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).