Manna for Your Morning

Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”  He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.  — Matthew 8:24-26 (NIV) If you are in the boat with Jesus, you have NOTHING to fear. It may seem that He is asleep, but rest assured, Jesus will bring you through the storms. He even brings peace and calm in the midst of the storm. And you will safely arrive at the beautiful destination God has for you. So choose today whether you are going to live in fear or FAITH!

“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.” — Matthew 7:12 (NLT) Jesus consolidated all the laws into one Golden Rule that is easily understood by all: treat others the way you want to be treated. This is God's way! If you want others to be kind and generous to you, take the initiative and be kind and generous to all. Cheerfully, lend a helping hand to those in need. If you want others to show their appreciation for what you do, show them some appreciation. If you want others to speak well of you, speak positive, praiseworthy words about them. If you want others to show you unconditional love and forgive your mistakes, do likewise. Amen!

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.  — Ephesians 3:17-19 (NIV) Let's dive deeper and deeper into the love of Christ. His love is a pool of pure pleasure and delight for our souls. Take the plunge! His love is cleansing and freeing. His loves breaks shackles and destroys bondages. His love NEVER gives up on us. It stands by us. Others may abandon us, but His love never runs out on us. His love is an everlasting flow that constantly pours into our lives. His love is extravagant! And nothing can separate us from the great love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:39). Hallelujah!

A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy. — Matthew 8:2-3 (NIV) The hand of Jesus reaches out to you today. There is healing power in His hand. Jesus is willing to help you in EVERY area of your life. Kneel down before the Lord and let Him touch you. If you need, strength, healing, cleansing, deliverance, etc., Jesus is able and willing! Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Jesus is caring and compassionate and He doesn't change. Do you need a touch from Jesus today?

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. — Matthew 6:34 (NIV) Worry is borrowing trouble from tomorrow. Our heavenly Father knows what you need before you ask Him (Matthew 6:8). So stop worrying and pay attention to what God is doing right now in the present. In this world we will have trouble, but Jesus said, “be of good cheer,” because He has overcome the world (John 16:33). Amen!

“If you forgive the failures of others, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you don’t forgive others, your Father will not forgive your failures.” — Matthew 6:14-15 (GW) May we forgive the failures of others, as we want to be forgiven by our heavenly Father when we miss the mark. True forgiveness means, we never bring up the offense to the person again. As my husband says, we should walk around with a pocket full of grace and just give it out as the need arises. Grace, forgiveness, and unconditional love. They have a sweet-smelling aroma and make our relationships BEAUTIFUL! Be one who graciously forgives and forgets.

“Stop storing up treasures for yourselves on earth, where moths and rust destroy and thieves break in and steal. Instead, store up treasures for yourselves in heaven, where moths and rust don’t destroy and thieves don’t break in and steal. Your heart will be where your treasure is.” Matthew 6:19-21 (GW) The material things we hold onto so dearly on this earth are temporary. Let our hearts be set a little higher, on the eternal things of heaven, on things of God's kingdom: righteousness, power, peace, love and joy. Value the Presence of Almighty God in your life, above all else. He is the most valuable treasure we can ever receive. Amen!

But I tell you this: Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you. In this way you show that you are children of your Father in heaven.  — Matthew 5:44-45a (GW) Are you being persecuted? Is someone working against you? Jesus said we are to love our enemies and pray for those who mistreat us. This is how we show we are like our heavenly Father. He makes His sun rise on people whether they are good or evil. He lets rain fall on them whether they are just or unjust (Matthew 5:45b). If we have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, we are nothing. (1 Corinthians 13:2). So love deeply and sincerely pray for those who are against you!

He must increase, but I must decrease. — John 3:30 (NKJV) We must let our desire to things our way decrease and allow Jesus to become greater in our lives. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6). He is the ONLY way. Any other way leads to death. His way leads to abundant life and freedom here on earth and everlasting life to follow. His way leads to healing and wholeness. With Jesus, are pleasures forevermore!

“From the nations where the sun rises to the nations where the sun sets, my name will be great.” — Malachi 1:11 (GW) When I read this Scripture this morning and began to think about the greatness of our God, I just began to weep. We serve a great God! He is mighty in power and full of glory. I thought about the song that says, “He’s got the whole world in His hand!” How true that is. One day all nations will worship God. In Romans 14:11 it is written: “As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before Me; every tongue will acknowledge God.” As believers, we have a mission to let His light and love shine through us into this dark world, so that unbelievers can be drawn unto Him. Amen.

Though the fig tree does not bud 
and there are no grapes on the vines, 
though the olive crop fails 
and the fields produce no food, 
though there are no sheep in the pen 
and no cattle in the stalls, 
yet I will rejoice in the LORD, 
I will be joyful in God my Savior. Habakkuk 3:17-18 (NIV) If God is all he has, Habakkuk says he will still be happy. How many people today, have that same attitude. If God was all we had, we would truly find that God is all we need. Let us rejoice in Him. Amen.

Then the LORD answered me, “Write the vision. Make it clear on tablets so that anyone can read it quickly. The vision will still happen at the appointed time. It hurries toward its goal. It won’t be a lie. If it’s delayed, wait for it. It will certainly happen. It won’t be late. Habakkuk 2:2-3 (GW) If God has given you a vision for your future, write it down and make it clear. Run with it and the vision will certainly come to pass. If there is a delay don’t start to have doubts or get discouraged. God brings everything together at the appointed time. At the appointed time, Sarah’s previously barren womb gave birth to a son well past her child-bearing years. Abraham and Sarah did their part (this was not the virgin birth) and God made it happen. Likewise, we have to do our part and patiently wait for God to make it happen. And when it does, it will be right on time. Amen!

You mortals, the LORD has told you what is good.  This is what the LORD requires from you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to live humbly with your God. Micah 6:8 (GW) Here is what is good: 1) To do what is RIGHT, stay on the narrow and straight path that leads to life. Keep moving forward and do not get distracted to the right or to the left. 2) Love MERCY. Just as God has been merciful to us, be quick to show mercy to others. 3) Live with our God in HUMILITY. Abide with our heavenly Father, don't just drop in from time to time. Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time (1 Peter 5:6). Amen.

But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD,  I wait for God my Savior;  my God will hear me . Micah 7:7 (NIV) Watch in hope for the LORD. Look to Him for help. Wait confidently for the LORD, knowing that He hears you and will deliver you out of all your troubles! The LORD hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. (Psalm 34:17, NLT).

So, my dear Christian friends, companions in following this call to the heights, take a good hard look at Jesus. He's the centerpiece of everything we believe, faithful in everything God gave him to do.  Hebrews 3:1-2 (The Message) Let us fix our thoughts on Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest of our confession. He is the centerpiece of everything and the chief cornerstone. Let your life come together around Jesus, our Lord and Savior. He is a sure foundation, faithful in all God gave Him. And He calls us friends! May we follow our heavenly calling.

You will hear a voice behind you saying, “This is the way. Follow it, whether it turns to the right or to the left.”   — Isaiah 30:21 (GW) In the course of a day, we hear many voices: God, our flesh, other people, lies from the devil, etc. We have to discern which voices we listen to. One thing you can be sure of, if it's a voice from God, it will always line up with His written Word. Today, let's tune our ears to hear the voice of God. And when you hear His voice, please don't be like Jonah, who heard the word of the LORD and went in the opposite direction. Hear and obey the voice of the LORD that it may go well with you and your household.

Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?  Amos 3:3 (NKJV) Can two walk together without first agreeing on the direction? Let us come into agreement and submit to God's will, in all we do and everywhere we go. Instead of leaning on your own understanding, trust the LORD with all your heart, and walk together with Him. Put your hand in His and let Him show you which path to take.

Return to the LORD your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. Joel 2:13 (NLT) When you don't know what to do or where to go, run to the LORD our God. He is full of grace and mercy, always ready to forgive. He crowns us with love and compassion (Psalm 103:4) and His compassions never fail. They are brand new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). Our God is extremely patient and extravagant in love. And nothing can separate us from His great love. Amen!

Let’s learn about the Lord.  Let’s get to know the Lord.  He will come to us as sure as the morning comes.  He will come to us like the autumn rains and the spring rains  that water the ground. Hosea 6:3 (GW) God wants us to know Him and we get to know Him through His Word. Have you ever received a letter in the mail and put it on your desk without reading it? Then, let us open the Word of God and read it. It's our heavenly Father's love letter to us. As we read the Bible we learn of the Lord's deep compassion, His everlasting kindness and great mercy. The Bible shows us His amazing grace and His perfect love that drives out fear (1 John 4:18). In Hosea 6:6 (GW), God says, “I want your loyalty, not your sacrifices. I want you to know me, not to give me burnt offerings” (Hosea 6:6). Let’s get to know the Lord!

So I turned to the Lord God and looked to him for help. I prayed, pleaded, and fasted in sackcloth and ashes. —  Daniel 9:3 (GW) When Daniel learned from the Scriptures that Jerusalem was going to be in ruins, he turned to the Lord. Who do you turn to in time of need? Turn to the everlasting, Almighty God and look to Him for help. Before you put your trust in man, or medication, trust God.  In Daniel 10:12, an angel told the prophet, “God has heard everything that you said ever since the first day you decided to humble yourself in front of your God...” Humble yourself before our powerful God and pray and plead with Him.

So the king gave the order, and Daniel was brought to him and thrown into the lions’ den.  Daniel 6:16 (GW) Ever feel like you are in the lion's den, surrounded by the enemy? Daniel was thrown into the lions' den for praying and praising God. However, when he was taken out of the den, Daniel was completely unharmed because he trusted God (Daniel 6:23). Today, the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. But remember, He who is in you is GREATER than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4). And no weapon formed against you shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17). TRUST GOD!

Death and life are in the power of the tongue,  And those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21 (NKJV) In addition to getting your thoughts in line with the Word, we also need to carefully choose the words that come out of our mouths. The words we speak can be like delicious fruit and give life or a deadly poison that infects all who hear them. Second Corinthians 4:13 says, “we believe and therefore speak.” If we believe the Bible, let us speak the Word of God over our lives and the lives of others, instead of the things that are contrary to His Word. Amen!

For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.    —   Proverbs 23:7 (NKJV) Where the mind of a person goes, he or she is sure to follow. If you want to change your life, you have to change the way you think. We are transformed by consistently renewing our minds according to the Word of God. As we think in line with the Bible about who we are and what we have in Christ, our actions will follow and our lives will rise to a whole new level!

You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4 (NKJV) Whatever concerns you had when you woke up this morning, remember this: our GOD is GREATER! Because we have the Holy Spirit of God dwelling inside of us, we have already won the victory that is in Christ Jesus! Praise the Lord!

Where there is no vision, the people perish; Proverbs 29:18a (KJV) We are one week into the new year and most new year resolutions have already been forgotten. I encourage you to make solid plans for your 2012. After you have prayed and sought God's direction, set your GOALS. Think about the necessary steps that will get you there. Give yourself deadlines to accomplish each one. If you want to see your dreams come true, you have to go beyond wishing and take action. What will you do differently? And then most important: COMMIT your way to the LORD. TRUST also in Him,  and He shall bring it to pass (Proverbs 37:5). 

What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it—we're called children of God! That's who we really are. But that's also why the world doesn't recognize us or take us seriously, because it has no idea who he is or what he's up to. 1 John 3:1 (The Message) What marvelous love the Father has lavished on us! No matter what the world calls you, a child of God is your true identity. It guarantees you a glorious inheritance! As a child of God, you are a beloved treasure and a beautiful, unique creation. And nothing can separate you from His great love!

Turn my eyes away from worthless things;  preserve my life according to your word.  Fulfill your promise to your servant,  so that you may be feared. Psalm 119:37-38 (NIV) May all of God's wonderful promises be fulfilled in you. May He give you new life, an abundant and fruitful life, according to His Word. Cast not your eyes on worthless things, but fix them on the Lord JESUS, the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). Amen!

“When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation.” - Matthew 12:43-45 (NIV) When the devil comes knocking at your door of your house, let him find it full of the Holy Spirit of the living God. May your house be in order and full of light, love, unity and peace. Make sure it is a place of prayer and praise!

Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God. Acts 3:6-8 (NKJV) When Peter and John encountered a lame man laying at the gate of the temple, they shared the healing power of Jesus Christ with him. What do you have to offer the lame people you come in contact with? May we always share God's love with others. Let us do what we can to help meet the needs of others, to strengthen them and build them up. Then we can all praise God together. Amen.

There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD. Proverbs 21:30 (NIV) If you want to start the year out right, SURRENDER and SUBMIT to God. Surrender all that you have and all that you are to the LORD. Give Him your whole heart! Submit to His will in all that you do and He will give you success.

Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. 3 John 1:2 (NKJV) Beloved, I pray that you enjoy good health and that everything goes well with you in 2012 . May you excel spiritually, stay strong in spirit and full of faith. The LORD, bless you and surround you with His favor and peace as with a shield (Psalm 5:12). The LORD give you wisdom and revelation knowledge as He guides you along on the path that leads to abundant and eternal life. May you lack nothing, as you serve El Shaddai, the One who is more than enough, the One who takes care of you. Amen.