Manna for Your Morning

It’s not that I’ve already reached the goal or have already completed the course. But I run to win that which Jesus Christ has already won for me. Brothers and sisters, I can’t consider myself a winner yet. This is what I do: I don’t look back, I lengthen my stride, and I run straight toward the goal to win the prize that God’s heavenly call offers in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12-14 (GW) Congratulations! You may have overcome many obstacles this year, but the important thing is that you persevered and made it through. Praise the Lord! As we look forward to the New Year, may we resolve to get rid of everything that slows us down, especially sin that distracts us. Let us run the race that lies ahead of us and never give up (Hebrews 12:1, GW). Run straight toward your goals, jump over any hurdles and keep your eyes on JESUS. Run to win! Complete the course!

Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11 (NIV) As we begin the countdown to 2012, the above passage of Scripture gives us some things to aim for in the coming year. First, we are instructed to rejoice. Let us be joyful. The joy of the Lord is our strength. Second, strive for full restoration, in every area of your life. Allow God's healing power to complete His perfect work in you. Next on the list is to encourage those in your life, daily. How good is a timely word! (Proverbs 15:23). The fourth thing is to abide in the peace, harmony and love of God. Amen.

That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are quite small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever! So we don’t look at the trouble we can see right now; rather, we look forward to what we have not yet seen. For the troubles we see will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NLT) Don't give up! The troubles you see right now will soon be over. Look beyond the difficulties and see the VICTORY the Lord has prepared for you. Look forward to that which has yet to be seen, because we have a great big God, and He's doing great big things!

There is surely a future hope for you,  and your hope will not be cut off. Proverbs 23:18 (NIV) No matter what disappointments and heartache you experienced in 2011, surely there is a future hope for YOU. The LORD has plans to prosper you and not to harm you (Jeremiah 29:11). Smile at the future, knowing that your hope will not be cut off. May He give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed (Psalm 20:4), in the new year!

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7 (NLT) Are you worried, anxious or allowing cares to weigh you down? Give them all to God. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” You do not have to be weighed down with cares. Cast them on the Lord because He cares for you. May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way (2 Thessalonians 3:16).

Then the glory of the LORD went up from the cherub, and paused over the threshold of the temple; and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was full of the brightness of the LORD’s glory. Ezekiel 10:4 (NKJV) Just as the glory of the LORD filled the temple in Jerusalem, He now dwells in us. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). Open the door and be filled with His light and His love. Glow brightly with the glory of the LORD!

For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11 (NKJV) Let’s not do Christmas today. May we BE Christmas, not just today, but each and every day God gives us breath. Be love . Be patient and kind . Let us be givers, like Jesus. Give forgiveness and grace . Embody the spirit of Christ. Always be filled with peace and joy . Merry Christmas!

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:  “Glory to God in the highest, a nd on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” Luke 2:13-14 (NKJV) When the angel announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds, a multitude of the heavenly host praised God. As we celebrate the birth of Christ the Lord, may we worship God with all of our hearts for this amazing act of love. He sent His Son to this earth to save us. Glory hallelujah! Let everyone who has breath praise the LORD!

And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.” Luke 2:9-10 (NKJV) When the angel went to the shepherds to announce the birth of Christ, they were greatly afraid. Today, we have nothing to fear. The birth of Christ the Lord, is Good News to everyone, and a cause for great joy. Jesus, our Savior, is a gift to ALL people, all over the world. Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved (Acts 2:21). And “ we can be saved only by the power of the one named Jesus and not by any other person ”(Acts 4:12). Amen. Praise the Lord!

“The reason I can still find hope is that I keep this one thing in mind:  the LORD’s mercy.  We were not completely wiped out. His compassion is never limited. It is new every morning. His faithfulness is great. Lamentations 3:21-23 (GW) When discouragement and depression come knocking at your door, still find HOPE. No matter how dismal circumstances may appear, hang onto hope. Remember the great mercy of the LORD, His unmerited kindness and favor. The LORD's mercies are trustworthy and true. They keep us from being completely wiped out. God is full of compassion and mercy and it never runs out. He delivers new compassions to our door step each and every morning. Great is His faithfulness!

So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:6-7 (NKJV) That first Christmas, when Christ was born, there was no room for them in the inn. Do you have room for the Lord in your heart today? Please, don't allow the cares of this world, the lure of wealth and desires for other things to inhabit your heart to the degree that you shut Jesus out. He loves you. Jesus came that we might have life, and that we might have it more abundantly (John 10:10). And we only experience that full, rich and satisfying life as we abide in the King of kings and the Lord of lords, Jesus the Christ. Give Him all the glory!

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.  Matthew 2:10-12 (NKJV) When the wise men came to Jesus, they they bowed down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented gifts to Him. The greatest treasure we can offer the Lord is our hearts. Open your whole heart to the Lord today. Worship the Lord today and every day, by letting Him reign in your heart. Let Him occupy every nook and cranny. Jesus Christ is the greatest gift of all. Let us rejoice with exceedingly great joy in His presence!

 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” Matthew 2:1-2 (NKJV) When the wise men set out to seek Jesus, they had to go on a journey. Even though they didn't get there in a day, they were determined to go and worship Jesus Christ, the King of kings. For months they stayed focused on their goal, despite any storms that may have come. And the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was (Luke 2:9). Today we can worship the Lord, right where we are. May we persistent in seeking to worship the Lord, in spirit and in truth. He is the Lord of lords! For unto us a Child is born. Unto us a Son is given; And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).

“I made the earth, formed it, and set it in place. My name is the LORD. This is what the  LORD  says: Call to me, and I will answer you. I will tell you great and mysterious things that you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:2-3 (GW) If you are not sure you are doing the right things, and traveling on the right path in life, call upon the LORD. We don't have to try to figure things out on our own. God knows all things and He has given us the Holy Spirit to help us. Once we make the call, we have to LISTEN for His still small voice. For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding (Proverbs 2:6). Open your ears to hear the words of the LORD. Listen to the Holy Spirit within, as He leads you and guides you into all truth. Just a note from my personal experience: Don't look for a NEW word from God, if you haven't done the last thing He told you to do.

“I am the LORD God of all humanity. Nothing is too hard for me.” Jeremiah 32:27 (GW) Nothing is too hard for Almighty God! He brought life to Sarah's dead, barren womb and it produced living fruit. And Abraham became the father of many nations. Our heavenly Father has ways to turn situations around. He changes our darkness to light, our sadness to joy,  and desperation into hope. When the land was experiencing a drought, God used birds to bring food to the prophet, Elijah, twice a day, (1 Kings 17:2-6). Our heavenly Father is able to provide whatever we need, one way or another. Nothing is too difficult for Him!

I know the plans that I have for you, declares the LORD. They are plans for peace and not disaster, plans to give you a future filled with hope. Jeremiah 29:11 (GW) God knows the plans He has for you. Every day of your life was recorded in His book before one of them had taken place (Psalm 139:16). The plans God has for you are for peace. Jesus left His peace with us and said, “My peace I give you. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27). As we abide with our heavenly Father, our future is full of hope. This hope is an anchor for our souls. It holds us firm and secure. So, put your hope in God who is able to do exceedingly abundantly more than we can ask or even imagine (Ephesians 3:20) and your latter days will be far more glorious than the former.

“I am a God who is near.  I am also a God who is far away,” declares the LORD.  “No one can hide so that I can’t see him,” declares the LORD.  “I fill heaven and earth!” declares the LORD. Jeremiah 23:23-24 (GW) As a child, you may have enjoyed playing the game of  “ Hide & Seek , ”  but we don't want to try to hide from our heavenly Father, besides it is impossible. The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good (Proverbs 15:3). Choose to keep the LORD near, follow Him wherever He leads you. Be like Mary who sat at the feet of Jesus listening to what He said and learning from Him (Luke 10:39). The eyes of God are not on us to harm us. He keeps watch over us to protect us, rescue us, and guide us along on the right path. Give God some PRAISE!

Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed;  Save me, and I shall be saved,  For You are my praise. Jeremiah 17:14 (NKJV) In the LORD, we receive healing and salvation. When he heals us, we are truly healed. The LORD heals our emotional wounds, our physical bodies and our spiritual beings. Psalm 103:3 says, the LORD heals all our diseases. When He saves us, we are surely saved. First Peter 1:9 says, the end result of our faith in Jesus Christ that we receive is the salvation of our souls. May our souls rejoice in the LORD and delight in his salvation (Psalm 35:9). He is the One we praise. Hallelujah!

Blessed is the person who trusts the  LORD .  The  LORD  will be his confidence.  He will be like a tree that is planted by water.  It will send its roots down to a stream.  It will not be afraid in the heat of summer.  Its leaves will turn green.  It will not be anxious during droughts. It will not stop producing fruit. Jeremiah 17:7-8 (GW) Always trust, believe in, and fully rely on the LORD. Let your roots tap into the spring of Living Water, and you will not be anxious during dry seasons, or fear the heat of summer. Instead of shriveling up, you will continue to bear good, fresh fruit that will last. The fruit of abundant love, overflowing joy, abiding peace, patience in all circumstances, continual kindness, great goodness, enduring faithfulness, tender gentleness, and disciplined self-control. Amen.

Your words were found, and I ate them,  And Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart;  For I am called by Your name,  O LORD God of hosts.  Jeremiah 15:16 (NKJV) When we open our eyes to the Word, we see wonderful things (Psalm 119:18). His Word gives us strength and preserves our lives. Our heavenly Father sends His word out, and it always produces fruit. It accomplishes all He wants it to, and it prospers everywhere He sends it (Isaiah 55:11, NLT). Delight yourself in His Word!

“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. Before you were born, I set you apart for my holy purpose.  I appointed you to be a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5 (GW) Just like the LORD knew the prophet Jeremiah before he was born, He knew you. God saw your unformed body; all the days ordained for you were written in His book before one of them came to be (Psalm 139:16, NIV).  Every moment of your life was laid out before a single day had passed. We have been called according to His purpose. And God works in us to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose (Philippians 2:13, NIV). Submit to, and follow the leading of His Holy Spirit who dwells within you and He will lead you and help you fulfill God's perfect plan and purpose for you.

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,  and all these things shall be added to you." Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)   There are so many good causes that we can give our time to, so many important things to get done, but God says, seek Me first ! We all want the good things to be added to us, but we have to ask ourselves, "Am I seeking FIRST the kingdom of God and His righteousness? When we open our eyes in the morning, let us begin by talking to our heavenly Father, seeking His will and His way. Ask Him how He wants you to start your day. Keep God on 1st in your heart.

But now, O LORD,  You are our Father;  We are the clay, and You our potter;  And all we are the work of Your hand.  Isaiah 64:8 (NKJV) Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are we in the hand of our heavenly Father. May we be sensitive to the touch of our Maker's hand as He gently shapes us and molds us into beautiful creations. Let us not be stubborn and try to go against God's design. Be pliable in the hands of our Master as He fashions you into a unique masterpiece with His very own signature.

For since the beginning of the world  Men have not heard nor perceived by the ear,  Nor has the eye seen any God besides You,  Who acts for the one who waits for Him.  Isaiah 64:4 (NKJV) There has not been any god like our mighty God, since the beginning of the world. There is none like Him. He is always with us to see us through the thick and thin of life. When we jump up and do things our way, without seeking God and His will, we get what we get. And we don't always like the results. However, when we wait upon the LORD, we get God’s best and we are never disappointed. God already has the perfect plan to work out every circumstance of your life. He has already given us the victory! Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him (Psalm 37:7).

I will greatly rejoice in the LORD,  My soul shall be joyful in my God;  For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation,  He has covered me with the robe of righteousness,  As a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments,  And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.  Isaiah 61:10 (NKJV) Find complete joy in the Lord. Delight yourself in God. He fills us with joy in His Presence, with eternal pleasures at His right hand (Psalm 16:11). Explode in praise from deep in your soul! (Isaiah 61:10, The Message). We are wrapped in robes of righteousness and garments of salvation. We have right standing with God, just like we have never done anything wrong because Jesus Christ paid the debt for our sins. May your soul rejoice in the LORD and delight in His salvation (Psalm 35:9)!

The High and Lofty One lives forever, and his name is holy. This is what he says: I live in a high and holy place.  But I am with those who are crushed and humble. I will renew the spirit of those who are humble  and the courage of those who are crushed. Isaiah 57:15 (GW) If you are crushed and humble, know that the Lord is with you. James instructs us to humble ourselves before the Lord, and He will lift us up (James 4:10). Humility comes before honor. The Lord guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way (Psalm 25:9). He sustains the humble and crowns them with victory. Be completely humble (Ephesians 4:2) and the Lord will show you His favor (Proverbs 3:34). He will renew your spirit and strengthen the courage of those who are crushed. Amen.

I remain confident of this: 
 I will see the goodness of the LORD 
 in the land of the living.  Psalm 27:13 (NIV)      As we sang the words of this psalm yesterday, in church, I just wanted to shout “this is MY story, this is MY song.” While singing this song, I flashed back to one of the darkest days of my life. I was depressed, hurting and hopeless. Laying on the floor of my living room one Christmas morning, I heard the devil telling me to kill myself and end my misery. I could see the hand of the LORD reaching down into my darkness. He lifted me up close to Him and spoke the words of Psalm 27:13 to me. He promised me I would see His goodness in the land of the living . That Scripture spoke life to me that day and gave me hope. Now these words are so alive and active in me because His Word has proven true in my life over and over again. If life has you down and out right now I want to encourage you to wait on the LORD. I am confident that you will see the GOODNESS of the LORD

“ For as the heavens are higher than the earth,  So are My ways higher than your ways,  And My thoughts than your thoughts.”  Isaiah 55:9 (NKJV) Do not be wise in your own eyes. Trust the LORD with all your heart, instead of relying on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5). We see in part, but God sees the whole picture. And He is working everything together for good to those who love God (Romans 8:28). As long as we follow the LORD, we are on the right path, the higher way. He will give us good thoughts that are loving, forgiving and praiseworthy. His higher ways lead to everlasting peace, good health and abundant life.

Seek the LORD while He may be found,  Call upon Him while He is near.  Isaiah 55:6 (NKJV) Devote your whole heart and soul to seeking the LORD, our God, and He will make sure you find Him. Return to the LORD and He will have mercy on you. Our heavenly Father freely forgives us. He never forsakes those who seek Him (Psalm 9:10). Call on Him now while he is near (Isa. 55:6, NLT). It is good to be near God, make the Sovereign LORD your refuge (Psalm 73:28).

No weapon that has been made to be used against you will succeed. You will have an answer for anyone who accuses you. This is the inheritance of the LORD’s servants. Their victory comes from me,” declares the LORD. Isaiah 54:17 (GW) Put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:14-18) and no weapon forged against you will prevail. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12). Do not be afraid, nor dismayed because the battle is not yours, but God’s. Our victory comes from the LORD. Hallelujah!

“The mountains may move, and the hills may shake,  but my kindness will never depart from you. My promise of peace will never change,”  says the LORD, who has compassion on you. Isaiah 54:10 (GW) The LORD blesses us with His everlasting kindness, grace and favor. The LORD makes His face shine on you. He turns His face toward you and gives you peace (Numbers 6:26). He showers us with great compassion. Our heavenly Father loves us with an everlasting love and draws us to Himself with unfailing kindness (Jeremiah 31:3). As dearly loved children of God, let us clothe ourselves with the same compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience of our Lord Jesus Christ (Colossians 3:12).

If you are walking in darkness,  without a ray of light, trust in the LORD and rely on your God. Isaiah 50:10b (NLT) Are you groping around in darkness and confusion? Put your trust in the LORD and come into the light. God is light. In Him there is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5). He has called us out of darkness and into His wonderful light (1 Peter 2:9). Rely on God. He turns our darkness into light, then we can clearly see. The true light is already shining (1 John 2:8). May we live as children of the light and let our hearts reflect the bright rays of the Son and His amazing love. Amen.

This is what the LORD says—  your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:  “I am the LORD your God,  who teaches you what is best for you,  who directs you in the way you should go.” Isaiah 48:17 (NIV) Follow the LORD and He will lead in the way you should go and show you what to do. Our God teaches you how to live right and well (Isa. 4817, The Message). Our heavenly Father only wants what is best for you. Don't settle for anything less than God's best.

“Forget what happened in the past, and do not dwell on events from long ago. I am going to do something new.  It is already happening. Don’t you recognize it? I will clear a way in the desert. I will make rivers on dry land.” Isaiah 43:18-19 (GW) Do not dwell on the past. We can do nothing to change what has already happened. The LORD is doing something new.  He is making a way for you, a pathway through the wilderness (Isa 43:19, NLT). In the words of Pastor Matthew Pollock, "we have a great big GOD, doing great big things!" Let's move onward and forward! There are still greater things to be done. Hallelujah!

Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV) Do not be discouraged or disappointed, for the LORD, our God is with you. He will strengthen you and support you with His victorious right hand. Our help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth (Psalm 121:2). The battle belongs to the LORD. Our heavenly Father will help you. With the LORD on your side, who can stand against you? Thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ (2 Corinthians 2:14)!

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;  And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.  When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,  Nor shall the flame scorch you.  For I am the LORD your God,  The Holy One of Israel, your Savior;  Isaiah 43:2-3a (NKJV) When it seems that all of hell is breaking loose on you, remember: no weapon formed against you shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17). The waters of adversity and fiery trials may come but the LORD is our Shield. Hallelujah! And just as surely as they come, they will pass. Through the floods and blazing fires, keep on walking. Our heavenly Father will see us through. Amen!

Yet, the strength of those who wait with hope in the LORD will be renewed. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and won’t become weary. They will walk and won’t grow tired. Isaiah 40:31 (GW) Wait with hope in the LORD and your strength will be renewed. If we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently (Romans 8:25). The LORD is our help and He will deliver us out of all our troubles. Our God is able. Amen!

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; Philippians 4:6 (NKJV) While telling our heavenly Father what you need and letting Him know the concerns of your heart, remember to thank Him for all he has done. Let us continually have an attitude of gratitude. Thank God that He first loved us and drew us into His family. May we appreciate the fact that the Creator of heaven and earth never leaves our side. When we focus on the goodness of our God, instead of the circumstances, we are anxious for nothing. Amen.

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6-7 (NIV) Those of us who are in Christ Jesus have so much to be thankful for, each and every day of the year. Amen! As the psalmist says in Psalm 103:2, forget NOT all His benefits. Abundant grace and mercy, everlasting love, deep compassion. The list goes on and on. Psalm 68:19 (NKJV) says, the Lord daily loads us with benefits. Our heavenly Father knows how to take care of His children and He is so faithful. He gives us strength and His wonder-working power is at work in us through His Holy Spirit, our Helper. Praise the Lord and continually have a heart full of thankfulness and gratitude each and every day God gives us breath! Have a BLESSED THANKSGIVING DAY!

Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NLT) We can be thankful in all circumstances because we know that our heavenly Father works all things together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). We can thank our heavenly Father that He is with us, in all circumstances. He stands by our side and never runs out on us. Let us give thanks that no matter what happens, God's ear is always open to hear our prayers and He sends His answer.

 LORD, be gracious to us;   we long for you.  Be our strength every morning,  our salvation in time of distress.  At the uproar of your army, the peoples flee;  when you rise up, the nations scatter. Isaiah 33:2-3 (NIV) O LORD, be gracious to us. You're our only hope. We expectantly wait for You. Be our strength every morning and our savior in times of trouble. Thank you LORD, that You give strength to the weary and increase the power of the weak (Isaiah 40:29). May we rely on the supernatural strength of the LORD, instead of our human strength, because we can do ALL things through Him who gives us strength (Philippians 4:13).

My people will live in a peaceful place,  in safe homes and quiet places of rest. Isaiah 32:18 (GW) Jesus has given us His peace (John 14:2). As we abide in Him, we will live in a peaceful place. The mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace (Romans:6). Be filled with the Holy Spirit of God. Psalm 27:5 says, when troubles come, the LORD keeps us safe in His dwelling. Truly our souls find rest in God (Psalm 62:1). Let His peace guard your heart and mind and you will remain calm and settled, quietly trusting and resting in the Lord. 

This is what the Almighty LORD says: I am going to lay a rock in Zion, a rock that has been tested, a precious cornerstone, a solid foundation. Whoever believes in him will not worry. Isaiah 28:16 (GW)  No one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11). He is our firm foundation. Christ Jesus himself is the chief cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20). He is the Rock of our salvation and there is no other. If we build our house on the solid foundation of the Rock, it will stand strong. Regardless of what storms come and beat against the house, it will not fall. Truly believe in the Lord ( faith ) and you will not worry ( fear ).

The path of the righteous is level. O Upright One, you make the road of the righteous smooth. Certainly, we wait with hope for you, O LORD, as we follow the path of your guiding principles. We want to remember you and your name. With my soul I long for you at night. Yes, with my spirit I eagerly look for you. Isaiah 26:7-9a (GW) God goes before the righteous and makes the path ahead of them smooth. Let us follow the path of His guiding principles. Like a loving Father, His instructions are for our good. May your soul long for the LORD from deep within and your spirit continually look to Him.

The LORD is waiting to be kind to you. He rises to have compassion on you. The LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all those who wait for him. Isaiah 30:18 (GW) The LORD longs to be gracious to you.  He rises to show you His love and compassion. God is slow to anger and rich in love. He forgives your iniquities and crowns you with love and compassion. His compassions never fail. Blessed are those who wait for His help.

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you,  all whose thoughts are fixed on you!  Trust in the LORD always, for the LORD God is the eternal Rock. Isaiah 26:3-4 (NLT) Fix your thoughts on the LORD. Think about His great grace and goodness. Think about His everlasting lovingkindness and tender mercies. As you trust in the LORD, He will keep you in perfect and constant peace. Keep your confidence in God and you will not be moved. We have a sure thing in the LORD, our eternal Rock!

“Look! God is my Savior.  I am confident and unafraid, because the LORD is my strength and my song. He is my Savior.” Isaiah 12:2 (GW) Trust in the LORD and do not be afraid or discouraged. We can be strong and courageous because the LORD is our strength. And He has given us the victory. Stand firm in your faith and remain confident that you will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

O LORD, you are my God. I will highly honor you; I will praise your name. You have done miraculous things. You have been completely reliable in carrying out your plans from long ago. Isaiah 25:1 (GW) Our God is completely reliable. We can count on Him, to see us through every situation and circumstance. While others may fail us, we can depend on the LORD. In perfect faithfulness, He has done wonderful things. He has been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in their distress, a shelter from the rain, and shade from the heat (Isaiah 25:4). Praise the LORD!

Come, descendants of Jacob, let’s live in the light of the LORD. Isaiah 2:5 (GW) The LORD is God, and He has made His light shine on us (Psalm 118:27). God adopted us into His family and made us co-heirs with Christ. Our heavenly Father turns our darkness into light. In the light of His Presence there is unconditional love, amazing grace and everlasting mercy. Let us live as children of light!

“Who among you fears the LORD? Who obeys the voice of His Servant? Who walks in darkness  And has no light?  Let him trust in the name of the LORD And rely upon his God.” Isaiah 50:10 (NKJV) Stop putting your trust in man and trust in the name of the LORD. When you receive that negative doctor's report, realize that the doctor has no authority over your life. Trust in the One that holds the power over life and death. Do not fear the words of the bill collectors or the IRS, and stop looking at the things you can see. Instead fix your eyes on Jesus, and stand on the living Word of God. That is the final answer and the highest authority in your life. Amen.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12 (NIV) Just as men and women who serve in the military have a uniform to wear, good soldiers of Jesus Christ are to properly clothe themselves. We are to put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. We are to patiently bear with one another, and forgive each other, even as Christ forgave us (Colossians 3:13). Let us also cover ourselves with garments of praise and thanksgiving to the Lord. Amen.

A sinner may commit a hundred crimes and yet live a long life. Still, I know with certainty that it will go well for those who fear God, because they fear him. Ecclesiastes 8:12 (GW) The LORD says, “those who honor Me I will honor,” (1 Samuel 2:30). When we sincerely reverence the LORD, with hearts that are fully devoted to Him and put Him first in our lives, it will go well with our souls. Isaiah 3:10 says, tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their deeds.

I’ve learned to be content in whatever situation I’m in. I know how to live in poverty or prosperity. No matter what the situation, I’ve learned the secret of how to live when I’m full or when I’m hungry, when I have too much or when I have too little. I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:11-13 (GW) Learn the secret of how to be content in your inner being regardless of the external circumstances. This will lead to a peaceful attitude of appreciation and thankfulness to our heavenly Father for all that He provides. Whatever we have and wherever we are, we can make it through anything as long as we abide in Christ and follow Him wherever He leads.

Two people are better than one because together they have a good reward for their hard work. If one falls, the other can help his friend get up. But how tragic it is for the one who is all alone when he falls. There is no one to help him get up. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (GW) Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed (Ecclesiastes 4:9, NLT). David's relationship with Jonathan is a perfect example of friendship in the Word. First Samuel 18:1 says,  Jonathan became David’s closest friend. He loved David as much as he loved himself. Be a friend who loves at all times and sticks closer than a brother.

Every word of God has proven to be true. He is a shield to those who come to him for protection. Proverbs 30:5 (GW) Our enemy, the devil constantly prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8), but God is our shield. He protects us from the fiery darts of the enemy. Abide in God and put your trust in Him. Whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe (Proverbs 29:25).

A righteous person may fall seven times, but he gets up again. However, in a disaster wicked people fall. Proverbs 24:16 (GW) No matter how many times you may stumble and fall, get back up again. We can endure troubles, hardships and distresses because the LORD is our helper. We must run the race that lies ahead of us and never give up (Hebrews 12:1, GW). James 1:4 tells us to let perseverance finish its work so that we may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. When life knocks you down, get back up again and never quit!

 A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions.  The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences. Proverbs 22:3 (NLT) Be wise and use good judgment. Sensible people foresee trouble and take the necessary precautions to avoid putting themselves in situations that can cause them to stumble. Those who blindly float through life pay the penalty for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Sin will take you further than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay and cost you more than you want to pay. Think before you act and take precautions to stay on the right track.

The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the LORD. Proverbs 21:31 (GW) Don't trust in the weapons of this world. The LORD gives us victory over our enemies, and puts our adversaries to shame (Psalm 44:7). God gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. We overcome because the One who is in us is greater than the one who is in the world (1 John 4:4). Praise God for the victory!

The plans of a hard-working person lead to prosperity, but everyone who is always in a hurry ends up in poverty. Proverbs 21:5 (NLT) Those who fail to plan, plan to fail. If you plan to do good, you will receive unfailing love and faithfulness (Proverbs 14:22, NLT). First seek the will of the LORD, then devise your plans and the LORD will establish your steps.

 A man’s stomach shall be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth;  From the produce of his lips he shall be filled.  Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:20-21 (NKJ) Keep negative talk far from your lips. Ephesians 4:29 says, do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. May the fruit of your mouth be sweet and life-producing for yourself as well as others. If you love life, speak rich and satisfying words and enjoy a good harvest.

We plan the way we want to live,  but only God makes us able to live it. Proverbs 16:9 (The Message) God gives everyone life and breath and everything else (Acts 17:25). In Him, we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:28). His power is at work in us. Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Worthy, worthy, worthy, is our Lord and God, to receive thanks, glory and honor forever and ever! Amen.

A joyful heart is good medicine, but depression drains one’s strength. Proverbs 17:22 (GW) This is the day the LORD has made. Let’s rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:24). The joy of the LORD is good medicine for the soul and it is our strength. The LORD fills us with joy in His presence, and eternal pleasures are at His right hand (Psalm 16:11). Spend time with our heavenly Father and your joy will be made complete.

Whoever gives attention to the LORD’s word prospers, and blessed is the person who trusts the LORD. Proverbs 16:20 (GW) Give attention to the Word of God and thrive in your spirit, soul and body. Experience perfect health in your physical body, emotional healing, healthy relationships, more than enough in your finances, and success in all that you put your hands to do. Fully rely on the LORD and be blessed and grow in your relationship with our heavenly Father. Wisely follow His instruction and flourish in every area of your life.

Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 (NKJ) This morning as I began thanking the LORD for all the wonderful ways He has blessed me, I got so excited when I thought about the new compassions the LORD continually pours on us. When we opened our eyes this morning, we were blessed with brand new compassions. We don’t have to carry over the old ones from yesterday. It’s not a recycling program. We get to start fresh this morning, His compassions are created new EVERY morning! His mercies have no limit and they never cease. His compassions never fail. Praise the LORD!

Entrust your efforts to the LORD, and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16:3 (GW) To entrust something means to give it to someone else, to let them be responsible for it and trust them to follow it through to the end. May we entrust all of our efforts to the LORD, and our plans will succeed. There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD (Proverbs 21:30). Amen.

When you're kind to others, you help yourself; when you're cruel to others, you hurt yourself. Proverbs 11:17 (The Message) When you sow kindness to others, you reap it in return. Colossians 3:12 tells us to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Kindness is one of the fruit that is produced when we are walking according to the Holy Spirit. Be fruitful. “...with everlasting kindness I will have compassion on you,” says the LORD your Redeemer (Isaiah 54:8). Let us imitate our heavenly Father and sprinkle everything we do with kindness.

When the storm has passed, the wicked person has vanished, but the righteous person has an everlasting foundation. Proverbs 10:25 (GW) Build your life on the sure foundation. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11). Then, you will be able to withstand the storms of life. The fire and floods may come but you will stand firm. When you stand on the everlasting foundation, nothing will move you.

Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. Proverbs 4:23 (NLT) We are to guard our hearts above all else. Be careful what or who you let into your heart. If you let darkness and negativity in, darkness and negativity is going to come out. If you let the light and love of God in, the light and love of God will direct the course of your life and touch those around you in a positive way. May we seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness with a sincere and undivided heart, and our lives will be set on the path that leads to success and abundant life.

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV) Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, and be confident that nothing you do for Him is a waste of time or effort. Stand firm and do what God has called you to do. Don't be moved by circumstances, what others have to say or your emotions. Persevere and press on. Greater things are yet to be done!

I was glad when they said to me,  “Let’s go to the house of the LORD.”  Psalm 122:1 (GW) Even though we have the Spirit of God within us and we can worship Him wherever we are, we should not stop gathering together with other believers, as some are in the habit of doing. Instead, we must continue to encourage each other even more as we see the day of the Lord coming ( Hebrews 10:22-25 ). Let your heart leap for joy at the opportunity to freely worship God and fellowship with your brothers and sisters in Christ.

“I am the good shepherd. I know my sheep as the Father knows me. My sheep know me as I know the Father. So I give my life for my sheep. I also have other sheep that are not from this pen. I must lead them. They, too, will respond to my voice. So they will be one flock with one shepherd.” John 10:14-16 (GW) Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He gives His life for the sheep and calls them by name. Jesus said, “ My sheep respond to my voice, and I know who they are. They follow me ” (John 10:27, GW). Have you responded to the voice of the Lord? Have you gone straight, when He said turn left?  It's not too late to get back on the right path, the one that leads to a more abundant life. May we follow the Good Shepherd and always respond to His voice.

Blessed are those who receive help from the God of Jacob. Their hope rests on the LORD their God, who made heaven, earth, the sea, and everything in them. The LORD remains faithful forever. Psalm 146:5-6 (GW) We are so blessed to have the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth as our helper. Nothing is too difficult for Him. Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit (Psalm 147:5). Hang your hope on the LORD. Our heavenly Father is forever faithful. Amen.

The LORD is good to all, And His tender mercies are over all His works.   All Your works shall praise You, O LORD, And Your saints shall bless You. They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom, And talk of Your power, To make known to the sons of men His mighty acts, And the glorious majesty of His kingdom. Psalm 145:9-12 (NKJ) The Lord is good to everyone and He showers us with His compassions, every morning. May all His faithful followers praise Him! Our heavenly Father opens His hand and satisfies the desire of every living thing (Psalm 145:16). Let us tell about His power and the glory of His kingdom to make the mighty acts He as done in our lives known. Hallelujah!

Your word is a doorway that lets in light,  and it helps gullible people understand. Psalm 119:130 (GW) Open the Word of God and let the light in. When His light comes in, we receive life-changing truth and freedom. His written instructions are always right (Psalm 119:144). Gain understanding of the LORD's guiding principles and closely follow them. The Word of God gives us hope and new life (Psalm 119:49-50). Amen!

When I called, you answered me. You made me bold by strengthening my soul. Psalm 138:3 (GW) God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). Proverbs 28:1 says, righteous people are as bold as lions. We have the same power that raised Jesus from the dead and seated Him in heavenly places over all others, in us. We received this power to be witnesses for Jesus Christ,  throughout the world. We are like a city set on a hill, not meant to be hidden. Fear not, be strong and very courageous!

During times of trouble I called on the LORD. The LORD answered me and set me free from all of them. The LORD is on my side. I am not afraid. What can mortals do to me? Psalm 118:5-6 (GW) Troubles may come and troubles go. The LORD eventually sets us free from all of them, in His perfect time. Hallelujah! Our heavenly Father is on our side. If God is for us, who can be against us?

The ropes of death became tangled around me. The horrors of the grave took hold of me. I experienced pain and agony. But I kept calling on the name of the LORD: “Please, Lord, rescue me!” Psalm 116:3-4 (GW) Whatever troubles you may be experiencing, remember to call on the name of the LORD. And keep calling, don't give up. Here is what God says about the person who loves Him, “ Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him, And show him My salvation, ” (Psalm 91:14-15 ). Call on the LORD as long as you live!

Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked. 1 Timothy 1:19 (NLT) Jesus said, "believe in God, believe also in Me," (John 14:1). “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me will live, even though they die (John 11:25). Cling to your faith in Jesus and maintain a clear conscience before God and man. Keep doing what you know is the right thing to do and your faith will not suffer shipwreck. Fight the good fight of faith! Finish the race!

Love never stops being patient, never stops believing, never stops hoping, never gives up. 1 Corinthians 13:7 (GW) Love never stops being patient. Just as our heavenly Father is patient with us, we are to be patient with each other. Ephesians 4:2 says, be patient, bearing with one another in love. Love never loses faith. Keep believing in those you love. Abba Father always sees the best in us. Love is always full of hope. Love never gives up, it endures all things. Love others, just as the LORD continually shows you His everlasting love.

Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy, Psalm 107:1-2 (NKJ) Our great and gracious God is good, and ready to forgive. He is abundant in mercy to all those who call upon Him (Psalm 86:5). Once we were not a people, but now we are the people of God; once we had not received mercy, but now we have received mercy (1 Peter 2:10). His mercy endures forever. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our lives; And we will dwell in the house of the LORD forever (Psalm 23:6). Give thanks to the LORD!

May the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. 1 Peter 5:10 (NKJ) Isaiah 53:3 tells us that even Jesus was a Man of suffering and familiar with pain. Endure hardship, the suffering won't last forever. When you are experiencing grief in all kinds of trials, it seems like its going to last forever, but it is temporary. Weeping may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning. And after you have suffered a little while, God will perfect, establish, strengthen and settle you. Your present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us (Romans 8:18).

Praise the LORD, my soul, and never forget all the good he has done: He is the one who forgives all your sins, the one who heals all your diseases, the one who rescues your life from the pit, the one who crowns you with mercy and compassion, the one who fills your life with blessings so that you become young again like an eagle. Psalm 103:2-5 (GW) Let us remember all the good things the LORD has done for us. When we confess our sins, He forgives us and removes our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. He heals all our diseases, and  rescues our lives from the pit. Our heavenly Father crowns us with tender mercies and new compassions every morning. He fills our lives with blessings and renews our youth like the eagle’s!

Realize that the LORD alone is God. He made us, and we are his. We are his people and the sheep in his care. Psalm 100:3 (GW) Acknowledge and take to heart this day that the LORD is God in heaven above and on the earth below. There is no other (Deuteronomy 4:39). Do not be dismayed, for He is our God and we are His people. He will strengthen you and help you; He will uphold you with His righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10). Power and might belong to our God and He delivers us out of trouble. Our heavenly Father faithfully watches over us and keeps us in His constant care. Give thanks to the LORD and praise His holy name!

Unless the Lord had helped me, I would soon have settled in the silence of the grave. I cried out, “I am slipping!” but your unfailing love, O Lord, supported me. When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer. Psalm 94:17-19 (NLT) I know for a fact, if God had not reached out and helped me I would not be here today. His unfailing love is our support. When we hit rock bottom in life, it's the hand of our heavenly Father that reaches out and picks us up. He carries us close to Him and gives us the strength to go on. When you are upset and beside yourself, He will calm you down and cheer you up (Psalm 94:19, The Message).

I want to hear what God the LORD says, because he promises peace to his people, to his godly ones. But they must not go back to their stupidity. Indeed, his salvation is near those who fear him, and his glory will remain in our land. Psalm 85:8-9 (GW) Our God is a God of love and peace. He has called us to live in peace. A heart at peace gives life to the body (Proverbs 14:30). Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace in our minds, peace in our hearts and peace in our relationships with others. No matter what troubles may come, Jesus said, “in Me, you may have peace...” (John 16:33). Peace He left with us (John 14:27). As we trust in God, He keeps His perfect peace flowing in us like a river. May lasting peace be yours in abundance!

Your dwelling place is lovely, O LORD of Armies! My soul longs and yearns for the LORD’s courtyards. My whole body shouts for joy to the living God. Psalm 84:1-2 (GW) Blessed are those who dwell in the house of the LORD! They are ever praising Him. One day in His courtyards is better than a thousand anywhere else. Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to the LORD and praise His name (Psalm 100:4). Let everyone that has breath, shout for joy to the living God!

Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track. Proverbs 3:5-6 (The Message) Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. Why try to figure things out on your own? We have the wisdom of God available to us, and the Holy Spirit in us, who guides us into all truth. If you want to stay on track in life, seek God's will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.

Being united with God is my highest good. I have made the Almighty LORD my refuge so that I may report everything that he has done. Psalm 73:28 (GW) Draw near to God and He will draw near to you (James 4:8). Being united with our heavenly Father is our highest good. The person who is joined to the Lord is one with Him in spirit (1 Corinthians 6:17). And as long as we stand with God, no one will be able to stand against us. No weapon formed against us shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17). With God's powerful presence at work in us, we are more than conquerors.

Be a rock on which I may live, a place where I may always go. You gave the order to save me! Indeed, you are my rock and my fortress. Psalm 71:3 (GW) Let us always take refuge in the LORD. He is our strong fortress. He is the mighty Rock, His works are perfect, and all His ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is He (Deuteronomy 32:4). There is no Rock like our God, He gave the order to save us. Exalted be God our Savior! Lead me to the rock that is higher than I (Psalm 61:2).

When I remember You on my bed,  I meditate on You in the night watches. Because You have been my help, Therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice. My soul follows close behind You; Your right hand upholds me. Psalm 63:6-8 (NKJ) May we meditate on the LORD through the night. Spend some time reflecting on His goodness and expressing your grateful appreciation. He is your help and has faithfully brought you through another day. Closely follow the LORD. Cling to Him as if your very life depended on it. It does!

O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land Where there is no water. So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, To see Your power and Your glory. Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips shall praise You. Psalm 63:1-3 (NKJ) Before you do anything else, seek the LORD! Draw near to our heavenly Father everyday. Sit and His feet and lay your requests before Him, in the morning. Long for the Presence of the LORD, more than you desire food and drink, because His lovingkindness is better than life. The things we enjoy in this life are temporary, but God's love and compassion are eternal and nothing can ever separate us from His wonderful and amazing love!

Turn your burdens over to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will never let the righteous person stumble. Psalm 55:22 (GW) Turn all your burdens over to the LORD. You can be fully assured that our heavenly Father will take care of you. He is Jehovah Jireh, our Provider. God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us (Ephesians 3:20). May your heart and mind be filled with the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, as you trust in Him.

Why are you discouraged, my soul? Why are you so restless? Put your hope in God, because I will still praise him. He is my savior and my God. Psalm 42:5 (GW) When your bright sunny sky turns gray and full of dark clouds, don't start crying the blues. When the raging waters and violent winds come, hold on. Even if your boat turns over, Jesus is your Life Preserver. In the midst of your darkest day, still praise God! Anchor your hope in the living God and you will not be disappointed. He is a safe harbor from the harsh winds and a refuge from the storms of life. He turns our mourning into gladness; He gives us comfort and joy instead of sorrow (Jeremiah 31:13). He fills our mouths with laughter and our lips with shouts of joy. Praise the LORD!

But I am oppressed and needy. May the Lord think of me. You are my help and my savior. O my God, do not delay! Psalm 40:17 (GW) Sometimes when we are in the thick of tough times, we may think the LORD has forgotten about us. We cry out for God to quickly come to our aid. Our hearts may cry out, "do not delay!" Let us remember, that God has everything that concerns us under control. While we wait for an answer, our heavenly Father is orchestrating events to come together at the perfect time, the appointed time. All of our days were written in His book before one of them came to be (Psalm 139:16), including the day of our deliverance. When our situation unfolds, our response is often utter amazement as we look at what God has done.

Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12-14 (NKJ) Brothers and sisters, don't get hung up on what happened in days gone by. That is like driving down the road while looking in the rear view mirror. You will not get very far before you crash. Instead, keep reaching forward to what lies ahead. Press on toward the goal, to finish the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

Be glad and find joy in the Lord, you righteous people. Sing with joy, all whose motives are decent. Psalm 32:11 (GWT) Sometimes joy isn't jumping up to meet us when we open our eyes in the morning. These are the days we have to find joy. However, as we think about the goodness of the LORD, and meditate on His mercy and His grace, joy knocks at the door. As we begin to thank our heavenly Father for waking us up this morning, joy begins to fill the very fibers of our hearts. When we begin to reflect on the lovingkindness and compassion of our God and count our blessings, joy bubbles up in our souls and spills over, into the lives of those around us. Never let the enemy steal your joy!

‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’ Jeremiah 33:3 (NKJ) What great and mighty things would you like to see performed in your life? Call upon the LORD and He will answer you. For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes (Deuteronomy 10:17). Wait patiently for the LORD and He will show you great and mighty things. Amen.

So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12 (NKJ) May we realize the brevity of life. James 4:14 says, our lives are a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Be wise and make the most of every moment our heavenly Father gives you. Keep God's commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity (Proverbs 3:1-2).

I will praise the LORD, who advises me. My conscience warns me at night. I always keep the LORD in front of me. When he is by my side, I cannot be moved. That is why my heart is glad and my soul rejoices. Psalm 16:7-9a (GW) Keep your eyes on the LORD and follow Him. With our heavenly Father by our side,  we cannot be moved. God is on our side to help us and fight our battles (2 Chronicles 32:8). He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Hallelujah! Let your heart be glad and your soul rejoice because we win!

Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, Or ever You had formed the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God. Psalm 90:1-2 (NKJ) The LORD has been our dwelling place and our refuge throughout every generation. He chose us in Him before the creation of the world (Ephesians 1:4). From the beginning to the end, He is God, strong, mighty, and righteous. Eternal, permanent and self-existent. All-sufficient and all-bountiful. Full of power, majesty and splendor. Holy, holy, holy is the LORD God Almighty. The whole earth is full of His glory! Our heavenly Father is our Redeemer, our Provider and our Healer. He is God and there is no other!

Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 1 Peter 4:12 (NKJ) Do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you. In this world you will have trouble. Endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 2:3).  Think about Jesus, who endured opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and become discouraged in your souls (Hebrews 12:3). Don't give up. Instead, be strong and take courage because Jesus has overcome the world!

Blessed are the people who know how to praise you. They walk in the light of your presence, O LORD. They find joy in your name all day long. They are joyful in your righteousness because you are the glory of their strength. By your favor you give us victory. Psalm 89:15-17 (GW) Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Let the sound of His praise be heard throughout the earth. It is good to give thanks to the Most High, and to sing praises to His name (Psalm 92:1). The LORD inhabits the praises of His people. May we walk in the light of His Presence and celebrate His abundant goodness and righteousness.

I will sing forever about the evidence of your mercy, O LORD. I will tell about your faithfulness to every generation. I said, “Your mercy will last forever. Your faithfulness stands firm in the heavens.” Psalm 89:1-2 (GW) Let us sing about the everlasting mercy of our heavenly Father. Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. His tender mercies begin afresh each morning. Tell everyone about His great faithfulness. It endures to all generations. God's faithfulness is firmly established in the heavens. May His tender mercies fall afresh on you today!

You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4 (NKJ) No matter what we go through, every child of God is victorious over the world because He who lives in us is greater than the dark forces in this world. We defeat the devil by the blood of the sacrificial Lamb of God, Jesus, and by the word of our testimony (Revelation 12:11). We have overcome. Praise the LORD!

Teach me your way, LORD, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever. For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths, from the realm of the dead. Psalm 86:11-13 (NIV) May our hearts be undivided, singly sold out for the LORD. Let us love Him with all our hearts. Learn His ways and honor Him in everything you do and say. Great is His love toward us. He is our deliverer. Glorify His name forever!

You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. Hear my prayer, LORD; listen to my cry for mercy. When I am in distress, I call to you, because you answer me. Psalm 85:5-7 (NIV) Our heavenly Father abounds in love toward all who call upon Him. When we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and to forgive us and purify us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Our God is good, all the time! His unfailing love surrounds us. His ear is always open to hear our prayers. When you are in distress, call upon Abba Father and He will answer.

For the LORD God is a sun and shield; The LORD will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold From those who walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts, Blessed is the man who trusts in You! Psalm 84:11-12 (NKJ) The LORD generously gives us grace and glory. He withholds no good thing from those who do what is right. Those who put their trust in God are blessed with peace and joy. Our hearts and minds can stay in peace and we can keep a smile on our faces, because we know that our heavenly Father is working all things together for good. With God on our side, we cannot lose. He has already given us the victory!

Praise be to the LORD God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds. Praise be to his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and Amen. Psalm 72:18-19 (NIV) Praise the LORD! Our great God is full of power and majesty. The whole earth is filled with His glory. He is the one and only wonder-working God! May you be filled with awe as you see the marvelous things the LORD does in your life!