Manna for Your Morning

If you are walking in darkness,  without a ray of light, trust in the LORD and rely on your God. Isaiah 50:10b (NLT) Are you groping around in darkness and confusion? Put your trust in the LORD and come into the light. God is light. In Him there is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5). He has called us out of darkness and into His wonderful light (1 Peter 2:9). Rely on God. He turns our darkness into light, then we can clearly see. The true light is already shining (1 John 2:8). May we live as children of the light and let our hearts reflect the bright rays of the Son and His amazing love. Amen.

This is what the LORD says—  your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:  “I am the LORD your God,  who teaches you what is best for you,  who directs you in the way you should go.” Isaiah 48:17 (NIV) Follow the LORD and He will lead in the way you should go and show you what to do. Our God teaches you how to live right and well (Isa. 4817, The Message). Our heavenly Father only wants what is best for you. Don't settle for anything less than God's best.

“Forget what happened in the past, and do not dwell on events from long ago. I am going to do something new.  It is already happening. Don’t you recognize it? I will clear a way in the desert. I will make rivers on dry land.” Isaiah 43:18-19 (GW) Do not dwell on the past. We can do nothing to change what has already happened. The LORD is doing something new.  He is making a way for you, a pathway through the wilderness (Isa 43:19, NLT). In the words of Pastor Matthew Pollock, "we have a great big GOD, doing great big things!" Let's move onward and forward! There are still greater things to be done. Hallelujah!

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 (NKJV) Do not be discouraged or disappointed, for the LORD, our God is with you. He will strengthen you and support you with His victorious right hand. Our help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth (Psalm 121:2). The battle belongs to the LORD. Our heavenly Father will help you. With the LORD on your side, who can stand against you? Thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ (2 Corinthians 2:14)!

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;  And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.  When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,  Nor shall the flame scorch you.  For I am the LORD your God,  The Holy One of Israel, your Savior;  Isaiah 43:2-3a (NKJV) When it seems that all of hell is breaking loose on you, remember: no weapon formed against you shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17). The waters of adversity and fiery trials may come but the LORD is our Shield. Hallelujah! And just as surely as they come, they will pass. Through the floods and blazing fires, keep on walking. Our heavenly Father will see us through. Amen!

Yet, the strength of those who wait with hope in the LORD will be renewed. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and won’t become weary. They will walk and won’t grow tired. Isaiah 40:31 (GW) Wait with hope in the LORD and your strength will be renewed. If we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently (Romans 8:25). The LORD is our help and He will deliver us out of all our troubles. Our God is able. Amen!

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; Philippians 4:6 (NKJV) While telling our heavenly Father what you need and letting Him know the concerns of your heart, remember to thank Him for all he has done. Let us continually have an attitude of gratitude. Thank God that He first loved us and drew us into His family. May we appreciate the fact that the Creator of heaven and earth never leaves our side. When we focus on the goodness of our God, instead of the circumstances, we are anxious for nothing. Amen.

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6-7 (NIV) Those of us who are in Christ Jesus have so much to be thankful for, each and every day of the year. Amen! As the psalmist says in Psalm 103:2, forget NOT all His benefits. Abundant grace and mercy, everlasting love, deep compassion. The list goes on and on. Psalm 68:19 (NKJV) says, the Lord daily loads us with benefits. Our heavenly Father knows how to take care of His children and He is so faithful. He gives us strength and His wonder-working power is at work in us through His Holy Spirit, our Helper. Praise the Lord and continually have a heart full of thankfulness and gratitude each and every day God gives us breath! Have a BLESSED THANKSGIVING DAY!

Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NLT) We can be thankful in all circumstances because we know that our heavenly Father works all things together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). We can thank our heavenly Father that He is with us, in all circumstances. He stands by our side and never runs out on us. Let us give thanks that no matter what happens, God's ear is always open to hear our prayers and He sends His answer.

 LORD, be gracious to us;   we long for you.  Be our strength every morning,  our salvation in time of distress.  At the uproar of your army, the peoples flee;  when you rise up, the nations scatter. Isaiah 33:2-3 (NIV) O LORD, be gracious to us. You're our only hope. We expectantly wait for You. Be our strength every morning and our savior in times of trouble. Thank you LORD, that You give strength to the weary and increase the power of the weak (Isaiah 40:29). May we rely on the supernatural strength of the LORD, instead of our human strength, because we can do ALL things through Him who gives us strength (Philippians 4:13).

My people will live in a peaceful place,  in safe homes and quiet places of rest. Isaiah 32:18 (GW) Jesus has given us His peace (John 14:2). As we abide in Him, we will live in a peaceful place. The mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace (Romans:6). Be filled with the Holy Spirit of God. Psalm 27:5 says, when troubles come, the LORD keeps us safe in His dwelling. Truly our souls find rest in God (Psalm 62:1). Let His peace guard your heart and mind and you will remain calm and settled, quietly trusting and resting in the Lord. 

This is what the Almighty LORD says: I am going to lay a rock in Zion, a rock that has been tested, a precious cornerstone, a solid foundation. Whoever believes in him will not worry. Isaiah 28:16 (GW)  No one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11). He is our firm foundation. Christ Jesus himself is the chief cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20). He is the Rock of our salvation and there is no other. If we build our house on the solid foundation of the Rock, it will stand strong. Regardless of what storms come and beat against the house, it will not fall. Truly believe in the Lord ( faith ) and you will not worry ( fear ).

The path of the righteous is level. O Upright One, you make the road of the righteous smooth. Certainly, we wait with hope for you, O LORD, as we follow the path of your guiding principles. We want to remember you and your name. With my soul I long for you at night. Yes, with my spirit I eagerly look for you. Isaiah 26:7-9a (GW) God goes before the righteous and makes the path ahead of them smooth. Let us follow the path of His guiding principles. Like a loving Father, His instructions are for our good. May your soul long for the LORD from deep within and your spirit continually look to Him.

The LORD is waiting to be kind to you. He rises to have compassion on you. The LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all those who wait for him. Isaiah 30:18 (GW) The LORD longs to be gracious to you.  He rises to show you His love and compassion. God is slow to anger and rich in love. He forgives your iniquities and crowns you with love and compassion. His compassions never fail. Blessed are those who wait for His help.

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you,  all whose thoughts are fixed on you!  Trust in the LORD always, for the LORD God is the eternal Rock. Isaiah 26:3-4 (NLT) Fix your thoughts on the LORD. Think about His great grace and goodness. Think about His everlasting lovingkindness and tender mercies. As you trust in the LORD, He will keep you in perfect and constant peace. Keep your confidence in God and you will not be moved. We have a sure thing in the LORD, our eternal Rock!

“Look! God is my Savior.  I am confident and unafraid, because the LORD is my strength and my song. He is my Savior.” Isaiah 12:2 (GW) Trust in the LORD and do not be afraid or discouraged. We can be strong and courageous because the LORD is our strength. And He has given us the victory. Stand firm in your faith and remain confident that you will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

O LORD, you are my God. I will highly honor you; I will praise your name. You have done miraculous things. You have been completely reliable in carrying out your plans from long ago. Isaiah 25:1 (GW) Our God is completely reliable. We can count on Him, to see us through every situation and circumstance. While others may fail us, we can depend on the LORD. In perfect faithfulness, He has done wonderful things. He has been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in their distress, a shelter from the rain, and shade from the heat (Isaiah 25:4). Praise the LORD!

Come, descendants of Jacob, let’s live in the light of the LORD. Isaiah 2:5 (GW) The LORD is God, and He has made His light shine on us (Psalm 118:27). God adopted us into His family and made us co-heirs with Christ. Our heavenly Father turns our darkness into light. In the light of His Presence there is unconditional love, amazing grace and everlasting mercy. Let us live as children of light!

“Who among you fears the LORD? Who obeys the voice of His Servant? Who walks in darkness  And has no light?  Let him trust in the name of the LORD And rely upon his God.” Isaiah 50:10 (NKJV) Stop putting your trust in man and trust in the name of the LORD. When you receive that negative doctor's report, realize that the doctor has no authority over your life. Trust in the One that holds the power over life and death. Do not fear the words of the bill collectors or the IRS, and stop looking at the things you can see. Instead fix your eyes on Jesus, and stand on the living Word of God. That is the final answer and the highest authority in your life. Amen.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12 (NIV) Just as men and women who serve in the military have a uniform to wear, good soldiers of Jesus Christ are to properly clothe themselves. We are to put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. We are to patiently bear with one another, and forgive each other, even as Christ forgave us (Colossians 3:13). Let us also cover ourselves with garments of praise and thanksgiving to the Lord. Amen.

A sinner may commit a hundred crimes and yet live a long life. Still, I know with certainty that it will go well for those who fear God, because they fear him. Ecclesiastes 8:12 (GW) The LORD says, “those who honor Me I will honor,” (1 Samuel 2:30). When we sincerely reverence the LORD, with hearts that are fully devoted to Him and put Him first in our lives, it will go well with our souls. Isaiah 3:10 says, tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their deeds.

I’ve learned to be content in whatever situation I’m in. I know how to live in poverty or prosperity. No matter what the situation, I’ve learned the secret of how to live when I’m full or when I’m hungry, when I have too much or when I have too little. I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:11-13 (GW) Learn the secret of how to be content in your inner being regardless of the external circumstances. This will lead to a peaceful attitude of appreciation and thankfulness to our heavenly Father for all that He provides. Whatever we have and wherever we are, we can make it through anything as long as we abide in Christ and follow Him wherever He leads.

Two people are better than one because together they have a good reward for their hard work. If one falls, the other can help his friend get up. But how tragic it is for the one who is all alone when he falls. There is no one to help him get up. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (GW) Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed (Ecclesiastes 4:9, NLT). David's relationship with Jonathan is a perfect example of friendship in the Word. First Samuel 18:1 says,  Jonathan became David’s closest friend. He loved David as much as he loved himself. Be a friend who loves at all times and sticks closer than a brother.

Every word of God has proven to be true. He is a shield to those who come to him for protection. Proverbs 30:5 (GW) Our enemy, the devil constantly prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8), but God is our shield. He protects us from the fiery darts of the enemy. Abide in God and put your trust in Him. Whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe (Proverbs 29:25).

A righteous person may fall seven times, but he gets up again. However, in a disaster wicked people fall. Proverbs 24:16 (GW) No matter how many times you may stumble and fall, get back up again. We can endure troubles, hardships and distresses because the LORD is our helper. We must run the race that lies ahead of us and never give up (Hebrews 12:1, GW). James 1:4 tells us to let perseverance finish its work so that we may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. When life knocks you down, get back up again and never quit!

 A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions.  The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences. Proverbs 22:3 (NLT) Be wise and use good judgment. Sensible people foresee trouble and take the necessary precautions to avoid putting themselves in situations that can cause them to stumble. Those who blindly float through life pay the penalty for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Sin will take you further than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay and cost you more than you want to pay. Think before you act and take precautions to stay on the right track.

The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the LORD. Proverbs 21:31 (GW) Don't trust in the weapons of this world. The LORD gives us victory over our enemies, and puts our adversaries to shame (Psalm 44:7). God gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. We overcome because the One who is in us is greater than the one who is in the world (1 John 4:4). Praise God for the victory!

The plans of a hard-working person lead to prosperity, but everyone who is always in a hurry ends up in poverty. Proverbs 21:5 (NLT) Those who fail to plan, plan to fail. If you plan to do good, you will receive unfailing love and faithfulness (Proverbs 14:22, NLT). First seek the will of the LORD, then devise your plans and the LORD will establish your steps.

 A man’s stomach shall be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth;  From the produce of his lips he shall be filled.  Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:20-21 (NKJ) Keep negative talk far from your lips. Ephesians 4:29 says, do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. May the fruit of your mouth be sweet and life-producing for yourself as well as others. If you love life, speak rich and satisfying words and enjoy a good harvest.

We plan the way we want to live,  but only God makes us able to live it. Proverbs 16:9 (The Message) God gives everyone life and breath and everything else (Acts 17:25). In Him, we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:28). His power is at work in us. Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Worthy, worthy, worthy, is our Lord and God, to receive thanks, glory and honor forever and ever! Amen.