Memo From the Mann

Recently we arrived at our southern dwelling only to find that the bulwark protecting our driveway had been damaged. Someone had driven into it, done significant damage, and then driven away without so much as a note left behind. I found myself upset and disappointed that someone would not care enough to own up to their actions. It wasn’t the carelessness that caused the accident that upset me, because we all have our less than perfect moments, but the disrespect that comes from fleeing quietly away. It took a few hours before I found myself through prayer, comforted by the fact that I could afford to have everything repaired. Some uneducated detective work did reveal a particular white van and its driver as the culprit, but instead of continuing down a long unassured and confrontational highway, I decided to forgive him and prayerfully pray that he might find Jesus and discover his character as a way forward.
Isaiah 56:1 is a reminder that true godliness comes only through having character that is shaped by the character of God, and that this can only happen by consistently applying his word. In a world where character is so lacking, it would probably do us well to demonstrate a different reaction than what is expected when challenged by disrespectful behavior.
If nothing else I found it to be a wonderfully successful way to relieve stress ...and maybe, just maybe, the prayer that leads someone to a much needed change of life.
Pray on...
Song: Deal With It (Album: Stars Under My Feet)Scriture: This is what the Lord says:“Maintain justice and do what is right,” ~ Isaiah 56:1a

One of my domestic responsibilities is to open up the house each morning. I’m undeniably an early riser, so taking care of such a thing seems natural. Admittedly, I get an energy bump when I lift the shades and or spread the curtains to reveal a bright sunny day. On those special days I want to expose as much beauty as possible, so I work at making sure we get as much exposure as is available.
In Isaiah 54:2 we read about the fulfillment of God’s promise, that Israel’s descendants would occupy other nations; and they would inherit the earth.
What a blessing it is to wake up to a beautiful day and to know that its creator was thinking of you when he designed it. You want to put a jump in your step, be mindful of the moments that regrettably often slip by, and make an effort to remember the One who makes all things possible. What a blessing it would be to daily stretch the curtains that inhibit our senses, so that we’d more readily recognize the purpose and plans that have been lovingly designed for us.
Pray on...
Song: We Belong to the Day (Album: IHS)Scripture: stretch your tent curtains wide, ~ Isaiah 54:2

In today's scripture we hear God saying,” I came, I called, and you didn’t respond. It wasn’t because I didn’t have the power. I knocked on the door and no one answered.” Wow, he must have been so disappointed that he was unable to reach his people.
Lord, help us to listen for you, to listen for your calling, for your knock on the door, and strengthen us to respond in kind.
Pray on,
~ E.M.
Song: God's Arm's Too Short (Album: Trio)

Jesus spent thirty years in preparation for his ministry. A ministry that only lasted three years, and by this world’s measurements would have been deemed a failure. He failed to reach his chosen audience, and at the time of his death only had about a hundred and twenty disciples that were hidden away in an attic somewhere.
Faith is not about our standing in the world’s community, it’s about where we stand in our relationship with God. Pray earnestly for His guidance and strength as you tackle the obstacles that pervade our world, and rest easy that he’s in control.
Pray on,
~E.M.
Song: The Consequence (Album: The Consequence)

Are you currently in God’s shadow waiting for the revelation as to what your ministry is, and when it will happen? Jesus waited thirty years to begin his work. The arrow needed to be polished, and sharpened, it needed to be attended to.
Relish this time with God, listen for his guidance, study his word, and look forward to being anointed by the Holy Spirit, and commissioned  for his purposes.
Pray on,
~ E.M.
Song: Awe Came Upon Their Soul (Album: Pray On)

We have become so quick at questioning God, that we often do it without thinking. We speak, text, and use whatever media is available to complain, critique, and cry-out about whatever is not going the way we think it should. We do this more and more freely, without ever considering the hands of the one who is truly in control.
We don’t have the capacity to think on his level, so maybe it shouldn’t surprise us that we don’t understand how he works. Just maybe we should have faith in him, and in his hands.
Pray on,
~ E.M.
Song: There's Water in the Well (Album: The Consequence)

I know someone who doesn’t do well under extreme conditions. They don’t generally do well in stressful times. I think we all know a person, or person(s) that are not good under pressure. Maybe it’s our friend in the mirror.
Whether God gets us out, or carries us through, what matters is that he cares, and he’s with us ...and we can trust him.
Pray on,
~ E.M.
Song: Trust (Album: God Jul)

The world is filled with attractive and intriguing idols, and they’re all promising to bring us joy and contentment. But the emptiness we feel inside, that empty space, cannot be filled with any of these worldly things. The empty puzzle space can only be filled with the missing puzzle piece. Only the perfect piece will bring the puzzle perfect peace.
When the world only provides short term answers, there is a long term one that is eternal, and it’s readily available for your acceptance. Stop repeating the lie, stop looking for what’s right in front of you, drop the lie in your hand, and choose life from the Son of Man.
Pray on,
~ E.M.
Song: If Love is Real (Unreleased)

We have freedom from this world’s clutches, from this world’s nagging, from this world’s value system... we have freedom in Jesus, and he’s not hiding from us... in fact he’s crying out for us to come to him, to embrace him, to be free!
Open your heart and allow him to free you from the entanglements of this world, from the trappings of this world... and join the heavenly chorus singing, “we are free!”
Pray on,
~ E.M.
Song: We Are Free (Unreleased)

What a beautiful thing it is to accomplish God’s intent for us. What a content feeling of joy it is to please God; to act in a way that would bring a smile upon his face, that would bring joy into his heart, and that would create a special parental bond between us.
Lord, how we long to be the pleasing shepherd. How we long to hear you say of us, ‘He/She is my shepherd and has accomplished all that I please.’
Pray on,
~ E.M.
Song: Your Will Be Done in Me (Album: Re:Prize)