Manna for Your Morning

From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. Psalm 61:2-3 (NIV) The LORD is our rock and we can take refuge in Him. It is wise to build the foundation of our lives on the rock. He is strong and will not be moved. In Him we have victory against our enemy. Love, Jackie

Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. " Abba , Father," he said, "everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will." Mark 14:35-36 (NIV) Our Christian walk always boils down to obedience. To claim being a Christian is supposed to mean we are consistently growing to be more and more like Him everyday. Jesus was obedient to the Father in all ways, even to the point of death. In the process of writing my second book I often struggle with three simple little words of direction I received from God, "Tell your story."  Almost every time He puts something on my heart to include, something which I have conveniently forgotten, I go through this tug-of-war moment because it is something I would rather leave out. This morning I said to God, "This is hard." And He reminded me obedience wasn't easy for Jesus. Why should it be easy for me? So I en...

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1-2 (NIV) Imitate God and live a life of love. God showed His love by sending His only Son to die for our sins. Jesus loved us and gave His life to save us. Love is characterized by giving and serving, by putting the needs of others before your own, by sacrifice. May we always walk in love with those God has placed in our lives.   Love, Jackie

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12 (NIV) Believers are to be patient in affliction. We are to persevere through the struggles we face without complaining or murmuring. The Word tells us the trials we go through on this earth are light and momentary. Let us wait patiently for the deliverance of the LORD and while we wait, praise Him. In peace and patience, Love, Jackie

Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall. Psalm 55:22 (NIV) Whatever concerns you have weighing heavy on your heart were not meant for you to hang on to. The LORD wants you to cast all your cares on Him. Put your burdens in the hand of the LORD and trust Him to take care of them. Instead of worrying, thank God for the victory in that situation. Love, Jackie

I said, "Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest - I would flee far away and stay in the desert; I would hurry to my place of shelter, far from the tempest and storm." Psalm 55:6-8 (NIV) Can you relate to the above words of King David? I have been there. Thank God, we have a place to go when our desire is to flee far away. We can run into the shelter of the Most High God. We can dwell in the shadow of His wings. He is our hiding place. Love, Jackie

God looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand any who seek God. Psalm 53: 2 (NIV) The LORD says when we seek Him with all our heart, we will find Him. Let us earnestly seek the LORD while He may be found. His eyes continually search the earth to strengthen the hearts that are fully committed to Him. Love, Jackie

When Jeremiah finished telling the people all the words of the LORD their God - everything the LORD had sent him to tell them - . . . all the arrogant men said to Jeremiah, "You are lying!" Jeremiah 43:1-2 (NIV) Arrogant men find all kinds of excuses for not following the words of the LORD. May we accept the Word of God as the only truth we need and apply it to every area of our lives. Let us not be puffed up with pride and think we know better than God for one second. Instead, draw near to God with a humble heart and stand on His Word which will last forever. Standing on His Word, Love, Jackie

"I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out - plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for." Jeremiah 29:11 (The Message) Our awesome God has a wonderful plan for your life. No matter what has happened in your past, He can use it for good. He will never abandon you, but will take care of you through each and every trial. God has your life all planned out. When things happen in your life that you don't understand, just trust in His plan. He knows what He is doing. Love, Jackie

For this God is our God for ever and ever; He will be our guide even to the end. Psalm 48:14 (NIV) God leads His people today, just as He led the Israelites in the desert for forty years. His Holy Spirit who dwells in us, directs us in the way we should go. He will show us the way in every situation. When you don't know what to do, seek the LORD, our guide even to the end. Love, Jackie

"Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you." Jeremiah 32:17 (NIV) Nothing is too hard for our great God. Know that God is bigger than your mortgage/rent payment, the strife in your marriage relationship, wayward children, family rifts, the difficulties you are experiencing on your job or with your business, etc. Whatever it is our Heavenly Father can handle it. Keep your eyes on God and rely on Him. In His Care, Love, Jackie

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10 (NIV) Jesus came that we may have a full, well-rounded life, spiritually, emotionally, mentally, financially and physically. He gives us overflowing joy, peace, and love. If we are not living an abundant life we are allowing the enemy to steal, kill and destroy what has been provided for us. May we stand on the Word and hold onto the promises of God instead of believing the lies of the enemy. Every time we believe his lies, he is robbing us.   Love,  Jackie 

"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10 (NIV) Let us put our mind and bodies at ease and adore God, the King of all the earth, who is clothed in majesty and power. All of creation speaks of His glory. Praise His holy name. He is exalted above all. May you be still long enough to enjoy His Presence today. Love, Jackie

Fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing. The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing. Psalm 34:9-10 (NIV) When we sincerely seek the LORD, we shall not be found lacking anything good. He freely gives us every good and perfect gift.  And the most valuable gift of all is the ability to fellowship with Him in this life and for eternity. In the Presence of the LORD there is fullness of all that we need. Love, Jackie

The Mighty One, God, the LORD, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to the place where it sets. Psalm 50:1 (NIV) God is still impressing upon my heart, what a mighty God He is. How important it is for us to know the God we serve. Nothing can stand in His way. He speaks a word and it is done. If we, as believers doubt and worry about anything, we have forgotten the power of Almighty God and all the marvelous and miraculous deeds He has performed. Take some time today to sit in His Presence and meditate on the awesome nature of our wonderful God. In Awe, Love, Jackie

But the LORD is the true God, he is the living God, the eternal King. Jeremiah 10:10 (NIV) God made the earth by His power. He founded the world by His wisdom and stretched out the heavens by His understanding (Jeremiah 10:12). The LORD Almighty is His name. We serve a mighty, mighty God. Let us bow down before Him and give Him the honor due His name. May we forsake all else and put Him first in our hearts and in our lives. May we draw near to Him and cast all our cares upon Him, because He cares for us. Instead of boasting about ourselves, let us boast about how BIG our GOD is.  From the heart, Love, Jackie

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For through me your days will be many and years will be added to your life. Proverbs 9:10-11 (NIV) When we seek to know our heavenly Father more intimately and exercise wisdom by following His direction, years will be added to our lives. May we be on a constant quest to gain a fuller understanding of the Holy One and utilize the wisdom to follow His commands. He only wants the best for us. Love, Jackie

Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." John 7:37-38 (NIV) Are you thirsty? Do you long for more of the Lord's Presence, His peace or His love? Drink from the springs of living water flowing in you through the power of His Holy Spirit. Does the day-to-day of your life leave you parched? Draw from the abundant Source of living water in you. Jesus gives it freely to all who thirst. Flowing in His Love, Jackie

As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. James 5:11 (NIV) As we endure various trials we develop perseverance and perseverance brings about maturity and wholeness (James 1:2-4). Job suffered like no other and in the end, He received double for his trouble. Job 42:10 says, after Job prayed for his friends, the LORD made him prosperous again and gave him twice as much as he had before. May we draw from the Lord all we need to withstand the trials and temptations that come our way and we will be blessed.   Love, Jackie

"No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD and their righteousness is from Me," says the LORD. Isaiah 54:17 (NKJ) As long as we are serving the LORD, no weapon formed against us will succeed. Our circumstances may be similar to Joseph's situation. When his brothers sold him into slavery, they meant it for evil, but God used it to save the lives of His people in a time of famine. We cannot base our beliefs on how things appear. They will not always look right. Instead, we are to believe God and His Word. Love, Jackie

Sing to the LORD, you saints of his; praise his holy name. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime;  weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. Psalm 30:4-5 (NIV) We have the unmerited favor of God. There is nothing we do to earn it. God bestows favor upon His children, out of the abundance of His love and compassion. He opens doors no one can close, an closes doors that cannot be opened. We are blessed with the privilege of having the very Presence of God Himself, dwelling in our hearts. That is favor. Let us rejoice in the LORD our God. Love, Jackie

For this is what the LORD says - he who created the heavens, he is God; he who fashioned and made the earth, he founded it; he did not create it to be empty, but formed it to be inhabited - he says: "I am the LORD, and there is no other." Isaiah 45:18 (NIV) There is no other who cares for you the way our God does. He gave His very own Son, so that we may live with Him forever. You are in the hands of the only One who is able to take care of all your needs. Give Him the praise He is so worthy of. Love, Jackie

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." Isaiah 43:2 (NIV) When you go through the stormy seas and flood waters, you are not alone. The Holy One of Israel will be with you. He who chose you and called you by name will not allow the flames of adversity to destroy you. His Presence is a mighty help in time of need. Just remember to keep your eyes on Him and keep walking. Pass right on through. Love, Jackie

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) As children of a mighty, mighty God, we have no reason to let fear or discouragement ravage our minds. We have the One who gives the breath of life to every living being, sustaining us. Surely, the wonderful Creator, who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundation of the earth,  is able to bring you through your troubles successfully. Be at peace. We are secure in the hands of our heavenly Father. Love, Jackie

The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Isaiah 40:28-29 (NIV) The LORD never grows tired or weary. Psalm 118:14 tells us, the LORD is our strength. If you are worn out, draw near to Him. According to 2 Timothy 1:7 , God has given us a spirit of power. If you feel weak, draw power from the Holy Spirit who dwells in you. Our God has an everlasting, abundant supply.  In Him we have all we need. Love, Jackie

Once more a remnant of the house of Judah will take root below and bear fruit above. Isaiah 37:31 (NIV) The people of God are instructed to take root and bear fruit. According to Ephesians 3:17 , we are to be rooted and established in love. Our roots are hidden in our hearts. In addition, we are to bear fruit above. Our fruit grows out of the ground of our hearts and can be seen and enjoyed by others. In John 15:2 , Jesus says every branch that bears no fruit will be cut off.  Let us, dig our roots deep in the love of Jesus Christ and bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit in our lives, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control ( Galatians 5:22-23 ). Love, Jackie

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 1 Peter 5:10 (NIV) Be confident that whatever difficult situations you are facing, after a little while, the God of all comfort will restore you and strengthen you. Hold on to the LORD and He will make you secure and unwavering. Love, Jackie

Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him! Isaiah 30:18 (NIV) The LORD rises to show you compassion and His compassions are new every morning. They will never fail. Our heavenly Father watches over us, waiting for us to get up so He can crown us with His love and compassion. Praise the LORD for His wonderful grace! Love, Jackie

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3 (NIV) Firmly fix your thoughts on the LORD and He will keep you in perfect peace. Keep your trust in the Prince of Peace constant and He will keep you calm in the midst of the storm. Love, Jackie

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead... 1 Peter 1:3 (NIV) Keep your hope in Jesus alive. Your hope in the Lord will inspire you to endure the trials and tribulations, until you see the glory of the Lord revealed. Those who keep their hope in the Lord will not be disappointed. The light and momentary affliction we experience in this world cannot be compared to the glory to come for all eternity. Love, Jackie

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so you can stand up under it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV) We are tempted when we are enticed by our own evil desires and literally dragged away from God's will (James 1:13). But praise God, He always provides a way for us to escape temptation. When we submit to God and resist the devil, he will flee. Amen. Love, Jackie