Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect,able to keep their whole body in check. When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make … Continue reading
Filed under Daily Devotional Readings …
Your Burning Bush (by Len Winneroski)
“Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn … Continue reading
A Step of Faith (by Len Winneroski)
Life is a series of steps. Any parent will tell you that watching their child take their first step creates a memory that is burned deep into their synapses. Parents love to see their children grow and develop, and eventually become independent adults who pursue their own dreams and life goals. Watching our loved ones … Continue reading
Too Driven to Listen (by Len Winneroski)
My wife is an excellent listener. I’ve noticed over the years that when people find the rare person like my wife, who actually listens to them, they latch onto those people and seek them out often. If you think about it, people get advanced degrees in psychology so that they can become professional listeners. Their … Continue reading
Revival!
There is something wonderful happening in Wilmore Kentucky right now at Asbury University. A Wednesday morning chapel service that was supposed to last one hour is still going on 70 hours later! Students are experiencing God’s presence and love in a very real and tangible way at this very moment. My oldest son, Aaron, graduated … Continue reading
Spoken Word Poetry by J. Michael
Met a really cool spoken word poet today in Leiper’s Fork Tennessee, J. Micheal Poetry, if you would like to follow him!
Feed My Sheep (by Len Winneroski)
But when the Pharisees heard that He had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, and saying, “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your … Continue reading
Love One Another (by Joel Young)
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. (John 13:34) This commandment given by Jesus at the last supper has always struck me as one of the simplest, yet the most profound message within scripture. Notice that He calls this … Continue reading
Welcome Home (by Jamar Plummer)
Check out a beautiful original song that was just released by my talented brother in Christ, Jamar Plummer.
Fragile (by Nichole Munson-Isaacs)
Life seems to hand me friendships or relationships that, most of the time, are too heavy and awkward for me to carry. As I carry them, I imagine that they are like glass vases that sit in the entryway of rich people’s houses. These vases seem heavy to me because of past trauma in my … Continue reading
The Love of Pets (by Joel Young)
Our family has a lot of pets. In my household we have three dogs, and as I write this, I still find it hard to believe we have three dogs! My mom has four cats and two dogs, and my dad has two cats and a dog, so I guess you can see where I … Continue reading
The Stool of a Wise Man (by Joel Young)
When my great-grandfather and great-grandmother passed away, the adults in our family sifted through the house to take items by which to remember them. You may be familiar with this awkward ritual. Many looked for valuable items – things of monetary value. Some, like my mother, looked for knick-knacks that sparked fond memories of her … Continue reading
Spiritual Floss (by Len Winneroski)
I am so thankful for my church, Diversity Church, who’s catchphrase is Different People Same God. I have learned so much during the short time that my family has attended this wonderful church and started doing life with the people in that place. Pastor Jonathan (PJ) Ember just recently finished an excellent sermon series on … Continue reading
Awakening (by Joel Young)
Have you ever had moments in your life where you feel your soul trying to tell you something? Forks in the road where you can either listen or dismiss. Sometimes it’s a subtle intrigue, or it’s a thought that keeps rolling around in your mind in different ways – where you know there is something … Continue reading
Spiritual Immaturity (by Len Winneroski)
I think that building IKEA furniture is great spiritual maturity barometer. My family will tell you that one of my spiritual achilles heals is doing anything that requires tools. When I fix or build something, I usually end up speaking in a tongue that is more suited for a bar of soap than a man … Continue reading
Baby Roe (by Len Winneroski)
Did you know that Norma McCorvey, known more widely by her pseudonym “Jane Roe,” never actually had an abortion? All three of Norma’s little girls were given up for adoption because she felt unfit to raise them. Norma only had a relationship with her oldest daughter, Melissa, during her lifetime. Little is known about “Baby … Continue reading
Well Chuffed (by Len Winneroski)
I love my friends. I was catching up with a dear friend who lives in Europe this morning, who introduced me to a new phrase; well chuffed. Well chuffed means very delighted, happy or proud. It makes my heart smile to know that my friends are well chuffed. I believe that Jesus was well chuffed … Continue reading
Significance (by Len Winneroski)
To be human is to long for significance. To wonder things like, does my life really make a difference to those around me? Am I in the right job? Will I be remembered by my family and the world after I leave this life or will I be quickly forgotten? To be human is to … Continue reading
Skin Deep (by Len Winneroski)
I became a scientist because I have always been curious about how the world around me works. For instance, I think that most people can appreciate the beauty of a tree, but when I look at a tree, I want to know why the leaves are green in the summer and why they change to … Continue reading
Ready for the Wind (by Len Winneroski)
I believe that one of the most misunderstood and underutilized blessings of being a child of God is the ministry and influence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We pray to our Heavenly Father who is the Creator of life and the Universe, and we joyfully praise Jesus who died for our sins so … Continue reading
Tomay’s Disease (by Len Winneroski)
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. – Matthew 6:34 Do you ever struggle with living fully in the moment because you are too focused on the “better” future? I call this Tomay Disease, and I have a bad case of it. … Continue reading
Dry Bones (by Len Winneroski)
“Elisha died and was buried. Now Moabite raiders used to enter the country every spring. Once while some Israelites were burying a man, suddenly they saw a band of raiders; so they threw the man’s body into Elisha’s tomb. When the body touched Elisha’s bones, the man came to life and stood up on his … Continue reading
Father’s Day (by Len Winneroski)
“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” – Matthew 5:48 Good morning dad. I love you so much. I’m looking through lots of wonderful pictures of families honoring their fathers on Father’s Day. I know these pictures make you smile too, because you created these families. I decided that I would take the … Continue reading
Guard Your Heart
Link to video: https://youtu.be/_JpBa36nzHk
From Burden to Glory (by Len Winneroski)
“The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” – Frederick Buechner The past few months have been a very special time in my life. I have developed new deep and meaningful friendships with several men who share my burden for the homeless and the … Continue reading
Morning Kisses (by Len Winneroski)
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!” – Mark 1:35-37 Silence is a gift that most … Continue reading
Child With No Name 027 (by Andrew Ferriell)
Salt (by Len Winneroski)
Being a scientist is a blessing and a curse. For instance, have you ever thought about why salt tastes salty? I think that most normal people just grab the saltshaker and salt their food without really thinking or caring about why they do it. God made scientists differently. We tend to be a curious lot … Continue reading
Lessons from My Mom (by Len Winneroski)
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. – Proverbs 31:28 Last year the Lord impressed on my heart to write a manna to share some of the important lessons that my dad has taught me over the years. This morning I’m going to attempt the impossible. I’m going … Continue reading
Heart Health (by Len Winneroski)
Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.” – Galatians 1:10 (NIV) One of the best gifts that you can give God, yourself, and others is self-awareness. … Continue reading
Sink or Swim, Again (by Len Winneroski)
That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it … Continue reading
Count the Cost (by Len Winneroski)
Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. – … Continue reading
Align (by Kyle Evans)
FAT LIP FORGIVENESS (by Laura Currier)
1 John 1:9 ESV If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive our sins And to cleanse us from all unrighteousness I’m not exactly sure what went wrong. Maybe Sam had sat still a little too long on the loveseat snuggled up to his grandma….or maybe the cartoon we were watching … Continue reading
Who is My Neighbor?
Does this picture make you angry? If you are like me, you may be asking yourself, “Why did he include THAT person in the circle?” I didn’t include them… Jesus did my friend.
Locked In (by Len Winneroski)
Isn’t it amazing how sometimes God can impress something on your heart, and then things start happening in your life to reinforce that this impression is from God? The past several weeks have been very emotional for me. A tidal wave of events, that are much too personal to express publicly, hit me all at … Continue reading
Safe Harbor (by Len Winneroski)
We recently replaced our 2010 van with a brand new 2019 Subaru because we wanted to get a vehicle that is safe, gets good gas mileage and is all-wheel drive. We love our new car (no, I’m not being paid by Subaru to write this). It is amazing at how technology has changed since we … Continue reading
Sleepwalking (by Len Winneroski)
Good morning world. I’m going to try something new. I’m going to try to compose a manna on my phone this morning using the WordPress app. I’m sure that my grammar and typos will be even worse than normal haha! I am so thankful for the handful of folks from around the world who take … Continue reading
Turnkey Faith (by Len Winneroski)
And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness. – Acts 4:31 I think that we can all agree that Moses played a major role in God’s story. Moses didn’t … Continue reading
Words Matter (by Len Winneroski)
This past week I have been going through a lot of emotions which has led to an epiphany. WORDS are very powerful. In fact, WORDS are so powerful that I think that I am going to start duct taping my mouth when I get too emotionally charged. I’ve said a lot of WORDS this past … Continue reading
Smudged (by Len Winneroski)
“What goes into a person’s mouth does not make him dirty. But what comes out of a person’s mouth makes him dirty.’ – Matthew 15:11 (Worldwide English Version) Has anyone ever said something to you that is impossible for you to forget? When I first became a Christ follower as a young adult I was … Continue reading
Dear Heartbroken, don’t settle.
Well said!
Kindness cocked and loaded
Originally posted on Mental Sweat:
Say weird things. Say strange things. Say uncommon things. Let me give some backstory first. Our company did very well in 2017. Because of this all employees are blessed with a large bonus. We just found out how large that bonus is the other day. We are all excited about…
What Can We Learn from Allen Iverson (by Kyle Evans)
The Fuzz (by Len Winneroski)
Have you ever had a nickname? When I was a little boy they used to call me “The Fuzz,” or just “Fuzz” for short. I wish that I could tell you that it was the mean neighborhood bullies that gave me this nickname, but it wasn’t. It was the neighborhood moms. When I was a … Continue reading
The Youth Leader (by Len Winneroski)
The past six months have been transformational for me. I have served in many different capacities within the church over the years, but none has been as fulfilling as being a small group leader for a group of ninth grade boys. It has been wonderful watching these young men tease and encourage one another, and … Continue reading
Intentional Reflection (by Kyle Evans)
via Intentional Reflection
The Speed of the Game (by Len Winneroski)
Well, it’s another big weekend of NFL football. Unfortunately the evil New England Patriots are making yet another run for a Super Bowl title and my Indianapolis Colts will be watching the games with the rest of us… on the couch. Football is a rough sport and teams often have to learn how to navigate … Continue reading
Agile prompt
Originally posted on Mental Sweat:
When I think of agility I think about it in the athletic sense. To me it is the ability to move quickly and efficiently around obstacles to gain an advantage. Problems and pain arise in our life so quickly and out of no where. How valuable is agility in life…
Lessons from My Dad (by Len Winneroski)
Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. – Proverbs 23:22 It’s funny how the older you get, the wiser your parents become. I am a very fortunate man. I grew up in a home with two parents who were best friends. They worked hard … Continue reading
Young Lions (by Len Winneroski)
The African lion is a carnivorous mammal from the species Panthera leo. If you have ever been face to face with an adult male lion in a zoo or safari, you know what a powerful and majestic animal that they are. A full-grown male lion can grow to a height of over 6 feet tall … Continue reading
Chip or Dip (by Len Winneroski)
Have you ever wondered where the phrase, “he sure has a chip on his shoulder” comes from? Well according to my Google research; the shipwrights in the Royal Navy Dockyards were allowed to take scrap lumber home as part of their compensation. Naturally the workers stared taking big pieces of lumber that had to be … Continue reading
Sophie’s Sign (by Laura Currier)
As soon as I stepped in the door she saw me and her little bare feet came running. I waved “hello” and signed her name but Sophie didn’t seem to notice. This girl was on a mission. Grabbing my hand she pulled toward the playroom. There in the corner hung the hammock swing…Sophie’s happy place! … Continue reading
Right in Front of Our Eyes (by Len Winneroski)
For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. – Romans 1:20 Have you ever looked all over the house to find something that was already in your pocket or hand? This has … Continue reading
Mamma’s Boys (by Len Winneroski)
When he (Jesus) had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him. – Mark 1:19-20 Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to … Continue reading
Wimp or Warrior (by Len Winneroski)
Bullies stink. Thank God I grew up in a loving home with parents and a brother who always stuck up for me. They also were brave enough to tell me when I was wrong. It’s not easy growing up in this fallen world as a short, fat boy with red hair and freckles. Kids can … Continue reading
Pride Lurks in Beauty (by Len Winneroski)
Have you ever noticed that when you walk into a room full of people your eyes are “naturally” drawn to the most handsome man or the most beautiful woman in the room? Or if you are walking through a parking lot aren’t our eyes “naturally” drawn to the most expensive and beautiful car in the … Continue reading
Chewbaccan Gift (by Len Winneroski)
“Joy is the serious business of Heaven.” – C. S. Lewis This past week an ordinary mother named Candace Payne posted a video of herself laughing hysterically while wearing a talking Chewbacca mask on her Facebook page. Amazingly, this silly video went viral and Candace has helped millions of people get in touch with their inner … Continue reading
Spiritual Obesity (by Len Winneroski)
As I approach the half-century mark in age I’ve been thinking a lot about my life. I guess that you could call it a mid-life crisis of sorts. Last year I bought a 2013 Dodge Challenger, which I drove for a few months and sold when common sense caught up with me, and this year … Continue reading
The Birth of Jesus in the Qur’an (by Len Winneroski)
Good morning friends. With everything going on in the world right now, and Christmas right around the corner, I thought that it would interest you to know that the virgin birth of Jesus is taught in the Qur’an as well as the Bible. I was surprised to learn this a few years ago from a Muslim friend. … Continue reading
Mad Scientist Coffee
Dear friends, I’ve decided to take coffee and my faith to the next level and I’ve purchased a couple of Behmor 1600 drum roasters. I’ve been roasting Fair trade coffees from around the world for friends and family. If you would like to learn more about the next step in my coffee adventure check out … Continue reading
Living Memories (by Len Winneroski)
Memories are an interesting thing. There are some memories that bring a smile to my face and warmth to my heart, and there are other memories that I can dredge up that make me sad or angry. Have you ever noticed that memories that are correlated with periods of intense emotion, like the birth of … Continue reading
Broken (by Len Winneroski)
I like to pretend that I have it all together. I mean some days I feel like my mind is as sharp as a razor, my faith is as big as a mountain, and I can walk on water. But the truth is, other days I walk around in a fog, my faith is more … Continue reading
Poisoned Catalysts (by Len Winneroski)
About five years ago I wrote a manna entitled Kinetic Faith. This devotional was about the role of catalysts in chemical reactions and life reactions. Catalysts bring two things together to make something new. The catalysts don’t become part of the new, larger, molecule, they release the new chemically bonded chemicals to go off to join together two … Continue reading
The Selfie Generation (by Len Winneroski)
I know that I’m about to sound old, but what’s the deal with selfies? I was just laughing over a post by one of my son’s friends about the correct way to take and post a selfie. We live in a digital, social media crazed, generation. In today’s world if you have a phone you … Continue reading
The Chum Bucket (by Len Winneroski)
I just got back from spending the weekend with 23 middle school students and some amazing adult leaders in beautiful Brown County Indiana. The leaves were all changing color for fall, so the views around the Walnut Hills Retreat were stunning. We had perfect weather for outdoor devotions, campfires, s’mores, hiking, paddle boating, canoeing, and … Continue reading
The Divine Artist (by Len Winneroski)
Reblog
Love and Truth
Good morning friends. Our dear friend and sister in Christ, Becky Rommel, has been under attack the past week on social media for sharing her view about gay marriage. Please join me in praying for Becky and her family. The campaign for gay marriage has been portrayed as a campaign for love. I see very little love in … Continue reading
Freedom
I am so thankful for the men and women who have sacrificed life and limb so that we can live in a free country. We can say what we think and don’t have to agree with one another. It seems that lately we are free to express our opinions as long as they don’t offend … Continue reading
Actions Speak Louder than Words
The following story is a reprint of a story that was published originally by Taylor University. Although I have never had the pleasure of meeting Chris, I am friends with his dad. I hope that you are as blessed by this story as I was the first time that I read it. We would do well … Continue reading
Awesome coffee, awesome vision, awesome people
Good morning manna and coffee community! My friends, Joel and Julie Workman, are in the process of gathering funds to launch into ministry with their family in London through the Greater Europe Mission (GEM). Please check out their ministry page, Workman Adventures, by clicking HERE. They are looking for ministry partners to pray for them and … Continue reading
Raising Spiritual Children, from Takers to Teachers.
Originally posted on Revealed Ministries:
Here I am teaching VBS a month before my third baby was born. I never would have thought this was possible, after my first baby. God gives us the growth. The first week after my daughter was born, I was baptized into the fire of motherhood. Life before my Ariel…
Ananias and Sapphira were horrible communists
Spiritual Fresh Air
Originally posted on follow the light:
It’s a beautiful day here in Texas; bright sunlight surrounds us and the temperature is hovering around 72 degrees. I just came back from taking a walk and feeling the warm sun shine on my face. I opened all the windows to let the fresh air in, and the…
Houston, We Have a Problem
Originally posted on h.o.o.d:
Good morning h.o.o.d! One of the authors that has impacted me greatly over the years is Patrick Morley. If you have never read any of his books men, I’d highly recommend them. Pat leads a ministry called maninthemirror.org that’s on a mission to wake men up to the fact that we…
A powerful little book….
Originally posted on h.o.o.d:
I know a lot of you men out there don’t have time to read, or just don’t like to read. Please consider taking 20-30 minutes to read this little 53 page book. It could change your life and the life of your kids. “So let me say this…
holy order of dads (by Len Winneroski)
Do Men Need to Lead? (by Len Winneroski)
Yesterday I was scrolling through my Facebook traffic and saw the following comment from my friend Crissy, “If I ever wrote a Christian book it would be called “The Need to Lead; narcissism exposed.” This comment grabbed my attention. When I went back later to read all of the follow-up comments, I read, “Would it … Continue reading
New Free Books Page
Friends, I’ve added a new page to manna and coffee with links to free books that have been written by the manna and coffee contributors if anyone is interested. Link
The Vow (by Len Winneroski)
One of the greatest moments in a parent’s life is the moment that their child decides to accept God’s call on their life to follow Jesus. We had one of those moments recently, when my twelve-year old daughter turned to me out of the blue and said, “Dad, I’m ready to be baptized.” After probing … Continue reading
The God of the Universe (by Len Winneroski)
The God of the Universe doesn’t fit into a wallet or a portfolio and He’s bullish towards those who belong to Him. The God of the Universe doesn’t worry about scratches and He doesn’t like to be stored under a cover in a garage. The God of the Universe is bigger than a stadium… He … Continue reading
Trust in God (by Forest E. Getter IV)
We have talked about faith and love. And we must have them both. But faith means little without trust. I can say I have faith in God, but until I take the next step and give complete control of my life over to God and trust that God will lead me on the path he … Continue reading
Focus on the Heart (by Len Winneroski)
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. – Proverbs 4:23 My least favorite part of painting is the trim work. I used to tape everything prior to painting to keep the paint on the walls and off the molding, door casings and ceiling. Taping takes a long time, and … Continue reading
1957 (by Ron Cloer)
link to blog
Identity (by Andrew Mullek)
People everywhere are struggling to “find themselves.” Their insecurities lie just beneath the surface. Most are defined by how others see them and by their achievements, such as how their career is progressing, how much stuff they have, etc. We need to understand that if we fail to find our identity in what God says … Continue reading
Bricks (by Len Winneroski)
But while knowledge makes us feel important, it is love that strengthens the church. – 1 Corinthians 8:1 (New Living Translation) Lately I’ve been reading a lot about the history of the church. If you would have asked me a few years ago what church I attended, I would have given you an address, told … Continue reading
The Maze (by Martha J. Weber)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. – Proverbs 3:5-6 I needed to go shopping. When I arrived at the entrance of the parking lot it was blocked off with police cars. They … Continue reading
We Are Going on an Adventure (by Carrie Herndon)
Manna and Coffee Is on Facebook Now
Dear friends, Manna and Coffee is on Facebook now! Manna and Coffee was created to become a community site where Christians can come together to encourage one another and share life lessons and good teaching. If you like to share your faith through blogging, or if you run across a meaningful article that has encouraged you … Continue reading
Why Context is Important – The Lesson of Caesarea Philippi (from Fishing the Abyss)
What is a Rabbi? (from Fishing the Abyss)
Standing at the Crossroads (by James Prather)
Curing “Perfectitis” (by Len Winneroski)
Originally posted on Manna and Coffee:
“As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him.” 2 Samuel 22:31, NIV Why are we drawn to perfection? Whether in professional sports, music, art or leadership, we all admire excellence. Perfection is…
Scars (by Len Winneroski)
David said to Saul, “Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him.” Saul replied, “You are not able to go out against this Philistine and fight him; you are only a young man, and he has been a warrior from his youth.” But David said to … Continue reading
Never Alone (by Samantha Moran)
Us the Walking Dead
Originally posted on Breaking Bread with Ricky Maye:
Us the Walking Dead With acclaimed shows like The Walking Dead and blockbuster movies like World War Z, the discussion over the zombies and the living dead have been running rampant over the Internet and many water coolers. But what if I told you I didn’t think…
Be Still (by Samantha Moran)
What is Christmas? (by Joseph Bertin)
Our man-made traditions show us that Christmas is a time of celebration. Certainly, we decorate our homes with brightly colored lights and decorations. We wrap gifts in festive paper and ribbons. But, do we really understand the reasons why? Do we really know the significance of what we celebrate? We have been told since childhood … Continue reading
Blooming in Adversity (by Tony Rumble)
I love the way God chooses to speak when we least expect it. From time to time, I get behind in my gardening, and weeds spring up everywhere. Thistles and maple sprouts start running amuck. I often contrast the weeds in the flowerbeds around my house with the “weeds” in my personal life. The other … Continue reading
A Life in Advertising
Originally posted on The Blue Balloon:
For the past couple days, I was blessed with the opportunity to go to Washington, D.C. for an advertising convention. My school sent six students to learn about more about the industry that we are studying. The convention included a number of speakers and panels with advertising professionals. These…
Manna and Coffee 