Manna for Your Morning

Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. — Isaiah 53:4-5 (NLT) In the court of law, a person cannot be tried for the same offense twice. Jesus paid the price for our sins. On the cross, our punishment was piled on Him. He paid the debt. Don’t let the lies of the enemy bind you up again. The shackles of sickness, shame, and guilt have no power over a child of God. Jesus is our righteousness. Live in holiness and freedom! Be whole and healed. Jesus interceded and intervened our our behalf to save forever those who come to God through Him. HE always LIVES to intercede and intervene on  our behalf (Hebrews 7:25 AMP)

Now when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” which is translated, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” — Mark 15:33-34  (NKJV) Just as Jesus had to go through the dark hour of Friday, to get to the glory of resurrection day, we too will go through some dark times, as we go from glory to glory. In the difficult seasons, it may seem that God has forsaken you, but know that He is with you and He has already made a way for you. Let us declare the words of Job 19:25-26,  “ For I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth; and after my skin is destroyed, this I know, that in my flesh I shall see God! ”

My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. — 1 John 2:1 (NKJV) Jesus intercedes for us. He pleads our case with the Father. When he served as a sacrifice for our sins, he solved the sin problem for good—not only ours, but the whole world’s. (1 John 2:2 MSG) So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn’t hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn’t gladly and freely do for us? And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God’s chosen? Who would dare even to point a finger? The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. (Romans 8:31-34 MSG)  If God is for us, who can stand against us?

‘Look! He has placed the land in front of you. Go and occupy it as the LORD, the God of your ancestors, has promised you. Don’t be afraid! Don’t be discouraged!’ — Deuteronomy 1:21 (NLT) Wherever God sends you out today, whether it be the marketplace, your job, business, home or school, it is the land He has placed in front of you. Let us go and occupy it. We are to invade the land with His light, His love, His joy and His peace. Let us infiltrate the earth with His mercy and grace, kindness and compassion. As good soldiers of Jesus the Christ, let us continually advance and occupy the land He has given to us. Be strong and very courageous, for the LORD is with you, and He will give you the land.

“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) Know that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments; (Deuteronomy 7:9 NKJV) God does not change. (Malachi 3:6) While the world around us is constantly changing, His love is sure and steadfast. His covenant of love is sealed with the blood of Jesus. May we be deeply rooted and securely grounded in His love. (Ephesians 3:17)

We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. — 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (NLT) May we magnify the good that God is doing in our lives. Be the bearer of good news, and not the voice of doom and gloom. Let us talk more about what is going right, than what is wrong with the world. Whatever you go through today, remember God is always with you and He is for you. Our heavenly Father will never abandon you. When you are in the middle of a difficult situation, know that God has already made a way out, and He will reveal it to you, step by step. He will also give you the strength to persevere and overcome. The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again … (Proverbs 24:16a NLT)

And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved … — Joel 2:32a (NKJV) Call on the name of the LORD and be saved, for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’ (Acts 17:28) When you call, He will hear you. He is not far from each one of us; (Acts 17:27). “ And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions. ” (Joel 2:28) God pours out His Spirit on all who believe in Christ and accepts Him as their Savior. He fills us and empowers us to fulfill the dreams and visions He has placed in our hearts. Call on His name today.

“Yet even now,” declares the LORD,  “Return to Me with all your heart,  and with fasting, weeping and mourning; And rend your heart and not your garments.” Now return to the LORD your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in lovingkindness and relenting of evil. — Joel 2:12-13  (NASB) Instead of coming to our heavenly Father with external signs or customs, come to Him with a sincere and humble heart. Open your heart to Him, so His grace, mercy, and love can infiltrate it and transform your life. He will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten. “ You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, Who has dealt wondrously with you; and My people shall never be put to shame. ” (Joel 2:26 NKJV)

O Israel, return to the LORD your God, for you have stumbled because of your iniquity; — Hosea 14:1 (NKJV) This morning, as I read Hosea 14:1, the cry of my heart was for America to return to the LORD our God. For there is no savior besides the LORD (Hosea 13:4). There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. (Proverbs 14:12)  Our culture has so many distractions, that steal our affections away from our heavenly Father, but He is always calling us back to Him, with His loving arms wide open. Let us prioritize His Presence, and treasure His Word in our hearts. “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)

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) You may be surrounded by troubles today, but be confident that the LORD will work it out. The LORD’s plan and purpose for your life will prevail over the evil one. Though you walk in the midst of trouble, He is with you and will protect you. Because of His faithful love, He will not abandon the works of His own hands.

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. — 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (NIV) Let us remember that the troubles we experience in this life, are light and momentary, when compared with the eternal glory they are producing for us. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever (2 Corinthians 4:18 MSG). After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace [who imparts His blessing and favor], who called you to His own eternal glory in Christ, will Himself complete, confirm, strengthen, and establish you [making you what you ought to be]. (1 Peter 5:10 AMP)

‘Plant the good seeds of righteousness, and you will harvest a crop of love. Plow up the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the LORD, that he may come and shower righteousness upon you.’ — Hosea 10:12 (NLT) Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation. (2 Corinthians 6:2) Instead of setting your heart on worldly events, set your heart and your soul to seek the LORD your God. (1 Chronicles 22:19)  For it is time to seek and search diligently for the LORD and long for His blessing (Hosea 10:12 AMP). And if you search for Him with all your heart and soul, you will find Him. Seek the LORD and live… (Amos 5:6). Those who seek the LORD shall not lack any good thing. (Psalm 34:10b) Glory in His holy name; Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the LORD! Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face evermore! (1 Chronicles 16:10-11 NKJV) The time is now!  Seek the LORD while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near! (Isaiah 55:6)

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) When troubles come, don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. (Philippians 4:6-7 MSG) The opportunity for great joy is always there, when we look to Christ as our source, and not earthly circumstances. You’ve heard, of course, of Job’s staying power, and you know how God brought it all together for him at the end. That’s because God cares, cares right down to the last det

Let us pursue the knowledge of the LORD. His going forth is established as the morning; He will come to us like the rain, like the latter and former rain to the earth. — Hosea 6:3 (NKJV) The Amplified Bible says: “… let us press on to know and understand fully the [greatness of the] LORD [to honor, heed, and deeply cherish Him]. ” When we are on a continual pursuit to know the LORD, He will come to us like the rain. The rain falls to the earth and replenishes it. When there is no rain, we experience a drought, things dry up and die. The ground becomes hard. But when the rain comes, things are refreshed and grow. When we pursue God, we will experience times of refreshing and growth. He will pour out His Spirit and restore and renew us. Hardened hearts will become soft and tender, allowing His love to flow through. Fall upon us O’LORD!

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) What marvelous love the Father has lavished on us that we have the honor and privilege to be called and counted as children of God! That’s who really are. You are the apple of His eye. (Psalm 17:8) His thoughts about you outnumber the grains of sand. (Psalm 139:17-18) Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. (Luke 12:7) Don’t ever think, God is out to get you. The eye of God constantly watches over His people. He takes care of us on every side. Like the heart of any good parent, our heavenly Father wants only the best for us. He wants us to live peaceful and prosperous lives. The meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity . (Psalm 37:11) Always remember, He loves you, no matter what and H

And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely. — Revelation 22:17 (NKJV) The message of Jesus is always for us to come to Him. In Matthew 11:28 Jesus said, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” He continually invites everyone to come to Him. It’s an open invitation, to come close and fellowship with Him. In Matthew 14:29, Jesus said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. Peter had an extraordinary experience because He was willing and took action to approach Jesus. May we get out of the comfort of our boat and walk on the water with Jesus. All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out. — John 6:37 (NKJV)

Oh come, let us sing to the LORD!Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. — Psalm 95:1-2 (NKJV) I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. (Isaiah 61:10 NKJV) Be thankful. For the LORD will command His lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night His song shall be with you... (Psalm 42:8 NKJV). Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. (Psalm 100:4)

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” — John 14:27 (NLT) How would you feel if you gave a loved one a very special gift and they never opened it? Let’s say they never even bothered to acknowledge it. They just left it sitting on the table, collecting dust. Sometimes, we bypass God's gift of peace and take on the burden of anxiety and worry. I imagine it hurts the heart of God when we don’t acknowledge the valuable gifts He has given. Our heavenly Father knows the benefit of the good gifts He has given to us; if only we would accept them and consistently use them. In Luke 10:19 (NLT), Jesus told His disciples, “Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy…” We have been given His peace and power and authority over our enemy. May we wisely benefit from the good gifts we have been given. Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God o

“I will betroth you to Me forever; Yes, I will betroth you to Me in righteousness and justice,  in lovingkindness and mercy; I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness, and you shall know the LORD. — Hosea 2:19-20 (NKJV) In order to get to know someone on a deeper, more intimate level, we have to spend time with them. As we spend time with our heavenly Father, we become intimately acquainted with the power of His love and faithfulness. God wants a covenant relationship with us that lasts forever, not a contract that can be re-negotiated and dissolved. May we steadily grow in the knowledge of God [with deeper faith, clearer insight and fervent love for His precepts]; (Colossians 1:10b AMP) “ Oh, that we might know the LORD! Let us press on to know him. He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in early spring. ” (Hosea 6:3 NLT)

The wicked man earns deceptive wages, but he who sows righteousness and lives his life with integrity will have a true reward [that is both permanent and satisfying]. — Proverbs 11:18 (AMP) Seek what is good (God is good) and sow righteousness. The LORD upholds and sustains the righteous [who seek Him]. (Psalm 37:23 AMP) He who earnestly seeks good finds favor, (Proverbs 11:27a).  Just as God has freely given to us, let us freely give. Sow love, joy, peace, patience, and kindness. Forgive those who hurt you. Comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. (2 Corinthians 1:4) We will truly be satisfied, as we allow ourselves to be channels for God's goodness to flow through us and into the lives of others. Trust in the LORD and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires. (Psalm 37:3-4 NLT)

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) We are God’s special people. See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! (1 John 3:1 NIV) He called us out of darkness and into His light. He called us out of bondage, sin and death. Jesus set us free and put before us, the path that leads to everlasting life. He called us out of lack, to live a full, more abundant life. He called us out of discouragement and defeat. Instead of being a victim, we are called to success and victory! Whenever God pulls us out of something, it is to give us something even better. We are the generation God has chosen to be here now, for such a time as this. Let us proclaim the praises of God and invite others to live in the light of His extravagant love and grace.

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will remain secure and rest in the shadow of the Almighty [whose power no enemy can withstand]. — Psalm 91:1 (AMP) We remain secure when we dwell in the shelter of the Most High. The word dwell indicates a permanent place of residence. If we want to remain secure, we cannot use the LORD as a temporary place to stay, where we check-in and check-out on Sunday morning. We are to abide with Him, seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day. Be gracious to me, O God, be gracious and merciful to me, for my soul finds shelter and safety in You, and in the shadow of Your wings I will take refuge and be confidently secure until destruction passes by. (Psalm 57:1AMP) I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings. Selah  —Psalm 61:4 (NKJV)

... but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits. — Daniel 11:32b (NKJV) If you want to know your God, focus on Christ. Make Him the center of your life and He will fill the other areas of your life. He is the firm foundation, and the Chief cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20). He is our strength, in weakness. If you never admit you’re weak, you will never rely on His strength. His light pierces through the darkness and crumbles mountains. He is our joy, in sadness and grief. He is our peace, in times of trouble. He is our physician, in sickness. He is our truth, when lies and deception abound. He sets us free when the enemy binds us up. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus! The sweetest name I know. He is our GPS when we don’t know which way to go. When we walk with Jesus, we have a constant Companion, an Advocate, a Comforter, a Healer, a Counselor and a faithful Friend. When we know Jesus, we know love. Know your God. Be strong! And carry out great exploits.

People with their minds set on you, you keep completely whole, steady on their feet, because they keep at it and don’t quit. Depend on God and keep at it because in the LORD God you have a sure thing. — Isaiah 26:3-4 (MSG) As we continually cast all our cares on the Lord, and keep our minds set on Him, He will keep us in perfect peace. When you start to worry or have anxious thoughts, pass them on to God and reset your mind upon Him. Turn your worries into prayers and praise Him that He is with you to help you overcome. He has already given us the victory. Psalm 55:22 (NLT) says: Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall. That is a sure thing! “You will keep in perfect and constant peace the one whose mind is steadfast [that is, committed and focused on You…” (Isaiah 26:3 AMP)

In the day when I cried out, You answered me, and made me bold with strength in my soul. — Psalm 138:3 (NKJV) Our heavenly Father responds to His people. His ear is always open to our cry. When we call to Him, He answers. (Psalm 86:7) When we ask for wisdom, He gives it to us (James 1:5) He fills in the gaps of our weaknesses, with His power and strength. When we fall, He is there to lift us up again. He responds to our sickness with healing in His wings. (Malachi 4:2) In times of trouble, He delivers us. When we are lost, He shows us the way. 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. (Psalm 138:1-2 MSG)

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) In order to be the magnificent masterpieces that God created us to be, we need to yield to the work of His Holy Spirit within us. Let us bend in the places He directs us to bend, give where He says give and be firm in the areas where He wants us to stand strong. The Master Potter gently molds  us and shapes us with His hands, into unique creations. As the clay is in the potter’s hand, so we are in the hands of our heavenly Father. Be soft and pliable. And yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are the potter. We all are formed by your hand. (Isaiah 64:8 NLT)

Therefore the LORD waits [expectantly] and longs to be gracious to you, and therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you. For the LORD is a God of justice; Blessed (happy, fortunate) are all those who long for Him [since He will never fail them]. — Isaiah 30:18 (AMP) No matter how circumstances appear today, know that God is working everything together for your good, if you love God, and are called according to His purpose. May your soul long for the living God more than anyone or anything else. He will never fail you. Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. (Proverbs 4:25 NLT) “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9  NLT)

We don’t want you in the dark, friends, about how hard it was when all this came down on us in Asia province. It was so bad we didn’t think we were going to make it. We felt like we’d been sent to death row, that it was all over for us. As it turned out, it was the best thing that could have happened. Instead of trusting in our own strength or wits to get out of it, we were forced to trust God totally—not a bad idea since he’s the God who raises the dead! — 2 Corinthians 1:8-9 (MSG) May whatever troubles come your way teach you to totally trust our mighty God. Trust in and rely confidently on the LORD with all your heart and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, and He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way]. (Proverbs 3:5-6 AMP)

Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You in the presence of the sons of men! — Psalm 31:19  (NKJV) The earth is full of the goodness of the LORD. (Psalm 33:5b) Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! (Psalm 107:21) The goodness of God endures continually. (Psalm 52:1) I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. (Psalm 27:13) “My people shall be satisfied with My goodness, says the LORD.” (Jeremiah 31:14) The LORD is good to all (Psalm 145:9). Surely goodness and mercy shall follow you all the days of your life; and you will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. (Psalm 23:6) Let us proclaim, “The LORD, the LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth…” (Exodus 34:6 NKJV).

It doesn’t matter whether we have been circumcised or not. What counts is whether we have been transformed into a new creation. — Galatians 6:15 (NLT) When we open the door of our hearts to Jesus, we are transformed from the kingdom of darkness and death to God’s Kingdom of light and life. We go from doubt and fear to faith, from discouragement and defeat to a position of victory. As followers of Christ our circumcision is an inward circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit of God. We get a heart transplant. He removes a cold, stony heart and gives us a heart of flesh, full of God's love and grace, to be shared with everyone He brings our way.  We continue in this process of transformation, as we consistently renew our minds with the Word of God and spend time in His holy Presence, getting to know our heavenly Father. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV)

Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence. — Psalm 42:5 (NASB) Sometimes we tend to focus on the things that are not right, which often leads to feelings of frustration and anger. But Psalm 37:1 says, “Do not fret because of evildoers, be not envious toward wrongdoers.” Instead of trying to figure out the wrongs, let us be students of the Word and truth. Let’s look at what is right and fix our eyes upon Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. May we thank God for all He has done and continually praise Him for all He is doing right now. Trust Him to right the wrongs, and work it all together for good. I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; from where shall my help come? My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. (Psalm 121:1-2 NASB)