Manna for Your Morning

At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. Titus 3:3-5 (NIV) Because of His great mercy, God poured out His kindness and love and saved us. God is full of mercy and His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation (Luke 1:50). May we be merciful to others, just as God shows us His mercy. Love, Jackie

And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:6-7 (NIV)  Nothing compares to the richness of God's grace. Grace is a gift of God, not something we gain by works. By His grace we are SAVED. We approach the throne of grace and receive help in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16). Those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and the gift of righteousness will REIGN IN LIFE (Romans 5:17). Praise God, we are not under the law, but under grace. 

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 1 John 1:7 (NIV) Walk in the light. The truth that sets us free is found in the light. In the light, love, peace and joy abounds. In the wonderful light, we are cleansed by the wonder working blood of Jesus. It is in the light, where we fellowship with the Father and behold His glory. Love, Jackie

I want to report to you, friends, that my imprisonment here has had the opposite of its intended effect. Instead of being squelched, the Message has actually prospered. All the soldiers here, and everyone else, too, found out that I'm in jail because of this Messiah. Philippians 1:12-13 (The Message) Our God turns things around. The Apostle Paul was put in prison to stop him from preaching about Jesus Christ. Instead, God used his imprisonment to further the gospel. Joseph's brothers meant to harm Joseph when they sold him to the Ishmaelites, but God used that to save the lives of His people. Whatever your situation today, God is able to turn it around. He turns darkness into light, sickness into health, and sadness into joy. In the presence of our great God anxiety becomes peace and fear is changed to courage. God makes the poor rich and gives hope to those who have no hope. Praise God forever and ever. Love, Jackie

I was glad when they said to me,  "Let us go into the house of the LORD." Our feet have been standing Within your gates, O Jerusalem! Psalm 122:1-2 (NKJ) The Israelites made a pilgrimage to the house of the LORD at certain times of the year to worship Him and to celebrate. Hebrews 3:6 says we are God's house. His Holy Spirit dwells within us and we can worship our awesome God twenty-four hours a day. His throne room is always open. Worship the Almighty God today and celebrate His wonderful love for you.  Love, Jackie

Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. Hebrews 10:36 (NLT) Through faith and patience we inherit the promises of God (Hebrews 6:12). We are to patiently endure the trials that come our way. 1 Thessalonians 5:14 instructs us to be patient with everyone. May we bear the fruit of patience in our relationship with God as well as our relationships with others. Let us wear the beautiful garment of patience wherever we go. As you encounter challenges with spouses, children, families, friends and co-workers, remember to exercise patience.  As God is patient with us let us be patient with others. Amen. Love, Jackie

Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me. Psalm 50:14-15 (NIV) In the day of trouble, call upon God, Most High. His ear is always open to hear your cry. And nothing is too difficult for our great God. Be confident that He is able to deliver you out of all tribulation. Give thanks, praise and honor to the LORD. Love, Jackie

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:19 (NIV ) Even though you cannot see it, the LORD is making a way for you. What seems impossible to man is possible with God. Keep looking to Him with eyes of faith and He will show you the way. Love, Jackie

The LORD is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1 (NIV) With God on your side, who can stand against you? Greater is He who dwells in you, than he who is in the world. Do not fear, for your God is near. He is a strong tower. Take refuge in the LORD. Love, Jackie

...being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6 (NIV) God has begun a good work in you and He will be faithful to bring it to completion. Stay on His altar and submitted to His will and you will enjoy a more abundant life. Be confident that God is working for your good. Love, Jackie

I cry out to God Most High, to God, who fulfills his purpose for me. He sends from heaven and saves me, rebuking those who hotly pursue me; God sends his love and his faithfulness. Psalm 57:2-3 (NIV) God has plans for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). God created you with a purpose and He is faithful to bring it to pass. He showers you with His love and saves you from those who seek to harm you. Praise God! Love, Jackie

Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold  from those whose walk is blameless. Psalm 84:10-11 (NIV) Better is one day in the Presence of God than a thousand anywhere else, without God. Praise the LORD that as present day believers, we have access to the throne room of God twenty-four hours a day. Our Helper, the Holy Spirit dwells within us. May we enter into the place where His glory dwells and worship Him, who is worthy of all praise, honor and glory.   Love, Jackie

As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father had been. 1 Kings 11:4 (NIV) King Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines, and his wives led him astray. What a tragedy when hearts turn away from the one true God. To stay fully devoted to the LORD, we must guard our hearts because the things we allow into our hearts determine the course of our lives (Proverbs 4:23 NLT). We guard our hearts by being very careful of what we look at and what we listen to. As we read the Word and sing His praises we are laying good soil in our hearts that will cultivate a harvest of faithfulness and loyalty. Love, Jackie

"My father David had it in his heart to build a temple for the Name of the LORD, the God of Israel. But the LORD said to my father David, 'Because it was in your heart to build a temple for my Name, you did well to have this in your heart.' " 1 Kings 8:17-18 (NIV) God told King David, He did well to have it in his heart to build a temple for the Name of the LORD. May we be like King David in Psalm 51:10 and ask God to create pure hearts in us, hearts that follow after the very heart of God. When we have truly given our hearts to the LORD, we find our greatest treasures in Him. Search your heart. Are you a man or woman after God's own heart? When your heart is pricked do you bleed the unconditional love of God?   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) Once you have given your concerns to God in prayer, enter into His peaceful rest. After you have done all you can, be still and look to Almighty God. Put your confidence in Him. All that needs to be done on this earth will be performed by the arm of the LORD, not mere human efforts. The battle is the LORD's. His mighty deeds will bear His signature and you will know that the LORD God Almighty has worked all things together for good. Praise Him, Creator of Heaven and earth. His name is great and greatly to be praised. God, your Maker and Deliverer is highly exalted above the earth.  Love, Jackie

So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There's far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (The Message) The Apostle Paul encourages believers not to lose heart. The troubles we experience in this world last only a moment when compared to the future glory we will experience forever. Instead of focusing on the temporary, let us keep our eyes fixed on what is eternal. Love, Jackie

A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but being a short man he could not, because of the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. Luke 19:2-4 (NIV) Zacchaeus set his heart on doing what he could to see Jesus. What special efforts will you take today to fellowship with the Lord? What trees will you climb to get a glimpse into the glory of the Lord? He comes your way, today. Seek Him and the kingdom of God first and foremost, before anything of this world.  Love, Jackie

You save the humble, but your eyes are on the haughty to bring them low. You are my lamp. O LORD; the LORD turns my darkness into light. 2 Samuel 22:28-29 (NIV) Humble yourself under the mighty hand of the LORD and ask for His direction. If you are caught up in the  darkness, He will show you the way. He will be the lamp on your path and guide you into the light. Love, Jackie

The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Matthew 28:5-6 (NIV) We don't know exactly what transpired those three days after they laid the body of Jesus in the tomb, but we know Jesus conquered death and the grave. Praise the Lord! Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people and He brings salvation to those who call upon His name. He knocks on the door of your heart. If anyone hears His voice and opens the door, He will come in and eat with him (Revelations 3:20). Happy Easter! Love, Jackie

"For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth." Matthew 12:40 (NIV) Those three days Jesus spent in the heart of the earth were a time of mourning and weeping for His followers. They lost all hope. However, Jesus had already told His disciples in John 16:20, "I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy." We will experience times of weeping, as well as times of laughter. There will be times to mourn and times to dance. We often walk through dark valleys, before we come into the Light. We have to endure the battle before we can claim the victory. Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5). Hallelujah! May the rising of the Son usher a season of great joy into your life. Love, Jackie 

By now it was noon. The whole earth became dark, the darkness lasting three hours - a total blackout. The Temple curtain split right down the middle. Jesus called loudly, "Father, I place my life in your hands!" Then he breathed his last. Luke 23:44-46 (The Message) Let us be like Jesus and place our lives into the hands of the Heavenly Father. Instead of trying to force our own way, may we submit to the will of God. When we let go and let God, He will lead us into victorious living. At the times when we seem to be experiencing a total blackout, the light of God floods our soul and He causes us to triumph over our enemies, like He did with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Remember, Friday is here, but Sunday's a coming....  Love, Jackie

Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals - one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." Luke 23:32-34 (NIV) Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus, according to Philippians 2:5. When people betray us and try to harm us, may we have the humility and lovingkindness to pray and ask God to forgive them. As Jesus hung on the cross, all appeared lost to His followers, but here is a perfect example of how God works everything together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Praise God. Love, Jackie

He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me." Matthew 26: 37-38 (NIV) When Jesus was overwhelmed He fell with His face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." When we are troubled may we follow the example of Jesus. May we be humble and obedient and commit ourselves to doing the will of our heavenly Father. Amen.  Love, Jackie

"Leave her alone," said Jesus. "Why are you bothering her? She has done what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. I tell you the truth, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her." Mark 14:6-9 (NIV) Judas objected when Mary poured an expensive perfume on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair. But Jesus told him to leave her alone. She did what she could. The value of Mary's sacrificial offering was more than one year's wages. What can we do for Jesus today? What sacrifice can we offer up to the Lord?  We can worship the Lord with a sincere heart. We can love God with all our hearts, minds, souls and strength. We can love our neighbors as we love ourselves. We can share the Good News of what Jesus has done for us with those who are walking in the darkness of this world. Please, do what you can. Love, Jackie

I hate those who cling to worthless idols; I trust in the LORD. I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction  and knew the anguish of my soul. Psalm 31:6-7 (NIV) Though we experience trials and tribulations, we can be glad and rejoice in the love of the LORD. Because of His great and wonderful love, we can trust Him to see us through each difficulty. Turn away from worthless idols and cling to the LORD.  Love, Jackie

The disciples went out and did exactly what Jesus told them to do. They led the donkey and colt out, laid some of their clothes on them, and Jesus mounted. Nearly all the people in the crowd threw their garments down on the road, giving him a royal welcome. Others cut branches from the trees and threw them down as a welcome mat. Crowds went ahead and crowds followed, all of them calling out, "Hosanna to David's son!" "Blessed is he who comes in God's name!" "Hosanna in the highest heaven!" Matthew 21:6-9 (The Message) When Jesus entered Jerusalem, some people threw their garments down before Him, others laid tree branches down. But they all praised Him. Jesus said, if they had been silent, the stones would cry out (Luke 19:40). What can you do today to give Jesus a royal welcome? Make sure you are in the crowd that is following the Lord. Humble yourself before Him and give Jesus all the praise He deserves. Love, Jackie

For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. Psalm 18:31-32 (NIV) Our God, the Rock on which we stand, is mighty and powerful. He turns our weakness into strength. The Apostle Paul says we are to be strengthened with all power so that we may have great endurance and patience (Colossians 1:10). As we rely on the strength the LORD gives, we can patiently endure the challenges we face. Call upon the Source of your strength today.  Love, Jackie

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100:4-5 (NIV) God is good and He has done so much for us. We have a lot of reasons to thank and praise Him. Out of all things, His love and faithfulness is at the top of the list. God loves you. That is enough to rejoice about until Jesus returns to the earth. With God on your side who can stand against you?  And His Word says His faithfulness continues through all generations. As He stood by the whining, complaining Israelites for forty years in the desert, He will stand by you. When we turn our backs to the LORD and stray away, He remains faithful and goes after that one lost sheep and to bring it home. Hallelujah! Thank and praise the LORD. Love, Jackie

From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. For in him we live and move and have our being.' As some of our poets have said, 'We are his offspring.' Acts 17:26-28 (NIV ) It is in God, our Creator, that we live and move and exist. He sustains us. Let us acknowledge Him and humble ourselves under His mighty hand. May we commit all our ways unto Him. Amen. Love, Jackie

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 on God, who raises the dead. 2 Corinthians 1:8-9 (NLT) When you go through hardships remember to rely on God. Take each step in faith and you will keep moving through each trial until you arrive on the other side in victory. When under great pressure, may you patiently endure and look to the power of God, who raises the dead. He will deliver you. Love, Jackie