Manna for Your Morning

When they were safely out of the city, one of the angels ordered, “Run for your lives! And don’t look back or stop anywhere in the valley! Escape to the mountains, or you will be swept away!” — Genesis 19:17 (NLT) Lot’s wife looked back and turned into a pillar of salt. (Genesis 19:26) Don’t Look Back! Instead of dwelling on past mistakes and regrets, let’s actively press on to what God has for us today. If you are going through a valley, don’t stop! Let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us (Hebrews 12:1 NLT). Keep moving forward with your eyes on Jesus. In Luke 9:62 (MSG), Jesus said, “No procrastination. No backward looks. You can’t put God’s kingdom off till tomorrow. Seize the day.”

Moreover He said to me: “Son of man, receive into your heart all My words that I speak to you, and hear with your ears.” — Ezekiel 3:10 (NKJV) Receive the Word and let it sink deep into your heart. The quality of our lives and those around us depends on how we receive the Word of God and how well we listen to it. Listen carefully to what God speaks to you. Our heavenly Father speaks words of life, love, and peace. His Word is packed with promises of protection, provision, and victory. He speaks of the purpose and plans He has for our lives. He speaks of strength, stability, and success. When we trust Him, His Word will bring about transformation and restoration. His words are healing and inspire hope. Let us not be like the ones on whom seed was sown among the thorns; these are the ones who have heard the word, but the worries of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. (Mark 4:18-19 NASB

“The LORD is my portion and my inheritance,” says my soul; “Therefore I have hope in Him and wait expectantly for Him.” — Lamentations 3:24 (AMP) As we trust and fully rely on the LORD, we keep our hope alive and vibrant. Trust [confidently] in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him. God is a refuge for us. Selah. (Psalm 62:8 AMP) Our hope in God will not lead to disappointment, because our mighty God is faithful and trustworthy. The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles (Psalm 34:17). It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. (Lamentations 3:24 NKJV)

And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. — 1 Corinthians 13:13 (NKJV) If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. (1 Corinthians 13:2 NIV) We are to walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God… (Ephesians 5:2 NASB). Let us be [deeply] rooted and [securely] grounded in love, (Ephesians 3:17 AMP). Ephesians 4:2 tells us to bear with one another in love. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. (Ephesians 4:2 NLT) Love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8). Love knocks down barriers and builds bridges. Love extravagantly! (1 Corinthians 13:13 MSG)

It is because of the LORD’s lovingkindnesses that we are not consumed, because His [tender] compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great and beyond measure is Your faithfulness. — Lamentations 3:22-23 (AMP) It is because of the LORD’s lovingkindness that He woke us up this morning. There is a continual flow of His compassions toward us. Great is His faithfulness! Because the LORD's compassions are new every morning, we don’t have to dwell on the shortcomings of yesterday. Today, we get a clean slate. We can press on, making the most of every opportunity He gives us. Because of His lovingkindness, He gives us wisdom, when we ask for it, and guides us along on the best pathway for our lives (Psalm 32:8). Because of His lovingkindness, we are free to live in fullness of joy, love, and peace.

“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 (NASB) When we come to Jesus, let us come to worship and adore Him. May our coming to Him not just be about giving Him our list of petitions, to get what we have asked of Him. Let us come with our ears open, to hear what He would speak to us. May we become more intimately acquainted with Him and continually grow in our relationship with Him. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, (Revelation 1:8). He is Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6) Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker. For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand… (Psalm 95:6-7). Yours, O LORD, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O LORD, and this is your kingdom. We adore

Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. — Luke 2:17 (NKJV) Once the Shepherds saw Jesus, they made widely known what they had been told about Him. First, we have to take our eyes off of ourselves and our issues and put them on Jesus, our Savior and Redeemer. Once we see Jesus, we are to tell others about Him. Instead of telling how the enemy has harmed you, tell others about how Jesus has helped you. Tell them how He shined His light of love into your darkness, and changed your life forever. Report how He reached down and pulled you up out of that pit. Tell someone how He healed you when you were sick, how He gave you strength when you were weak and weary. Make widely known how He comforted you when you were mourning, and full of grief. Declare how He removed your loneliness by becoming your Friend and constant Companion. We overcome the enemy by the Word of our testimony (the words we speak). And they overcame him

So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. — Luke 2:15-16 (NKJV) Jesus calls each and every person to come to Him. May we be like the shepherds, and make haste everyday, to come to Jesus. They did not take any detours, they made their way straight to Him. Let there be a sense of urgency to seek His face and His will for your life. Make Him your first priority. May we look to Jesus, the Living Word, for the answers to the challenges we face. When we allow all of our earthly concerns to operate within and through our relationship with Christ, He gives us the direction and guidance we need to live a successful and victorious life. He is Immanuel, God with us. He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the first

And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. — Luke 2:7 (NKJV) Jesus stands at the door of your heart and knocks. Will you lay aside the excuses, remove the barriers and let Him come in? Is there room in your heart for our eternal Savior, or are your affections set on temporary pleasures and material possessions? Is their space available in your mind for thoughts about the King of kings and the Lord of lords, or is it totally cluttered with cares and concerns and of this world? The Lord is always thinking of us. Psalm 8:4 says, “What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him?” May we be mindful of His goodness, and the wonderful works He has done and is currently doing in our midst. Let His Presence occupy every crevice of your heart. His Presence in our hearts is the most excellent and perfect present we could ever receive.

  “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) Blessed are you, when you believe what the Lord has told you. Our heavenly Father is not only a promise maker, He is The Promise Keeper. He fulfills every word He has spoken. In Isaiah 55:11 (AMP), He says: “So will My word be which goes out of My mouth; It will not return to Me void (useless, without result), without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.” He knows the wonderful plans He has for you and the purpose for which He created you. No matter how circumstances appear today, know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) And so, after Abraham had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. (Hebrews 6:15) You may have to endure some things, but you shall obtain His promises. For you have need of endurance,

  “And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”  — Luke 1:31-33 (NKJV) Let us call upon the name of Jesus. His name is higher than any other, and it stands forever. His name carries more weight and has more authority than any other name. At the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, (Philippians 2:10 NASB) When we call upon His name, King Jesus is there to help. There is wonder-working power in the name of Jesus! Oh, give thanks to the LORD! Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples! (Psalm 105:1) For “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13)

And we all, with unveiled face, continually seeing as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are progressively being transformed into His image from [one degree of] glory to [even more] glory… — 2 Corinthians 3:18 (AMP) When we invite Jesus into our hearts, a beautiful work of transformation begins. He changes darkness into brilliant light (Ephesians 5:8). He turns our mourning into dancing (Psalm 30:11) and our sorrow into joy. He gives the hopeless a hope that is alive and vibrant. In the Lord, the poor become rich, and the weak are made strong. He breathes new life into dead situations and relationships. What is impossible with man becomes possible with our mighty God. Keep the door of your heart open and let His Holy Spirit continue the beautiful work of transformation in you. And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him. (2 Corinthians 3:18 MSG)

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. — James 1:17 (NKJV) As we search for a good bargain and the perfect gift for those special people in our lives, let us remember that Jesus, our Savior, is the most perfect gift one could ever receive. Our heavenly Father gave His only Son as a free gift. Salvation is free for us, there is nothing we can do to earn it, yet it cost Jesus everything. What good gift can we bring to Jesus, as we celebrate His birthday? I think the best gift we have to offer is our hearts, laid on His altar, to be molded and shaped by His hands. To be healed and made whole. To be filled with His love, His joy, and His light.

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) The angel Gabriel spoke these words to Mary, but we can rejoice also because the Lord is with us too. She carried Jesus for nine months, but He abides in us forever. We are indeed blessed and highly favored! And with God nothing will be impossible. (Luke 1:37) His Holy Spirit dwelling in us, enables us and empowers us to do all that He has called us to do. In His strength we can crush an army; with our God we can scale any wall. (Psalm 18:29) Rejoice! He has already gained the victory for us.

“And now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in You.” — Psalm 39:7 (NKJV) Christ Jesus is our hope… (1 Timothy 1:1 NASB). Keep your hope in Him alive, and fresh! This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, is both sure and steadfast… (Hebrews 6:19 NKJV). Our hope is the anchor that will keep us from drifting when stormy winds blow. As we hang on to hope, it will keep us from being carried away by the currents of life circumstances and pressures. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor… (Hebrews 6:19 NLT). We can trust God to keep His promises because He is faithful. He will fulfill each and every one. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. ( Romans 5:5 NLT) Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off. (Proverbs 23:18 NASB)

He who gives attention to the word will find good, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD. — Proverbs 16:20 (NASB) Give attention to the Word of God and you will find good. His Word is living, active and powerful (Hebrews 4:12). It revives and refreshes. His Word strengthens (Psalm 119:28) and gives us hope. As we hear His Word, it grows our faith (Romans 10:17). It comforts us in our affliction and gives us life (Psalm 119:50). His word is truth (Psalm 119:160) and it sets us free from the lies of the enemy. His Word is a lamp that lights up our path and shows us which way to go (Psalm 119:105). God’s Word reveals His goodness, His grace and mercy, and the love He has for us in Christ Jesus our Lord. Be sure to give attention to Jesus. He is the living Word (John 1:14). When we meditate in the Word day and night, and be careful to do everything in accordance with all that is written in it, then we will make our way prosperous, and then we will have good success. (Joshua 1:8

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” — Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG) Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. Jesus is a gentleman. He does not force Himself on anyone. He simply invites us to come to Him. He invites us to walk and work with Him, side-by-side. Engage with Him, and learn from Him. But first He says, “get away and take a real rest.” When we unplug from all the daily demands and turn a deaf ear to the voices of this world, we can truly rest. As we keep company with Jesus, we can learn from the Master, how to live freely and lightly. The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my stre

“Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh; is anything too difficult for Me?” — Jeremiah 32:27 (NASB) It is He who made the earth by His power, Who established the world by His wisdom, and by His understanding He stretched out the heavens. When He utters His voice, there is a tumult of waters in the heavens, and He causes the clouds to ascend from the end of the earth; He makes lightning for the rain and brings forth the wind from His storehouses. (Jeremiah 51:15-16 NASB) He counts the stars and calls them all by name. (Psalm 147:4 NLT) He gives food to the wild animals and feeds the young ravens when they cry. (Psalm 147:9 NLT) Our heavenly Father who raised Jesus from the dead, moves in our lives too. If you ever doubt God’s ability to handle your situation, just take a minute to ponder the greatness of our God and all the wonderful works He has done. Stop talking to God about your problem and start telling your problem about your mighty God!

He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered and said, “The Christ of God.” — Luke 9:20 (NKJV) Who do you say Jesus is? If you are lost, He is the good shepherd, who gives His life for the sheep. (John 10:11) He will lead you, guide you and protect you from the enemy. If you are sick, He is the great physician. If you hunger for more, He is the bread of life. (John 6:35) Jesus says: “ Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life. ” (John 6:47) Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “ 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) Jesus is everything we need Him to be and He draws all peoples to Himself (John 12:32) No matter who you are or what you have done, Jesus calls us to come. May we know Him as our Lord and Savior.

Let everything you do be done in love [motivated and inspired by God’s love for us]. — 1 Corinthians 16:14 (AMP) We are called to love. Love our brothers and sisters, love our friends and even our enemies. Proverbs 17:17 says, a friend loves at all times… First Peter 3:8 encourages us to have compassion for one another and love as brothers. Jesus tells us to love our enemies, bless those who curse us, do good to those who hate us… (Matthew 5:44 NKJV) First Peter 4:8 says: Above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” Why this great call to love? Because love never fails. (1 Corinthians 13:8) As we continually sow seeds of love there will be a great harvest and love will be the fruit. Ephesians 4:2 says, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bear with one another in love… We have to bear with one another’s shortcomings because it will not always be easy. That is why we are to be inspired and motivated by God’s lov

And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. — Luke 10:41 (NKJV) This time of year so many people run around feeling like Martha, worried and troubled about many things. Let us prioritize our list of tasks and give more weight to the important things. And the most important thing is to keep the main thing, the main thing, that is to celebrate the birth of Christ, our Lord and Savior. He is Immanuel: “God with us.” The Eternal One. The Prince of Peace and the living Word. Don't let the worries and cares of this world and the distractions of this season, with its worldly pleasures and man-made traditions creep in and choke the word of life right out of you. Set your attention and your affections on Jesus, the King of kings and the Lord of lords! And touching others with His love, joy and peace.

But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all Your works. — Psalm 73:28 (NASB) When Jesus gave His life on the cross, to redeem us, the veil of the temple was torn in two. We now have access to the throne room of our heavenly Father. Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment]. (Hebrews 4:16 AMP) The blood of Jesus has given us access and His Holy Spirit within  us is available to assist us every minute of the day. As you draw near to God, you will receive mercy, and find grace to help when you need it most. Why tackle life's challenges in your own strength, when you can have the supernatural help and power of Almighty God working on your behalf?

Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the LORD.” And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. — 1 Kings 19:11-12 (NKJV) When there is a ripping, and a breaking in your life, remember that God is not in the earthquake, the fire, or the flood. Don’t let the noise of earthly events drown out the sound of His still small voice. After the fire, listen for the sound of a gentle whisper saying, “I love you. I’m going to take care of you. Trust Me, I got you.” He who has ears to hear, let him hear!

You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. — Isaiah 26:3 (NKJV) Fix your thoughts on Jesus and He will keep you in perfect peace, unmoved by the circumstances of this earthly life. When we trust in the LORD, we are able to release our cares into His mighty capable hands. When we trust the LORD, we can remain in peace, because we know that He is working for our good and nothing is too difficult for Him. “ Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. ” (John 16:33 NLT) “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you...Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)

Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for I pray to no one but you. Listen to my voice in the morning, LORD. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly. — Psalm 5:2-3 (NLT) When you cry out to the LORD, know that He hears you. Psalm 34:15 (NKJV) says: The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry. He not only listens, He answers. Wait with expectancy to see our mighty God do wonderful things in your midst.  No matter how impossible your situation appears, remember that with God all things are possible. (Matthew 19:26)

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) You were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light. (Ephesians 5:8 NASB) We have been called into His marvelous light. Now we are light. As children of God, let us live above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom we appear as lights in the world of darkness. (Philippians 2:15) How do we shine? We shine as we share the love, kindness, and grace of Jesus Christ. We shine has we exude the peace and joy, that He has given to us. As we proclaim His praises, we shine. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)

But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines brighter and brighter until the full day. — Proverbs 4:18 (NASB) If you have given your heart to Jesus, you are on a path that shines brighter and brighter. No matter how dim things may appear right now, know that your future shines brighter and brighter. We all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. (2 Corinthians 3:18 NKJV) Always be led by His Spirt and the rest of your life will be the best of your life. Unto the upright there arises light in the darkness; He is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous . (Psalm 112:4 NKJV)

Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see— how good God is. Blessed are you who run to him. — Psalm 34:8 (MSG) Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him! (Psalm 34:8 NKJV)  The LORD is good and He does good. His plans for us are good. Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! (Psalm 107:8 NJV) Trust God to work everything together for good in your life, no matter how things may appear at this moment in time. I would have despaired had I not believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living. (Psalm 27:13 AMP)

That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. 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! — 2 Corinthians 4:16-17 (NLT) 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 4:18 NLT). So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up (Galatians 6:9 NLT). Fight the good fight of faith. Finish the race. Keep the faith. (2 Timothy 4:7)

Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name!  Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: — Psalm 103:1-2 (NKJV) He forgives all your iniquities, He heals all your diseases, He redeems your life from destruction, He crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, He satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. (Psalm 103:3-5) The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. (Psalm 103:8) The mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children’s children, to such as keep His covenant, and to those who remember His commandments to do them. (Psalm 103:17-18) He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, (Ephesians 1:4).  Bless the LORD, all you works of His, in all places of His dominion; Bless the LORD, O my soul! (Psalm 103:22 (NASB) Let al

Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. — Mark 4:39 (NKJV) When Jesus spoke peace, there was a great calm. Declare His peace over your stormy situation. May you experience a great calm in your life. May a great calm come over relationships that suffer due to strife. Be silent and listen for the voice of the LORD. He will give you the right words to speak at the right time. In 2 Chronicles 20:17, the LORD tells His people, “You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the LORD…”  With us is the LORD our God, to help us and to fight our battles. (2 Chronicles 32:8) Be still and wait until the LORD gives you direction. For the battle is the LORD’s and He has already earned the victory for us.