Manna for Your Morning

It is good to give thanks to the LORD and 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 (NASB) 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. If only you would listen to his voice today! (Psalm 95:6-7 NLT) For the LORD will not abandon His people, nor will He forsake His inheritance. (Psalm 90:14 NASB) O satisfy us in the morning with Your lovingkindness, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. (Psalm 90:14 NASB) Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom. (Psalm 90:12 (NLT)

For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon You. — Psalm 86:5 (NASB) For the LORD God is a sun and shield; The LORD gives grace and glory; No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly. (Psalm 84:11 NASB) O LORD of hosts, How blessed and greatly favored is the man who trusts in You [believing in You, relying on You, and committing himself to You with confident hope and expectation]. (Psalm 84:12 AMP) Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God. — 3 John 1:11 (NASB)

Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. — James 4:8 (NLT) Continually draw near to God. His nearness is our good. The closer to Him we are, the more like the God of love, we grow. 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)

tell them to put their confidence and hope in God, and never forget the wondrous things He has done. They should obey His commandments always. — Psalm 78:7 (VOICE) Despite all your many offenses, He forgives and releases you. More than any doctor, He heals your diseases. He reaches deep into the pit to deliver you from death. He crowns you with unfailing love and compassion like a king. When your soul is famished and withering, He fills you with good and beautiful things, satisfying you as long as you live. He makes you strong like an eagle, restoring your youth. (Psalm 103:3-5 VOICE) Remember that God, the Most High, is our Rock, our Redeemer. Always remember the wonderful works He has done.

The LORD’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. — Lamentations 3:22-23 (NASB) Looking for the new normal? Do you want what's normal or new? So much about our heavenly Father is not routine or normal: seas parting, sick people being healed, barren wombs giving birth, blind eyes receiving sight, the dead coming back to life, etc. Instead of looking for what is normal, let us begin each day new and fresh, trusting God to be our guide. Instead of our own agenda, may we begin each day being led by the Holy Spirit, ready to execute God’s purpose and plan on the earth, as ambassadors of Christ, and as soldiers, continually focused on the mission. “ Do not remember the former things, or ponder the things of the past. ” — Isaiah 43:18 (AMP)  ...press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14 NASB)

Though the fig tree does not blossom And there is no fruit on the vines, Though the yield of the olive fails And the fields produce no food, Though the flock is cut off from the fold And there are no cattle in the stalls, Yet I will [choose to] rejoice in the LORD; I will [choose to] shout in exultation in the [victorious] God of my salvation!  — Habakkuk 3:17-18 (AMP) No matter how dismal circumstances may appear, I will hope continually, and will praise You yet more and more. (See Psalm 71:14) You are my rock and my fortress. You are my strong refuge (See Psalm 71:3, 7) For You are my hope; O Lord God. My praise is continually of You. (See Psalm 71:5-6)

Blessed be the Lord— day after day he carries us along. He’s our Savior, our God, oh yes! He’s God-for-us, he’s God-who-saves-us. Lord God knows all death’s ins and outs. — Psalm 68:19-20 (MSG) Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden. He is God-for-us. Our God is a mighty God who saves us over and over! For the Lord, Yahweh, rescues us from the ways of death many times. (Psalm 68:20 TPT) …praise the name of God with song and magnify Him with thanksgiving. (Psalm 69:30 NASB) “ All the earth will worship You, and will sing praises to You; They will sing praises to Your name. ” Selah. — Psalm 66:4 (NASB)

They have seen the works of the LORD, and His wonders in the deep. — Psalm 107:24 (NLT) Don’t fall for the distractions of the enemy. He brings drama in your life to get your eyes off of Jesus, then you start following Jesus at a distance (like Peter). This leads to doubt, a disconnection and detours away from the good plans our heavenly Father has for you. Instead, go deeper in God, and be devoted to Him with all your heart. Press into His Presence. Press into praise & worship and His Word.  In Luke 5:4 (NLT), Jesus told Simon, “ Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish .” Today, Jesus calls us to go deeper. We are not to passively linger on the shores, as a spectator. When we plunge into the depths of His Presence and faithfully follow where His Holy Spirit leads, we experience His peace, and joy. We engage with His power, and see the miracles of hearts and lives being changed to the glory of God. Even when building a house, we have to dig deep. L

We plan the way we want to live, but only God makes us able to live it. — Proverbs 16:9 (MSG) We plan and God directs. Listen carefully, those of you who make your plans and say, “We are traveling to this city in the next few days. We’ll stay there for one year while our business explodes and revenue is up.” The reality is you have no idea where your life will take you tomorrow. You are like a mist that appears one moment and then vanishes another. It would be best to say, “If it is the Lord’s will and we live long enough, we hope to do this project or pursue that dream.” (James 4:13-15 VOICE) Let us make the most of every opportunity the Lord gives us today, to glorify the name of Jesus and advance the Kingdom of God.

Come back to the place of safety, all you prisoners who still have hope! I promise this very day that I will repay two blessings for each of your troubles. — Zechariah 9:12 (NLT) You may be feeling imprisoned by circumstances, by hopelessness, by the walls of your home, etc. Don't let the enemy hold you captive and steal your hope, peace and joy. Remember, Jesus was sent to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed, to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord. (See Luke 4:18-19). May the LORD show you his favor and give you his peace. (Numbers 6:26 NLT) Jesus is our only hope. Walk in the freedom Jesus has provided for us and claim double for your trouble.

…’Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of hosts. — Zechariah 4:6b (NASB) Our battles are won not with our might, nor our power, but by the Spirit of the LORD. Let us submit to the Holy Spirit within us. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world. (See 1 John 4:4) But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. — Romans 8:11 (NASB)

This is the day which the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it. — Psalm 118:24 (NASB) As we trust, we rejoice with an uncontained joy flowing from Yahweh! Let your love and steadfast kindness overshadow us continually, for we trust and we wait upon you! (Psalm 33:21-22 TPT) Even when bad things happen to the good and godly ones, the Lord will save them and not let them be defeated by what they face. (Psalm 34:19 TPT) May all those who seek You [as life’s first priority] rejoice and be glad in You; May those who love Your salvation say continually, “Let God be magnified!” — Psalm 70:4 (AMP)

O True God, You are my God, the One whom I trust. I seek You with every fiber of my being. In this dry and weary land with no water in sight, my soul is dry and longs for You. My body aches for You, for Your presence. — Psalm 63:1 (VOICE) As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God. I thirst for God, the living God… (Psalm 42:1-2a NLT) One thing I have asked of the LORD, and that I will seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD [in His presence] all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty [the delightful loveliness and majestic grandeur] of the LORD and to meditate in His temple. (Psalm 27:4 AMP) Seek and deeply long for the LORD and His strength [His power, His might]; Seek and deeply long for His face and His presence continually. — Psalm 105:4 (AMP)

After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen . — 1 Peter 5:10-11 (NASB) Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You’re not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It’s the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won’t last forever. It won’t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does. (1 Peter 5:8-11 MSG)

Lift up your heads, O gates, and lift them up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in! Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, He is the King of glory. Selah. — Psalm 24:9-10 (NASB) This is the generation of those who seek Him, Who seek Your face—even Jacob. Selah. (Psalm 24:6) May this be the generation who continually seeks the face of the LORD. To You, O LORD, I lift up my soul. O my God, in You I [have unwavering] trust [and I rely on You with steadfast confidence], Do not let me be ashamed or my hope in You be disappointed; Do not let my enemies triumph over me. (Psalm 25:1-2 AMP) Make me know Your ways, O LORD; Teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You I wait all the day. (Psalm 25:4-5 NASB) All the paths of the LORD are lovingkindness and truth to those who keep His covenant and His testimonies. (Psalm 25:10 NASB) Amen.

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) What a privilege and honor that we are able to humbly draw near to the throne of grace, with confidence. We have a heavenly Father Who desires us to be close to Him. As for God, His way is blameless; The word of the LORD is tried; He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him. For who is God, but the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God, (Psalm 18:30-31 NASB). The LORD lives, and blessed be my rock; and exalted be the God of my salvation, — Psalm 18:46  (NASB)

“I am the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come—the Almighty One. ” — Revelation 1:8 (NLT) Our world is in a constant state of change, but the LORD does not change (Malachi 3:6) Jesus, the Anointed One, is always the same—yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8 TPT) He is our strong foundation and our stability in the earth-shaking and stormy times. While there is conflict in this world, King Jesus reigns as the Prince of Peace. Let your roots grow down deeply in Him, and let Him build you up on a firm foundation. Be strong in the faith, just as you were taught, and always spill over with thankfulness. (Colossians 2:7 VOICE)

As for the rich in this present world, instruct them not to be conceited and arrogant, nor to set their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly and ceaselessly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. — 1 Timothy 6:17 (AMP) Set your hope on God. The things of this world are temporary, but our great and awesome God is eternal and His Word stands forever. 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) The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9 NASB)  …so that 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)

“Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which translated means, “God with us.” — Matthew 1:23 (NASB) The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows]. (John 10:10 AMP) Even though our adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour (See 1 Peter 5:8), we do not have to fall for his evil schemes. As we focus on the fact that God is with us, we are more than conquerors, for all things are possible with God . (Mark 10:27).  He will make known to us the path of life; In His presence is fullness of joy; In His right hand there are pleasures forever. (Psalm 16:11) In His Presence, there is strength and power, peace and victory.

…what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them? — Psalm 8:4 (NLT) 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 think about and set our affections on our great and awesome God as much as He is mindful of us. “For the mountains may be removed and the hills may shake, but My lovingkindness will not be removed from you, and My covenant of peace will not be shaken,” says the LORD who has compassion on you. — Isaiah 54:10 (NASB)

But now, O LORD, You are our Father, We are the clay, and You our potter; And all of us are the work of Your hand. — Isaiah 64:8 (NASB) In Revelation 22:17 (NLT), the Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” Let anyone who hears this say, “Come.” Let anyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of life. When we come to the LORD, may we present to him a heart that is open and pliable. Let your heart be molded by His love, gentleness, kindness and compassion. May it be filled with His peace, patience, goodness, and faithfulness. Receive the joy of His Presence. With our heart in the hands of the Potter, we will be the unique masterpiece He created each one of us to be.

The first time I was brought before the judge, no one came with me. Everyone abandoned me. May it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength so that I might preach the Good News in its entirety for all the Gentiles to hear. And he rescued me from certain death. — 2 Timothy 4:16-17 (NLT) All others may desert you but remember, the Lord stands with you and gives you strength. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” “I will always be by your side.” (See Hebrews 13:5 NLT/VOICE) In the Amplified Bible, he says: “I will never [under any circumstances] desert you.” 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. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior…  (Isaiah 43:2-3a NLT)

They cause the poor to cry out, catching God’s attention. He hears the cries of the needy. But if he chooses to remain quiet, who can criticize him? When he hides his face, no one can find him, whether an individual or a nation. — Job 34:28-29 (NLT) Know that God hears the cries of His people. Psalm 78:35 says, the Israelites remembered that God was their rock, and the Most High God their Redeemer. May we be like the Israelites, and remember that God is our rock, the stability of our times. A wealth of salvation, wisdom and knowledge. (Isaiah 33:6a) When we draw near to Him, He draws near to us. (See James 4:8) The Most High God is our Redeemer. He redeems our lives from the pit, and crowns us with lovingkindness and compassion. (See Psalm 103:4)

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. — 2 Corinthians 5:20 (NASB) As ambassadors for Christ, we are sent out as representatives for the Kingdom of God. We are not to copy the behavior and customs of this world. Instead we are to conform to the culture of God’s Kingdom, one of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (See Romans 14:17) We have been given the ministry of reconciliation to bring others to Christ. May we not be infected by the world, but instead, affect the world for the Kingdom of God. But all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ [making us acceptable to Him] and gave us the ministry of reconciliation [so that by our example we might bring others to Him], — 2 Corinthians 5:18 (AMP)

Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “ I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life. ” — John 8:12 (NASB) In John 12:46, Jesus said: “ I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness. ” Everyone who believes in Jesus is to depart from darkness and be light. You are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14 NASB). We are to let His Light shine through us and pierce the darkness. May we continually bear His Light in dark circumstances, the Light of life, the Light of hope and peace, and the Light of God’s grace and unfailing love. “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there

And He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ — Matthew 22:37-39 (NASB) Let us keep the main thing, the main thing. Loving God with all our heart, mind and soul, loving ourselves and loving others. If we are critical and unaccepting of ourselves, then we will criticize and find faults in others. O love the LORD, all you His godly ones! The LORD preserves the faithful [those with moral and spiritual integrity] and fully repays the [self-righteousness of the] arrogant. (Psalm 31:23 AMP) Search me [thoroughly], O God, and know my heart; Test me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there is any wicked or hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way. — Psalm 139:23-24 (AMP)

Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. — Proverbs 4:23 (NLT)   We guard our hearts by controlling the thoughts we allow to fill our minds. If we infiltrate our minds with constant negative news our hearts will be full of anger, hatred and fear. Let us renew our minds according to the Word of God. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. (See Romans 12:2 and Joshua 1:8) See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled; (Hebrews 12:15 NASB) Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. (Ephesians 4:31 NLT) Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. — Romans 12:19 (NASB)

Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness...” — Genesis 1:26 (NASB) God is love (see 1 John 4:16) He is a God of peace. (see 1 Thessalonians 5:23) We are made in His image. Let us bear the character and nature of our Creator. We are called and chosen by God. And the One Who called us is faithful. Choose for yourselves today whom you will serve. (see Joshua 2:14-15)

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) How blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God, (Psalm 146:5) Fix your hope on the living God, and your hope will not be disappointed. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. (Hebrews 6:19) Surely there is a future [and a reward], and your hope and expectation will not be cut off. — Proverbs 23:18 (AMP)

Therefore see that you walk carefully [living life with honor, purpose, and courage; shunning those who tolerate and enable evil], not as the unwise, but as wise [sensible, intelligent, discerning people], making the very most of your time [on earth, recognizing and taking advantage of each opportunity and using it with wisdom and diligence], because the days are [filled with] evil. — Ephesians 5:15-16 (AMP) Listen to the Word of God and align your life to it. The Bible is a lamp to your feet and a light to your path. He who gives attention to the word will find good, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD. (Proverbs 16:20 NASB) Truth’s shining light guides me in my choices and decisions; the revelation of your word makes my pathway clear. (Psalm 119:105 TPT)