Manna for Your Morning

And he also said, “It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life. All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children. Revelation 21:6-7 (NLT) Jesus freely gives from the water of life, and those who drink the water He gives will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life, (John 4:14). Anyone who believes in Jesus is invited to come and drink and rivers of living water will flow from from your heart (John 7:38). If you are thirsty for a more vibrant life, come and drink of the Living Water.

"My hand made all things. All things are here because I made them," says the Lord. "These are the people I am pleased with: those who are not proud or stubborn and who fear my word." Isaiah 66:2 (NCV) Instead of being a people pleaser, let us seek to please our heavenly Father. May we practice humility and give up our stubborn ways to follow His Word. James 4:6 says, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."

"If you get rid of unfair practices, quit blaming victims, quit gossiping about other people's sins, If you are generous with the hungry and start giving yourselves to the down-and-out, Your lives will begin to glow in the darkness, your shadowed lives will be bathed in sunlight. I will always show you where to go. I'll give you a full life in the emptiest of places— firm muscles, strong bones. You'll be like a well-watered garden, a gurgling spring that never runs dry." Isaiah 58:9-11 (The Message ) When we take our eyes off of what we don't have and look at how we can bless others with what we do have, we become a beacon that illuminates the darkness. If you're taking care of the needs of those who are troubled and hungry and not making trouble for others, then your light will shine in this dark world. You will be bright like the sunshine at mid-day. God will always show you which way to go and you will live a full life even in empty places.

“ Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed, ” says the LORD, who has compassion on you. Isaiah 54:10 (NIV) Most things in our lives are temporary but God's love is eternal. Though the earth may shake and the hills crumble, the love the LORD has for us will never fail. As surely as the sun rises, His compassions toward us are new every morning (Lamentations 3:23). When you feel your losses in this life have been great, remember our most valuable and abundant asset is God's unshakeable love.

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns! Isaiah 52:7 (NLT) Let us spread the good news that Christ has come to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release the prisoners from darkness (Isaiah 61:1). Jesus came that we may have life and have it to the full (John 10:10). Jesus gives the gift of peace (John 14:27) and eternal life (John 5:24) to those who believe. Through Christ, God gives us the victory (1 Corinthians 15:57). Share the good news!

The Lord says, "Forget what happened before, and do not think about the past. Look at the new thing I am going to do. It is already happening. Don't you see it? I will make a road in the desert and rivers in the dry land." Isaiah 43:18-19 (NCV) Do not dwell on the past. Let go of any grudges, forgive and move on. Get ready for the brand-new thing God is doing in your life. It will not even compare to what has been done in the past. He is making a way where you can see no way. You will not perish in the dry desert wasteland. God will guide you to your promise land where fresh waters flow and the ground is fruitful. A new thing is already in progress. Do you see it?

Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 (NKJ) Have no fear because the LORD is with you. Do not be discouraged because all things are possible with our mighty God. He will give you strength and His right hand will be your support. Praise the LORD!

He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. Isaiah 40:11 (NIV) The Lord takes care of His people like a shepherd. He constantly watches over us. He makes us lie down in green pastures and leads us beside still waters (Psalm 23:2). The Lord restores our souls and gently guides us along on the right path. He gathers us in His arms and carries us close to His heart. Know that you are cherished by Jehovah-Rohi, the Lord our Shepherd.

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:33-34 (NKJ) When we seek God's kingdom and His righteousness as our first and most important priority, then all our other needs will be met. When God occupies 1st place in our hearts, we don't need to worry about tomorrow because our heavenly Father knows exactly what we need and He has already made a way. He is Jehovah-Jireh, our Provider. Amen.

Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, The Holy One of Israel: "I am the LORD your God, Who teaches you to profit, Who leads you by the way you should go." Isaiah 48:17 (NKJ) The LORD teaches us how to make our efforts successful. He shows us what is best. The LORD our God reveals truth and gives wisdom. He leads us to a full, prosperous life of joy, peace and love. Acknowledge Almighty God as the source of your strength and power. Learn from the One who holds all knowledge. Allow Him to show you the way and your plans will be established.

Lord, be kind to us. We have waited for your help. Give us strength every morning. Save us when we are in trouble. Isaiah 33:2 (NCV) As we patiently wait and hope in the Lord, our strength is renewed. If we keep our confidence in God, we will not be disappointed. He will deliver us from all our troubles. By His lovingkindness and grace, He saves us and leads us to triumph.

You, Lord, give true peace to those who depend on you, because they trust you. So, trust the Lord always, because he is our Rock forever. Isaiah 26:3-4 (NCV) When we fully trust in the Lord, we experience true peace because we are confident in God's ability and His willingness to deliver us from any trouble or circumstance. When we truly understand the depth and breath of God's love for us, the peace that comes from God transcends all understanding, and guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). Stand on the Rock and no matter what storms come you will have true peace at all times.

Tell those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which will soon be gone. But their trust should be in the living God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. 1 Timothy 6:17 (NLT) Don't put your confidence in the temporary, material things of this world, which are here today and gone tomorrow. Trust in the living God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. He is always there for you. Almighty God is all-sufficient and all-bountiful. He is Jehovah Jireh, our Provider. He knows our physical, spiritual and financial needs and He takes care of us. We may not always agree with His ways, but our heavenly Father knows what is best for us. Amen.

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 (NKJ) God loved us so much that He gave his one and only Son, Jesus Christ, to save the world. A good gift is only helpful to the recipient once it is received. Jesus is the most perfect gift that has ever been given. He is called Wonderful. Those who receive Him can call on His name. When situations seem impossible, call on the Mighty God, with whom all things are possible. If you need someone to talk to, He is the Counselor, who has understanding, compassion and wisdom. Your life in turmoil? Turn to the Prince of Peace. He is there for YOU.

The people who walked in darkness Have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, Upon them a light has shined. Isaiah 9:2 (KJV) In John 8:12, Jesus said, “ I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life. ” Jesus came as a light to the world, so that whoever believes in Him should no longer abide in the darkness. The light of Jesus, encompasses a full and abundant life and freedom from sin and death. His light is full of everlasting love and grace. Enjoy living your life in the Light and praise the Lord!

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT) Where do you turn when you are bone-tired and struggling with a large load? Jesus said, "Come to Me." If you are heavily burdened today, give it to the Lord. Cast all your cares on Him and He will sustain you (Psalm 55:22). When we put on the yoke of Jesus and learn from Him we find rest for our souls. When we pace our steps with the Lord and flow in the same direction, His yoke is easy and His burden is light.

" ' "The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace." ' Numbers 6:24-26 (NIV) God chose you to be a holy and beloved child of His. We are members of His family and co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17). We share in the inheritance of what the Father gave His only begotten Son. That's "GOOD NEWS!" Abba Father turns toward you and makes His face shine upon you. Our heavenly Father shows us grace and gives us peace. We are blessed beyond measure! Amen.

No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. Romans 8:37 (NLT) No matter what comes against us in this world, we are more than conquerors, through Christ. We have the same power that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him in Heaven over all others, for all ages, in us (Ephesians 1:19-21). As we remain in Christ, all things are under our feet (Ephesians 1:22).

“So no weapon that is used against you will defeat you. You will show that those who speak against you are wrong. These are the good things my servants receive. Their victory comes from me,” says the LORD. Isaiah 54:17 (NCV) When the lies of the enemy rise up against you, remember, God has promised that no weapon used against us shall prosper. Believe and speak the word of God over the situation and He will give you the victory. Amen.

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NIV) Two people working together is better than one going at it alone because they can help each other accomplish their goals. Be willing to reach out and help a friend who has fallen. And if you're the one on the ground, don't be afraid to ask for help.

After looking at the way things are on this earth, here's what I've decided is the best way to live: Take care of yourself, have a good time, and make the most of whatever job you have for as long as God gives you life. And that's about it. That's the human lot. Yes, we should make the most of what God gives, both the bounty and the capacity to enjoy it, accepting what's given and delighting in the work. It's God's gift! God deals out joy in the present, the now. It's useless to brood over how long we might live. Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 (The Message) Let's make the most of all God has given us. Delight yourself in the Lord and all of His wonderful gifts. Appreciate each moment of your life and thank God for His graciousness.

God wants all people to eat and drink and be happy in their work, which are gifts from God. I know that everything God does will continue forever. People cannot add anything to what God has done, and they cannot take anything away from it. God does it this way to make people respect him. Ecclesiastes 3:13-14 (NCV) God's desire is for us to be happy and live a full and abundant life. He wants us to prosper in all things and be in health, just as our souls prosper (3 John 1:2, NKJ). And in Christ Jesus, He has given us the authority to triumph over anything the enemy brings our way. Glory Hallelujah!

When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever obeys the law is joyful. Proverbs 29:18 (NLT) Where there is no vision, the people perish (Proverbs 29:18, KJV). When we follow God's direction we lead joyful, successful lives. Going against God's ways, and running wild leads to misery and disaster.

A tenderhearted person lives a blessed life; a hardhearted person lives a hard life. Proverbs 28:14 (The Message) According to Matthew 5: 8 (The Message), "You're blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world." What a blessing it is to have our minds and hearts focused on what is right, the light and life of our Lord. Blessed indeed, are those who see the lovingkindness of God, and generously show the same kind of compassion and mercy toward others.

The wise see danger ahead and avoid it, but fools keep going and get into trouble. Proverbs 27:12 (NCV) God created us as intelligent human beings. Let us learn from our mistakes and subsequently make wiser choices. Notice the warning signs and do not keep falling for the schemes of the enemy. May God bless you with discernment, self-control and wisdom.

If you see your enemy hungry, go buy him lunch; if he's thirsty, bring him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness, and God will look after you. Proverbs 25:21-22 (The Message) In The Message version of Matthew 5:44-47, Jesus says, "love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that." Let us rise to the challenge.

No human wisdom or understanding or plan can stand against the Lord. Proverbs 21:30 (NLT) As the Lord told Saul in Acts 26:13, "It is useless for you to fight against my will." His ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:9). It is wise to do it His way.

Proud people will be ruined, but the humble will be honored. Proverbs 18:12 (NCV) All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time (1 Peter 5:5-6, NIV). Let us not think more highly of ourselves than we ought to, our promotion comes from the LORD.

Depend on the Lord in whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16:3 (NCV) Consult the Lord while making your plans and follow His direction. Rely on Him to see you through, and you will have sweet success. Remember, we may plan the way we want to live, but only God makes us able to live it. (Proverbs 16:9, The Message)

Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, Hebrews 6:1 (NIV) Don’t be satisfied with surface living. If we want to see real change in our lives we need to become intimately acquainted with Jesus Christ. Anyone who says they are a Christian should be making a conscious, deliberate effort to know Him and then constantly be in the process of becoming like Him, having the same kind of compassion, always concerned about the needs of others, forgiving, etc. Let us go deeper in our relationship with the Lord.

He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. Psalm 1:3 (NIV) Psalm 1:2 reveals the actions of the person who is like a fruitful tree. It says, he delights in the law of the LORD, and meditates on the Word day and night. Giving time to God's Word renews our minds (Romans 12:2) and helps us live according to His Holy Spirit within us. When we are controlled by the Holy Spirit, we bear the fruit of love, peace, and kindness in abundance. Instead of getting offended and striking out at those who "push our buttons," we will give grace and exercise self-control and patience. Instead of having a bad attitude, we will be full of joy. May we be Spirit-led and our lives will be fruitful and prosperous. Amen.