Manna for Your Morning

Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign LORD comes escape from death. Psalm 68:19-20 (NIV) Praise the Lord, Who bears our burdens and carries us along day after day. Cast every care you have on the Lord and leave them in His hands. He is more than able to handle everything that concerns you.

May the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise you. May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples with equity and guide the nations of the earth. Psalm 67:3-4 (NIV) Be glad and sing for joy because Jesus has the victory! The kingdoms of this world will become the kingdoms of our God and He will rule forever and ever. Every knee will bow before Him and every tongue will acknowledge God (Romans 14:11). He will proclaim peace to the nations. His rule will extend from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth (Zechariah 9:10). The Lord will judge the people fairly and guide the people of the whole world. Glory Hallelujah!

But God did listen! He paid attention to my prayer. Praise God, who did not ignore my prayer or withdraw his unfailing love from me. Psalm 66:19-20 (NLT) When we pray, we are simply engaging in conversation with our heavenly Father, the Creator of the universe. We can be confident that the LORD is attentive to our pleas. He never turns a deaf ear to our voices. Talk to Abba Father from the heart. He wants to hear from you, today. And remember to give God some praise for the constant outpouring of His unfailing love upon us.

If I'm sleepless at midnight, I spend the hours in grateful reflection. Because you've always stood up for me, I'm free to run and play. I hold on to you for dear life, and you hold me steady as a post. Psalm 6-8 (The Message) Let's spend all of our waking moments with a grateful attitude, reflecting on God's goodness. He faithfully stands up for us. Our battles belong to the LORD. Cast all your cares on Him. He securely holds us in His mighty hand and no one can take us out. Hold onto the LORD for dear life! Never let go.

Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these." Matthew 6:27-29 (NIV) Why worry and be over anxious? There is nothing valuable to be gained in worrying. If God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and green and tomorrow is tossed into the furnace, will He not much more surely clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not worry and be anxious, saying, What are we going to have to eat? or, What are we going to have to drink? or, What are we going to have to wear? (Matthew 6:30-31, Amp). Our heavenly Father knows our every need and when we seek His kingdom and His righteousness first, He will provide everything we need (Matthew 6:33).

I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory. Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you! Psalm 63:2-3 (NLT) Gaze upon the power and glory of the LORD. We can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature through everything God has made (Romans 1:20). Because His lovingkindness is better than life itself, let His praise continually pour forth from your lips.

In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ” Luke 24:5-7 (NIV) Why look for the living among the dead? Jesus Christ is risen! His tomb is empty. Since Christ was raised from the dead, death no longer has mastery over Him. He died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God (Romans 5:9-10). Christ suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit (1 Peter 3:18). Praise God, Jesus is Alive! Have a blessed Resurrection Day!

This is the kind of life you've been invited into, the kind of life Christ lived. He suffered everything that came his way so you would know that it could be done, and also know how to do it, step-by-step. He never did one thing wrong, Not once said anything amiss. They called him every name in the book and he said nothing back. He suffered in silence, content to let God set things right. He used his servant body to carry our sins to the Cross so we could be rid of sin, free to live the right way. His wounds became your healing. 1 Peter 2:21-24 (The Message) Let us follow in the footsteps of Jesus. He is our example. He endured everything that came His way. He was content to let God make things right. He didn't speak a word outside of the Father's will. He bore our sins in His body on the cross and set us free from sin. We are free to live the right way, a life of righteousness, peace and wholeness. By His wounds we are healed.

My soul waits calmly for God alone. My salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my savior—my stronghold. I cannot be severely shaken. Psalm 62:1-2 (GW) And who is the Rock except our God? ( Psalm 18:31 ) Let us calmly wait for God alone. Everything we need comes from Him. He is our rock of refuge. We can always go to Him. The LORD is our righteous Savior, who daily bears our burdens. Put your hope in Him every minute of the day. In God, we are secure and shall not be greatly moved. The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God my Savior! ( Psalm 18:46 ) Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation! ( Psalm 95:1 )

You've always given me breathing room, a place to get away from it all, A lifetime pass to your safe-house, an open invitation as your guest. You've always taken me seriously, God, made me welcome among those who know and love you. Psalm 61:3-5 (The Message) We have an open invitation to be a guest in the dwelling place of our heavenly Father, not just as a guest, but as a member of God's family. In Hebrews 4:16, we are encouraged to approach the throne room of God with confidence. When we open the door of our hearts, Jesus comes in and dines with us (Revelation 3:20). For those who accept Jesus Christ as their Savior, we have a lifetime pass to reside in the refuge and safety of the LORD. He is a strong tower, a place of escape and rest.

Give us aid against the enemy, for human help is worthless. With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies. Psalm 60:11-12 (NIV) Any help that comes from the strength of man is limited and temporary. With God's help we can do all things. He ensures that no weapon formed against us shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17). It is not by might nor by power that we succeed, but it is by the Spirit of the LORD that great gains are made, which have lasting value. With God we win!

"Yes, God, your God, dried up the Jordan's waters for you until you had crossed, just as God, your God, did at the Red Sea, which had dried up before us until we had crossed. This was so that everybody on earth would recognize how strong God's rescuing hand is and so that you would hold God in solemn reverence always." Joshua 4:24 (The Message) God completely stopped the water flowing from upstream and the Israelites crossed from the east side of the Jordan River on dry ground. When all of God's people stepped onto dry land, the water of the Jordan returned to its seasonal flood level. The LORD did this so that everyone in the world would recognize the strength and mighty power of His rescuing hand. Revere the Lord your God every day of your life. Show Him respect, honor and admiration. Worthy, worthy, worthy, is the LORD God Almighty!

But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress. Psalm 59:16 (NLT) Sing about God's incomparably great power, that is at work in you. By His power, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Sing with joy about God's unfailing love. His love surrounds us like a strong mountain and it will not be shaken. The LORD, our God is a place of safety when we are in distress. Praise the LORD!

Yes, He loves the people; All His saints are in Your hand; They sit down at Your feet; Everyone receives Your words. Deuteronomy 33:3 (NKJ) God loves you and securely holds you in His hand. You are the apple of his eye. Take a posture of humility and sit at His feet. Stay close to the LORD and give him your full attention. As you receive His direction, submit to His will. Mary sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to His words. Jesus said, "Mary has chosen that good part which will not be taken away from her," (Luke 10:39-42). Instead of being worried and troubled about many things, like Martha, take time to sit at the LORD's feet. Amen.

Today I offer you life and prosperity or death and destruction. This is what I’m commanding you today: Love the Lord your God, follow his directions, and obey his commands, laws, and rules. Then you will live, your population will increase, and the Lord your God will bless you... Deuteronomy 30:15-16 (GW) Those who love the LORD and follow Him, will live life to the fullest. The choice is ours and in case anyone is confused, God gives us a hint. In Deuteronomy 30:19, God says, "choose life." The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. Jesus said, His purpose is to give us a rich and satisfying life (John 10:10, NLT). Choose life. Choose love. Choose the LORD!

Be good to me, God—and now! I've run to you for dear life. I'm hiding out under your wings until the hurricane blows over. I call out to High God, the God who holds me together. He sends orders from heaven and saves me, he humiliates those who kick me around. God delivers generous love, he makes good on his word. Psalm 57:1-2 (The Message) Run for dear life to the Most High God, who holds us together. Take refuge under His wings until the calamities are over. Our heavenly Father generously showers us with His love and fulfills His Word.

Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall. Psalm 55:22 (NLT) Release the full weight of all your burdens and allow them to fall in the powerful hands of our great God. Our heavenly Father watches over you and He will take care of everything that concerns you. Trust in His unfailing, unconditional love, always.

Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. Psalm 51:10-12 (NLT) When your heart strays away from God, repent and confess your sins to Him. If we confess our sins, our heavenly Father is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). The LORD looks at the heart and He desires for us to have soft hearts that are willing to obey Him and to have loyal spirits.

“Offer to God thanksgiving, And pay your vows to the Most High. Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.” Psalm 50:14-15 (NKJ) Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving for all He has done, and all He is currently doing in your life. Fulfill the promises you have made to the Most High God. When the going gets tough, instead of phoning a friend, with limited strength, God says, "Call upon Me!" He is the One with limitless power, who delivers us from all our troubles. May we honor the LORD and bring glory to His kingdom.

He says, “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) Cast all your cares on the LORD and then be still. When we trust God enough to leave our concerns in His hands, we come to know that He is God, that He is a mighty God and that He is able to handle everything that concerns us. Be still and know that He indeed is Almighty God, the Most High over all the earth. Hallelujah!

GOD IS our Refuge and Strength [mighty and impenetrable to temptation], a very present and well-proved help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 (AMP) God is always ready to help, in times of trouble. In our weakness, He shows Himself strong. He has a proven track record of helping His people gain the victory. When the Israelite's enemies pursued them, God divided the Red Sea and they walked through on dry ground but their enemies drowned (Exodus 14). God helped Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego when they were thrown in the fiery furnace, so that they were not harmed (Daniel 3:27). God shut the mouths of the lions when Daniel was thrown into the lion's den. (Daniel 6:21). Seek the refuge of our mighty God. With His help you shall be victorious. When you pass through the waters, they will not sweep over you. And when you go through fiery trials, the flames will not consume you (Isaiah 43:2). Amen.

Israel, what does the Lord your God want you to do? He wants you to fear him, follow all his directions, love him, and worship him with all your heart and with all your soul. Deuteronomy 10:12 (GW) What does the LORD expect of His people? This Scripture makes it very clear. God wants us to fear Him, in a holy reverential way, to give Him respect and honor. The LORD wants us to follow all His directions, which He has given to us for our own good. Let us stay on the path He lays before us. Follow Him along the narrow road that leads to abundant and eternal life. Then, love and worship God with all your heart and soul. This is how we can please our heavenly Father.

Know this: God, your God, is God indeed, a God you can depend upon. He keeps his covenant of loyal love with those who love him and observe his commandments for a thousand generations. Deuteronomy 7:9 (The Message) The LORD, our God, is the only true God. He is a faithful God. We can depend on Him to be there for us, at all times. We can rely on God to be with us when we go through the storms and the fiery trials. When we call out His name in the darkness, we can be confident that He hears us and will send an answer. In times of weakness, we can depend on Him to be our strength. In sad times, we can count on God to be our comforter. The LORD keeps His covenant of loyal love with those who love Him and observe his commandments. Depend on God.

But each day the Lord pours his unfailing love upon me, and through each night I sing his songs, praying to God who gives me life. Psalm 42:8 (NLT) Everyday the unfailing love of the LORD falls afresh on us. It fills the earth and is higher than the heavens. Always trust in God’s unfailing love. It lasts forever! Be glad and rejoice in His unfailing love, because God has seen your troubles, and He cares about the anguish of your soul (Psalm 31:7). Because of His everlasting love, we will not be shaken. God's unfailing love is better than life itself (Psalm 63:3). Let us sing of the LORD’s unfailing love all the days of our lives!

Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul? Why are you crying the blues? Fix my eyes on God— soon I'll be praising again. He puts a smile on my face. He's my God. Psalm 42:5 (The Message) Instead of giving all of your attention to the challenges you face, fix your eyes on God. He is bigger than any mountain that stands before you. Hope in God and continue to praise Him. He will put a smile on your face and joy in your heart. He is God and there is no other.

As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When may I come to see God’s face? Psalm 42:1-2 (GW) May your soul long for the living God, as the deer pants for flowing streams of water. Thirst for the Living Water as eagerly as the dry, desert land receives the rain. Before you do anything else, go and meet with God. He is waiting to see you. He wants to spend time with you. Your heavenly Father loves you.

Oh, the joys of those who trust the Lord, who have no confidence in the proud or in those who worship idols. O Lord my God, you have performed many wonders for us. Your plans for us are too numerous to list. You have no equal. If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds, I would never come to the end of them. Psalm 40:4-5 (NLT) What inexpressible joy it is to trust the LORD! Put no confidence in the arrogant person or those who follow lies. There is none like the LORD, our God. He has done so many wonderful deeds, we don't have time to recite them all. God has wonderful plans for us. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give us a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11).

I waited patiently for the Lord. He turned to me and heard my cry for help. He pulled me out of a horrible pit, out of the mud and clay. He set my feet on a rock and made my steps secure. Psalm 40:1-2 (GW) When we patiently wait for the LORD, He hears our cry for help and turns toward us. He pulls us out of the pit of despair and sets our feet on a rock. God makes our footsteps firm. Patiently wait for the LORD. Amen.

“Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered— how fleeting my life is. You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath.” Interlude Psalm 39:4-5 (NLT) May we remember of how brief the time is, we have on earth, and never take one moment for granted. Let us make the most of every opportunity to share the love of God with everyone. Let His light shine through you and brighten this dark world. Offer a hand of hope to someone who is lost and in despair.

The victory for righteous people comes from the Lord. He is their fortress in times of trouble. The Lord helps them and rescues them. He rescues them from wicked people. He saves them because they have taken refuge in him. Psalm 37:39-40 (GW) The LORD your God is with you, to fight for you against your enemies. Let us take refuge in Him, our strong fortress, our shelter from the storm. He helps us in times of trouble. And thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:57).