Manna for Your Morning

"Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End." Revelation 22:12 (NIV) I don't think any believer will dispute that we are living in the end times. Jesus is coming soon! Make a decision to worship the Lord throughout 2009. That means putting Him first in all we do, loving God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength and loving our neighbors as we love ourselves. May you have a BLESSED New Year! Love, Jackie

They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; Revelation 12:11 (NIV) For me, this is one of the most important verses in the bible. We overcome Satan by the blood of Jesus and the word of our testimony. The end of the book has already been written. No matter what we go through on this earth, we WIN. Let us keep our eyes on the prize: eternally dwelling with our heavenly Father. Love, Jackie

My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense - Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 1 John 2:1 (NIV) The Apostle John wrote this letter warning Christians about being misled away from the truth. Satan prowls about looking for someone to devour and He accuses us before God. But we have the Lord Jesus Christ who speaks to the Father in our defense. Praise the Lord. Love, Jackie

The end of all things is near. Therefore, be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. 1 Peter 4:7 (NIV) In Matthew 6:25, Jesus tells us not to worry about our lives. In Matthew 11:28, He says He will give rest to everyone who is weary and burdened. His yoke is easy and His burden is light (Matthew 11:30). So let us clear our minds of our concerns by casting all our cares on the LORD. Remove the clutter of this life that distracts you from having heart-to-heart conversation with Abba Father. Exercise self-control and pray at all times. Love, Jackie

On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. Matthew 2:11 (NIV) After Jesus was born, Magi from the east went to Bethlehem to worship Jesus and to present Him with gifts. Have you opened the treasure of your heart for the Lord? I encourage you to lay your heart in the hands of Jesus so He can fill it with His eternal love and compassion. Give Him your mind so you can be transformed as your mind is renewed with His Word (Romans 12:2). Offer your body to Jesus, as a living sacrifice so you may be holy and pleasing to God (Romans 12:1). These are the treasures we are to present to the Lord: our hearts, our minds and our bodies. Amen. Love, Jackie

For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 1 Peter 1:18-19 (NIV) Without Jesus our lives are empty. In Jesus, we have a living hope, overflowing love and abiding peace. In Him we have fullness of life. May we put Jesus Christ, our Redeemer first in all we do. He gave His all for us. Love, Jackie

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it where amazed at what the shepherds said to them. Luke 2:16-18 (NIV) "Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:11) The fact that Jesus Christ came to earth to save us is Good News of great joy that is for all people. Spread the word. Merry CHRISTmas! Love, Jackie

Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death - that is, the devil - and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. Hebrews 2:14-15 (NIV) Jesus humbled himself, put on humanity and was made like us. By His death He destroyed the devil and freed us from our fear of death. Romans 14:8 says, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Oh what liberty and power we have in Christ. Imagine what believers would dare do for God when we really understand that the devil holds no power over us as long as we remain in Christ. Jesus has already given us the victory. May we be bold and do great things for the kingdom of God in the coming year.  Love, Jackie

But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit... Titus 3:4-5 (NIV) When we accepted Christ Jesus we were born again, into eternal life. The old passed away and God created us anew. God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:6). We have an abundant new life in Christ, a life of hope and faith, a life of power and strength. Thank God for His love, kindness and mercy. Amen. Love, Jackie

But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion's mouth. 2 Timothy 4:17 (NIV) The Apostle Paul said everyone had deserted him (2 Tim 4:16). If you are experiencing hardships and it seems that no one is there to support you, be confident that the Lord is at your side and He will give you strength. Praise the Lord.  Love, Jackie

Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 1 Timothy 4:7-8 (NIV) We must use wisdom and exercise self-control to live a godly life. It doesn't come easily and naturally. Like those in physical training we need to discipline ourselves and take in the proper diet. As we feast on the Word of God, our minds and hearts are renewed and transformed to be more like Christ. Let us pursue godliness which has great value for all things, including our relationships, our mental health & emotional well-being. Grace and Peace to you, With Love, Jackie

And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe. 1 Thessalonians 2:13 (NIV) The word of God is at work in those who believe. Let us read and meditate on the wonderful Word of God. Instead of giving attention to the negative reports in the news, focus on the good news in the Word. No matter what the world says, the Word tells us God will meet all our needs (Philippians 4:19). While the circumstances we see today are temporary, the Word of God stands forever. Believe His Word. Amen. Grace & Peace to you, Love, Jackie

...you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. Ephesians 2:12-13 (NIV) We have been brought near to the throne of God. Now we can fellowship with Almighty God, Creator of the universe. Let us always seek to draw closer to Him. Because of the blood of Jesus, we can approach His throne with confidence and receive mercy and grace. He loves us and wants to spend time with us. Draw near. Love, Jackie

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:8 (NIV) When we are hemmed in on every side, we have to look up to our heavenly Father from whom our help comes. When the world pushes in on us, we need to press in deeper to God, our strong tower and mighty fortress. We are in a non-stop battle against the forces of evil and as long as we abide in Christ we can be assured of victory.  Love, Jackie

If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven - if there was anything to forgive - I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes. 2 Corinthians 2:10-11 (NIV) Be aware of Satan's schemes. If we get stuck in unforgiveness we have fallen for his ploy and Satan has outwitted us. Colossians 3:13 tells us to bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances we may have against one another. Have a forgiving spirit and stay clear of the traps of the enemy. Peace & Love to you, Jackie

He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. 2 Corinthians 1:10-11 (NIV) God is the strong foundation on which we can set our hope. He will not fail us, but will deliver us from all our troubles, as He has promised. All God's promises are "Yes" in Christ (1 Cor 1:20). Amen. Set your hope on the living God, full of power and might and you will not be disappointed. In His Love, Jackie

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:57-58 (NIV) May we stand firm in our faith, knowing that in Jesus Christ, we have the victory. Do not be moved by the trials that come your way. Instead, speak to your mountain and tell it to move. Love & Peace to you, Jackie

Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. 1 Corinthians 14:1 (NIV) Let us follow the way of love, not only in the exercise of our spiritual gifts but at all times. Love is not self-seeking. It puts the needs of others before self. Love keeps no records of wrongs (1 Cor 13:5). It turns the other cheek and covers over a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8). The only debt we are to have is the continuing debt to love one another (Romans 13:8). Love, Jackie

Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. 1 Corinthians 9:25-26 (NIV) Let us not run aimlessly. Don't float through life with no goals, just letting the circumstances of life carry you where they may. God created each one of us with a purpose in mind and a passion in our hearts. Seek direction from your Creator, and diligently read the training manual, the Bible. Follow the hand of God as He leads you into your destiny. You are a child of the King and you have a divine and unique purpose to fulfill. Love, Jackie

However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him" but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. 1 Corinthians 2:9 (NIV) The human mind cannot begin to comprehend the fullness of what God has for those who believe, but we can be sure that it is better than what we have here on earth. A popular movie asked the question, "Is this as good as it gets?" We can rest assured that the best is yet to come. Keep your eye on the prize and run your race to the finish line. Love, Jackie

My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power. 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 (NIV) Let our faith not rest on what we think we know, but on the power of God, the power that divided the Red Sea, and raised Jesus from the dead, the power that gives sight to blind eyes and heals the sick. Instead of believing what you see (your current circumstances), put your faith in what you do not see, God's power working in your life. Amen. Love, Jackie

Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Romans 11:22 (NIV) God showed us kindness by grafting us into His family. We are to continue in His kindness by embracing those we would like to shun away from and associating with people of low position. We are to bless those who persecute us and not seek revenge (Romans 12). Let us live at peace with everyone, and always show brotherly kindness. Love, Jackie

The mind of the sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:6 (NIV) As we renew our minds with the Word of God, we are transformed. Submit to His Word and His Spirit and you will have life more abundantly and ever flowing peace.  Love, Jackie

The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.  The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. Psalm 145:8-9 (NIV) God is good. Draw near to the LORD and experience His grace and compassion in abundant measure. His well never runs dry. Don't ever think God is out to get you. He loves you and only wants the best for you. Love & Peace to you, Jackie

Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.  Romans 4:20-21 (NIV) When Abraham was about 100 years old, God told him, "I have made you the father of many nations." Abraham faced the fact that his body was as good as dead but He was strengthened in his faith and believed God could do what He promised. Do not waver in unbelief regarding the promises of God. Be fully persuaded that God is able. Love & Peace, Jackie

For your name's sake, O LORD, preserve my life; in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble. Psalm 143:11 (NIV) When trouble comes your way, call on God for help. He is faithful to bring us out of all our trials and tribulations. Keep trusting God and He will see you through. Much Love, Jackie

I am not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. Romans 1:16 (NIV) The good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ is full of God's power. It was the power of God that raised Jesus from the dead. God has given us a spirit of power by His Holy Spirit who dwells within us. Remember, the One who is in us is greater than the one who is in the world (1 John 4:4). We have overcome. In His Love, Jackie

When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved. Acts 27:20 (NIV) When raging storms come upon us for many days and only dark clouds loom above, we may feel like giving up all hope. But listen to the words the Apostle Paul spoke to those who were on the boat with him. He said, "Keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God..." (Acts 27:25)  Have faith in God to withstand the raging storms and He will bring you through.  In His Love, Jackie

So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man. Acts 24:16 (NIV) Let us be like the Apostle Paul and always strive to keep a clear conscience before God and people. That means we have to exercise our love muscle in all our interactions. Make a decision today  to walk in love with God and your neighbors at home, work and play. In His Love, Jackie