Manna for Your Morning

But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed. Acts 16:25-26 (NKJ) Paul and Silas had their clothes torn off and were beaten with rods, then they were thrown in prison. As they sat in prison with their feet in stocks they prayed and sung hymns to God. What an awesome testimony! They didn't let their outer circumstances cause them to lose their inner joy or their faith in God. When darkness descends upon you and it appears that you have been beaten by your enemies, trust God and praise Him. In the midst of your darkest days, continue to pray and sing songs of praise until the darkness around you is shaken. Love, Jackie

Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” Genesis 1:26 (NKJ ) We are made in the image and likeness of God. Let us mirror His loving and forgiving nature as humility fills each beat of our hearts. May we reflect His light and truth as we duplicate His strength and power in our lives. If someone stabs us in the back, let us bleed with the compassion of Christ. When others look at you, let them see the likeness of God. Love, Jackie

The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. "Quick, get up!" he said, and the chains fell off Peter's wrists. Acts 12:6-7 (NIV) Acts 12:5 says the church was earnestly praying to God for Peter. As a result of this constant prayer, God sent an angel to rescue Peter and the chains fell of Peter's wrists. What do you need to be freed from today? Ask the body of believers around you to pray to God on your behalf. Who can you intercede for in prayer? The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective (James 5:16). Love, Jackie

"I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I'll listen." Jeremiah 29:11-12 (The Message) Keep believing God for the future you want. Delight yourself in Him and He will give you the desires of your heart (Psalm 37:4). When we go to God, He does not abandon us. When we call, He listens. Thank God for always taking care of you. Amen. Love, Jackie

When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained, What is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of man that You visit him? For You have made him a little lower than the angels, And You have crowned him with glory and honor. Psalm 8:3-5 (NKJ) The wonderful Creator of heaven and earth, the moon and the stars, has you on His mind. He has crowned you with glory and honor. He calls you His child. He has given you dominion over the works of His hands and put all things under your feet (Psalm 8:6). Rise up, child of God and praise His holy name! Love, Jackie

I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, Psalm 16:8-9 (NIV) Set the LORD before you and look to Him in every situation. Rest secure and do not be shaken. Hold on to the LORD and He will sustain you. Let your heart be glad and your tongue sing His praises. Love, Jackie

No, the Lord is all I need. He takes care of me. My share in life has been pleasant; my part has been beautiful. I praise the Lord because he advises me. Even at night, I feel his leading. Psalm 16:5-7 (NCV) The Lord is all we need. He is Jehovah Jireh, the One who provides all our needs. Praise the Lord, who lovingly takes care of His people. Love, Jackie

The LORD says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Psalm 32:8 (NLT) Only our Creator knows the best pathway for our lives, from beginning to end. We have to follow His guidance and take each step in faith, so He can bring us into the wonderful, fruitful and abundant place He has for us. We may have to tread through some dark places, but He will turn the darkness into light and make the rough places smooth (Isaiah 42:16). Amen. Love, Jackie

Because of the extravagance of those revelations, and so I wouldn't get a big head, I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations. Satan's angel did his best to get me down; what he in fact did was push me to my knees. No danger then of walking around high and mighty! 2 Corinthians 12:7 (The Message) When the enemy tries to get you down, fall to your knees and look up to the heavenly Father. His strength is made perfect in our weaknesses. Love, Jackie

"I've told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I've conquered the world." John 16:33 (The Message) We are unshakable when we trust in the Lord. Even though we experience difficulties in this world, we can remain deeply at peace because we know the Lord will bring us through. Jesus has already conquered the world. Stick with Him and you shall overcome. Love, Jackie

"I'm telling you these things while I'm still living with you. The Friend, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send at my request, will make everything plain to you. He will remind you of all the things I have told you. I'm leaving you well and whole. That's my parting gift to you. Peace. I don't leave you the way you're used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don't be upset. Don't be distraught. John 14:25-27 (The Message) Before going back to the Father, Jesus told His believer's not to be troubled or afraid. He didn't abandon us, as orphans. The Father sent the Holy Spirit to be with us. He is our Friend, Counselor and Helper. He is the Spirit of truth, who dwells in us and teaches us everything. We have peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Love, Jackie

Be merciful and gracious to me, O God, be merciful and gracious to me, for my soul takes refuge and finds shelter and confidence in You; yes, in the shadow of Your wings will I take refuge and be confident until calamities and destructive storms are passed. Psalm 57:1 (Amp) Take refuge in the shadow of His wings, until the storms have passed. In this world we will have trouble, but we can stand confident in Almighty God, our shelter and strong tower. We ensure our safety when we stay in Him. May the mercy and grace of the LORD be upon you today and always. Love, Jackie

You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3 (KJ V) When we keep our minds upon the LORD instead of our challenges, our trust and confidence in Him is strengthened. The LORD keeps us in perfect peace as we consistently look to Him as our only source. Depend on the LORD and your mind and heart will be completely peaceful in the midst of any storm. Love, Jackie

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." John 8:12 (NKJ ) Are you stumbling around in darkness and confusion? Follow Jesus and have the light that gives life. The LORD has called you out of darkness to live in His wonderful light (1 Peter 2:9). Rejoice in His light. Let it shine through you and brighten the dark world around you. Amen. Love, Jackie

"But now the LORD says: '... for those who honor Me I will honor, and those who despise Me shall be lightly esteemed.' " 1 Samuel 2:30 (NKJ) When we honor the LORD, He occupies first place in our heart and His Word is the final authority in our lives. When we honor God, we depend on Him as our only source and we acknowledge that all we have belongs to Him, our finances, our children, our material possessions, etc. When we honor the LORD, He will honor us with supernatural blessings. He will empower us to do what we cannot do in our own strength. Give praise and honor to the LORD. Love, Jackie

You are God's children whom he loves, so try to be like him. Live a life of love just as Christ loved us and gave himself for us as a sweet-smelling offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1-2 (NCV) As those who are dearly loved by God, let us live a life of love. Instead of keeping a record of the wrongs done to us, may we forgive and let go of all offenses. Let us love not only with words but with our actions, doing whatever we can to bless others. Then we will be more like our heavenly Father. Amen. Love, Jackie

"The time is coming when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, and that time is here already. You see, the Father too is actively seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth." John 4:23-24 (NCV) Our heavenly Father actively seeks those who worship Him. Let us simply worship God with all our hearts, minds and souls. May we be honest and open and lay all our "stuff" out before our God. Let there be no pretense or sham. He is our Creator and He knows us inside and out. Worship Him. Love, Jackie

May those who delight in my vindication shout for joy and gladness; may they always say, "The LORD be exalted, who delights in the well-being of his servant." Psalm 35:27 (NIV) The LORD delights in your well-being. He wants you to prosper as your soul prospers and is in good health. He blesses us with inner peace and joy. The LORD provides for all our needs and delivers us from all our troubles. Praise the LORD, who always leads us in triumph in Christ (2 Corinthians 2:14). Love, Jackie

From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses, but God's unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ. John 1:16-17 (NLT) Let us count our blessings this morning. Instead of looking at what you don't have, focus on what you do have. You are alive! God gave you the strength to get up out of bed this morning. You have the wonderful gift of eyesight. Even more significant, we have the unfailing love of God and His faithfulness being poured upon us. Praise the LORD! Love, Jackie

"Thus says the LORD who made it, the LORD who formed it to establish it (the LORD is His name): 'Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.' Jeremiah 33:2-3 (NKJ) When you don't know what to do, call upon the LORD, who made the earth and established it. He will answer you and show you great and mighty things. While we may not know the right course of action, God in His wisdom will point us in the right direction. Love, Jackie

Depend on the LORD; trust him, and he will take care of you. Psalm 37:5 (NCV) Fully rely on the LORD. Leave all your concerns and anxious thoughts in His hands. He is faithful and He will take care of you. Completely trust in the LORD and you will experience His perfect peace that surpasses all understanding. Amen. Love, Jackie

Then, accompanied by the disciples, Jesus left the upstairs room and went as usual to the Mount of Olives. There he told them, "Pray that you will not give in to temptation." Luke 22:39-40 (NLT) Don't be like the disciples who fell asleep, instead of praying for strength against temptation (Luke 22:45). Jesus was about to be arrested and a time of great testing was coming upon them. Let us be like Jesus and always pray, that we might be able to stand against the devil's schemes and not be deceived. When we submit our will to God and resist the devil, he will flee (James 4:7). Pray and praise God for the victory we have in Jesus. Love, Jackie

And Nehemiah continued, "Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don't be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!" Nehemiah 8:10 (NLT) May your cup overflow with the joy of the Lord and strength will be yours. Let us celebrate this day and every day we are blessed to be alive. Praise the Lord! Love, Jackie

He wanted to see who Jesus was, but he was not able because he was too short to see above the crowd. He ran ahead to a place where Jesus would come, and he climbed a sycamore tree so he could see him. When Jesus came to that place, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, hurry up and come down! I must stay at your house today." Zacchaeus came down quickly and welcomed him gladly. Luke 19:3-6 (NCV) Zacchaeus climbed a sycamore tree so he could see Jesus. We also need to get a good view of our Lord and Savior. Hebrews 12:2 tells us to fix our eyes on Jesus. Instead of looking at our circumstances, let us rise above the muck and mire of this world and stay focused on following Jesus. Instead of viewing the negative news reports, let us cast our eyes on the One who brings good news for all people. Love, Jackie

"... there was a widow who kept coming to this judge, saying, 'Give me my rights against my enemy.' For a while the judge refused to help her. But afterwards, he thought to himself, 'Even though I don't respect God or care about people, I will see that she gets her rights. Otherwise she will continue to bother me until I am worn out." Luke 18:3-5 (NCV) Jesus told the story of the persistent widow to teach His followers that they should always pray and never lose hope (Luke 18:1, NCV). Jesus went on to say, God will ALWAYS give what is right to His people who cry to Him night and day, and He will not be slow to answer them. God will answer his people quickly (Luke 18:6-7, NCV). Glory hallelujah!!! Cry out to God my brothers and sisters. Cry out to Him night and day and never lose hope. Amen. Love, Jackie

"For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." Luke 14:11 (NIV) In Ephesians 4:2, the Apostle Paul instructs us to be completely humble and gentle. In humility, let us put the needs of others before our own and serve those around us the way Jesus came to serve. When we humble ourselves before the Lord, He will lift us up at the right time (James 4:10). Amen. Love, Jackie

Jesus replied, "Go tell that fox that I will keep casting out demons and healing people today and tomorrow; and the third day I will accomplish my purpose." Luke 13:32 (NLT) Even when faced with the news that Herod wanted to kill Him, Jesus remained focused on completing His mission. Let us stay focused on accomplishing the purposes for which God created us. May we fight the good fight of faith and complete the course God has laid before each one of us. Love, Jackie

"What is the price of five sparrows — two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows." Luke 12:6-7 (NLT) God has not forgotten about you. He knows how many hairs you have on your head. Do not fear. God shall supply all that you need in every area of life, according to His riches and glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). Do not be afraid of anything the enemy brings your way. God in you is greater than the one who is in the world. Remember: You are valuable to God; You are His treasured possession. Love, Jackie

Then another said, "I'm ready to follow you, Master, but first excuse me while I get things straightened out at home." Jesus said, "No procrastination. No backward looks. You can't put God's kingdom off till tomorrow. Seize the day." Luke 9:61-62 (The Message) After you have tasted of God's heavenly kingdom, there is no looking back. Once you have known the goodness of God and experienced His marvelous grace, the world has nothing to offer. Today is the day to follow the Master and serve His kingdom. Don't procrastinate. Love, Jackie

The seed that fell on rock is like those who hear God's teaching and accept it gladly, but they don't allow the teaching to go deep into their lives. They believe for a while, but when trouble comes, they give up. Luke 8:13 (NCV) Don't be one of those who give up in times of trouble. Hide the Word of God in your heart, let it take root and go deep. The Word is a lamp to your feet and it lights the path which shows you the way to go (Psalm 119:105). Experience a transformed life by renewing your mind with the Word of God (Romans 12:2). Amen. Love, Jackie

Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT) No matter is too insignificant to lift up to God in prayer. First Peter 5:7 tells us to cast all our cares on God. After you have released your concerns and requests to God, thank Him for all He has done in your life. This is the way to possess the peace of God. Amen. Love, Jackie