Manna for Your Morning

This is what the Eternal One says, the One who does the impossible, the One who makes a path through the sea, a smooth road through tumultuous waters, — Isaiah 43:16 (VOICE) “Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new. It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it? There it is! I’m making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands.” — Isaiah 43:18-19 (MSG) With our great and awesome God, all things are possible. Where there appears to be no way, He will make a way. Forget what lies behind and reach forward to what lies ahead. (Philippians 3:13) May we be alert to what God is doing and wanting us to do, in this present moment. I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, wh

Those who are loved by God, let his love continually pour from you to one another, because God is love. Everyone who loves is fathered by God and experiences an intimate knowledge of him. The one who doesn’t love has yet to know God, for God is love. — 1 John 4:7-8 (TPT) Beloved brothers and sisters, let us be vessels of God’s love. As He continually pours His love into us, let us be devoted to unselfishly love and seek the best for one another. In Matthew 5:44-45 (TPT), Jesus says: “love your enemy, bless the one who curses you, do something wonderful for the one who hates you, and respond to the very ones who persecute you by praying for them. For that will reveal your identity as children of your heavenly Father. He is kind to all by bringing the sunrise to warm and rainfall to refresh whether a person does what is good or evil.” Lavish the love you generously receive from God on all who come your way.

As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God; When shall I come and appear before God? — Psalm 42:1-2 (NASB) When we thirst for God, our souls will be fully satisfied. I was glad when they said to me, “ Let us go to the house of the LORD. ” (Psalm 122:1 NASB) 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. 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 63:1-4 MSG)

We humans keep brainstorming options and plans, but God’s purpose prevails. — Proverbs 19:21 (MSG) God has a perfect plan for each and every person. And Jesus gave His life to save us and empower us to fulfill it. The LORD has a good plan for each one of us. He created us with purpose and a glorious destiny. As we follow His Word and are led by His Holy Spirit, He will take us from one glory to another level of glory. When we let the devil or our flesh, lure us off the path that leads to everlasting life and a more abundant life here on earth,  we are making detours away from His good and perfect plan. But no matter where we are today and no matter what poor decisions we have made in the past, God will work everything together for good. Choose today, to follow God and serve Him only.

Therefore become imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]; — Ephesians 5:1 (AMP) As well-beloved children of God, may we follow His example. Abba Father loves us and gives us new mercies every morning, let us walk in unconditional love and show grace and mercy to others. Just as our heavenly Father has forgiven us of our transgressions, and set them as far as the east is from the west, may we forgive those who offend us and not hold grudges. Just as the LORD is long-suffering with us, let us be patient and compassionate with others. As we follow the example of our heavenly Father, we invade the darkness of this world with His glorious light and advance His Kingdom here on earth. Amen.

But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the right [the authority, the privilege] to become children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name — — John 1:12 (AMP) What a privilege and honor to be called a child of God, to abide in the Presence of Almighty God. Consider the kind of extravagant love the Father has lavished on us—He calls us children of God! It’s true; we are His beloved children. And in the same way the world didn’t recognize Him, the world does not recognize us either. (1 John 3:1 VOICE) The Passion Translation says: Look with wonder at the depth of the Father’s marvelous love that he has lavished on us! He has called us and made us his very own beloved children … (1 John 3:1) As children of God, let us abide with Him on a moment by moment basis, not just drop by one day of the week and then check out. With humble and grateful hearts, let us confidently and daily, draw near to the throne of grace, and spend

Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. — James 1:17 (NLT) Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above. And JESUS is the most perfect gift of all. Receive Him. Father God has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. (1 John 4:14 TPT) God sent His only Son into the world so that we could find true life through Him (1 John 4:9 VOICE). Jesus is everything we need. He is the bread of life; he who comes to Him will not hunger, and he who believes in Him will never thirst (John 6:35). Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). He is Wonderful Counselor. You can talk to Him 24 hours a day, every day. He is Mighty God. There is no problem too difficult for Him. He is an Everlasting Father. His love for us never fails. He always watches over and takes care of His children. Let us celebrate King Jesus, Savior of the world!

Entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and falling to their knees, they worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. — Matthew 2:11 (CSB) Be a wise man or woman of God and fall to your knees and worship King Jesus, Savior of the world. He is King of kings and Lord of lords. Jesus is Immanuel: God with us, so worthy of all our adoration, praise, and worship. Present to Him the gift of your heart, humble, open and willing to do His will. Let Him make your heart a vessel through which His love, light and life, can flow. His Holy Spirit fills our hearts with His peace, His power, and His Presence. Glory hallelujah! …I urge you to offer your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice to God, a sacred offering that brings Him pleasure; this is your reasonable, essential worship.  — Romans 12:1 (VOICE)

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. — Luke 2:10-11 (NASB) The shepherds went straight to Bethlehem, after the angels delivered the message about the birth of Jesus. Luke 2:16 (NASB) says, they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. May we make spending time, alone, in His Presence every day, a top priority in our lives. If you delay seeking Him, there will be distractions and detours that will drive you further away from Him, instead of closer.  The Good News of our Savior's birth is for ALL people and all generations. Don't delay to seek Him today.

“ For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs. ” — Zephaniah 3:17 (NLT) Our God is Immanuel. He is alive and He lives among His people. He is a mighty Savior. Jesus saves us from the penalty of our sins. The LORD is a good Father, Who delights over His children with gladness. His perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18). Be strong, and courageous, because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4). “I, even I, am the LORD, and there is no savior besides Me.” — Isaiah 43:11 (NASB)

Be still and know (recognize, understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth.” — Psalm 46:10 (AMP) When we pause from the hustle and bustle of life, and sit in the throne room of Almighty God, we are able to catch a glimpse of His glory. As we quiet our thoughts, and focus on our heavenly Father, we gain a deeper revelation and appreciation of our great God. Cease striving and experience the fullness of joy that comes in His Presence. Be captivated by His love and grace. Surrender your anxiety! Be silent and stop your striving and you will see that I am God. I am the God above all the nations, and I will be exalted throughout the whole earth. — Psalm 46:10 (TPT)

“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 2:1-2 (NASB) Jesus is always beckoning us to come to Him. Let us be like the wise men and come to bow down and worship King Jesus. Come to receive rest. In Matthew 11:28 (NASB), Jesus said,  “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” Come to cast your cares upon Him for He cares for you. Come to receive salvation and be made whole. Let us be like the one leper in Luke 11:15-16, who was healed, and came back glorifying God and fell on his face at His feet, giving thanks to Jesus.

Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the LORD our maker, for he is our God. We are the people he watches over, the flock under his care. — Psalm 95:6-7a (NLT) May you yearn for His Presence more than you desire to possess any earthly thing. Jesus is the greatest gift of all. Come, let us sing to the LORD! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come to him with thanksgiving. Let us sing psalms of praise to him. For the LORD is a great God, a great King above all gods. (Psalm 95:1-3 NLT) They sang, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and strength belong to our God forever and ever! Amen.” — Revelation 7:12 (NLT)

Know therefore that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments; — Deuteronomy 7:9 (NASB) Know without a doubt that our God is a faithful Father. While people may disappoint you and let you down, our heavenly Father is forever faithful. He is faithful to fulfill every promise He has spoken. Trust and rely on His lovingkindness and faithfulness; Rejoice and delight in His salvation. (Psalm 13:5) Like a bird protecting its young, God will cover you with His feathers, will protect you under His great wings; His faithfulness will form a shield around you, a rock-solid wall to protect you. (Psalm 91:4 VOICE) Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. — 1 Chronicles 16:34 (NLT)

“ What’s the price of a pet canary? Some loose change, right? And God cares what happens to it even more than you do. He pays even greater attention to you, down to the last detail—even numbering the hairs on your head! ” — Matthew 10:29-30 (MSG) Every single moment you are thinking of me! How precious and wonderful to consider that you cherish me constantly in your every thought! O God, your desires toward me are more than the grains of sand on every shore! When I awake each morning, you’re still with me. (Psalm 139:17-18 TPT) May we give God greater attention. Let us pay more attention to our Mighty God than to our cell phones, our social media posts or our favorite sports team. Give greater attention to the One we celebrate, than to the activities and events themselves. Be intentional in your thoughts of our heavenly Father and Christ our Savior. Cherish Him constantly.

Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!” — Luke 1:28 (NLT) Believers have the favor of God, because the Lord is with us. With God on our side, who can stand against us? When Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, were tied up and thrown into the midst of the fiery furnace, that was seven times hotter than usual, they were delivered because the presence of the LORD was with them. Not only were they loosed but the fire had no effect on their bodies—their hair was not singed, their clothes were not scorched or damaged, even the smell of smoke was not on them. If you are experiencing a fiery furnace ordeal, know that the LORD is with you and He will bring you through. For it is You who blesses the righteous man, O LORD, You surround him with favor as with a shield.  — Psalm 5:12 (NASB)

You’ve gone into my future to prepare the way, and in kindness you follow behind me to spare me from the harm of my past. With your hand of love upon my life, you impart a blessing to me. — Psalm 139:5 (TPT) Our heavenly Father formed us in our mother’s womb and brought us into this world. When our days on this earth are done, He will be the One who welcomes us into a glorious eternity. And each day in between, He will be by our side, as we journey through life. We have the blessing of His Presence and His hand of love, gently leads us along the pathway that leads to life and life more abundantly. His hand of love is our protection and our peace. Wherever I go, your hand will guide me; your strength will empower me. It’s impossible to disappear from you or to ask the darkness to hide me, for your presence is everywhere, bringing light into my night. — Psalm 139:10-11 (TPT)

With my whole heart, with my whole life, and with my innermost being, I bow in wonder and love before you, the holy God! — Psalm 103:1 (TPT) O come, let us worship and bow down, Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker [in reverent praise and prayer]. (Psalm 95:6 AMP) Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised! Our mighty God is good, His is abundant in grace and mercy. He is love and full of  light. There is no darkness in Him. The LORD is our light and our salvation (Psalm 27:1). Bow in wonder at the throne of God. Those who walked in darkness have seen a radiant light shining upon them. They once lived in the shadows of death, but now a glorious light has dawned! — Isaiah 9:2 (TPT)

Do not yield to fear, for I am always near. Never turn your gaze from me, for I am your faithful God. I will infuse you with my strength and help you in every situation. I will hold you firmly with my victorious right hand.’ — Isaiah 41:10 (TPT) There are no set of circumstances that are too difficult for our great God to handle. He has every one of our days already written in His Book (Psalm 139:16), so whatever you face today, know that God already has a record of the the answer or solution. Keep looking to Him and wait patiently for the appointed time of delivery.

Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. — Psalm 23:4 (NLT) God’s a safe-house for the battered, a sanctuary during bad times. The moment you arrive, you relax;  (Psalm 9:9 MSG) Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O LORD, do not abandon those who search for you. (Psalm 9:10 NLT) Seek the LORD every moment of the day. Daily determine to do His will. For He has not forsaken those who genuinely seek Him. The comfort of your love takes away my fear. I’ll never be lonely, for you are near. — Psalm 23:4b (TPT)

How great is the goodness you have stored up for those who fear you. You lavish it on those who come to you for protection, blessing them before the watching world. You hide them in the shelter of your presence, safe from those who conspire against them. You shelter them in your presence, far from accusing tongues. — Psalm 31:19-20 (NLT) Trust in the LORD. Be glad and rejoice in His unfailing love, for He has seen your troubles, and He cares about the anguish of your soul. He has not handed you over to your enemies but has set you in a safe place. (Psalm 31:6-8) He is our rock and our fortress; for His name’s sake He will lead us and guide us. (Psalm 31:3) Follow Him.

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; — 1 Peter 2:9 (NASB) Not only have we been called out of darkness. We have been called into His marvelous light, into holiness and purity. We have been called into His everlasting peace and inexplicable joy. We have been called into His amazing grace and mercy. We have been called into God’s family and we have received a glorious inheritance. We have been called into His purpose and good plan for our lives. May we proclaim the wondrous acts of the One who called us. Amen.

For the LORD your God is going with you! He will fight for you against your enemies, and he will give you victory!’ — Deuteronomy 20:4 (NLT) Two things to remember: First, the battle belongs to the LORD. As David said when he faced the giant, Goliath, “... that this entire assembly may know that the LORD does not save with the sword or with the spear; for the battle is the LORD’s and He will hand you over to us. ” (1 Samuel 17:47 AMP) Second, the LORD has already given us the victory (past tense). Hallelujah! Just as the Israelites followed the cloud in the desert for 40 years. Our way of life is to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, move when He says move, stop when He says stop, speak when He gives us the words and when He says be quiet, stop talking.  Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ ... (2 Corinthians 2:14)!

How happy are those who have learned how to praise You; those who journey through life by the light of Your face. Every hour of the day, they rejoice at the sound of Your name. They are lifted up and encouraged by Your righteousness. — Psalm 89:15-16 (VOICE) Bless the LORD at all times. Let His praise continually be in your mouth. 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) Amen!

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,  Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. — Isaiah 9:6 (NASB) Jesus is Wonderful Counselor. Before you text a friend, talk to Jesus and listen for His answer. Jesus is Mighty God. Nothing is impossible with God. (Luke 1:37) Jesus is our conquering King. He has gained the victory for us, Christ is Eternal Father. In John 10:30, Jesus said,  “I and the Father are one.” Our Lord and Savior is also the Prince of Peace, and He has given it to us. Call on His name today. “ Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.] ” — John 14:27 (AMP)

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) We will endure some light momentary affliction and times of trouble, however, God will restore us, support us, and give us strength. He will place us on a firm foundation and build us up. Our heavenly Father blesses us with His favor and has called us to His everlasting presence through Jesus, the Anointed One. He endured the cross, disregarded its shame and is now seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. “... In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. ” — John 16:33 (NKJV)

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) Thirty years ago today, the LORD opened my eyes to truth and I opened my heart to receive His love and the wonderful gift of salvation. All praise and honor to God. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Let us walk as children of light. (Ephesians 5:8) As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. (Psalm 103:12  NASB) Amen & Hallelujah! He calls us out of darkness and into His marvelous light that we may proclaim His praises (1 Peter 2:9) Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done.(Psalm 105:1 NLT) Now to Him who is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly more than all that we dare ask or think [infinitely beyond our greatest prayers, hopes, or dreams], according to His power that is at work with

The LORD appeared to him from afar, saying, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness.” — Jeremiah 31:3 (NASB) Abba Father loves us with an everlasting love. He continually draws us close to Him with His loyal love and inexhaustible compassion. No matter what you have done, He is like the father of the prodigal son, once we turn away from the worldly desires and distractions, and take that step towards Him, He runs to us with, His arms open wide. Come close to Him today and receive His warm, loving embrace. The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. (Lamentations 3:22 NLT) Glory hallelujah!

God proves to be good to the man who passionately waits, to the woman who diligently seeks. It’s a good thing to quietly hope, quietly hope for help from God. It’s a good thing when you’re young to stick it out through the hard times. — Lamentations 3:25-27 (MSG) Keep your hope in the LORD, and you will not be disappointed. We can endure the hard times because He is our help and our impenetrable shield against the fiery darts of the enemy. Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become restless and disturbed within me? Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall again praise Him For the help of His presence. (Psalm 42:5 AMP)

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God [set aside self-righteous pride], so that He may exalt you [to a place of honor in His service] at the appropriate time, casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]. — 1 Peter 5:6-7 (AMP) Cast all your cares on the LORD, and leave them in His mighty hands. Trust God and the good plans He has for you. His plans are for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. So long as we are alive, we have hope... (Ecclesiastes 9:4a VOICE) Quiet your heart in his presence and pray; keep hope alive as you long for God to come through for you. — Psalm 37:7 (TPT)

And He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter replied, “The Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed) of God!” — Luke 9:20 (AMP) Who do you say Jesus is? In John 6:67, Jesus asked the twelve disciples, “Are you also going to leave?” Simon Peter answered, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You [alone] have the words of eternal life [you are our only hope]. We have believed and confidently trusted, and [even more] we have come to know [by personal observation and experience] that You are the Holy One of God [the Christ, the Son of the living God].” (John 6:68-69 AMP) Believe and confidently trust in Jesus. Let us earnestly and diligently seek the Lord. He is our only hope.

The Eternal is my shepherd, He cares for me always. He provides me rest in rich, green fields beside streams of refreshing water. He soothes my fears; — Psalm 23:1-2 (VOICE) As we remember it’s not about man-made rules and religion, but a personal relationship, we can stop striving, be still and come to a greater knowledge of our good and awesome God. Rest in His Presence. Put the yoke of Jesus on and learn from Him, for He is gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest and renewal for your souls. (Matthew 11:29) And He said, “My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest.” — Exodus 33:14 (NASB)

The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. — Psalm 145:9 (NIV) O taste and see that the LORD is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! (Psalm 34:8 NASB) The LORD’s compassions for us never fail. They are new every morning. May we be like our heavenly Father, and be good to all. Have fresh new mercy and compassion for those who may have offended you in the past. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. (Philippians 2:4 NLT) Recognize the value of every person and continually show love to every believer. Live your lives with great reverence and in holy awe of God. Honor your rulers. — 1 Peter 2:17 (TPT)

“ Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. ” — Matthew 28:20 (NLT) As Believers, we are most blessed to have the Presence of the Lord, with us. Immanuel: God with us. Let His Presence be a source of comfort and courage. Be thankful that even before He made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ. His Presence and His power enables us to accomplish His will on the earth. What a privilege and honor to be a vessel for our heavenly Father, a vessel of His love and grace, a vessel of His light and truth. Amen. “ Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. For I hold you by your right hand— I, the LORD your God. And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you. ” — Isaiah 41:10, 13 (NLT)

We count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful. — James 5:11 (NASB) The LORD blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning… (Job 42:12a NASB) Whatever you may be going through right now, know that your future in God is brighter and brighter. For the joy that was set before Him, Jesus endured the cross... (Hebrews 12:2). For I consider [from the standpoint of faith] that the sufferings of the present life are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is about to be revealed to us and in us! (Romans 8:18 AMP) Amen!

Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; for His mercy and lovingkindness endure forever! — Psalm 106:1 AMP We enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. So give thanks to Him and bless His holy name. Give thanks to the LORD and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. (1 Chronicles 16:8 NASB) It is good to give thanks to the LORD and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; (Psalm 92:1 NASB) “Therefore I will give thanks to You, O LORD, among the nations, and I will sing praises to Your name.” (2 Samuel 22:50 NASB) I will continually give thanks to the LORD with all my heart and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High.

Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude…  — Philippians 4:6 (TPT) Instead of letting worries occupy your mind and shape your life, make your specific requests to our great God, with thanksgiving, for who He is and for all He has done. Be grateful for what He is doing at this present moment. Be thankful that His ear is always open to hear your voice. I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.  (Psalm 34:4 NLT) For I hope in You, O LORD; You will answer, O Lord my God. (Psalm 38:15 NASB)

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. — James 4:8 (NASB) It is good for us to draw near to our heavenly Father. Make Him your refuge and abide in His peace. The greater the distance between us and God, the more room there is for distractions which will cause detours off of the path He has for us. Seek the LORD while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near. (Isaiah 55:6) 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)

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. — 2 Corinthians 1:8-9 (NLT) Cast your cares on the Lord. Instead of trusting in your own strength, let your troubles cause you to rely solely on God, who possesses the power to raise the dead. Keep your hope in Him and you will not be disappointed. He delivers the righteous from all their troubles.

You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. — Genesis 50:20 (NLT) “For I hold you by your right hand— I, the LORD your God. And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.” (Isaiah 41:13 NLT) People may plan evil against you but God will use those same plans for your good. When you endure hardship, the great and glorious outcome, is that the lives of countless people may be preserved. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. — Psalm 23:4 (NLT)

Rejoice always and delight in your faith; — 1 Thessalonians 5:16 (AMP) “Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength!” (Nehemiah 8:10b NLT) James 1:2 (NASB) says: Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials. Why be joyful? It is your strength to fight the good fight of faith and fulfill the purposes and plans God has for you. Joy gives you strength to resist the devil and live a victorious life. We can be joyful because we have the love and Presence of our everlasting Father. We can rejoice because we know He will make a way. We can be joyful because with our great God, all things are possible. Nothing can stand against our awesome God. Amen. Let joy be your continual feast. — 1 Thessalonians 5:16 (TPT)

So we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are unseen; for the things which are visible are temporal [just brief and fleeting], but the things which are invisible are everlasting and imperishable. — 2 Corinthians 4:18 (AMP) Do not look at the things you see now, your current set of circumstances. The things we see now are here today, and will be gone tomorrow. Instead, remember the unseen: the love that God lavishes upon us, the new compassions He pours out every morning, and the victory that Jesus has already won for us. Focus your attention on the Presence of the Lord. He is with you always, even to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:20) He is with you in the fiery furnace and when the floodwaters threaten to overtake you. You will not be burned, and you will not drown. God will bring you through. Our eternal God is greater than anything that comes against us.

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the LORD,  and in His law he meditates day and night. — Psalm 1:1-2 (NKJV) When we meditate on the Word of God, our thoughts are elevated from our ways to His way and we can see things from His, much higher perspective. Let His Word permeate your mind and hide it in your heart, and you will be blessed and have good success, when you follow it. Joshua 1:8 says: This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. (NKJV) How well God must like you— you don’t hang out at Sin Saloon, you don’t slink along Dead-End Road, you don’t go to Smart-Mouth College. Instead you thrill to God’s Word, you chew on Scripture day and night.

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His lovingkindness is everlasting. Give thanks to the God of gods, for His lovingkindness is everlasting. Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for His lovingkindness is everlasting. — Psalm 136:1-3 (NASB) Give thanks to the LORD and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done (1 Chronicles 16:8 NLT). God remembered us when we were down, His love never quits. Rescued us from the trampling boot, His love never quits. Takes care of everyone in time of need. His love never quits. Thank God, who did it all! His love never quits! (Psalm 136:23-26 MSG) Let your heart overflow with praise to the True God of heaven, for His faithful love lasts forever. — Psalm 136:26 (VOICE)

Come close to the one true God, and He will draw close to you. Wash your hands; you have dirtied them in sin. Cleanse your heart, because your mind is split down the middle, your love for God on one side and selfish pursuits on the other. — James 4:8 (VOICE) Move your heart closer and closer to God, and he will come even closer to you. (James 4:8a TPT) 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. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet. (James 4:7-10 MSG)

It’s impossible to please God apart from faith. And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that he exists and that he cares enough to respond to those who seek him. — Hebrews 11:6 (MSG) Let us draw near to God with sincere hearts, full of faith. Believe that He exists and that He cares deeply for you. Jesus could not do many miracles in His hometown because of their lack of faith. May we live by faith, and earnestly and diligently seek God, His will and His Kingdom, because He who promised is faithful. Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. (Hebrews 10:23 MSG)

You will keep the peace, a perfect peace, for all who trust in You, for those who dedicate their hearts and minds to You. — Isaiah 26:3 (VOICE) We will only abide in peace to the degree that we place our trust in the LORD. The enemy steals our peace when we meditate on challenging situations and difficult circumstances. This leads to frustration, fear, and hopelessness. Dedicate your heart and mind to the LORD. When what we see does not line up with the Word of God and His wonderful promises, we must make a decision to keep our trust in God and stand on His Word. Depend on God and keep at it because in the Lord God you have a sure thing (Isaiah 26:4 MSG). So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! (Hebrews 10:35 NLT) Now may the Lord of peace Himself grant you His peace at all times and in every way [that peace and spiritual well-being that comes to those who walk with Him, regardless of life’s circumstances]. The Lord be with

Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind… — Job 38:1 (NKJV) Do not fear the storms of life. The storm won't outlast our mighty God. And Nahum 1:3 says, the LORD has His way in the whirlwind and in the storm. His ways our higher than ours. Let what needs to be blown out of your life be carried away. When the whirlwind passes by, the wicked is no more, but the righteous has an everlasting foundation. (Proverbs 10:25 NKJV) Stand firm on our strong foundation and watch for God to answer you out of the whirlwind. Out of the raging storm, the Eternal One answered Job. — Job 38:1 (VOICE)

“Are you weary, carrying a heavy burden? Then come to me. I will refresh your life, for I am your oasis. — Matthew 11:28 (TPT) An oasis is a pleasant or peaceful place in the midst of a difficult situation or troubling circumstance. Jesus is our calm in a troubled world. Come to Him and be refreshed. In Matthew 11:29-30 (MSG), Jesus says: “ 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. ” We life free and light when we join our lives with Him and learn from Him. Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret … — Psalm 37:7a (NKJV)

…so that through two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to seize the hope set before us. — Hebrews 6:18 (CSB) Why, my soul, are you so dejected? Why are you in such turmoil? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise him, my Savior and my God. (Psalm 42:11 CSB) This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. Jesus has already gone in there for us. He has become our eternal High Priest in the order of Melchizedek. (Hebrews 6:19-20 NLT) God is our refuge and help. He is our only hope.  How blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, Whose hope is in the Lord his God,  Who made heaven and earth, the sea and all that is in them; Who keeps faith forever; — Psalm 146:5-6 (CSB)