Manna for Your Morning

Stand firm, and you will win life. — Luke 21:19 (NIV) My dear brothers and sisters, stand firm in Christ. Let nothing move you. Be strong and courageous. Patiently endure hardship. Keep your eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, and you will experience a full and abundant LIFE! Amen.

“Be alert at all times. Pray so that you have the power to escape everything that is about to happen and to stand in front of the Son of Man.” — Luke 21:36 (GW) Be alert and of sober mind. Our enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). Pray so that you may have power and strength to escape all the enemy brings your way. And you shall stand in victory!

“Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?” — Luke 18:8 (NKJV) May you never suffer shipwreck with regard to the faith. (1 Timothy 1:19) Hold on to faith and a good conscience, because without faith it is impossible to please God. Anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). Through faith we are shielded by God’s power (1 Peter 1:5, NIV). Our faith is the victory that has overcome the world (1 John 5:4) So build yourselves up in your most holy faith (Jude 1:20). Fight the good fight, finish the race, and keep the faith!

Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. — Luke 18:1 (NIV) Jesus told a parable to show that we should always pray and never give up. He said there was a widow who kept coming to an unjust judge, with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’ At first he refused, but finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!’ And the Lord said, “So don’t you think God will surely give justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night?” (Luke 18:7, GW) Beloved and chosen of the Lord, our heavenly Father is so much more loving and compassionate than an unjust judge. May we ALWAYS pray and NEVER give up and He will give us justice over our adversary!

As he went into a village, ten men with a skin disease met him. They stood at a distance and shouted, “Jesus, Teacher, have mercy on us!” When he saw them, he told them, “Show yourselves to the priests.” As they went, they were made clean. When one of them saw that he was healed, he turned back and praised God in a loud voice. He quickly bowed at Jesus’ feet and thanked him.  — Luke 17:12-16 (GW) Always have an attitude of gratitude to the Lord for all He has done for you. Thank God for waking you up this morning. There are many who were not this fortunate. It is good to praise and thank the Lord and give Him all the glory!

He was teaching in one of the meeting places on the Sabbath. There was a woman present, so twisted and bent over with arthritis that she couldn't even look up. She had been afflicted with this for eighteen years. When Jesus saw her, he called her over. "Woman, you're free!" He laid hands on her and suddenly she was standing straight and tall, giving glory to God. — Luke 12:10-13 (The Message) When this woman who had been crippled by a spirit of infirmity  for eighteen years received a touch from Jesus, she immediately straightened up, and praised God. Whatever your affliction, Jesus is calling your name. Draw near to the Lord and receive a touch from Him today. He will set you free! Stand up straight and tall and give glory to God!

“Can any of you add an hour to your life by worrying? If you can’t do a small thing like that, why worry about other things?” — Luke 12:25-26 (GW) Why waste time worrying? Instead of letting worry, anxiety and fear steal precious minutes from your life, choose to live by FAITH. Stand on the Word! Psalm 46:1 says, God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. Nothing is too difficult for Him! Philippians 4:19 declares that, my God will meet ALL your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus. Let the abundant peace and everlasting joy of the Lord rule in your heart and mind! Amen.

“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.   — Luke 11:9-10 (NIV) Ask in faith. Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see (Hebrews 11:1, NLT). Seek with God's wisdom and guidance. And patiently wait for the door to be opened. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results (James 5:16, NLT).

Martha was upset about all the work she had to do. So she asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work all by myself? Tell her to help me.” The Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha! You worry and fuss about a lot of things. There’s only one thing you need. Mary has made the right choice, and that one thing will not be taken away from her.”  — Luke 10:40-42 (GW) Mary sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what He said, while Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. Don't get distracted with the things of this world. Stay focused on the main thing. Jesus said there is only one essential thing and Mary made the right choice. Choose Jesus, the Living Word!

While Jesus was up on a mountain praying, Peter, John, and James fell asleep. When they woke up, they saw Jesus’ glory and Moses and Elijah standing with Him. Peter said to Jesus, “Teacher, it’s good that we’re here. Let’s put up three tents—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” Peter didn’t know what he was saying. While he was saying this, a cloud overshadowed them. They were frightened as they went into the cloud. A voice came out of the cloud and said, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen. Listen to him!” — Luke 9:34-35 (GW)  Sometimes, out of a need to fill the silence, we babble on like Peter. Let us tune in and listen to the voice of the Lord. May we listen not only with our ears, but also with our hearts that we may gain understanding.

When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus of Nazareth was nearby, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” “Be quiet!” many of the people yelled at him. But he only shouted louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” — Mark 8:47-48 (NLT) Blind Bartimaeus had a need and he wisely called out to Jesus. When the people told him to be quiet, he shouted even louder. Jesus asked him, “What do you want Me to do for you?” Bartimaeus said, “Teacher, I want to see again.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road. When you have a need, call on Jesus. No matter what people around you say, keep calling on the Lord and continue to follow Him.

Some people are like seeds on rocky soil. They welcome the word with joy whenever they hear it, but they don’t develop any roots. They believe for a while, but when their faith is tested, they abandon it. — Luke 8:13 (GW) Rocky soil believers receive the word with joy when they hear it, but when their faith is tested it withers because they have no root. No matter what is going on in your life, never abandon your faith! Live your life in Christ Jesus. Sink your roots in Him and build on Him, then your faith will grow strong  (Colossians 2:7). May the word be planted on the good soil of your heart. The seeds that fell on the good soil represent those who hear the word with a noble and good heart, cling to it, and produce a huge harvest, despite what life may bring (Luke 8:15).

Jesus said to him, “As far as possibilities go, everything is possible for the person who believes.” — Mark 9:23 (GW) If you think you can, you are right. And if you think you can't, you are right. As a man thinks in his heart, so is he (Proverbs 23:7, NKJV). When we believe, our minds are open to see the possibilities. When we stop believing, our minds are closed and we are unable to see the doors of opportunity that God may open. Keep believing that God will show you the way to accomplish the dreams He has put on your heart! Keep believing that our heavenly Father is faithful and He will fulfill all of His great and precious promises!

So Pilate again asked them, “Then what should I do with the king of the Jews?” — Mark 15:12 (GW) The question each of us must ask ourselves everyday is, “What am I going to do with Jesus?” The soldiers, chief priests and scribes made fun of Him. Pilate handed Him over to be crucified. Others rejected Jesus, while others bowed down and worshiped Him. The disciples accepted Jesus as the Son of God, their Lord and their Savior and affected the whole world with their faithfulness. What are you going to do with Jesus? The answer to this question marks your final destination for all of eternity as heaven or hell. When you choose to follow Jesus Christ, you choose life!

Jesus turned, looked at his disciples, and objected to what Peter said. Jesus said, “Get out of my way, Satan! You aren’t thinking the way God thinks but the way humans think.”  — Mark 8:33 (GW) God's thoughts are higher than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:9). Let us elevate our thinking to a higher level by renewing our minds with the Word of God. When we think the way humans think, we limit ourselves. When we think like our heavenly Father, all things become possible!

But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love. — 1 Corinthians 13:13 (The Message) So faith, hope, and love remain, but the greatest of these is LOVE. Be extravagantly generous with love. Give love without restraint. Let it out of the box! God is love and whoever lives in love, lives in God, and God in them. Jesus loved us so much, He gave His life for us. Since God loved us first, let us be rich in love toward others. Happy Valentine's Day!

As soon as she heard about him, a woman whose little daughter was possessed by an impure spirit came and fell at his feet. — Mark 7:25 (NIV) As soon as this woman heard about Jesus, she went to Him and begged Jesus to heal her daughter. Because she humbled herself before the Lord, her daughter was healed, even though she was a gentile. When you have an issue, take it to Jesus! He is King of kings and Lord of lords. Nothing is too difficult for Him. And you are a child of God. You are a Holy Spirit having, family member. Greater is He that is in you than he who is in the world.

After he took the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and blessed the food. He broke the loaves apart and kept giving them to the disciples to give to the people.  — Mark 6:41 (GW) Jesus fed more than five thousand people with five loaves of bread and two fish. All of them ate as much as they wanted and the leftover pieces, filled twelve baskets. Instead of looking at where you seem to be lacking, take what you DO have and look to Almighty God. Thank Him for what He has given you and ask Him to bless it. Our heavenly Father is the God of more than enough. The enemy would like you to believe you don't have enough, but God will show you His abundant supply. Keep looking up!

 Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”  — Mark 6:31 (NIV) Sometimes we need to go to a quiet place by ourselves, so we can spend time with Jesus and rest. Jesus is the friend who sticks closer than a brother, however, something special happens when we set aside all distractions and give our undivided attention to the Lord, the Living Word, the Bread of Life. Daily draw near to God, and you will find strength to face the day.

Other people are like seeds that were planted on rocky ground. Whenever they hear the word, they accept it at once with joy. But they don’t develop any roots. They last for a short time. When suffering or persecution comes along because of the word, they immediately fall from faith.  — Mark 4:16-17 (GW) Some believers respond with great enthusiasm to the Word they hear preached on Sunday, then allow the devil to beat them up Monday through Saturday. Make sure you get deeply rooted and grounded in God, in His Word and in the love of Christ, so you can endure the trials and strengthen your faith. Let the Word of God be planted on the good ground of your heart and it will bear fruit, some thirty, some sixty, and some a hundred times what was sown (Mark 4:20).

“And remember that I am always with you until the end of time.”   — Matthew 28:20 (GW) After Jesus had been crucified and risen from the the dead, He met His disciples at the mountain in Galilee. Jesus came to them and said, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” (Matthew 28:18). At the end of His instructions, He reminds them, “I am always with you until the end of time.” Whatever your current situation, Jesus has authority over it, and you are seated with Him in heavenly places. Exercise the authority you have in Christ. And remember: Jesus is ALWAYS with you!

After walking a little farther, he quickly bowed with his face to the ground and prayed, “Father, if it’s possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. But let your will be done rather than mine.” — Matthew 26:39 (GW) Before Jesus was arrested, Him and His disciples went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. Jesus became sorrowful and troubled. Then He said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.” (Matthew 26:37-38) When our souls are overwhelmed, may we humble ourselves before God, release our will, and embrace HIS will. In the midst of troubles, we must trust our heavenly Father, knowing that no matter how bleak the situation appears, God is working ALL things together for good. Amen!

“When the end comes, the kingdom of heaven will be like ten bridesmaids. They took their oil lamps and went to meet the groom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise.” — Matthew 25:1-2 (GW) The five foolish bridesmaids didn’t take enough olive oil for their lamps, but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil. When the bridegroom was delayed, their lamps started going out. While the foolish bridesmaids were buying more oil, the groom arrived. The wise bridesmaids who were ready went with him into the wedding hall, and the door was shut. Let us be like the wise bridesmaids and be prepared to keep our lamps and hearts burning for the Lord! And stay alert because we don't know the day or the hour the Son of Man will come (Matthew 25:13).

So Jesus answered and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ it will be done. And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”   — Matthew 21:21-22 (NKJV) When we pray we must believe that we will receive. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective (James 5:16). But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord (James 1:6-7). Revelation 12:11 says, we overcome by the word of our testimony (faith). We speak what we believe. Amen.

And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing idle, and said to them, ‘Why have you been standing here idle all day?’   — Matthew 20:6 (NKJV) Jesus tells a story about a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. He went out again at 9 AM, noon, 3 PM and 5 PM. Jesus Christ is like the landowner and He is always looking for those who are willing to do His work. You have not missed your call. Don't stand idle. Jesus still has a job for you! Look at your skills and abilities. What are you passionate about? It's time to use whatever gifts you have for the Lord. Amen!

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”  — Matthew 19:26 (NIV) The key words in this passage of Scripture are “ WITH GOD .” It's only possible to get through the trials and tribulations when we are with God. We need to abide in God. There is no worry, fear, or doubt in the Presence of Almighty God. However, there is peace, faith, and love. There is hope for a brighter tomorrow. And there is POWER to overcome the obstacles, the mountains, and every attack of the enemy. With God, ALL things are possible! Glory Hallelujah!

Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. — Isaiah 40:31 (NIV) Keep your hope in the LORD and your strength will be renewed. You will soar on wings like eagles. Eagles are strong and powerful and they fly above the storms. Spread your wings and soar high like an eagle, above the circumstances of your life. As long as you keep your hope in the LORD you will not grow weary or faint.

When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” — Matthew 16:13-15 (NKJV) Who do you say Jesus is? Maybe you know Him as, the bread of life, the one who comes down from heaven and gives abundant life to the world (John 6:33). Do you know Him as the light of the world? He will turn your darkness to light. Can you say, He is the ONLY way, the truth and the life? Yes, He is also the Prince of Peace and He has given us His peace. Let us be like Simon Peter and declare, “Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God!”

Jesus said, “Come!” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he noticed how strong the wind was, he became afraid and started to sink. He shouted, “Lord, save me!”     — Matthew 14:29-30 (GW) Jesus calls us out of the boat, out of our normal ways of doing things. He calls us out to do EXTRAORDINARY things. Keep your eyes on Jesus. Don't allow yourself to get distracted by the circumstances. Once Peter looked at the adverse circumstances, he began to sink. Get out of the boat! God has wonderful plans for you. For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).