Manna for Your Morning

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. — John 10:10 (NKJV) Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8 NIV). Walk in wisdom and don't fall into the enemy's traps. Ignore the noise of his distractions and focus on the voice of our Savior and Shepherd, who came that we may enjoy life in abundance, to the full, till it overflows (AMP)!

I have built this Temple to honor the name of the LORD, the God of Israel. — 2 Chronicles 6:10b (NLT) In the Old Testament, King Solomon built a physical building as a temple for the LORD. Now, our bodies are the temple of God. And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. (Romans 12:1 NLT). Give God all of you and let His Holy Spirit rule and reign on the throne of your heart. Surrender and submit to His will and His way!

Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let’s not let it slip through our fingers. We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help. — Hebrews 4:14-16 (MSG) Only because of Jesus, do we have 24-hour access to God. He destroyed the barrier that separated us from our Heavenly Father. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God (Hebrews 4:16a NLT). Take the mercy. Accept the help!

I saw God before me for all time. Nothing can shake me; he’s right by my side. I’m glad from the inside out, ecstatic; I’ve pitched my tent in the land of hope. — Acts 2:25-26 (MSG) Pitch your tent in the land of hope: the Presence of the LORD. That is where you will not be shaken because He is right beside you. In His presence, He will fill you with joy and make known to you the paths of life (Acts 2:28). In the land of hope, He will do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us (Ephesians 3:20). In the land of hope, we experience a rich and satisfying life, to the full, till it overflows and touches the lives around us. In the land of hope, His compassions fail not. They are new every morning. Glory hallelujah!

When Jesus saw him coming he said, “There’s a real Israelite, not a false bone in his body.” Nathanael said, “Where did you get that idea? You don’t know me.”  Jesus answered, “One day, long before Philip called you here, I saw you under the fig tree.” — John 1:47-48 (MSG) Don't be like Nathanael and think for one moment that Jesus doesn’t know you. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God (John 1:1). Jesus was with God when He chose you before He laid down the foundations of the world. He was there when the Father formed you in your mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13). Not only does He know the real you, He died and was resurrected to pay the price for your sins and reconcile you back into fellowship with our heavenly Father. In addition to all of that, JESUS LOVES YOU! (just the way you are). How awesome is that?

For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries. — 1 Corinthians 16:9 (NKJV) Whenever a door of opportunity is wide open, make sure the door was opened by the Lord. If He sets before you an open door, no one can shut it  (Revelation 3:8). Know that any good work you undertake will meet some opposition. Continue to take each step by faith. And stay alert, sin is crouching at your door and it desires to have you. Keep your eyes and heart open for every great and effective door of opportunity to give, to serve, to forgive, to walk in love, to let His light shine through you, etc.

I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the LORD sustained me. — Psalm 3:5 (NKJV) We are able to lie down in peace and sleep because the LORD alone, makes us dwell in safety (Psalm 4:8). When we awake, we are still with Him (Psalm 139:18). The LORD sustains us, He goes the distance with us. He is not here one day and gone the next. He sustains us, from beginning to end, without interruption. Cast your burden on the LORD, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved. Amen!

He refreshes and restores my life (my self); He leads me in the paths of righteousness [uprightness and right standing with Him—not for my earning it, but] for His name’s sake. — Psalm 23:3 (AMP) The LORD says, “So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten,
 the crawling locust, the consuming locust, and the chewing locust,” (Joel 2:25 NKJV). He will restore all that the enemy has stolen. In Matthew 11:28 (AMP), Jesus says, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.]” Come to Jesus and be refreshed!

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. — Psalm 23:4 (NIV) The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1). No matter what dark valley you may be walking through, the LORD is with you and He is your light. He will give you strength and show you the way through the darkness and into His marvelous light.

You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. — Psalm 16:11 (NKJV) No matter what material possessions we may lack, as long as we dwell in the presence of Almighty God, we will experience fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore.  As believers and followers of Christ, we do not have to pursue happiness. Our pursuit is to abide in His Presence and our joy will be made full and complete. Thank God for His wonderful Presence!

The next day they offered sacrifices and burnt offerings to the Lord…and sacrifices in abundance for all Israel. — 1 Chronicles 29:21 (AMP) In today’s culture of convenience and entitlement, most of us rarely entertain the notion of giving sacrificially, giving of our time, our treasures and our talents, until it hurts. Sacrifice is the act of giving up something valued for the sake of something else regarded as more important or worthy. What are you willing to offer to God as a sacrifice today, for the sake of His Kingdom? May we freely sacrifice to the LORD in abundance. Let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name (Hebrews 13:15). Psalm 27:6 tells us to offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle. Psalm 51:17 says God will not despise, the sacrifices of a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart. And then, Romans 12:1 tells us to present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy, acceptable to God. Amen!

Moreover, because I have set my affection on the house of my God, I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house, my own special treasure of gold and silver: — 1 Chronicles 29:3 (NKJV) Set your affections on God and give Him your all. Misplaced affections on the things of this world restrict us from experiencing all that God has for us: His deep abiding love, His never-ending peace, His amazing grace... Put your whole heart into developing a more intimate relationship with our heavenly Father. Give God over and above, all that you are and all that you have.

“O our God, we thank you and praise your glorious name! But who am I, and who are my people, that we could give anything to you? Everything we have has come from you, and we give you only what you first gave us!” — 1 Chronicles 29:13-14 (NLT)  Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father (James 1:17). Let us give Him thanks, and praise His glorious name! All that we have, His generous hand has provided. May we be wise stewards of all that God has so graciously entrusted to us: our finances, our children, our spouses, material possessions, etc.

Furthermore King David said to all the assembly: “My son Solomon, whom alone God has chosen, is young and inexperienced; and the work is great, because the temple is not for man but for the LORD God.” — 1 Chronicles 29:1 (NKJV) Just as God chose Solomon, He chose you. He has a plan and purpose for your life. Consider everything God puts on your heart to do, a great work. Though others may enjoy the benefit of your labor, do your work unto the Lord and for His kingdom. You may feel inexperienced, but our heavenly Father always prepares us for each step. So be strong and of good courage, and do the great work God has called you to!

The LORD opens the eyes of the blind. The LORD lifts up those who are weighed down. The LORD loves the godly. — Psalm 146:8 (NLT) If you are bogged down with burdens, cast your cares on the LORD and He will lift you up. If you have fallen into a dark pit of despair, or depression, reach out your hand to God and He will bring you out. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along (Psalm 40:2 NLT). The LORD lifts up the humble (Psalm 147:6). Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor (James 4:10 NLT). Lift up the light of Your countenance upon us, O Lord (Psalm 4:6 AMP) and we shall be lifted up.

Honor his holy name with Hallelujahs, you who seek God. Live a happy life! Keep your eyes open for God, watch for his works; be alert for signs of his presence. Remember the world of wonders he has made, his miracles, and the verdicts he’s rendered — Psalm 105:3-5 (MSG) How do we live a happy life? Stay in continual fellowship with our Creator. He is our constant Companion on this journey of life. And He has a never-ending supply of ALL that we need: love, peace, wisdom, joy, comfort, direction, clarity, etc. Always be alert for signs of His powerful Presence.

  Because of faith also Sarah herself received physical power to conceive a child, even when she was long past the age for it, because she considered [God] Who had given her the promise to be reliable and trustworthy and true to His word. — Hebrews 11:11(AMP) May we be full of faith, knowing with all of our hearts and minds that our God is true to His Word. He is absolutely reliable and totally trustworthy. He is faithful, even when we are not. Jesus said, “And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20 NLT). Be certain that whatever you go through today, God is with you. His Presence with us, is mighty and powerful. With God on our side, all things are possible!

I’m all ears, all eyes before you. Save me from my enemies, GOD— you’re my only hope! Teach me how to live to please you, because you’re my God. Lead me by your blessed Spirit into cleared and level pastureland.  — Psalm 143:9-10 (MSG) God is magnificent; he can never be praised enough. There are no boundaries to his greatness (Psalm 145:3 MSG).The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made (Psalm 145:9 NIV). He gives to all life, breath, and all things (Acts 17:25 NKJV). Keep your ears open to the sound of His loving voice. Fix your eyes upon Him. He is the answer, the solution, the provider, the healer. He is our only Hope!

You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. — Isaiah 26:3 (NKJV) Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows (James 1:17). Peace is a good and perfect gift the Father has given to us. Don’t allow the enemy to steal your peace. Let your mind be still and meditate on the goodness of our mighty God. The LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace (Numbers 6:25-26 NIV). Amen.

Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. — Hebrews 10:36 (NLT) Let us patently endure hardship, trials and temptations. Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord (James 5:11). Job received double for his trouble. Hannah and Sarah went through a season of barrenness before they experienced the joy of giving birth. Joseph lived in the prison before he dwelt in the palace. David hid in caves before he sat on the throne, as king of Israel. We must put in the hard work and sweat to climb the mountain, before we can enjoy the view from the top. In the midst of setbacks, keep pushing forward; instead of going for what appears quick and easy, stick with God’s plan. Then you will receive ALL that He has promised!

Now set your heart and your soul to seek the LORD your God. — 1 Chronicles 22:19a (NKJV) Now is the time, today is the day. Set your heart and soul (mind, will and emotions) to seek the LORD, our God! He is always there, waiting for us to acknowledge Him, and enjoy the pleasure and privilege of His Presence. When you open your eyes in the morning, let your first thought be of the God, who watched over you while you slept. Thank Him for His goodness, His grace and His brand new mercies. Seek God's will for your day and respond accordingly. Make place for Him, in your heart, today. He is able to perform all that concerns you! When we seek to fulfill God’s agenda in our lives, moment by moment, then the work of our hands will be prosperous and successful.

Be of good courage, and let us be strong for our people and for the cities of our God. And may the LORD do what is good in His sight. — 1 Chronicles 19:13 (NKJV) Wikipedia says courage is the ability and willingness to confront fear, pain, danger, uncertainty or intimidation. In God, we can be of good courage because we know He is able to conquer all that concerns us. Let us be strong for other believers; encourage one another and build each other up. May we work together in love and unity to take our cities for God! Our God is good and He will always do what is good in His sight. Amen!

But my eyes are upon You, O GOD the Lord; In You I take refuge; do not leave my soul destitute. — Psalm 141:8 (NKJV) Instead of examining your problems, fix your eyes upon the Sovereign LORD, and constantly look to Him for help. He is above ALL. Cry out to the LORD; plead for the LORD’s mercy. Pour out your complaints before him and tell him all your troubles. When you are overwhelmed, God alone knows the way you should turn (Psalm 142:1-3a NLT). He will show you the way you should walk. He will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint (Jeremiah 31:25 NIV).

O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, You have covered my head in the day of battle. — Psalm 140:7(NKJV) Not only does the LORD cover your head, He has enclosed you behind and before, 
and laid His hand upon you (Psalm 139:5 NASB). Our heavenly Father is our hiding place; He shall preserve us from trouble; He shall surround us with songs of deliverance (Psalm 32:7). The LORD is a shield to all who trust in Him (Psalm 18:30). He loves us with an everlasting love; with lovingkindness He has drawn us to Himself and He constantly watches over us. Glory hallelujah!

He said, “This is different. Get ready for trouble. Look to what you’ll need; there are difficult times ahead. Pawn your coat and get a sword. — Luke 22:36 (MSG) Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you (1 Peter 4:12 NLT). James 1:2 says, to count it all joy when you fall into various trials. In other words, expect trouble. You have a glorious destiny in God and an enemy who does not want you to get there. In order to win the battles we have to know how to use the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. We have to know the Word and speak it out of our mouths, to declare it over every adverse situation that comes our way. Let us renew our minds with the Word, in order to prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God (Romans 12:2). Amen!

  So David and his troops went up to Baal-perazim and defeated the Philistines there. “God did it!” David exclaimed. “He used me to burst through my enemies like a raging flood!” So they named that place Baal-perazim (which means “the Lord who bursts through”). — 1 Chronicles 14:11 (NLT) So David did what God commanded, and they struck down his enemies. (1 Chronicles 14:16). The secret to David’s success is that He obeyed God. The price we pay or the investment we make is consistent obedience. And our faithful, mighty God will cause us to burst through our enemies or any other obstacles that dare stand in our way. Amen!

“There is the sound of war in the camp.” — Exodus 32:17 (NIV) Wake up! We are in a war. Every day we are in the midst of a battle. In Revelation 12:17, the devil declared war with the woman and the rest of her offspring, those who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. Let us be good soldiers. Good soldiers stay focused on the mission of the Commanding Officer. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier (2 Timothy 2:4). Good soldiers do not quit in the middle of the battle. You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 2:3). Get your boots on the ground and stay engaged in the good fight of faith. The PRICE is the war that must be fought, but the PRIZE is the wedding to come (Revelation 21:1-4). March on good soldiers, with your eyes on the prize!

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. — Psalm 139:17-18 (NKJV) God's thoughts about you outnumber the grains of sand on the beach. Wow! That is an overwhelming thought. God cares what happens to you even more than you do. He pays even greater attention to you, down to the last detail—even numbering the hairs on your head! (Matthew 10:30 MSG). He knows when you sit down and when you rise (Psalm 139:2). He knows what you are going to say before you speak a word (Psalm 139:4). The LORD has examined our hearts and He knows everything about us (Psalm 139:1). He knows us better than we know ourselves, yet He says, nothing can ever separate us from His amazing love (Romans 8:38-39). God’s loyal love will not run out nor dry up, because His mercies begin afresh every morning (Lamentations 3:23). Hallelujah!

  Though I am surrounded by troubles, you will protect me from the anger of my enemies. You reach out your hand, and the power of your right hand saves me. The LORD will work out his plans for my life—for your faithful love, O LORD, endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for you made me. — Psalm 138:7-8 NLT) The LORD will perfect that which concerns you (Psalm 138:8 NKJV). Every day of your life was written in His book before you were even born (Psalm 139:16). He has thoughts of peace toward you and not evil (Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV). Nothing can thwart the good plans the LORD has for you. He will not abandon the good work He is doing in you. He goes before you and follows you. He has placed His hand of blessing on your head (Psalm 139:5 NLT). Amen!

Thank you! Everything in me says “Thank you!” Angels listen as I sing my thanks. I kneel in worship facing your holy temple and say it again: “Thank you!” Thank you for your love, thank you for your faithfulness; Most holy is your name, most holy is your Word. The moment I called out, you stepped in; you made my life large with strength. — Psalm 138:1-3 (MSG) Let us thank and praise the LORD with all of our hearts, minds and strength. No matter what you are going through today, troubled relationships, strife on the job, health issues, our God is greater and He is faithful. He is exalted above all. Thank God that He causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them (Romans 8:28 NLT).

“God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” — Numbers 23:19 (NKJV) God cannot lie (Titus 1:2) and His word that goes forth from His mouth does not return to Him void (Isaiah 55:11). God said, He will never leave us or forsake us. He will be with us in the floodwaters and in the fire. He said, nothing can separate us from His great love. In Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT) God said, the plans He has for us are for good and not for disaster, to give us a future and a hope. In Luke 1:37 (AMP), God said, with Him nothing is ever impossible and no word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment. Stand on His Word, and believe His Word. It is truth and it endures forever.