Manna for Your Morning

"Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. Acts 20:32 (NIV) Receive the grace which God has abundantly provided to help you in time of need. His grace builds you up and brings hope. God's unmerited favor meets us at the point where our human limitations fall short. May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. In His Love, Jackie

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody's chains came loose. Acts 16:25-26 (NIV) No matter what fiery trials come upon us, we must continue to send up our prayers and our praises in order to experience victory. Paul and Silas had been stripped, beaten and thrown into prison but they continued to pray and sing. What do you need the power of God to loosen in your life? Keep praying and praising God and expect the foundations of your world to be shaken. Much Love, Jackie

Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right." Acts 10:34-35 (NIV) God does not show favoritism. God's throne room is open for all who accept Jesus Christ to approach with confidence and receive the grace and mercy to help them in time of need (Hebrews 4:16). The ear of God is always open to hear those who call upon Him. Praise the LORD! Love, Jackie

I led them with chords of human kindness, with ties of love; I lifted the yoke from their neck and bent down to feed them. Hosea 11:4 (NIV) In the above Scripture, God is talking about how He cared for Israel.  He leads them with human kindness and ties of love. I started my quiet time with the LORD by thanking Him for all the wonderful blessings He has given me: my husband, our children, my parents, sisters, coworkers, church family and friends. But I'm most touched this morning by the kind acts of unknown strangers who I will probably never meet. Today my daughter, Crystal celebrates her 22nd birthday and Thanksgiving in the small town of Huntingdon, England where she serves in the Navy. I was brought to tears and my heart filled with gratitude as she told me how some military wives got together and served the military men & women a delicious Thanksgiving meal yesterday. I am so grateful to God for the kind acts of total strangers that reached out to my daughter when I couldn...

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17 (NIV) Let us give thanks for all God has given us to do and speak. Thank God for your spouse, children, family, and friends He has given you to love. Be grateful for the God given ability to work and play. I appreciate each and every one of you for being a part of my life. Have a BLESSED Thanksgiving Day! Thank you, Love, Jackie

When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who know my way. Psalm 142:3 (NIV) When your spirit grows faint, keep following the LORD. He will be your guide and show you the way. He refreshes the weary and satisfies the faint (Jeremiah 31:25). Keep your hope in the LORD and your strength will be renewed. Love, Jackie

"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." John 16:33 (NKJ) On earth we have tribulation but Jesus tells us to be of good cheer because as long as we remain in Him we can be at peace. In Jesus, we are above the circumstances of this world and He will cause us to triumph over any trial because He has overcome the world.  In Love & Peace, Jackie

Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe." John 20:27 (NIV) When the disciples told Thomas they had seen the Lord, Thomas said he would not believe unless he saw the nail marks in His hands and put his finger where the nails were, and put his hand into His side. Don't be a doubting Thomas. We are to walk by faith and not by sight. Nothing is too difficult for our great God. Believe that He exists and that God rewards those who earnestly seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). Love, Jackie

When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:30 (NIV) The words "It is finished," signified the completion of Jesus' mission on earth. He built the bridge for a sinful humanity to reach a holy God. He stamped the debts for our sins, "PAID IN FULL." When we confess our sins to God we are cleansed in the blood of Jesus. God forgives us and we experience His amazing grace. Love, Jackie

"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message..." -  John 17:20 (NIV) "I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me." -  John 17:23 (NIV) When the time was near for Jesus to die on the cross, He prayed for all those who would believe in Him to come together as one. As followers of Jesus Christ, may we set aside all our differences and unite. Psalm 133:1 says, how good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! Our unity is a testimony to the world that God sent Jesus and that He loves them. Love, Jackie

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit - fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. This is my command: Love each other. John 15:16-17 (NIV) Jesus appointed us to bear fruit that will last. When we walk in love with each other, our actions produce the sweet, delicious fruit of joy, peace, and patience. When we touch the life of another human being with a kind deed and a caring attitude, this is fruit that will last. May you go and bear much eternal fruit. Amen.  Love, Jackie

Then Jesus answered, "Will you really lay down your life for me? I tell you the truth, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!" John 13:38 (NIV) Simon Peter pledged to lay his life down for Jesus, but when the time of testing came, he denied he knew Jesus. Words speak volumes but our actions say even more. Here is something to really think about. Do you disown the Lord, by your actions? By choosing things of this world above things of God's kingdom? Do you prefer to receive your praise from man instead of from God? Do you seek to gratify self or obey God? Jesus forgave Peter and He will forgive us when we repent. Lay your life down, pick up your cross daily and follow Jesus (Luke 9:23). Love, Jackie

Then Jesus told them, "You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going. Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light." John 12:35-36 (NIV) God is light and in Him there is no darkness (1 John 1:5). Trust in the light to guide you along the path you are to take. May we draw others out of the darkness as they see His light within us.  Love, Jackie

"Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!" John 12:27-28 (NIV) Jesus came to earth at the appointed time. Likewise, God has us on earth at this time with a mission to accomplish. We each have a purpose to fulfill. Your heart may be troubled by the times, but keep your eyes on Jesus so you can finish your race and give glory to the kingdom of God. Love, Jackie

"He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him, because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger;" John 10:3-5 (NIV) There are many strange voices out there. Don't let them distract you. We must know the voice of Jesus Christ, in order to follow only Him. He is the Good Shepherd who gave His life for the sheep. He called you by name and said "Follow Me." Love, Jackie 

Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." John 8:34-36 (NIV) God adopted us into His family, as His children and heirs (Romans 8:17). The blood of Jesus overrides anything we received in our fleshly bloodlines. We are free from anything that has come down through past generations. We are new creatures in Christ. Glory hallelujah! Jesus said, no one can snatch us out of the Father's hand. God has given us a permanent place in His family. Amen. Love, Jackie

To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:31-32 (NIV) If you are a disciple of Jesus, then you will know the truth and it will set you free. When we know the truth we are set free from worry, anxiety and depression. Truth destroys the shackles of fear. We are no longer enslaved to sin. Know the truth and walk in freedom.

"You do not want to leave too, do you?" Jesus asked the Twelve. Simon Peter answered him, "Lord to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God." John 6:67-69 (NIV) Believe and know that we serve the Holy One of God. Let us live our lives for Him and Him alone.  Love, Jackie

"But I'll take the hand of those who don't know the way, who can't see where they're going. I'll be a personal guide to them, directing them through unknown country. I'll be right there to show them what roads to take, make sure they don't fall into the ditch. These are the things I'll be doing for them - sticking with them, not leaving them for a minute." Isaiah 42:16 (The Message) This Scripture is a very powerful promise from the LORD. When we admit we don't know where we are going, He is our personal guide. He charts the way for us in unfamiliar territory. He keeps us from falling into ditches by showing us exactly where to step. He assures us that He will not leave us even for one minute. Wow! Praise God.  Love, Jackie

Jesus said to them, "My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working." John 5:17 (NIV) No matter what troubles you may be facing, remember, God is always at work. He doesn't sleep nor slumber. He is aware of what is going on in your life and He cares. Whatever it is, He will use it for the good and He will see you THROUGH it. Amen. Love, Jackie

Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Phillipians 3:13-14 (NKJ) May we be like the Apostle Paul and forget those things which are behind us and reach forward to fulfill our God-given destiny. Consider past failures, the times you missed the mark, as lessons learned and continue to seek God's will for you. Press on. Love, Jackie

When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them sleep, exhausted from sorrow. "Why are you sleeping?" he asked them. "Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation." Luke 22:45-46 (NIV) Prayer is so vitally important, even when the disciples were exhausted, Jesus instructed the disciples to get up and pray. In Ephesians 6:10-18, the Apostle Paul instructs believers to put on the full armor of God. After we are fully clothed with the armor, the very next thing he tells us to do is pray on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. The devil doesn't sleep. He is always prowling around seeking someone to devour. Be alert to his schemes and keep on praying. We win the battles of this life on our knees in prayer. Love, Jackie

"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." Luke 22:31-32 (NIV) Jesus prayed for Peter because He knew Satan was going to sift him. If you are going through a sifting experience, I pray you would hold onto your faith and keep looking to Jesus to bring deliverance and provision. If you know someone who is being sifted, please pray for them. Love, Jackie

"But he answered his father, 'Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends.' " Luke 15:29 (NIV) " 'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.' " Luke 15:31 (NIV) The older brother to the prodigal son had an attitude problem but his father lovingly responded and let him know, all that belonged to the father belonged to his son. Our heavenly Father has given to us all that belongs to Him.  He has given us the keys to the kingdom (Matthew 16:19). He has revealed the secrets of His kingdom (Luke 8:10). Abba Father has given us the land and seated us in heavenly places in Christ. Rejoice in your inheritance and give God glory. Love, Jackie

"But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him." Luke 15:20 (NIV) The prodigal son left home and squandered his wealth in wild living. After a severe famine came on the land, he began to be in need and returned home to be one of his fathers servants. When we depart from the will of God in our lives, may we return home to our heavenly Father. He is full of compassion for us. His arms are wide open to embrace you with His love.   Love, Jackie

If anyone claims, "I am living in the light," but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is still living in darkness. Anyone who loves another brother or sister is living in the light and does not cause others to stumble.  1 John 2:9-10 (NLT) Followers of Jesus Christ are children of the light (1 Thess. 5:5). God has called us out of darkness and into His wonderful light (1 Peter 2:9). If anyone hates, he is still living in darkness. Jesus said "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:35) Let us be a good witness to unbelievers and walk in the unconditional love of Jesus Christ with our Christian brothers and sisters. Love, Jackie

Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21 (NIV) We may make our plans but when all is said and done the Lord's purpose will prevail. He created the heavens and spread out the earth. He gives breath to its people and life to those who walk on it. (Isaiah 42:5) Nothing is too difficult for the LORD. Hallelujah! Love, Jackie

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear.  Luke 12:22 (NIV) Our heavenly Father does not want us to be overly concerned about our lives. That is His business. He knows what you need and when you need it. We are to seek first the kingdom of God and He will take care of the rest. Amen. Love, Jackie

"Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown." - Luke 8:8 (NIV) "But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop." - Luke 8:15 (NIV) Followers of Christ are to be fruit-bearers. Jesus said the Father cuts off every branch in Him that bears no fruit (John 15:2). However, in Luke 8:15, He tells us how to produce a crop. It is by hearing the word, retaining it and persevering. Have a noble and good heart, one filled with the Word. Then keep following the Lord as He directs you, in spite of any barriers, challenges or difficulties. Run with perseverance the race marked out for you (Hebrews 12:1). Love, Jackie 

On another Sabbath he went into the synagogue and was teaching, and a man was there whose right hand was shriveled. He...then said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He did so, and his hand was completely restored. Luke 6:6, 10 (NIV) Jesus brings complete restoration into our lives, whether it be our physical bodies, our relationships, or deep within our hearts. If you have something that is shriveled up in your life, stretch it our before the Lord and let it be completely restored. Love, Jackie