Manna for Your Morning

“For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: There will always be flour and olive oil left in your containers until the time when the Lord sends rain and the crops grow again!” 1 Kings 17:14 (NLT) During a time of drought, the Lord sent the prophet, Elijah to a widow who only had a handful of flour and a little oil. She expected to eat her last meal and then die from hunger. But Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid! Go ahead and do just what you’ve said, but make a little bread for me first. Then use what’s left to prepare a meal for yourself and your son," (1 Kings 17:13). She did as Elijah said, and she, Elijah and her son ate for many days. There was always enough flour and olive oil left in the containers, just as the Lord had promised through Elijah, (1 Kings 17:15-16). Just a reminder: When hard times come, do not fear. The Lord is near. No matter how dire the circumstances appear, God will provide for all our needs. Amen.

Give ear to my words, O LORD, Consider my meditation. Give heed to the voice of my cry, My King and my God, For to You I will pray. My voice You shall hear in the morning, O LORD; In the morning I will direct it to You, And I will look up. Psalm 5:1-3 (NKJ) Feeling down? Look up. Your help comes from the LORD, on high. Direct your prayers to the King each morning. Meditate on His goodness. Lay your requests before Him and patiently wait in full expectation that God hears your voice and will send an answer.

...but he became a priest with an oath when God said to him: "The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: 'You are a priest forever.' " Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant. Hebrews 7:21-22 (NIV) In Jesus, we become heirs of a better covenant, one that provides for the forgiveness of sins. 1 John 1:8 says if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. In Matthew 26:28, Jesus said, "This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins." Praise God for His forgiveness and grace.

“O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you in all of heaven above or on the earth below. You keep your covenant and show unfailing love to all who walk before you in wholehearted devotion.” 1 Kings 8:23 (NLT) There is no God in heaven above or on the earth below like the Lord, God of Israel. He keeps His covenant and fulfills His promises. Keep in step with the Lord, being devoted to Him with all your heart and His unfailing love will be your constant companion.

Many people say, “Who will show us better times?” Let your face smile on us, Lord. You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine. Psalm 4:6-7 (NLT) No matter what is going on in your life today, the Lord will show us better times. As we fellowship with the Lord, our hearts are filled with gladness. May He smile on you today and give you greater joy that knows no bounds.

Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer. Psalm 4:1 (NIV) Call upon the Lord and you shall be saved. When we call to God, He hears our prayers and sends the answer. God, in His great mercy, will deliver you from your distress. He sends peace in the midst of the storm and His perfect love chases our fears away.

Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. Psalm 1:1-3 (NLT) As we meditate on the Word of God day and night, we will be like a tree that bears fresh fruit in season. We will not wither when we let the water of God's Word cleanse us. Delight yourself in the law of the Lord and He will give you good success in all you do.

Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. Ephesians 5:1-2 (NKJ) May we live a life of love just as Jesus Christ loved us and offered Himself up for us. Let us release our love as a sacrifice to others that they may enjoy it's sweet-smelling aroma. Oh how sweet the smell of a patient kind of love, that does not envy and is not self-seeking. How pleasant the fragrance of a love that is not easily angered and keeps no record of wrongs. Of faith, hope and love, love is the greatest. Love extravagantly.

He said: "The Lord is my rock, my fortress, my Savior. My God is my rock. I can run to him for safety. He is my shield and my saving strength, my defender and my place of safety. The Lord saves me from those who want to harm me. I will call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I will be saved from my enemies." 2 Samuel 22:2-4 (NCV) These verses are part of a song David sang when the Lord saved him from all his enemies. Be sure to sing your victory song of praise today. No matter what you are going through, the Lord, our Rock has already made a way for you to be victorious. He is our defender and our place of safety. Run to our Savior, the strong fortress. In times of weakness, He is our saving strength. Praise the Lord!

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you too do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is. Romans 12:2 (NLT) Once we refuse to imitate the self-seeking, vengeful ways of this world and think about the love, forgiveness, and grace we find in the Word, our minds will be renewed and God will transform us into new people from the inside out. When we conform to God's ways, we will know, without a doubt, how good, pleasing and perfect His will truly is.

He takes no pleasure in the strength of a horse or in human might. No, the Lord’s delight is in those who fear him, those who put their hope in his unfailing love. Psalm 147:10-11 (NLT) The Lord's delight is in those who fear him. If the LORD delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm (Psalm 37:23, NIV). Let us give all praise, honor and glory to the Maker of heaven and earth, in all that we do. Hope in the Lord's unfailing love and you will not be disappointed.

Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit. The LORD sustains the humble but casts the wicked to the ground. Psalm 147:5-6 (NIV) How pleasant and fitting it is to praise our great God. There is no limit to His knowledge and understanding. His love never fails. He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds. The LORD sustains the humble but brings the wicked down. Humble yourself under God's mighty hand and He will be your support.

But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the Lord their God. He gives justice to the oppressed and food to the hungry. The Lord frees the prisoners. The Lord opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord lifts up those who are weighed down. The Lord loves the godly. Psalm 146:5, 7-8 (NLT) Hope in the Lord because He is your helper. It is better to put your confidence in the God of Israel than in man. The Lord feeds the hungry and sets the prisoners free. He opens the eyes of the blind and lifts up those who are down. Keep your hope in the Lord. He is forever faithful.

Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, And Your dominion endures throughout all generations. The LORD upholds all who fall, And raises up all who are bowed down. Psalm 145:13-14 (NKJ) The LORD upholds those who have fallen with His powerful hands. He raises up those who are bowed down under heavy loads with His mighty arms of strength. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus summoned all who were weary and burdened to come to Him. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you (1 Peter 5:7).

Come quickly, Lord, and answer me, for my depression deepens. Don’t turn away from me, or I will die. Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you. Psalm 143:7-8 (NLT) May the morning bring you word of the LORD's unfailing love. When deep depression threatens to come upon you, remember the constant flow of His love that covers you. Instead of wallowing in the darkness of depression, think about the bright new compassions He showers on you each morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). Give yourself to Him and the light of His love will show you the way to days of joy and peace.

David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God. 1 Samuel 30:6 (NIV) When David and his men returned to Ziklag, they found the town destroyed by fire and their wives and children had been taken captive. So David and his men wept aloud until they had no strength left to weep (1 Samuel 3-4). But David found strength in the LORD and recovered everyone and everything his enemies had taken (1 Samuel 30:19). In times of great distress, when life is bitter, we must find strength in the LORD our God. He will give us the power, by His Spirit, to recover all.

"Here is the king's spear," David answered. "Let one of your young men come over and get it. The LORD rewards every man for his righteousness and faithfulness. The LORD delivered you into my hands today, but I would not lay a hand on the LORD's anointed. As surely as I valued your life today, so may the LORD value my life and deliver me from all trouble." 1 Samuel 26:22-24 (NIV) The LORD rewards every man for doing what is right and for being faithful to Him. Even though King Saul was trying to kill David, he refused to harm King Saul, because He was the LORD's appointed king. May we reap the benefits and rewards of doing what we know is right and walking in faith with God.

I cry out to the Lord; I plead for the Lord’s mercy. I pour out my complaints before him and tell him all my troubles. When I am overwhelmed, you alone know the way I should turn. Wherever I go, my enemies have set traps for me. Psalm 142:1-3 (NLT) Tell the Lord all your troubles. When you are overwhelmed, plead for His mercy and grace. The ear of the Lord is attuned to hear your cry. Only our omniscient God knows the way you should go and He will direct you around any traps your enemy has set.

"All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give all of you into our hands." 1 Samuel 17:47 (NIV) David went against his enemy, Goliath the Philistine, in the name of the LORD Almighty (1 Samuel 17:45) and He knew success would not be achieved with his own power or strength but God would give him the victory. As we are engaged in our struggles, let us fight our battles in the name of the LORD Almighty and remember the battle belongs to the Him! Amen.

But God told Samuel, “Looks aren’t everything. Don’t be impressed with his looks and stature. I’ve already eliminated him. God judges persons differently than humans do. Men and women look at the face; God looks into the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 (The Message) Don’t be impressed with physical characteristics. As 2 Corinthians 4:16 (NAS) says, “our outer man is decaying.” When it comes to being a man or woman of God, the condition of your heart is what matters. God looks for people after his own heart. When God looks into your heart what does He see? Is it overflowing with unconditional love, kindness and compassion? When you are squeezed, does patience and humility gush from the crevices of your heart? Is His Word among the hidden treasures of your heart? May God create in you a pure heart that is fully committed to Him. I pray your heart would be continually filled with the glorious light and joy of His Holy Spirit.

Then Samuel said, Do you think all God wants are sacrifices— empty rituals just for show? He wants you to listen to him! Plain listening is the thing, not staging a lavish religious production. 1 Samuel 15:22 (The Message) When the LORD told King Saul to attack the Amalekites, He told him to destroy everything they own. However, Saul and his army let Agag, their king, live along with the best sheep, fat cattle, and lambs. This act of disobedience caused Saul to be rejected as king and the kingdom of Israel was taken away from Him. God takes great delight in our obedience. He doesn't care about empty rituals performed for show, or because it's a family tradition. Plain listening to the what the LORD says is the key to success in life. May your ears be open to hear His voice and your heart be willing to obey. Amen.

Sing praise to the LORD, you saints of His, And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name. For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning. Psalm 30:4-5 (NKJ) Praise the LORD all you saints! Psalm 150:6 says, " Let everything that has breath praise the LORD ." Are you breathing this morning? That is something to shout about. God is good to us and His favor lasts for a lifetime. We may weep in times of darkness, but rest assured joy comes in the morning. Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting (Psalm 126:5). Eventually a new day dawns and the radiant sun breaks through the gloomy clouds. The LORD turns our mourning into dancing and clothes us with gladness (Psalm 30:11). Glory Hallelujah! Love, Jackie

“It was the Lord who appointed Moses and Aaron,” Samuel continued. “He brought your ancestors out of the land of Egypt. Now stand here quietly before the Lord as I remind you of all the great things the Lord has done for you and your ancestors." 1 Samuel 12:6-7 (NLT) Sit quietly before the Lord while I remind you of all the great things the Lord has done for you. He made all the delicate, inner parts of your body and knit you together in your mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13, NLT). He has watched over you all these years and preserved your life. When you were in agony, on your sickbed and called on Him, He reached out and touched you with His healing hand. When the enemy held you in bondage, the Lord released you from darkness and set you free (Isaiah 61:1). Remember that extremely difficult situation you were in and how the Lord brought you through. Recall those times you were drowning in worry and fear and how the Lord brought peace to your soul after you cast all your cares on Him.

God, investigate my life; get all the facts firsthand. I'm an open book to you; even from a distance, you know what I'm thinking. You know when I leave and when I get back; I'm never out of your sight. You know everything I'm going to say before I start the first sentence. I look behind me and you're there, then up ahead and you're there, too— your reassuring presence, coming and going. This is too much, too wonderful— I can't take it all in! Psalm 139:1-6 (The Message) The reassuring presence of our God accompanies us in all of our coming and going. We are never out of His sight. Before we speak a word, He knows what we are going to say. It's so wonderful that God, the Creator of the universe, adores us and wants to fellowship with us. You are the apple of His eye. Give Him some praise! Love, Jackie

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand Against the wrath of my enemies, And Your right hand will save me. Psalm 138:7 (NKJ) Though you are in the midst of trouble, keep walking right on through. The Lord will protect you from your enemies. No matter how dark and dismal your night appears, keep you eyes on the horizon for your glorious morning draws near. As the prophet Malachi says about those who honor the LORD Almighty, " goodness will shine on you like the sun ," (Malachi 4:2, NCV) Love, Jackie

“Oh no, sir!” she replied. “I haven’t been drinking wine or anything stronger. But I am very discouraged, and I was pouring out my heart to the Lord. Don’t think I am a wicked woman! For I have been praying out of great anguish and sorrow.” 1 Samuel 15-16 (NLT) Hannah was discouraged because she was barren. In her time of anguish, Hannah went to the Lord and poured her heart out to Him. First Samuel 1:19-20 says, the Lord remembered her plea, and in due time she gave birth to a son. May we be like Hannah in times of discouragement and pour our hearts out to the Lord in prayer. As we patiently wait, God will answer. Love, Jackie

But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Matthew 28:5-6 (NKJ) As the Apostle Peter testified in Acts 2:32, "God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact." Jesus overcame death and conquered the grave. He gave His life to save us. He is our risen Savior! Glory Hallelujah! Happy Easter, Love, Jackie

Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in his ways. You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours. Psalm 128:1-2 (NIV) As we respect and fully obey the LORD, we will enjoy the fruit of our labor. Blessings and prosperity will be ours. As we honor the LORD we will be blessed wherever we go and whatever we do (Deuteronomy 28:6, NLT). Praise our awesome God for His goodness and grace. Love, Jackie

"For I have given rest to the weary and joy to the sorrowing.” Jeremiah 31:25 (NLT) The LORD refreshes the weary soul and satisfies those who are faint. He changes sorrow into dancing. The LORD takes away garments of sadness, and clothes us in happiness (Psalm 30:11, NCV). Let us rest in His Presence and be filled with His joy. Love, Jackie

Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people both now and forevermore. Psalm 125:1-2 (NIV) Our trust and confidence in the LORD are like an anchor that keeps us from being tossed to and fro in the storms of life. As we rely on the LORD, we will not be shaken by the forceful winds of adversity. We are safe and secure in any storm because Abba Father surrounds us and He will guide us into still waters. Love, Jackie