in a shaking voice I whispered, “Sir, I’ll wash the dishes or sweep the floors or take out the trash. I’ll do anything I can do to repay You for all this.” He opened His arms and said with a smile, “Son, all of this is yours if you just come unto me. Ask me to clean you up and I will. Ask me to allow you to feast at my table and you will eat. Remember, the table is reserved in your name. All you must do is accept this gift that I offer you.”

Astonished, I fell at his feet and said, “Please, Jesus. Please clean up my life. Please change me and sit me at your table and give me this new life.” Immediately, I heard the words, “It is finished.” I looked down and white robes adorned my body. Something strange and wonderful had happened.

I felt new, like a weight had been lifted and I found myself seated at His table. “The ‘Special of the Day’ has been served,” the Lord said to me. “Salvation is yours.” We sat and talked for a great while and I so enjoyed the time that I spent with Him. He told me, me of all people, that He would like for me to come back as often as I liked for another helping from God’s Grace. He made it clear that He wanted me to spend as much time with Him as possible. As it drew near time for me to go back outside into the “real world,” He whispered to me softly, “And Lo, I am with you always.”

And then, He said something to me that I will never forget. He said…”My child, do you see these empty tables?” “Yes, Lord. I see them. What do they mean?” I replied. “These are reserved tables…but the individuals whose names are on each place-card have not accepted their invitation yet.

Would you be so kind as to hand out these invitations to those who have not joined us as yet?” Jesus asked. “Of course,” I said with excitement as I picked up the invitations. “Go ye therefore into all nations.” He said as I turned to leave. I walked into God’s Grace dirty and hungry. Stained in sin. My righteousness as filthy rags.

And Jesus cleaned me up. I walked out a brand new man…robed in white, His righteousness. And so, I’ll keep my promise to my Lord. I’ll go. I’ll spread the Word. I’ll share the Gospel… I’ll hand out the invitations.

And I’ll start with you. Have you been to God’s Grace? There’s a table reserved in your name, and here’s your invitation…

“Come as you are. No jacket required.” —— “For by grace are you saved through faith: and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” - Ephesians 2: 8

==>>CLICK HERE

Death was walking toward a city one morning and a man asked, “What are you going to do?”

“I’m going to take 100 people,” Death replied. “That’s horrible!” the man said.

“That’s the way it is,” Death said. “That’s what I do.”

The man hurried to warn everyone he could about Death’s plan.

As evening fell, he met Death again. “You told me you were going to take 100 people,” the man said.

“Why did 1,000 die?” “I kept my word,” Death responded.

“I only took 100 people. Worry took the others.”

==>>CLICK HERE

By now you have probably seen the catchy television commercials for MasterCard. They start by identifying some things that people can buy with their MasterCard, then show a moment that is priceless and end by saying, “There are some things money can’t buy, for everything else there’s MasterCard.”

For example, in one such commercial there is a man and his young son headed to the baseball park. The commercial shows the dad buying his son a hot dog and you hear the words, “Hot dog at the big leaguegame…$3.00.”The next scene shows the dad buying a game program and the words,”Program…$6.00.”

Then, one of those large, orange hands with thefingers forming a #1 is shown and you hear something like, “Large,orange hand…$15.00.” The commercial finishes by showing the father explaining some important aspect of the game to his son, who is listening intently as he looks up at his father with excitement in his eyes, “Meaningful conversation between a father and a son… priceless.”

“There are some things money can’t buy, for everything else there’sMasterCard.”Friends, I’m not unlike those agencies promoting their favorite credit card. I’m here to advertise. You see, my life is a commercial for others to see. I’m a card carrying representative for the Master’s Card. That’s right, the MASTER’S CARD.

Let me tell you about it. There are no finance charges, no payments due. My bill has already been covered…it’s a prepaid deal. I couldn’t afford the price, so Jesus stepped in and paid it for me. My Name is written on the card for all to see.It is accessible twenty-four hours a day from anywhere in the world.

The MASTER’S CARD has so many benefits it’s hard to list them all. Let me share some of them with you…you might want to apply for a personal card yourself. Just for starters there is UNLIMITED GRACE. That’s right, there is no preset limit to the amount of grace you receive from the MASTER’S CARD. Have you been looking for love in all the wrong places?

Then, look no farther than the MASTER’S CARD. It offers the greatest rate on love that has ever been offered.The MASTER’S CARD gives you access to many “members only” benefits.

Want real joy despite the difficulties of life? Apply for the MASTER’S CARD. Want a lasting peace? Apply for the MASTER’S CARD.Want real joy despite the difficulties of life? Apply for the MASTER’S CARD. Want a lasting peace? Apply for the MASTER’S CARD. Looking for something you can always rely on in a jam?

The MASTER’S CARD is perfect for you.Another great thing about the MASTER’S CARD is that it never expires. Once you’re a member, you’re a member for life…eternal life, that is. Membership has its privileges, you know.How do you receive the MASTER’S CARD. Dial 1-800-ROMANS 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. .”

Jesus is standing by right now to take your call. Don’t delay. This great offer won’t last forever. Peace, joy and hope: Invaluable. Faith, contentment and assurance: Inestimable. Salvation: Priceless. There are some things money can’t buy.

For those, there’s the Master’s Card. Christian, why not be an advertisement for the MASTER’S CARD. Let your life be a commercial today for Jesus Christ.

==>>CLICK HERE

Today’s Scripture

“My determined purpose is to know Him and the power flowing out from His resurrection.” (Philippians 3:10)

Today’s Word from Joel and Victoria

God has many great things in store for you, but you will never go to a new level of victory without opposition. That’s why you must stay focused and committed to what God is calling you to do. You must continually stay in fellowship with your Heavenly Father through prayer, worship, study of His Word, and fellowship with other believers.

I encourage you today to rise up and take authority over any area in your life that’s keeping you in defeat. Be on the aggressive. Be on the offensive. If you’ll stay focused and determined, God will take you places that you’ve never dreamed of and you’ll live that overcoming life of victory that rightfully belongs to you.

A Prayer for Today

God, it is with a renewed focus that I pray to You today. I am determined to grow in my faith and to experience Your love on a personal level so I can lead the life of victory that I was born to lead. In Jesus’ name – Amen.

==>>CLICK HERE

1 My son, do not forget my teaching,
but keep my commands in your heart,

2 for they will prolong your life many years
and bring you prosperity.

3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.

4 Then you will win favor and a good name
in the sight of God and man.

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;

6 in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight. [a]

7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the LORD and shun evil.

8 This will bring health to your body
and nourishment to your bones.

9 Honor the LORD with your wealth,
with the firstfruits of all your crops;

10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing,
and your vats will brim over with new wine.

11 My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline
and do not resent his rebuke,

12 because the LORD disciplines those he loves,
as a father [b] the son he delights in.

13 Blessed is the man who finds wisdom,
the man who gains understanding,

14 for she is more profitable than silver
and yields better returns than gold.

15 She is more precious than rubies;
nothing you desire can compare with her.

16 Long life is in her right hand;
in her left hand are riches and honor.

17 Her ways are pleasant ways,
and all her paths are peace.

18 She is a tree of life to those who embrace her;
those who lay hold of her will be blessed.

19 By wisdom the LORD laid the earth’s foundations,
by understanding he set the heavens in place;

20 by his knowledge the deeps were divided,
and the clouds let drop the dew.

21 My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment,
do not let them out of your sight;

22 they will be life for you,
an ornament to grace your neck.

23 Then you will go on your way in safety,
and your foot will not stumble;

24 when you lie down, you will not be afraid;
when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.

25 Have no fear of sudden disaster
or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,

26 for the LORD will be your confidence
and will keep your foot from being snared.

27 Do not withhold good from those who deserve it,
when it is in your power to act.

28 Do not say to your neighbor,
“Come back later; I’ll give it tomorrow”—
when you now have it with you.

29 Do not plot harm against your neighbor,
who lives trustfully near you.

30 Do not accuse a man for no reason—
when he has done you no harm.

31 Do not envy a violent man
or choose any of his ways,

32 for the LORD detests a perverse man
but takes the upright into his confidence.

33 The LORD’s curse is on the house of the wicked,
but he blesses the home of the righteous.

34 He mocks proud mockers
but gives grace to the humble.

35 The wise inherit honor,
but fools he holds up to shame.

Do you know that the heavenly Father cannot be comforted without you?

In the early days, in the land of Palestine there lived a father and two sons whose occupation was to tend sheep. The two sons took care of the sheep in the pasture while the father prepared the meals for them.

Every sundown, the father would go up the high hill and beckon his two sons to return, “Joseph, Enoch! Come home and eat!” Hearing their father’s summon, the two sons would shepherd the flock home.

However, as the two boys grew and life remained hard for the family, they decided to go to America to make a living. The two sons left their father and found a rewarding life in America.

But the father soon became ill from thinking about his sons. Every sundown he would still go up the high hill and cry out his sons’ names. Day after day, year after year, rain or shine, he continued to do this. But everytime, he went home sorrowfully without his sons.

When the neighbors saw this, they could bear it no longer and sent people to bring news to the two sons. The boys decided to come home. Upon arriving at the village, as the day was still young, the two hid in the place where they usually brought their sheep and waited for sundown.

At the appointed time, they saw a white-haired old man limped his way up to the top of the hill, supported by a staff. His aged appearance and poor health completely took the sons by surprise.

Then the old man started to cry out, “O Joseph! O Enoch! Come home!” the two sons came out from hiding and ran to their father, crying, “O Father! We have come home!” The old man saw them from afar and was filled with unspeakable joy as he took a few steps forward to welcome them. They hugged and kissed each other and happily returned home.

Friends, the father could have no joy without seeing his sons; the sons could not completely be at peace without returning home to their father. Likewise, without you the heavenly Father cannot be comforted; without the heavenly Father your heart and spirit cannot be satisfied.

If you are willing to return and be reconciled to the heavenly Father, please pray the following, “O Father God! I never knew You nor of Your love for me. Now I understand, and I am willing to receive the way of salvation You have prepared for me. I believe that You have sent the Lord Jesus to be crucified on the cross for my sins. Forgive my sins in Your Son! In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen!” By this you express from your heart that you already receive Jesus as Savior.

==>>CLICK HERE