Manna for Your Morning

From the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been a shelter for me, a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings. Selah — Psalm 61:2-4 (NKJV) Our heavenly Father dwells in a higher place. His ways higher than our ways, and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. He is higher than any mountain that stands before us. When we take refuge in the shelter of His wings, we rise above the circumstances of this world. Dwell in the secret place of the Most High. He is our shelter from the enemy. It is God who arms me with strength, and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of deer, and sets me on my high places. ( Psalm 18:32-33 NKJV )

God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home and mature in us… — 1 John 4:17 (MSG) If we love one another, God dwells deeply within us, and his love becomes complete in us—perfect love! (1 John 4:12 MSG). Let the love of God be fully formed in you by taking up permanent residence in Him and allowing Him full access to every area of your life. As we open our hearts to God, the flow of His love from us to others will be constant. When people say or do something that offends us, we are able to respond with the love that God has poured into our hearts. It's God's amazing love that heals our hurts and strengthens our spirits. It's His perfect love that brings unity to the family of believers and draws unbelievers closer to Him. The command we have from Christ is blunt: Loving God includes loving people. You’ve got to love both (1 John 4:21 MSG).

This is the day which the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it. — Psalm 118:24 (NASB) When we let go of the regrets of yesterday and the worries about tomorrow, we are free to enjoy the present moment God has for us today. This is the day He has made. Every day of your life was recorded in His book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. (Psalm 139:16). So, do all things without complaining and disputing, (Philippians 2:14). Instead rejoice and be glad for the new mercies and compassions, the LORD poured out on you this morning. He has packed this day full of purpose and power just for you. Amen.

I have written to you who are God’s children because you know the Father. I have written to you who are mature in the faith because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning. I have written to you who are young in the faith because you are strong. God’s word lives in your hearts, and you have won your battle with the evil one. — 1 John 2:14 (NLT) At every stage of our spiritual growth, there are two things that help us gain victory over the evil one: God's Word and His Presence. As we allow the Word of God to live in our hearts, we have an indispensable weapon that is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword. In addition, our fellowship with God enables us to gain victory over the Evil One. (1 John 2:14 MSG). When we stay closely connected to the Father, following Him every step of the way, our battles belong to the LORD and He always leads us in triumph in Christ. (2 Corinthians 2:14). Hallelujah!

But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. — Acts 20:24 (NKJV) Don’t be moved by the events that take place here on earth. They are here for a moment in time. God has given us a firm place to stand —on His Word, with all of His precious promises. His Word is truth and it lasts forever. Aim to finish your race and do it with joy. As we complete our course, He is with us and in His presence is fullness of joy. We can also rejoice in the fact that Jesus has already given us the victory. Amen!

In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. — 1 Peter 5:10 (NLT) You may feel like you're in between a rock and a hard place, but do not lose heart or become discouraged. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all (2 Corinthians 4:17 NIV). Whatever the current challenge, it will come to pass and our Heavenly Father will restore, support and strengthen you. No weapon formed against you will prosper. (Isaiah 54:17). What the enemy meant for evil, God will use for good. Amen!

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! — Isaiah 26:3 (NLT) We are instructed to cast our cares on the LORD because the act of throwing them will get them as far away from us as possible. As we cast all our cares on God, we acknowledge that He is able and admit that we are not. When we focus on solving problems, our thoughts become problem-centered. A mind focused on the cares of this life will cause anxiety, frustration and impatience. However, when we cast all our cares on our heavenly Father and focus on His mighty power and His unfailing love for us, our minds will be God-centered. This empowers us to stand strong in faith and trust God, no matter what. A mind centered on God will remain in perfect peace and full of joy. Fix your thoughts on Him today and release the power of God to work in your life!

Many hardships and perplexing circumstances confront the righteous, but the LORD rescues him from them all. — Psalm 34:19 (AMP) In this world, you will have trouble. (John 16:33). There will be circumstances that we just don't understand. However, our consolation is knowing that the LORD will deliver us out of them all. With God on our side, no one can stand against us. Nothing is too difficult for our mighty God. Troubles will come and troubles will go, but through it all let us continue to seek the LORD. When You said, “Seek My face,” My heart said to You, “Your face, LORD, I will seek.” Psalm 27:8 (NKJV)

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; — 1 Peter 2:9 (NKJV) Dearly Beloved, you are a chosen generation, a special people. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago (Ephesians 2:10 NLT). You are on this earth and have come to the kingdom of God for such a time as this. God has you here with an extraordinary plan and purpose to fulfill. Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. (Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT).

What a God we have! And how fortunate we are to have him, this Father of our Master Jesus! Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven—and the future starts now! — 1 Peter 1:3-4 (MSG) We are abundantly blessed because God is with us and He is for us. Thank God for the brand-new life we have in Christ. Praise Him for His breath of life in your lungs and the new mercies He poured out on you this morning. He has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness. We can shed what is left of the old, dead life and embrace what God is doing in our lives today. What He has planned for us is much better than anything we could ever think or imagine.

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. — James 1:2-4 (NLT) 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). The more troubles we experience, the more opportunities we have for great joy to abound in our hearts and minds. In addition, the joy of the LORD is your strength. And joy is contagious, when you are joyful, that joy is released into the atmosphere and those around you also benefit. So, take joy in knowing that you are in a process of perfection and that God who began a good work in you is faithful to complete it.

Anyone who meets a testing challenge head-on and manages to stick it out is mighty fortunate. For such persons loyally in love with God, the reward is life and more life. — James 1:12 (MSG) The Amplified Bible says, “Blessed [happy, spiritually prosperous, favored by God] is the man who is steadfast under trial and perseveres when tempted;” (James 1:12a). As we remain loyal in our love for God and continually rely on His love for us we are able to endure the challenges, trials and temptations. Nothing can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39). When we depend on God’s love, we can be confident that no matter what comes our way He has our best interests in mind. As a loving Father, He is faithful to help us overcome every challenge. Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors and gain an overwhelming victory through Him who loved us [so much that He died for us]. Romans 8:37 (AMP)

Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. — James 1:17 (NLT) Our heavenly Father consistently and freely gives us every good and perfect gift. He has given us unconditional love, peace of mind, joy, redemption and freedom. May we receive every gift with a grateful heart.  The enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy. Don't relinquish your gifts to him. Instead, keep a firm grip on all that God has given you and utilize them to live the more abundant life Jesus came to give us, and to add to the lives of others.

Don’t be obsessed with getting more material things. Be relaxed with what you have. Since God assured us, “I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you,” we can boldly quote, God is there, ready to help; I’m fearless no matter what. Who or what can get to me? — Hebrews 13:5-6 (MSG) To focus on gaining more material possessions is a poor investment in temporary things that make no real profits in the eternal bank account. However, true and lasting treasure comes when we focus our time and energies on loving God and being His ambassadors on the earth. Great profits come as we touch the lives of others with God's love. “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. (Matthew 6:19 NLT). Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it’s safe from moth and rust and burglars. (Matthew 6:20 MSG).

By an act of faith, Isaac reached into the future as he blessed Jacob and Esau. — Hebrews 11:20 (MSG) I beg to differ with the saying “Sticks & stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me.” Words are very powerful. A word out of your mouth may seem of no account, but it can accomplish nearly anything—or destroy it! With our words we carry the potential to bless or curse, build up or tear down, bring together or create division. Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose (Proverbs 18:21 MSG). Our words are like a bridge that creates the passageway from the present to the future. May we reach into the future with words of life and blessing. Let’s lift those who hear our words up and not drag them down or beat them up. Amen!

It’s impossible to please God apart from faith. And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that he exists and that he cares enough to respond to those who seek him. — Hebrews 11:6 (MSG) Know that God cares more than enough to respond to every person who seeks Him. In Jeremiah 33:3 (NKJV) the LORD says, “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” In Psalm 8:4 David asks, “What is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?” God has made us a little lower than the angels and crowned us with glory and honor. (Psalm 8:5). He cares enough to call us out of darkness and into His marvelous light; (1 Peter 2:9). God cares so much, He accepted us and adopted us into His family. He gave us the right to be called children of God. As a loving parent, He watches over us and provides for all our needs. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he definitely cares about you! Seek Him to

The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see. — Hebrews 11:1-2 (MSG) It takes wisdom to build a house, and understanding to set it on a firm foundation; (Proverbs 24:3 MSG). To have a life worth living, we must build it on the firm foundation of trust in our mighty and faithful God. Jeremiah 17:7 (NLT) says, “…blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence.” As we keep our trust in God, we will have deep peace and everlasting joy, regardless of the circumstances. Be confident that God is able and willing. Nothing is too difficult for Him.

By an act of faith, Abraham said yes to God’s call to travel to an unknown place that would become his home. When he left he had no idea where he was going. — Hebrews 11:8 (MSG) Will you say “Yes!” to the call of God on your life? Will you leave the known and familiar to journey toward what God has yet to reveal? It’s only when we faithfully follow God that we are in position to enjoy the fullness of His Presenc e and receive the complete inheritance that He has for us. Say “Yes!” to Him today. Abraham did it by keeping his eye on an unseen city with real, eternal foundations—the City designed and built by God (Hebrews 11:10 MSG). So don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix your gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. (2 Corinthians 4:18 NLT)

By faith, Noah built a ship in the middle of dry land. He was warned about something he couldn’t see, and acted on what he was told. The result? His family was saved. His act of faith drew a sharp line between the evil of the unbelieving world and the rightness of the believing world. As a result, Noah became intimate with God. — Hebrews 11:7 (MSG) The Bible doesn’t say that Noah questioned God. He didn't inquire about the what, why, and when. It doesn’t say that Noah had to think about a convenient time to undertake the massive project God gave to him. He just acted in faith and obedience and as a result many lives were saved. God’s Word is the instruction manual for our lives. When we do as He directs us, it will mean salvation not only for us but for others. Acting in faith and obedience sets us free from the bondage of the enemy and gives us good success in life. The task God has given to you may seem to big of an undertaking, but if you just focus on the next step, God w

Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise: — Hebrews 10:35-36 (NKJV) Sometimes the life situations we encounter tempt us to draw back and give up on God. But you need to stick it out, staying with God’s plan so you’ll be there for the promised completion. (Hebrews 10:36 MSG). “The just shall live by faith; but if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him,” (Hebrews 10:38 NKJV). Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. (Hebrews 10:23 MSG). When you get the impulse to draw back, passionately pursue His Presence with even more determination. We’re not quitters who lose out. Oh, no! We’ll stay with it and survive, trusting all the way. (Hebrews 10:39 MSG) Amen!

And we know that God 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) What have I learned in 52 years of living? The most important lesson I have learned is that our great big God is indeed good all the time! And He does in fact cause everything to work together for good. All the things I stressed out about, came and went and yet I stand. He faithfully brought me through things I thought I would never make it through. Wherever you are in life, know that He will see you through the good and the bad, the fire and the flood. God’s plans for you are good. As you love God and continue to follow Him, His wonderful plans and purpose for your life will unfold. It may not always be pretty, but it will be powerful!

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, — Hebrews 6:19 (NIV) We have this living hope in Almighty God and all that He has made available to us through Christ (not only abundant life here on earth but eternal life in His Presence). This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls (Hebrews 6:19 NLT). It gives us weight to remain stable in God and not be tossed to and fro by the undercurrents of life. When adverse winds arise, this anchor will keep us from drifting away. This hope goes behind the veil, and enters God’s inner sanctuary, right to the very presence of God where Jesus, running on ahead of us, has taken up his permanent post as high priest for us. (Hebrews 6:20 MSG)

So, my dear Christian friends, companions in following this call to the heights, take a good hard look at Jesus. He’s the centerpiece of everything we believe, faithful in everything God gave him to do. — Hebrews 3:1-2 (MSG) Jesus is the centerpiece of all we believe. When everything in our lives revolve around Him, we will thrive, and maintain a proper balance in every area of our lives: spiritual, mental, physical, and our relationships. We will experience difficulties, but when the mountain appears before us, we have to look beyond the mountain and cast our eyes upon Jesus: wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace. He is bigger than any challenge before us. He calls us higher, above the circumstances of this life. When we look high enough, all we can see is Jesus, in plain sight. Take a good hard look at Him, not just a soft momentary glance, but a long hard stare, until mesmerized by His glory. He will cause you to triumph over all your troubles.

“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” — Luke 1:45 (NIV) Blessed are those who believe that the Lord will fulfill His promises. By faith Sarah received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised (Hebrews 11:11). You too will receive strength to give birth to all that God has placed inside of you. No matter how impossible circumstances may appear, keep believing and trusting in our faithful God and you will not be disappointed. God is not a man, that He should lie (Numbers 23:19). He will fulfill every single promise. “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” Mark 9:23 (NKJV)

God means what he says. What he says goes. His powerful Word is sharp as a surgeon’s scalpel, cutting through everything, whether doubt or defense, laying us open to listen and obey. — Hebrews 4:12 (MSG) God’s Word is sharp enough to cut through any doubt, defensive attitudes or walls of offense. We are to lay on His altar and present ourselves to Him as living sacrifices. As a skilled surgeon, our heavenly Father uses His Word to cut away anything that is not of Him. As we expose ourselves to the Word, it will cleanse us and wash away the flaws and imperfections. In all your ways submit to Him and let His Word have utmost authority in your life. “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)

We also know that the Son did not come to help angels; he came to help the descendants of Abraham. Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested. — Hebrews 2:16-18 (NLT) Jesus understands our weaknesses and He is rich in mercy and faith. No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it. (1 Corinthians 10:13, MSG)

And they overcame and conquered him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, for they did not love their life and renounce their faith even when faced with death. — Revelation 12:11 (AMP) What Jesus went through was not for himself. He suffered, bled and died for us. Maybe what you are going through today, or have gone through in the past, is not about you. Even when faced with death, hold on to faith. God can use the land of your suffering to bring about great blessing and much fruit. Your greatest struggle becomes your story. Our stories may vary, but if we persevere to the end, Jesus has ensured victory for us all. Endure the hardship, and you will overcome and conquer all! Share your story. Your testimony will give others hope that they too will see the LORD’s goodness here in the land of the living. (Psalm 27:13)

“Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?” Jesus replied, “‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ — Matthew 22:36-39 (NLT) As believers we have a call on our lives, a mission to pursue that aligns with the two greatest commandments. First we are to know Him, then we are to make Him known to others. To know the LORD is to love Him with all our heart, soul and mind. As we grow in the knowledge of our great God, we are able to see ourselves the way He sees us, as extraordinary children of God. We can then love and accept ourselves the way our heavenly Father loves us. Consequently, we are able to love our neighbors with the same kind of love God lavishes on us, sacrificial and unconditional. When we walk in this kind of love with our neighbors, we are making God known to a world that needs to know H

Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us there is a time for everything. There is a time to be quiet and a time to speak. — Ecclesiastes 3:7b (NLT) One day as I listened to the chirping of birds, I was amazed that God gave each type of bird a different sound. Just as the birds have a unique sound, He has given to each one of us a unique voice, not to duplicate someone else. Just as John was the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, we are to lift our voice and carry the message He has engraved on our hearts to others. Let us speak words of life that draw others to our heavenly Father and Christ, our Savior. Who needs to hear your voice today? Don’t remain silent, when God has called you to speak out. Wisdom shouts in the streets. She cries out in the public square. (Proverbs 1:20 NLT)

You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 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 2:3-4 (NKJV) A soldier on duty doesn’t get caught up in making deals at the marketplace. He concentrates on carrying out orders (2 Timothy 2:4 MSG). As good soldiers of Jesus Christ, we have received a call: a set of orders. Instead of getting entangled in the affairs of civilian life, and having an unauthorized absence (UA) from our place of duty, let us give our attention to fulfilling the mission the Lord has entrusted to us, that we may please our Commanding Officer. That means we must endure hardship, and stay alert and fully engaged in our God-given orders: assignments that tell us where to go, when to go and what to say.

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28 (NLT) Jesus calls all people to come to Him, let us come thirsty. Rainwater that falls on hard ground rolls on without seeping in, but when the ground is thirsty, it absorbs the water and is changed. When we come to Jesus but resist submitting to His ways, our hearts are hard and we are not open to receive what He has for us. However, when we come to Jesus thirsty, wanting more of Him, His living water is able to penetrate our hearts and we are changed. He refreshes, revives and satisfies our souls. O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you… (Psalm 63:1, NLT)