Manna for Your Morning

Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour. — 1 Peter 5:8 (AMP)  After the devil had tempted Jesus for forty days, he departed from Him until an opportune time (Luke 4:2,13). Satan is always looking for an opportune time to steal, to kill, and to destroy. He sends his fiery darts to cause division, offense, bitterness, hatred, etc. so he can steal your peace and joy, and eventually kill your love. Since God is love, destruction is inevitable without the love of God in our hearts. But we can resist him, firm in our faith, and like Jesus, we can use God’s Word as our weapon of choice, by speaking what is written in it, over every situation.

“When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I’ll listen. “When you come looking for me, you’ll find me. “Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed.” God’s Decree. — Jeremiah 29:12-13 (MSG) It's no game of “hide and seek” with our heavenly Father. When we search for Him with all our heart, we will find Him. When we pray to Him, we can be sure that He is listening. Psalm 34:15 (NKJV) says,  “ The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry. ”  When we desire His Presence more than anything, we will not be disappointed.

A tenderhearted person lives a blessed life; a hardhearted person lives a hard life. — Proverbs 28:14 (MSG) “Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults—unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don’t condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you’ll find life a lot easier. Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing.” (Luke 6:37 MSG) Live a blessed life, be tenderhearted: kind and gentle.

He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding. — Ephesians 1:7-8 (NLT) For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And it was not paid with mere gold or silver, which lose their value. It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. (1 Peter 1:18-19 NLT) Jesus saved us from an empty, dead-end life, and gave us a life of freedom, full of peace, joy and purpose. He showered us with His lovingkindness and put us on the path that leads to everlasting life. Praise the name of the Lord!

“To you who are ready for the truth, I say this: Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer for that person. If someone slaps you in the face, stand there and take it. If someone grabs your shirt, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously. — Luke 6:27-30 (MSG) The way the world lives is contrary to the way Jesus instructs us to live. As disciples of Christ, let us live generously. Generosity begets generosity. Let the love, kindness and generosity of God bring about love, kindness and generosity in you. Living in this manner, we can be instruments of change of in this world.

For when we came into Macedonia, we had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn—conflicts on the outside, fears within. — 2 Corinthians 7:5 (NIV) You may be harassed at every turn and troubled on every side, but let faith and endurance produce its perfect result so that you may be completely developed in your faith, lacking nothing. The Message Bible says, consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. (James 1:4) Keep fighting the good fight of faith.

Let the peace of Christ [the inner calm of one who walks daily with Him] be the controlling factor in your hearts [deciding and settling questions that arise]. To this peace indeed you were called as members in one body [of believers]. And be thankful [to God always]. — Colossians 3:15 (AMP)  As we continually walk with the Lord, His peace will guard our hearts and minds, against the attacks of the enemy. When fiery darts of doubt and negativity come our way, they will be unable to penetrate because we trust our heavenly Father. He will keep us in His perfect peace. His peace will guard our hearts from anxiety and fear. As we fully rely on God, His peace will be the controlling factor, in every circumstance. Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all. (2 Thessalonians 3:16 NLT)

“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” — Matthew 1:23 (NKJV) No matter what we go through in this life, God is always with us. His Presence goes before us and behind. He surrounds us and dwells within us. In Isaiah 43:2 (NLT), the LORD says, “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” (Isaiah 43:2 NLT) Have no fear, for the LORD is here. With God all things are possible. He makes a way where there seems to be no way. Even the wind and waves obey Him. He makes a way through the sea and a path through the mighty waters (Isaiah 43:16).

Buy truth, and do not sell it, get wisdom and instruction and understanding. — Proverbs 23:23 (NASB) Lady Wisdom goes out in the street and shouts. At the town center she makes her speech. In the middle of the traffic she takes her stand. At the busiest corner she calls out: (Proverbs 1:20-21 MSG) Listen and be wise. Direct your heart in the way of the LORD. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. (James 1:5 NASB) For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe. (Proverbs 2:10-11 NLT)

And some men were carrying on a bed a man who was paralyzed; and they were trying to bring him in and to set him down in front of Him. But not finding any way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down through the tiles with his stretcher, into the middle of the crowd, in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith, He said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven you.” — Luke 5:18-20 (NASB) These men had the kind of faith, Jesus could see. And because of their faith, the paralytic received his healing, and went home glorifying God (Luke 5:25). Do you have the visible kind of faith that finds a way to get others in front of Jesus? Let us have the type of faith that displays compassion and kindness, the quality of faith that demonstrates care and concern for those in need. May we have the kind of faith that brings those in need, to Jesus, the Savior of the world. He is the answer to every problem, mountain, giant and storm. In Luke 18:8, Jesus asked the question,

However, the report went around concerning Him all the more; and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by Him of their infirmities. — Luke 5:15  (NKJV) In Luke 5:1, the multitude pressed about Jesus to hear the word of God. May we not draw back but press in to hear His Word. A touch from Jesus, the Living Word, brings healing and wholeness. In Luke 5:12, a man full of leprosy saw Jesus, fell on his face and implored Him, saying, “ Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean .” Then He put out His hand and touched him, saying, “ I am willing; be cleansed. ” Immediately the leprosy left him. (Luke 5:13) Know that Jesus is able and willing to meet your need today.

When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”  But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” — Luke 5:4-5 (NKJV) Jesus may be calling you to launch out in the deep. Even if you have toiled day after day, for years, don't hesitate to act on His Word. The Message Bible says: “ It was no sooner said than done .” (Luke 5:5) Simon acted on the word of Jesus, and they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. (Luke 5:6-7) As a result of Simon’s obedience, God provided more than enough. May we continually act on the Word of God, and experience His abundant provision, which is enough to bless others as well as our own family.

John answered, saying to all, “I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” — Luke 3:16 (NKJV) Revelation 3:15-16, is a word to the church, the body of Christ. He says, “ I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. ” To be lukewarm, is to be wishy-washy, compromising, and tossed to and fro with the wind. Be hot —on fire for the Lord! Jesus baptizes us with fire. It’s a refining fire that burns out impurities. His fire will keep your heart from growing cold. May we let His fire continually burn in our hearts.

“ A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel. ” — Luke 2:32 (NKJV) Simeon said Jesus is a light to bring revelation. He is the one light we have in these dark times. May we, as God’s special people, a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation (1 Peter 2:9), let His light brightly shine through us, that those in the darkness may see the Light and come. We couldn’t be more sure of what we saw and heard—God’s glory, God’s voice. The prophetic Word was confirmed to us. You’ll do well to keep focusing on it. It’s the one light you have in a dark time as you wait for daybreak and the rising of the Morning Star in your hearts. (2 Peter 1:19 MSG)

God—you’re my God! I can’t get enough of you! I’ve worked up such hunger and thirst for God, traveling across dry and weary deserts. — Psalm 63:1 (MSG) No matter what we travel through, God is with us and He will guide us to lush, green pastures and beside still waters. In His Presence, we really come alive and can experience fullness of joy. Revel in His great love! So here I am in the place of worship, eyes open, drinking in your strength and glory.  In your generous love I am really living at last! My lips brim praises like fountains. I bless you every time I take a breath; My arms wave like banners of praise to you. — Psalm 63:2-4 (MSG)

for we walk by faith, not by sight [living our lives in a manner consistent with our confident belief in God’s promises] — 2 Corinthians 5:7 (AMP) When Mary Magdalene told the disciples that Jesus was alive and she had seen him, they didn’t believe her. (Mark 16:11) Don’t be a doubting disciple. In John 20:29, Jesus said, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” In John 14:1, Jesus said, “ Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. ” May we confidently believe that Jesus is alive, willing and more than able to handle whatever concerns us. He is our mighty Savior and everlasting King. He rules and reigns in power and glory. He has overcome the world. Let us live in faith (a confident belief), that in Jesus, we have the victory.

An undisciplined, self-willed life is puny; an obedient, God-willed life is spacious. — Proverbs 15:32 (MSG) Staying focused on me, myself and I, leads to a small, pitiful life. Consistently seek God’s will and live a large, spacious life. Generously love God and love others, with a genuine heart. Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father. (Colossians 3:16-17 NLT) The lives of God-loyal people flourish; a misspent life is soon bankrupt. — Proverbs 15:6 (MSG)

There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven—  ....a time to be silent and a time to speak. — Ecclesiastes 3:1, 3:7b (NASB) Sometimes silence speaks louder than words. We have to discern when to speak and when to be silent. In Mark 15:2 (NKJV), Pilate asked Jesus, “Are You the King of the Jews?” He answered and said to him, “It is as you say.” Then in Mark 15:3 when the chief priests accused Him of many things, Jesus answered nothing. In Mark 15:4-5, they testified many things against Him, but Jesus still answered nothing. The only question Jesus gave validity to was about Him being King. Jesus did not defend Himself regarding false accusations. People may accuse you and testify against you, but hold your peace and let God fight your battles. Our God is King of kings and Lord of lords. He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun. (Psalm 37:6 NLT) My soul, wait si

A God-loyal life keeps you on track; sin dumps the wicked in the ditch. — Proverbs 13:6 (MSG)  Proverbs 13:13 (MSG) says: Ignore the Word and suffer; honor God’s commands and grow rich. To live a God-loyal life, is to honor God’s commands. The Word of God is truth, wisdom and life. When we ignore it, we suffer. Our lives are richly rewarded as we give place to the Word, in our hearts and minds. We grow rich in love, grace and mercy. When we live by the Word of God, we will thrive in all areas of life, spiritually, emotionally, physically, financially, and in our relationships. Stay on the right track by allowing the Word to be your road map, and the Holy Spirit your guide. Then you will avoid detours, ditches and dead-end roads.

It is a good and delightful thing to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to Your name, O Most High, to declare Your lovingkindness in the morning and Your faithfulness by night, — Psalm 92:1-2 (AMP) It is good to give thanks to the LORD and declare His lovingkindness in the morning. This makes us aware of His never-ending love that will guide us and provide all that we need, as we go about our day. Appreciate the Father's love, a love so deep that He gave His only Son, so we could be with Him forever. Then let us give thanks and declare His faithfulness every night as He has given us the strength to get through another day. Delight yourself in His Presence always, that is where you will experience fullness of joy and everlasting peace.

Some men arrived carrying a paraplegic on a stretcher. They were looking for a way to get into the house and set him before Jesus. When they couldn’t find a way in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof, removed some tiles, and let him down in the middle of everyone, right in front of Jesus. Impressed by their bold belief, he said, “Friend, I forgive your sins.”  — Luke 5:18-20 (MSG) Bold belief is compassionate enough to carry those who cannot walk on their own. Bold belief makes a way to set others in front of Jesus. Bold belief doesn't turn back when met with difficulties, but presses in, and overcomes obstacles. As a result, lives are changed for all of eternity. Bold belief is love in action. May we exercise bold belief in our daily affairs. …the righteous are bold as a lion. (Proverbs 28:1 NKJV)

Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, “This is the way you should go,” whether to the right or to the left. — Isaiah 30:21 (NLT) In the midst of adversity and affliction, may we look unto Jesus, our Champion and listen for His voice. Jesus said, His sheep recognize His voice and they follow Him because they know His voice. They won't follow a stranger because they don’t know his voice. (John 10:3-5) Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. (John 4:6)  When we give attention to God, He leads us out into the open, into a spacious, free life. In the Messiah, in Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade. (2 Corinthians 2:14 MSG) Choose life. Choose to follow Jesus, in good times and bad, through the storms and in the fiery furnace, knowing you are on your way to a glorious place.

Just consider and meditate on Him who endured from sinners such bitter hostility against Himself [consider it all in comparison with your trials], so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. — Hebrews 12:3 (AMP) The best way not to lose heart in times of trouble, is to keep an eternal perspective. For the joy that was set before Him, Jesus endured the cross. So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18 MSG)

If we were at home, I don’t think any of us would allow a robber to come in and just take what belongs to us and walk out the door. However, many people allow Satan to do just that. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. — John 10:10a (NKJV) The enemy's purpose is to steal, kill and destroy. He goes to and fro on the earth (Job 1:7). Don't think that he is not coming. First Peter 5:8 tells us to be sober, be vigilant; because our adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Jesus came that we may have life, and that we may have it more abundantly. — John 10:10b (NKJV) Our heavenly Father has given us so many precious promises and perfect gifts, but we let the enemy come and bind us up with his lies, and take what belongs to us. The minute you believe one of his lies, he steals your joy. Believe another lie and he takes your peace. He continues to steal from us until he has killed our hope and our trust

Now they came to Jericho. As He went out of Jericho with His disciples and a great multitude, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the road begging. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Then many warned him to be quiet; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”  — Mark 10:46-48 (NKJV) When you cannot see which way to go, or have a dark cloud of doubt and confusion obstructing your view, call out to Jesus. He is near. His ears are always open to hear your voice. Like Bartimaeus, ignore those who tell you not to call upon God, cry out for Him even more. Our mighty God is faithful, He will answer. He is able and willing to take care of all that concerns you. The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. — Psalm 34:17 (NKJV)

Depend on God and keep at it because in the LORD God you have a sure thing. — Isaiah 26:4 (MSG) The troubles the Apostle Paul experienced taught him to depend on God. In 2 Corinthians 1:8-9 (NLT) he says,   We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. Let us depend on God no matter how our current circumstances appear. “ Trust [confidently] in the LORD forever [He is your fortress, your shield, your banner], for the LORD God is an everlasting Rock [the Rock of Ages]. ”  —Isaiah 26:4 (AMP)

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) Never forget the goodness of our great God and all the wonderful ways He blesses His people. He is everything that we will ever need. He is a constant Companion and a Faithful Friend forever. He is our GPS, as He leads us and guides us along on the path of life. He is our Healer, and the One who makes us whole. He is our Champion; our battles belong to Him and He has given us the victory! Because of Jesus, we are more than conquerors, we overcome. The LORD is kind and compassionate, full of mercy and grace. He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities. (Psalm 103:10 NKJV) He delivered us out of the domain of darkness and brought us into His family. Oh what manner of love the Father has lavished on us that we should be called children of God! He loved us first and chose us bef

Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. — Proverbs 4:25 (ESV) Quit looking in the rearview mirror of your life and look straight ahead keeping your eyes on Jesus, the good Shepherd and what He is doing in your midst. The Message Bible says: Keep your eyes straight ahead; ignore all sideshow distractions. Watch your step, and the road will stretch out smooth before you. (Proverbs 4:25-26) The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines brighter and brighter until the full day. (Proverbs 4:18 NASB) That means your best days are ahead of you. Today is a new day and God is doing a new thing. If God woke you up this morning, He has a purpose and a plan for you to accomplish with this day. Move onward and forward, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead. ... I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back . —Phil

And a cloud came and overshadowed them; and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!” — Mark 9:7 (NKJV) Let us hear Jesus. In John 14:1, Jesus said “ Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. ” Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. (John 14:6) When we believe in Him, we can abide in everlasting peace. In John 14:27 Jesus said, “ Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. ” In John 16:33, He goes on to say, “ In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world .” When He hung on the cross, in John 19:30, Jesus said, “ It is finished! ” May we hear Jesus, and continually walk with Him, taking each step by faith, no matter where He may lead us, knowing that Jesus has already accomplished victory for us.

It is the LORD who gives wisdom; from him come knowledge and understanding. He provides help and protection for those who are righteous and honest. He protects those who treat others fairly, and guards those who are devoted to him. — Proverbs 2:6-8 (GNT) If any of you needs wisdom to know what you should do, you should ask God, and he will give it to you. God is generous to everyone and doesn’t find fault with them. (James 1:5 GW) He watches over the way of His saints. He will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; He will guide you with His eye. (Psalm 32:8 NKJV) Listen to the still small voice of His Holy Spirit within you and He will show you the best way to go.

Wherever He entered, into villages, cities, or the country, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged Him that they might just touch the hem of His garment. And as many as touched Him were made well. — Mark 6:56 (NKJV) When we reach out and touch Jesus, our lives are transformed. He is able to bring back to life, that which is dead. When we make contact with Jesus, our mighty Savior, we are made well. As we let the Holy Spirit work in us, we can recieve emotional and physical healing. Don’t just settle for a touch. Seek to dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of your life (Psalm 27:4). As you spend time with Him, He will exchange your anxiety with everlasting peace. His perfect love will cast out fear (1 John 4:18). Doubt will flee and faith and trust will grow. Jesus will remove a spirit of heaviness and give you joy. If you are weary, He will give you strength. Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinite