Manna for Your Morning

Glory in His holy name; Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the LORD! Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face evermore! 1 Chronicles 16:10-11 (KJV) The Old Testament believers had to travel to a certain place to meet with God. For today's believers, seeking the LORD, is a matter of the heart. It's a matter of what or Whom we allow to consume our thoughts. Those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior, have His Holy Spirit dwelling on the inside. As we seek the LORD, we strive to live a life that pleases our heavenly Father and gives glory to His kingdom. As we submit to His Holy Spirit, we continually abide in His Presence. In His Presence is abundant joy and peace forever. Set your heart and mind on the LORD and you will find that He is always there!

I have called upon You, for You will hear me, O God; Incline Your ear to me, and hear my speech. Show Your marvelous lovingkindness by Your right hand, O You who save those who trust in You From those who rise up against them. Keep me as the apple of Your eye; Hide me under the shadow of Your wings, Psalm 17:6-8 (KJV) Our heavenly Father shows us His marvelous lovingkindess in so many ways. They are too many to count. When we call to Him, He hears us and He answers. The LORD saves and delivers those who trust in Him, from their enemies. He keeps and guards us as if we are the pupil of His eye. Abba Father hides us under the shadow of His wings. And gives us new mercies and compassions each day. What wonders of His great unfailing love!

You make the path of life known to me. Complete joy is in your presence. Pleasures are by your side forever. Psalm 16:11 (GW) Our heavenly Father guides our feet along the path of abundant life and peace. He smoothes out the rough places. When we go through the fiery trials and flood waters, Abba Father is by our side. He will not allow His children to be burned up or to drown. Why stray away? In His Presence, our joy is made complete. Stay by His side and experience the pleasures forevermore.

“Come to me, all who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Place my yoke over your shoulders, and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble. Then you will find rest for yourselves because my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 (GW) Are you tired? Jesus says, “Come to Me!” Cast all your anxiety, worries, and concerns on Him because he affectionately cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). Go on a retreat with Jesus and He will show you how to take a real rest. “In returning and rest you shall be saved; In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” (Isaiah 30:15).

I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Psalm 16:7-8 (NIV ) Our heavenly Father guides us with His counsel. Because of His direction we have sound judgment and insight. Seek the wisdom of the LORD and He will make your plans succeed. With Abba Father right beside you, you will not be shaken. Keep looking to the LORD, and His wise counsel.

LORD, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing. You guard all that is mine. The land you have given me is a pleasant land. What a wonderful inheritance! Psalm 16:5-6 (NLT) You have stayed at the mountain long enough. Go in and take possession of the land the LORD has given to you. Do not be discouraged. Be strong and very courageous, for our heavenly Father is with you wherever you go and nothing is too difficult for Him. The land the LORD gives us is pleasant. If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land (Isaiah 1:19, GW). What a wonderful inheritance we have as heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ!

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 4:8-9 (NIV) No matter what comes our way, thank God that we are not crushed, abandoned or destroyed. We may get frustrated, but we don’t give up. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory (2 Corinthians 4:17). No weapon formed against us shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17). We are children of God and everyone born of God overcomes the world, because the One who is in us is greater than the one who is in the world. Amen!

I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.” I say of the holy people who are in the land, “They are the noble ones in whom is all my delight.” Psalm 16:2-3 (NIV) Apart from God we have no good thing. Every perfect, desirable and beneficial gift we have comes from our Father, who made the sun, moon, and stars. He doesn’t change like the shifting shadows (James 1:17). He is good all the time! May we delight ourselves in the Presence of the LORD and revel in His great goodness.

Amongst all the conditions of this world: unpaid bills, increased demands, lack of resources, rising costs, troubled relationships, etc., our heavenly Father says: “ Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. ” (John 14:27, NAS). In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. ” (John 16:33, NKJ). Let us declare our victory, believe we have success in all we put our hands to do and know that we can do all things through Christ. Praise God that we are not of this world, but we are ABOVE the circumstances of this world, seated with Him in heavenly places! Amen.

The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, A refuge in times of trouble. And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You, LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You. Psalm 9:9-10 (NKJ) Our heavenly Father has never deserted those who seek His help. He is a sanctuary in times of trouble. A safe-house for the mistreated and oppressed. Lean on the LORD and confidently put your trust in Him. How blessed is the man who has made the LORD his trust (Psalm 40:4).

And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you'll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ's love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:17-19 (The Message) Jesus loved us and gave Himself for us, as the ultimate sacrifice. Let us be rooted and grounded in the love of Christ. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn't love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that (Ephesians 5:2, The Message).

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NKJ) The Apostle Paul had a thorn in his flesh, a messenger of Satan tormented him and kept him from becoming proud. When Paul pleaded with the Lord to take it away from him, the Lord said, His is grace is sufficient. The strength of our Lord is made perfect in weakness. May we let His power work in us and through us. For when we are weak, then we are strong (2 Corinthians 12:10). The glorious grace of the Lord be with you!

Many are saying, “Who can show us anything good?” Let the light of your presence shine on us, O LORD. You put more joy in my heart than when their grain and new wine increase. Psalm 4:6-7 (GW) The glorious light of the LORD's face shines upon us. In the Presence of our heavenly Father, is fullness of joy; At His right hand are pleasures forevermore (Psalm 16:11). Don't let the enemy steal your joy.

But You, O LORD, are a shield about me, My glory, and the One who lifts my head. I was crying to the LORD with my voice, And He answered me from His holy mountain. Psalm 3:3-4 (NAS) Our heavenly Father is a protective shield around us. He is the lifter of your head, full of glory and grace. Call out to the LORD and He will answer. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God (Philippians 4:6).

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, Ephesians 1:3 (NKJ) Because of His amazing love, God adopted us into His family through Jesus Christ and blessed us with every spiritual blessing. God sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” (Galatians 4:6). We are blessed beyond measure to be children of God and to have His Spirit living in our hearts. It's not about religion, but relationship. Our Daddy loves us with an unfailing love and He is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us (Ephesians 3:20). May we always engage in consistent fellowship with our Father, our greatest blessing!

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2 (NLT) Instead of conforming to this world, let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. As we renew our minds with the Word of God, and let it take root in our hearts, we are transformed. We are changed from the inside out, to be more like our heavenly Father. When we get God's Word in us, He brings the best out of us and we have a positive influence on the world around us. Amen.

With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn't hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn't gladly and freely do for us? Romans 8:31-32 (The Message) Our heavenly Father loves us so much, He did not spare his own Son, but gave Him up for us all. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us (Romans 8:34). How can we lose with God on our side? Absolutely nothing can get between us and God's love. Despite all the difficulties we face in life, we are more than conquerors through Him who loves us. God gives us an overwhelming victory!

For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Proverbs 2:6-8 (NIV) The LORD freely gives wisdom. James 1:5 says, if any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. Get wisdom and understanding. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul (Proverbs 2:10). Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding (Proverbs 3:13).

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7 (NLT) Our heavenly Father loves you so much He doesn't want you weighed down with worries or all stressed out. He daily carries our burdens for us (Psalm 68:5), if we only let go and give them to God. Cast your burden on the LORD, and He shall sustain you (Psalm 55:22).

God rescued us from dead-end alleys and dark dungeons. He's set us up in the kingdom of the Son he loves so much, the Son who got us out of the pit we were in, got rid of the sins we were doomed to keep repeating. Colossians 1:13-14 (The Message) Before I gave my life to Jesus, I walked down one dead-end alley after another, and never read the warning signs posted along the way. I made the same mistakes over and over again, and even fell into some dark dungeons from time to time. But praise God, He rescued us! God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:6). Our heavenly Father delivered us out of darkness and called us to live in His wonderful light and walk on the path that leads to eternal life. Hallelujah!

Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, Whose hope is in the LORD his God, Who made heaven and earth, The sea, and all that is in them; Who keeps truth forever, Psalm 146: 5-6 (NKJ) Happy and full of hope is the person who relies on Almighty God for help. There is nothing to difficult for the LORD, who made heaven and earth and all they contain. With the LORD as our helper, there is no need to fear. He is forever faithful.

The LORD is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does. The LORD upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing. Psalm 145:13-16 (NIV) The LORD is faithful and always keeps His promises. He gives a helping hand to the fallen and lifts up those whose backs are bent over from carrying heavy loads. Look to our heavenly Father, fully expecting Him to meet your every need. He is Jehovah Jireh, your provider and God of abundance. Your hope will not be disappointed. God does not play favorites (Romans 2:11). With His open Hand, He satisfies the desires of every living thing.

The LORD is merciful, compassionate, patient, and always ready to forgive. The LORD is good to everyone and has compassion for everything that he has made. Everything that you have made will give thanks to you, O LORD, and your faithful ones will praise you. Psalm 145:8-10 (GW) The LORD is gracious, merciful, compassionate and patient. Like the father of the prodigal son, He watches and waits for His wayward children to return to Him. His arms are open wide and our heavenly Father is always ready to forgive. God is good to all people. He makes His sun to shine on all. The LORD has compassion on all of His creation. And His compassions never fail. Praise the LORD!

“Don’t be sad because the joy you have in the LORD is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10 (GW) Don't let the enemy steal your joy. James 1:2 says to “ consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds ” (James 1:2). Cast all your cares on the LORD and rejoice. Think about all the wonderful things God has done and is doing in your life. Take great delight in His mercies and the new compassions God showered you with this morning. Be glad for the victory that we have in Jesus Christ. May your mouth be filled with laughter, and your tongue with songs of joy!

O Lord, I cry out to you, “Come quickly.” Open your ears to me when I cry out to you. Let my prayer be accepted as sweet-smelling incense in your presence. Let the lifting up of my hands in prayer be accepted as an evening sacrifice. Psalm 141:1-2 (GW) Ephesians 6:18 (NLT) instructs us to stay alert and be persistent in our prayers for all believers everywhere. Let us pray without ceasing, because the earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. (James 5:16, NLT). Let go of your concerns by putting them in God's hands through prayer. He is able and willing to work all things together for good. May your prayers be as sweet-smelling incense in the Presence of Abba Father.

Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way. Psalm 139:23-24 (NAS) "May You, O God, search our hearts and make us aware of anything in us that is not characteristic of Your loving and kind nature. Help us to be more like You, heavenly Father. You are love. Lead us and guide us in Your truth and Your light. Teach us the way we should go, for You are our God. Take us by the hand and lead us beside peaceful, quiet waters. Lead us along the path of abundant and everlasting life. Amen."

You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body; You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something. Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth; all the stages of my life were spread out before you, The days of my life all prepared before I'd even lived one day. Psalm 139:15-16 (The Message) God knit you together in your mother’s womb. Like the Master potter, He sculpted you into a unique creation. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Absolutely beautiful, in the eyes of your Creator. You are a beloved and highly treasured child of God. Our heavenly Father prepared each day of your life and recorded them in His book, before a single day had passed. God has special plans for your life, plans to give you a future filled with hope and peace. Only you can fulfill the purpose for which God created you. Persevere and pursue the passions of your heart.

Exercise your freedom by serving God, not by breaking the rules. Treat everyone you meet with dignity. Love your spiritual family. Revere God. Respect the government. 1 Peter 2:16-17 (The Message) Jesus Christ was sent to heal the brokenhearted, and proclaim liberty to the captives (Isaiah 61:1). Let us live as free people, free from bondage, sin and death. Free to pursue the dreams and desires of our hearts. Enjoy the benefits of freedom: peace, prosperity and happiness. In America, we have the power of choice. Use it wisely. Many thanks and heartfelt appreciation goes out to all the men and women who have served, and are serving in our Armed Forces to ensure that the U.S.A. remains home of the free. Happy 4th of July!

If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. Psalm 139:8-10 (NIV) When bad things happen people often ask, "Where is God?" He is by your side when you receive that bad report, holding your hand, and being your strength. He is your comfort and your support. His arms embrace you and His hand guides you through the dark times. He is the lifter of your head. Our heavenly Father is Jehovah Shammah, an ever-present God! He is always with us, today, tomorrow and forever. Praise the LORD!

LORD, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, LORD. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Psalm 139:1-5 (NLT) The LORD goes before you and smoothes out the rough places. He is also behind you, covering you in the back. His hand of blessing rests upon your head. “The LORD bless you and watch over you. The LORD will smile on you and show you His kindness. The LORD will look on you with favor and give you peace,” (Numbers 6:24-26). It pleases God to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, you will have all that you need. You were called so that you may inherit a blessing. Receive your blessing from our heavenly Father.

Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 1 Kings 19:11-12 (NIV) Love the LORD your God with all your heart. Draw near and listen for His voice. Here is what He says: “Before I made the world, I loved you and chose you (Ephesians 1:4, NLT). I adopted you into My family. I wrote your name on the palms of My hands (Isaiah 49:16, NLT). I take great delight in you. Fear not. I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go. Call to Me and I will answer you.”