Manna for Your Morning

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. Don’t assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil! Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life! — Proverbs 3:5-8 (MSG) In our hearts, we may make our plans, but remember, it is the LORD who establishes and directs our steps. (Proverbs 16:9) In the coming year, may we listen for God’s voice and follow through with the action He is calling us to take. Not our will, but His be done. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are His ways higher than our ways, and His thoughts than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:9).

The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth. — Psalms 97:5 (NKJV) Which do you think is greater, your problems or the Presence of God? Let's not be so focused on our problems. Instead, may we gain a greater awareness of God's presence in our lives. Let us surrender our hearts, minds and mouths to the power of His Holy Spirit within us. Nothing can stop us, with God on our side. Continually come before His presence with thanksgiving (Psalms 95:2). He will show us the path of life; In His presence is fullness of joy; at His right hand are pleasures forevermore (Psalms 16:11). What fuller lives we could live if we just learn to enjoy the Presence of Almighty God as we go about our day, regardless of the circumstances around us.

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. — Philippians 4:8 (NKJV) Instead of focusing on the bad reports and negative news, let’s fix our minds on the good report. Jesus is the truth (John 14:6); anything that contradicts Jesus is a lie. Fill your minds with things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Where your mind goes, your emotions and will tend to follow.

It is good to give thanks to the LORD, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, and Your faithfulness every night, — Psalm 92:1-2 (NKJV) Let us declare the faithfulness of God every night. He pours out new compassions and mercies on us each morning and faithfully brings us through each day. Psalm 139:17-18 says, “ How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; When I awake, I am still with You.”  God is faithful! Morning , noon and night, He is with you!

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. — Ephesians 3:20 (NLT) If we want infinitely more, exceedingly abundantly above (NKJV), or superabundantly, far over and above (AMP), we must allow God’s Holy Spirit to work in us and through us. We need to surrender, submit and cooperate with the Holy Spirit and then we will see His mighty power manifest in our lives. “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,” says the LORD of hosts. (Zechariah 4:6, NKJV).

Just as Death and Destruction are never satisfied,  so human desire is never satisfied. — Proverbs 27:20 (NLT) Now that the anticipation and excitement of Christmas Day 2013 has come and gone, we may look back and say, “if only...” The natural inclination of human desire is to want more. Let us be thankful and appreciative for the time we shared, the gifts that were exchanged, etc. In Philippians 4:11, the Apostle Paul says, he learned to be content in whatever state. May we do likewise.

But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. — Galatians 4:4-5 (NKJV) The fullness of time has already come. Now is the the time of salvation. Now is the time of deliverance. Jesus was sent to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound (Isaiah 61:1b). This Good News is to be proclaimed all over the world, to all people. JESUS is the greatest and most perfect gift anyone can receive!

Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you.   — Psalm 37:5 (NLT)  Thoughts from my fourth hike: From the view at the beginning of this hike, it was obvious that it was a steep, uphill climb. It took courage to even start this hike, but once on the path, I stayed committed to complete the course. When we accept Jesus as our Savior, we commit to follow Him. Sometimes we encounter a lot of uphill battles, but stay committed to Jesus. In difficult situations, remember to always pray and NEVER give up! (Luke 18:1, NLT) At the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint (Galatians 6:9b, AMP). The view from the top is sweet! The view from the top!

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. — Psalm 119:105 (NKJV) At night, the bright light given by a lighthouse is used to guide ships safely into port and it also warns them of danger, things they cannot see in the darkness. In like manner, God’s Word is a lamp we can use to guide our feet. It lights up our path and warns us of the dangers of traveling on the wrong paths. Follow the light of the Word!

I have set the LORD always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will rest in hope. — Psalms 16:8-9 (NKJV) Keep the LORD before you in all that you do, and you can rest in hope. With God by your side, nothing on this earth can move you. Our God is greater and above all! Let your heart be glad, because He always leads us in triumph (victory & success) in Christ. (2 Corinthians 2:14) Amen!

For we walk by faith, not by sight. — 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NKJV) A thought from my hike yesterday: I could not always see the top of the mountain, but I continued to take each step, looking as far ahead as possible. Eventually, we reached our goal, the mountaintop. As we journey through life, we may not be able to see the destination God has in mind, with our eyes. But if we take each step, as He directs, with faith, He will guide us to our desired destination. The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day (Proverbs 4:18, NIV). Keep walking by faith, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).

Attention, all! See the marvels of God! He plants flowers and trees all over the earth,
 bans war from pole to pole, breaks all the weapons across his knee. “Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God, above politics, above everything.” — Psalm 46:8-10 (The Message) Simply put, be still and recognize that He is God. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse (Romans 1:20, NIV). Remember now your Creator, the One who formed you in your mother's womb. Above all, He is God!

Stay on the path that the LORD your God has commanded you to follow. Then you will live long and prosperous lives in the land you are about to enter and occupy. — Deuteronomy 5:33 (NLT) Yesterday, on a hike, I was reminded of the importance of staying on the path. For us to stray off the path would have meant time spent wandering in the wilderness or we could have fell off the cliff to our own destruction. Much the same results we get when we stray off the path of life God has placed before each one of us. Proverbs 23:19 (NIV) instructs us to set our hearts on the right path. The Amplified version says, direct your mind in the way [of the Lord]. As long as we seek His will in all we do, He will show us which path to take (Proverbs 3:6, NLT). He does not fail to guide us along on our path. On our hike, we encountered muddy puddles, big rocks and steep hills. His path may lead us through some adverse winds and floodwaters but He will always make a way for us, through it all. (Isaiah

When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was . — Matthew 2:9 (NKJV) The wise men followed the star and it led them to Jesus. May we keep our eyes on Jesus, the Light of the world (John 8:12) and follow His ways. As believers, we are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14a). Let us do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that we may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then we will shine among them like stars in the sky (Philippians 2:14-15, NIV)!

For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father [of Eternity], Prince of Peace. — Isaiah 9:6 (AMP) Jesus is all you will ever need. He is our Wonderful Counselor. Open up and confide in Him about the concerns of your heart, because He cares for you. He is our Mighty God. Nothing is too difficult for Him. No mountain is too high and no valley is too low. Jesus is the Everlasting Father. He watches over us and takes care of us. He is the Prince of Peace. Jesus has given us His peace. He does not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid (John 14:27). Call upon His Name!

 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world. — John 1:6-9 (NKJV) We also have been sent from God. May we, like John, live our lives in such a way that others may see our witness by our behavior, as well as hear it by the words that come out of our mouths. We can only do this by having the same mindset John had in John 3:30, where he says, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” Let Christ increase in our hearts and minds that we might bear witness of Him to a world that desperately needs to know Him.

Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren.  — Luke 1:36 (NKJV) What area of your life has the enemy called barren? Don’t listen to the lies of the enemy. Our God is a turn around God; He turns situations, circumstances and conditions around. Where there is darkness, He brings light. Where there is sickness and disease, the Sun of Righteousness arises with healing in His wings (Malachi 4:2). Where there is death, He brings resurrection power. Your story is not over yet. Keep believing God for your miracle! For with God nothing is ever impossible and no word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment (Luke 1:37, AMP).

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?” — Matthew 2:1-2a (NKJV) The wise men were looking for Jesus. Who or what are you searching for today? Is your heart longing for more of Jesus? In Jeremiah 29:13, the LORD says, “you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.” If you are seeking Jesus, take comfort in knowing that Jesus is near. In Revelation 3:20, He says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” Come, dine with the King!

“Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” — Matthew 2:2 (NAS)  When the wise men saw Jesus, they fell down and worshiped Him (Matthew 2:11). Does Jesus sit on the throne of your heart as King? Is He the ruling authority in your life? Let us be sure to worship Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 17:14). He is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, He who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty (Revelation 1:8). Glory Hallelujah!

Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. — Matthew 1:19 (NIV) After Joseph considered divorcing Mary secretly, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 1:20). When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife (Matthew 1:24). As a faithful man, Joseph was willing to allow his love to be a covering for Mary. He did not want to publicly shame or disgrace her. And even though he did not necessarily understand the situation, he obeyed God. Will you be a faithful man or woman of God and totally trust Him enough to just obey Him, when you situations in your life just don’t make sense? Will you keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins? (1 Peter 4:

“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” — Matthew 1:23 (NKJV) No matter what we go through in this life, our comfort is that God is with us. He promises never to cut us off from His Presence. He hides those who trust in Him in the secret place of His presence from the plots of man (Psalm 31:20). When you are going forward on the path the LORD has for you, “Go in peace. The presence of the LORD be with you on your way,” (Judges 18:6). When the enemy tries to steal your joy, remember: In His presence alone, is fullness of joy! (Psalm 16:11)

“A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.” — Luke 2:32 (NKJV) Jesus is the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world (John 1:9). Light reveals things and Jesus revealed the love God has for all people, and nothing can separate us from His great love. Matthew 4:16a (AMP) says, the people who sat (dwelt enveloped) in darkness have seen a great Light. Don't sit under that dark cloud of depression, doubt or hopelessness. Come into the Light, bask in His love, and enjoy the abundant life He came to give us. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” — Luke 1:34 (NKJV) When the angel told Mary she would conceive in her womb and bring forth a Son, her first response was to ask how. When we are presented with difficult situations, that seem impossible, our first inclination may be to ask God, how He is going to work it out. Sometimes, we even wonder when? When is that promise going to manifest in our lives. What is more important than knowing how or when is knowing WHO. We serve a great big God and nothing is too difficult for Him. With our God, the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the gospel preached to them (Luke 7:22). For with God nothing will be impossible (Luke 1:37). Amen!

And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb. — Luke 2:21 (NKJV) Before you were conceived in the womb of your mother, God knew you, by name. His eyes saw your unformed body (Psalm 139:16a, NIV). Our heavenly Father created you in His image, with a plan and a purpose for your life. All the days ordained for you were written in His book before one of them came to be (Psalm 139:16b, NIV). Listen to the desires and dreams delivered to your heart by God, and fulfill your God-given destiny. Live in the full potential of all God created you to be! Mount up with wings like an eagle and soar toward your calling. As you keep your eyes on the Master, He will show you the way. But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. —I saiah 40:31 (NKJV)

And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; — Luke 1:31-32a (NAS) JESUS is great! God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:9-11). The government will rest on His shoulders. And His kingdom will have no end (Luke 1:33).  He is called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). Whatever you are battling today, the name of Jesus is higher and more powerful. His name carries more weight. Keep your eyes on Jesus and you have the victory! Give unto the LORD the glory due to His name; Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness (Psalm 29:2, NKJV)!

And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” — Luke 1:28 (NKJV) We are highly favored and blessed because the Lord is with us. He forgives all our sins and heals all our diseases. He redeems our lives from the pit and crowns us with love and compassion. He satisfies our desires with good things so that our youth is renewed like the eagle’s (Psalms 103:3-5, NIV). See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! (1 John 3:1a, NIV) His unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth (Psalms 103:11, NLT). Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, all the days God gives you!

 ...that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. — Ephesians 2:12 (NKJV) Twenty-four years ago, my life was a mess and there was absolutely not an ounce of hope within me. But I thank God, for two co-workers who were faithful women of God. On Dec 5, 1989, they witnessed to me about the love and forgiveness God gives each and every one of us through Jesus Christ. That very day, God opened my eyes, to see Him and I opened the door of my heart and let Him in. That was truly the best day of my life. During my 24 year journey, the road has not always been easy, but I praise God that He has brought me this far! Let us always be His witnesses on our jobs, in our families and in our neighborhoods. There are many more, people in our world who are hurting, hopeless and without God.  And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creat

Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. — Luke 1:30-31 (NKJV)  You, my beloved, have found favor with God. May you continue to believe the wonderful promises God has spoken to you beyond the point of their conception in your heart. Just as Mary continued to carry the Baby within her until the days were completed for her to deliver, we have to carry our seed of promise and regularly nurture it with the Word of God. Once it is fully developed, we have to endure the pains of labor and keep pushing on until the time of delivery. Then comes that appointed time, when that which is conceived in us is birthed into reality. Amen and Hallelujah!

“Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.” — Luke 1:45 (NKJV)  When the angel Gabriel told Mary she would conceive and bring forth a Son, the Holy One who is to be called the Son of God, Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word,” (Luke 1:38). Believe that the Lord will fulfill every promise He has spoken to you. It will be as the Israelites experienced in Joshua 21:45, not a word failed of any good thing which the LORD had spoken to the house of Israel. All came to pass. Only believe!

God himself put it this way: “I’ll live in them, move into them; I’ll be their God and they’ll be my people. So leave the corruption and compromise; leave it for good,” says God.
“Don’t link up with those who will pollute you. I want you all for myself.” — 2 Corinthians 6:16-17 (The Message) If we live in the land of compromise, we are standing on middle ground, and in danger of being lukewarm. In Revelation 3:16, God says, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. As children of God, we are not supposed to succumb to the ways of this world. Instead, we are to let the light of His love and grace shine so brightly through us, that we light up the darkness that is in the world. Live as children of light (Ephesians 5:8)!

I am filled with comfort. I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation. — 2 Corinthians 7:4b (NKJV) The Apostle Paul was beaten with rods three times, stoned, shipwrecked, in perils (serious and immediate danger) of waters, in perils of robbers, his own countrymen, and the Gentiles, in perils in the city, the wilderness, and the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness (2 Corinthians 11:24-27). Yet, in all these things, the Apostle Paul says he was exceedingly joyful. This shows, that our joy is not a matter of having the right circumstances in our lives. Our joy comes from knowing Who our God is and that He is able. Nothing is too difficult for Him. Our joy comes from knowing who we are. We are sons and daughters of the Most High God. He chose us and accepted us into His family. We can hold onto our joy, knowing that no matter what trials come, they will also pass, and God