Manna for Your Morning

A hostile world! I call to God, I cry to God to help me. From his palace he hears my call; my cry brings me right into his presence— a private audience! — Psalm 18:6 (MSG) Fear of human opinion can disable you from doing what God has called you to do. (Proverbs 29:25). May we live for an audience of One, the One who created us and will never abandon us. No matter how hostile the world around us becomes, we cannot go wrong when we live to please our heavenly Father. In John 8:29 (NKJV), Jesus said, “ And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him. ” May we follow in His footsteps and always live to please God. Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we urge you in the name of the Lord Jesus to live in a way that pleases God, as we have taught you. You live this way already, and we encourage you to do so even more. (1 Thessalonians 4:1 NLT)

“As for Mephibosheth,” said the king, “he shall eat at my table like one of the king’s sons.” — 2 Samuel 9:11b (NKJV) When King David was looking for one of Saul’s descendants to show the kindness of God to, Mephibosheth was hiding out in Lo Debar. After King David brought him to Jerusalem, Mephibosheth ate continually at the king’s table, like one of his sons. Are you trying to hide from the LORD? You are the son or daughter of the King. He continually knocks on the door of our hearts. He wants to come in and dine with us, that means close fellowship with the King of kings and the Lord of lords. What an honor and privilege!  That also means provision. The food He gives will sustain and nourish you. Come hungry and eat at His table today. 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. (Revelation 3:20 NKJV)

Blessed are the people who know the passwords of praise,  who shout on parade in the bright presence of God.  Delighted, they dance all day long; they know  who you are, what you do—they can’t keep it quiet!  Your vibrant beauty has gotten inside us—  you’ve been so good to us! We’re walking on air!  All we are and have we owe to God,  Holy God of Israel, our King! — Psalm 89:15-18 (MSG) Blessed be the LORD, Who daily loads us with benefits, the God of our salvation! Selah (Psalm 68:19 (NKJV). Let us continually praise His name. In the words of Pastor Matthew Pollock, “Let your praise invade your problems!”  Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of your presence, LORD. (Psalm 89:15 NLT).

Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. — Hebrews 10:23 (MSG) Never let go or give up on the promises God has spoken to you. God is faithful and we can  trust Him to keep His promises. What the LORD speaks, eventually comes to pass (maybe not on our timetable). After God delivered the Israelites from slavery and ushered them into the Promise Land, Joshua 21:44-45 says, the LORD delivered all their enemies into their hand. Not a word failed of any good thing which the LORD had spoken to the house of Israel. All came to pass. This is the same God we serve. They may have spent 40 years in the wilderness, but through it all, God provided and His people prevailed. The enemy likes to use adverse circumstances to discourage us, but look past the smokescreen and see the victory we already have in Jesus! Hold onto His promises.

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) For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our 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 4:17-18 NLT). Fix your gaze upon our great God and the mighty things He has done. He is more than able to extinguish the fiery darts of the wicked one.

It wasn’t so long ago that you were mired in that old stagnant life of sin. You let the world, which doesn’t know the first thing about living, tell you how to live. You filled your lungs with polluted unbelief, and then exhaled disobedience. We all did it, all of us doing what we felt like doing, when we felt like doing it, all of us in the same boat. It’s a wonder God didn’t lose his temper and do away with the whole lot of us. Instead, immense in mercy and with an incredible love, he embraced us. He took our sin-dead lives and made us alive in Christ. He did all this on his own, with no help from us! — Ephesians 2:1-5 (MSG) No matter where we are in life, when we call upon the LORD, because of His immense mercy and incredible love, He delivers us, and draws us near to Him. He holds us close to His heart. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps. (Psalm 40:2 NKJV)

“Again, God’s Message: “‘I’ll turn things around for Jacob. I’ll compassionately come in and rebuild homes. The town will be rebuilt on its old foundations; the mansions will be splendid again. Thanksgivings will pour out of the windows; laughter will spill through the doors. Things will get better and better. Depression days are over. They’ll thrive, they’ll flourish. The days of contempt will be over.’” — Jeremiah 30:18-19 (MSG) Our God is in the restoration business. If your life is in ruins, He will compassionately rebuild, on the solid foundation. You can only “get yourself together” with God’s help. When you open the door of your heart to Him, He will restore what has been destroyed, and mend what is broken. When we let the light of His Presence shine through the windows of our souls, we will thrive and flourish, in His Son. Yes! He will turn things around for you. May praises and the giving of thanks to God continually pour out of your windows and laughter spill through the

A man’s mind plans his way [as he journeys through life], but the LORD directs his steps and establishes them. — Proverbs 16:9 (AMP) This verse is vibrant with action and progression. Our walk and relationship with the LORD is not to be stationary and stagnant. In order for the LORD to direct our steps, we have to be going somewhere. As we put forth the effort to move forward, God will direct our steps. When we walk or run in the steps of faith and according to His Word, He will show us the  right paths to take. As we follow His guidance, we can be sure that our steps will be established and we will reach our desired destination. Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass (Psalm 37:5 NKJV).

“If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving.” — Matthew 6:30-31 (MSG) God has given us so much, His Son, His Spirit, His peace, etc. How do you respond to God’s giving? Let us always give thanks for the many blessings our heavenly Father continually pours out on us, too numerous to count. I believe, a genuine heart, full of gratitude and appreciation for all He has done and is doing, is an awesome way to respond to our great God. In Matthew 10:8, Jesus says, “ Freely you have received, freely give. ” Another response to God’s giving is to become like Him and generously give to others. We are blessed to be a blessing!

So be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs. God’s strong hand is on you; he’ll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you. — 1 Peter 5:6-7 (MSG) Contentment is a sense of inner confidence based on the sufficiency of God. In Philippians 4:11, the Apostle Paul said he learned to be content. May we learn to be content with what we have and who we are. Comparing ourselves to others will only lead to discontent (being disturbed or uneasy), with what God has provided or with the way God made us. Each one of us is a unique creation of our heavenly Father, and He has given each one of us what we need to fulfill His purpose for us, on this earth. We don’t have to pretend to be something we are not. We are instructed to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. Love and accept yourself, then you can love your neighbor. Now godliness with contentment is great gain. (1 Timothy 6:6 NKJV)

David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God. — 1 Samuel 30:6 (NIV) When David and his men returned to the city of Ziklag, it was burned with fire; and their wives, their sons, and their daughters had been taken captive. After they wept until they could weep no more, David found strength in the LORD. When all seems lost, may we find strength in the LORD our God. Be encouraged in His Word, which stands forever, through all kinds of weather! After David inquired of the LORD, he pursued his enemies and recovered everything the Amalekites had taken, including his two wives. (1 Samuel 30:8, 18). When we follow God’s direction, we too can overcome our enemies and recover all that the enemy has taken. And loved ones held captive by the enemy will be set free.

You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body; You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something. Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth; all the stages of my life were spread out before you, t he days of my life all prepared before I’d even lived one day. — Psalm 139:15-16 (MSG) Sometimes we spend a lot of time and energy trying to figure out what?, how?, why?, or when? During these times, let us seek wisdom and guidance from the One who knows us better than we know ourselves. May we trust God through every situation, every season and all the stages of life, knowing that He has every day of our lives recorded in His book. Nothing that happens takes Him by surprise. The thoughts the LORD thinks toward you are thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of your presence, LORD. — Psalm 89:15 (NLT) Worry eats away at your faith. Because it’s rooted in fear, it will often paralyze you and distort your thought process, which hinders you from recognizing and speaking the truth of God’s Word. On the other hand, worship keeps the channels of communication between you and our Heavenly Father open. It releases the power of heaven to work on your behalf in the earthly realm. Worry gives the enemy control to run rampant in your life. Worship enables us to walk in victory with our Lord and Savior, in the light of His Presence. Worry or worship? It’s your choice. Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker. (Psalm 95:6 NKJV)

“The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life [which inspires me].” — Job 33:4 (AMP) God the LORD, created the heavens and stretched them out, He spread forth the earth and that which comes from it, He gives breath to the people on it, and spirit to those who walk on it. (Isaiah 42:5). Not only is His breath in our lungs, we also have His Spirit living inside of us. Everything God does is intentional and has a purpose. He woke you up this morning because He loves you and He has a plan for you to execute today. Whatever mistakes you made yesterday, He showered you with new mercies this morning. The reality that He woke you up this morning means He has more for you. Be inspired with the fact that He has not brought you this far to abandon you now.

I’ll call nobodies and make them somebodies; I’ll call the unloved and make them beloved. In the place where they yelled out, “You’re nobody!” they’re calling you “God’s living children.” — Romans 9:25-26 (MSG) You have been personally selected and chosen by God. He calls us by name. When the world tries to beat you down and make you feel like a nobody, remember you're a child of the living God! The One who put the stars in place and set the sun on its course, is your heavenly Father. What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it—we’re called children of God! That’s who we really are. But that’s also why the world doesn’t recognize us or take us seriously, because it has no idea who he is or what he’s up to. (1 John 3:1 MSG)

Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward… — 1 Samuel 16:13 (NKJV) After David was anointed to be the next king over Isarael, he ended up being on the run for his life. In 1 Samuel 19:2, Jonathan told David, “My father Saul seeks to kill you.”  David had to live as a fugitive and hide out in caves before he reigned as king. After God has given you a word or revelation of your purpose or destiny, know that you will encounter challenges and experience difficulties. But, no wicked scheme of the enemy can thwart the wonderful plans of our great God. The accomplishment of the dream comes with much effort. Jesus said, “I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.” (John 16:33 MSG). He is greater. Amen!

This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: “Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength. But you would have none of it.” — Isaiah 30:15 (NLT) With today’s multi-tasking, always-on-the-go lifestyle, we are constantly caught up in a flurry of activities, that will serve as distractions and cause us to drift away from the LORD. May we remember to unplug and unwind. Return to Him and rest in quietness and in confident expectation, that He will enable you to do all that He has called you to do. Settle down in complete dependence on Him. “Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God, above politics, above everything.” — Psalm 46:10 (MSG)

Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted.  …and that all this assembly may know that the LORD does not deliver by sword or by spear; for the battle is the LORD’s and He will give you into our hands.” — 1 Samuel 17:45, 47 (NASB) So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, and struck the Philistine and killed him. (1 Samuel 17:50a NKJV). David prevailed over his enemies because he knew that it was not about him, but God. He looked beyond the size of Goliath and saw his great big God. When the enemy taunts you, do you respond with the Word of God (your sword)? Let us have the proper perspective of the giants we face. Our God is always bigger and mightier and He will deliver us from the hand of our enemy!

But as for me, it is good for me to draw near to God; I have made the Lord God my refuge and placed my trust in Him, that I may tell of all Your works. — Psalm 73:28 (AMP) It is good for us to stay close to God. When we allow distance to grow between us, we are more susceptible to the many worldly distractions that will draw us away from Him. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. (James 4:8 NLT) So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and he’ll be there in no time.  (James 4:7 MSG).

Know, too, that wisdom is good for your soul: if you find it, your reward will be a bright future and an enduring hope! — Proverbs 24:14 (VOICE) Why is it that when we don't know what to do, asking God seems to be the last resort? Let God and His Word be your first resource. If you are facing a situation that has you perplexed, heed the words of James 1:5, If any of you lacks wisdom [to guide him through a decision or circumstance], he is to ask of [our benevolent] God, who gives to everyone generously and without rebuke or blame, and it will be given to him. (AMP). Wisdom involves having the correct knowledge and understanding when and how to apply it.  Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth. (Proverbs 4:5 NKJV)

Only fear the LORD, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you. — 1 Samuel 12:24 (NKJV) When we stop to consider what great things the LORD has done for us we are compelled to love and serve Him with all of our hearts. He forgives all our sins and heals all our diseases. He redeems our lives from the pit, and crowns us with lovingkindness and compassion. He fills our lives with good things. (Psalm 103:3-5) He rescues you from hidden traps, shields you from deadly hazards. His huge outstretched arms protect you— under them you’re perfectly safe; (Psalm 91:3-4 MSG) He chose you and called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. (1 Peter 2:9) Amen and Hallelujah!

Then Samuel said to the people, “Do not fear. You have done all this wickedness; yet do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart. And do not turn aside; for then you would go after empty things which cannot profit or deliver, for they are nothing.” — 1 Samuel 12:20-21 (NKJV) When we turn away from following the LORD, to seek something in this world, it is a futile pursuit. Don’t go back to worshiping worthless idols (anything we put before God), that cannot help or rescue you—they are totally useless! (1 Samuel 12:21 NLT). In Philippians 3:8 (NLT) the Apostle Paul says, “Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ.” The Amplified Bible says, it is a priceless privilege and supreme advantage to know Christ Jesus… (Philippians 3:8 AMP). May we chase after God and make developing an in

So they inquired further of the LORD, “Has the man come here yet?” And the LORD answered, “He is there, hiding himself by the provisions and supplies.” — 1 Samuel 10:22 (AMP) Saul knew God chose him to be king, but he went into hiding instead. Was he afraid to step into the position God had for him? We have all been called by God. He has a plan for each and every person He created. Are you hiding from the call God has on your life? No good soldier of Christ goes UA (unauthorized absence). Don’t let fear keep you from walking in His perfect will and fulfilling the purpose and plans He has for you. Why settle for less, when God offers you the absolute best? Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. ( Ephesians 4:1 NLT )

“And don’t worry about those donkeys that were lost three days ago, for they have been found. And I am here to tell you that you and your family are the focus of all Israel’s hopes.” — 1 Samuel 9:20 (NLT) Saul went to Samuel to inquire about his lost donkeys, but God brought him to that place, at that particular time for a greater purpose. In 1 Samuel 9:19 (NKJV), Samuel answered Saul and said, “I am the seer. Go up before me to the high place, for you shall eat with me today; and tomorrow I will let you go and will tell you all that is in your heart.” The next morning Samuel took a flask of oil, and anointed Saul as ruler over the Israelites. While you may be worried about the intricate details of your day-to-day life, God has a larger perspective. And He is more concerned with getting you prepared and in the proper position to go to the high place He has for you. It’s time to get out of the valley of decision. Press on through the wilderness and dwell in your land of promise.

But as for your donkeys that were lost three days ago, do not be anxious about them, for they have been found…  — 1 Samuel 9:20 (NKJV) Saul and his servant went from town to town searching for his fathers lost donkeys. (1 Samuel 9:3-4). Then they decided to see the man of God, so he could tell them which way to go. When they came to the prophet, Samuel told Saul his donkeys were found before Saul had a chance to ask him. What are you anxiously searching for, in place after place or person after person? Whatever you have lost, you will find exactly what you need in our heavenly Father. He is the ultimate Provider. If you are looking for love, peace, joy or hope, look no further. It is found in Jesus. He is our hope and joy. He brings healing and wholeness. He fills our hearts with His love and peace. Jesus is the Way! Be found in Him today.

So the children of Israel said to Samuel, “Do not cease to cry out to the LORD our God for us, that He may save us from the hand of the Philistines.” — 1 Samuel 7:8 (NKJV) In 1 Samuel 7:9, Samuel gave the LORD a burnt offering and cried out to Him for Israel, and the LORD answered him. So the Philistines were subdued, and they did not come anymore into the territory of Israel (1 Samuel 7:13a NKJV). Don’t ever stop calling upon the LORD. When we call upon Him, He will answer. (Jeremiah 33:3) First Thessalonians 5:17 (AMP) tells us to be unceasing and persistent in prayer. Let's not just pray for ourselves and the challenges we face, but also for our families, friends, co-workers, neighbors, nation and the world. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. (James 5:16 NLT). But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown

Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life. — Proverbs 4:23 (NCV) Our thoughts are like a GPS that tells us where to go. If we meditate on God’s Word our actions and speech will align with His Word. If we think loving, and kind thoughts, we will be more likely to walk in love and kindness. If you are experiencing anxiety or fear, check out what you have allowed your mind to meditate on. When your thoughts are fixed on the LORD,  you will be kept in perfect peace. (Isaiah 26:3 NLT) Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. (Philippians 4:8-9a MSG)

“For the mountains may move and the hills disappear, but even then my faithful love for you will remain. My covenant of blessing will never be broken,” says the LORD, who has mercy on you. — Isaiah 54:10 (NLT) Sometimes,  our earthly father or mother will abandon us, or a spouse may leave us. However, don’t let negative experiences with flawed humanity stop you from being open to receive all the love, and peace  our heavenly Father lavishes on us. The LORD’s ways are higher than our ways. When He says His love for us will remain, He is faithful to keep His Word. Our actions don’t determine His love for us. The fact that He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4), and knit us together in our mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13 NIV) demonstrates the strong determination of His love. His love is very intentional and persistent. His covenant of peace and blessing is everlasting. It will never be broken. Glory hallelujah!

The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” — 1 Samuel 3:10 (NIV) The first three times the LORD called Samuel, he did not know it was the LORD. As men and women of God, it is imperative that we learn how to listen for God’s voice. This may involve turning a deaf ear to the negative voices you don't need to hear. Instead of listening to the doom and gloom reports of this world, listen for the glorious voice of our great God. His voice will always line up with His Word and the good plans He has for you. God is constantly speaking to each one of us. Listen for His voice today and respond to His call. “ The sheep that are My own hear My voice and listen to Me; I know them, and they follow Me. ” (John 10:27 AMP)

Now I am giving him to the LORD, and he will belong to the LORD his whole life.” And they worshiped the LORD there. — 1 Samuel 1:28 (NLT) Hannah cried out to God for the desire of her heart, He heard her cries and gave her a son. When Hannah received the one thing she wanted most, she gave him back to the LORD. And the LORD blessed Hannah, and she conceived and gave birth to three sons and two daughters. Meanwhile, Samuel grew up in the presence of the LORD. (1 Samuel 2:21 NLT). May we live with our hearts and hands open to our heavenly Father. When we let go of what we have, God can use it for others and multiply it back to us. We can never out give God! It is more blessed to give than to receive.