Manna for Your Morning

But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)  — Ephesians 2:4-5 (NLT) Once we were far away from God, but now we have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ (Ephesians 2:13). The LORD is full of compassion and mercy. He loves us and wants us close to Him. The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning(Lamentations 3:22-23. Praise the LORD!

Before the creation of the world, he chose us through Christ to be holy and perfect in his presence. Because of his love he had already decided to adopt us through Jesus Christ. He freely chose to do this...  — Ephesians 1:4-5 (GW) Long before the foundation of the earth was laid, God chose you. Because of the GREAT LOVE He has for you (insert your name), He decided to adopt you and bring you into His family. You are a child of the King of glory, and all of His precious promises are for you! The Creator of the universe and all it contains, calls you by name and wants you in His Presence. He wants you to dine at the table with Jesus. Wow! Thank God for all of His loving thoughts toward you.

Distress that drives us to God does that. It turns us around. It gets us back in the way of salvation. We never regret that kind of pain. But those who let distress drive them away from God are full of regrets, end up on a deathbed of regrets. — 2 Corinthians 7:10 (The Message) Never let distress drive you away from God. The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, and a stronghold in times of trouble (Psalm 9:9). The LORD is our rock, our fortress and our deliverer. When the enemy strikes, lift up the shield of faith and press in, with even more determination, toward God and His will. Blessed are all who take refuge in the LORD (Psalm 2:12). Let distress drive you into the arms of Jesus Christ, our Savior and you will have no regrets!

Ever since we arrived in the province of Macedonia, we’ve had no rest. Instead, we suffer in a number of ways. Outwardly we have conflicts, and inwardly we have fears.  — 2 Corinthians 7:5 (GW) Are you experiencing conflict in a relationship? Whether it is your spouse, child, family member, friend, co-worker, boss, or business partner, God has called us to live in peace. Hebrews 12:14 says, make every effort to live in peace with everyone. Do you have fears? Be bold and confident in the Lord. God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). Praise the Lord!

God has done all this. He has restored our relationship with him through Christ, and has given us this ministry of restoring relationships. In other words, God was using Christ to restore his relationship with humanity. He didn’t hold people’s faults against them, and he has given us this message of restored relationships to tell others. — 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 (GW) Just as God no longer counts believer’s sins against them, may we not hold people's faults against them. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a complaint against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you (Colossians 3:13). Let us pursue peace and walk in love.

Whether we live in the body or move out of it, our goal is to be pleasing to him.  — 2 Corinthians 5:9 (GW) When it comes to pleasing people versus pleasing God, may we always strive to please God rather than man. Cheerfully pleasing God is the main thing, and that's what we aim to do, regardless of our conditions (2 Corinthians 5:9, The Message). First Thessalonians 4:1 encourages us to EXCEL in living a God-pleasing life even more than we already do. Amen.

In every way we’re troubled, but we aren’t crushed by our troubles. We’re frustrated, but we don’t give up. We’re persecuted, but we’re not abandoned. We’re captured, but we’re not killed. — 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (GW) No matter how many troubles you may have, the LORD delivers the righteous out of ALL their troubles (Psalm 34:17). Don't allow your frustrations to drive you to despair. Remember that God is with you! He has not run out on you. God will lead you through every adversity to the other side. He will take you to a higher place. Amen!

As all of us reflect the Lord’s glory with faces that are not covered with veils, we are being changed into his image with ever-increasing glory. This comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. — 2 Corinthians 3:18 (GW) May we submit to the work of God's Holy Spirit within us, in every area of our lives, so we can continually be transformed into His image. And our lives will gradually become brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him (2 Corinthians 3:18, The Message).

By ourselves we are not qualified in any way to claim that we can do anything. Rather, God makes us qualified. — 2 Corinthians 3:5 (GW) Let us not boast about anything or think more highly of ourselves than we ought to. All of our gifts, talents and abilities come from God. He gives us wisdom and revelation knowledge. He gives us the power to create wealth. He gives us strength and a sound mind. He will give you whatever you need to accomplish His will in your life. Let us always give thanks to God for all the He provides.

But I thank God, who always leads us in victory because of Christ. Wherever we go, God uses us to make clear what it means to know Christ. It’s like a fragrance that fills the air. — 2 Corinthians 2:14 (GW) As long as we remain in Christ, God always leads us in victory. With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies (Psalm 60:12).  No weapon that has been made to be used against you will succeed. You will have an answer for anyone who accuses you. This is the inheritance of the Lord’s servants. Their victory comes from me,” declares the Lord (Isaiah 54:17). Glory hallelujah!

You can depend on God. Our message to you isn’t false; it’s true. Certainly, Christ made God’s many promises come true. For that reason, because of our message, people also honor God by saying, “Amen!” — 2 Corinthians 1:18, 20 (GW) Depend on God (DOG). Surely, our God is faithful! He fulfills all His wonderful promises. The word that comes out of His mouth does not return to Him empty, but it accomplishes what He desires and achieves the purpose for which He sent it (Isaiah 55:11). Fully rely and trust the Lord at all times, regardless of how circumstances may appear. He always does what He says. And He said, ALL all things work together for good to those who love God. Amen.

Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! He is the Father who is compassionate and the God who gives comfort. He comforts us whenever we suffer. That is why whenever other people suffer, we are able to comfort them by using the same comfort we have received from God.  — 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (GW) Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort! With His unfailing love, He comforts us in all our troubles. Likewise, we are able to comfort others, when they are troubled, with the same comfort we have received from God. Amen!

So, then, brothers and sisters, don’t let anyone move you off the foundation of your faith. Always excel in the work you do for the Lord. You know that the hard work you do for the Lord is not pointless.  — 1 Corinthians 15:58 (GW) Stand firm! Do not be moved off the solid foundation of your faith in Jesus Christ, the Rock eternal. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory (Romans 5:2). Stay grounded and steady in that bond of trust, constantly tuned in to the Message, careful not to be distracted or diverted (Colossians 1:23, The Message).

No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he'll never let you be pushed past your limit; he'll always be there to help you come through it. — 1 Corinthians 10:13 (The Message) God faithfully keeps His promises, and He will not allow more than you can bear. He will provide the strength you need to endure any trial, test or temptation. Remember, God is with you when you walk through the fire and through the stormy floodwaters. Our heavenly Father will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. Hallelujah!

Everything that we have—right thinking and right living, a clean slate and a fresh start—comes from God by way of Jesus Christ. — 1 Corinthians 1:30 (The Message) Forget about what's happened; don't keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. God is about to do something brand-new. It's bursting out! Don't you see it? (Isaiah 43:18-19). God has given us a clean slate and a fresh start. Praise the LORD! Reach forward to those things which are ahead and don't turn back.

We have endured many things: suffering, distress, anxiety, beatings, imprisonments, riots, hard work, sleepless nights, and lack of food. People can see our purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives, our sincere love, truthfulness, and the presence of God’s power. — 2 Corinthians 6:4-7 (GW) Yes, like the Apostle Paul, we will have to endure some difficulties in this life. However, may we live our lives in such a way that people can see the Holy Spirit's presence in us and the presence of God's power at work. Let us walk in truth, with pure and humble hearts, continually growing in our knowledge of Christ. And may our love and kind acts be sincere and genuine.

That is why we are not discouraged. Though outwardly we are wearing out, inwardly we are renewed day by day.  — 2 Corinthians 4:16 (GW) Even though our outward man is perishing, inwardly we are being renewed day by day. Do not be discouraged. Our suffering is light and temporary and is producing for us an eternal glory that is greater than anything we can imagine. So let us fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).

You are partners with Christ Jesus because of God. Jesus has become our wisdom sent from God, our righteousness, our holiness, and our ransom from sin. — 1 Corinthians 1:30 (GW) Everything that we have—right thinking and right living, a clean slate and a fresh start—comes from God by way of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 1:30, The Message). Let us not think more highly of ourselves than we ought to. It is only by the grace of God that we are who we are today. Jesus has become our righteousness and holiness. He paid the price for our sin and brought us back into fellowship with our heavenly Father. It is not something we could have done for ourselves. He has become for us wisdom from God. Thank you, Jesus!

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. — Romans 15:13 (NIV) Let us keep our trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all people. He is the God of hope and the source of all joy and abiding peace. We have this hope, like an anchor for our souls, firm and secure. May it overflow in our lives today and always!

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, — Romans 14:17 (NIV) The person who serves Christ with this in mind is pleasing to God and respected by people (Romans 14:18, GW). Do what you know is the right thing to do in every situation. Pursue those things which bring peace in all your relationships. And don't let the enemy steal your joy! That's living large in the kingdom of God!

The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. — Romans 13:12 (NKJV) God is light. In Him there is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5). We are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness (1 Thessalonians 5:5). Let us put on the shining armor of light: joy, compassion, kindness, goodness, humility, gentleness, patience, peace and love!

Pay your debts as they come due. However, one debt you can never finish paying is the debt of love that you owe each other. The one who loves another person has fulfilled Moses’ Teachings. — Romans 13:8 (GW) Because of the amazing, wonderful, and unconditional love God has for us, we owe nothing less to others. The law was summed up into two great commandments, love God with all your heart and love your neighbor as you love yourself. Who is our neighbor? Our sisters and brothers in Christ, family members, in-laws, our co-workers, boss, enemies, etc. May the Lord make your love for others grow until it overflows!

We must focus on Jesus, the source and goal of our faith. He saw the joy ahead of him, so he endured death on the cross and ignored the disgrace it brought him. Then he received the highest position in heaven, the one next to the throne of God.  — Hebrews 12:2 (GW) Among all the celebrations and family feasts that will take place today, let us never lose focus, JESUS is who we celebrate today. Even though the enemy tried to destroy Him, He endured the cross and triumphed over the grave. We celebrate the fact that His tomb is empty and Jesus is ALIVE! He conquered death and sin.  He paid the debt for our sin and brought us back into fellowship with our Heavenly Father. Hallelujah! Be Blessed as you Celebrate Resurrection Day!

So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. — Romans 12:1 (The Message) God gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. The Son of Man suffered many things and was rejected and killed. But on the third day He was raised to life (Luke 9:22). Let us embrace all that Jesus died to give us, FREEDOM from sin and bondage, VICTORY over death, and abundant & everlasting LIFE!

Love sincerely. Hate evil. Hold on to what is good. Be devoted to each other like a loving family. Excel in showing respect for each other. — Romans 12:9-10 (GW) Like Philippians 4:8 says, keep your thoughts on whatever is right or deserves praise: things that are true, honorable, fair, pure, acceptable, or commendable. As we focus on the good, positive, and praiseworthy things in others, our genuine love for them will grow and abound.

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. “Whoever who believes in him will never be put to shame.”  — Romans 10:9, 11 (NIV) There is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him (Romans 10:12). “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved,” (Romans 10:13). Call upon Him in every situation and at all times!

Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. — Romans 8:37-39 (NKJV) Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ's love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins (Romans 8:35, The Message). Despite the difficulties and challenges we experience in this life, we have overwhelming victory in Christ Jesus, because God loves us. Amen!

Those who live by the corrupt nature have the corrupt nature’s attitude. But those who live by the spiritual nature have the spiritual nature’s attitude. — Romans 8:5 (GW) The corrupt nature is a mind set on the things of the flesh. Those who walk according to the spiritual nature continually renew their minds and keep their focus on what the Spirit desires. What kind of attitude do you have?  The corrupt nature’s attitude leads to death. But the spiritual nature’s attitude leads to LIFE and PEACE (Romans 8:6). Choose today, what kind of attitude you want.

As Christ was brought back from death to life by the glorious power of the Father, so we, too, should live a new kind of life. — Romans 6:4b (GW) If you have been united with Christ, consider yourselves dead to sin’s power but living for God in the power Christ Jesus gives you (Romans 6:11). In Jesus, we can experience a new kind of life. Jesus gives us the power to live in freedom, and victory. Jesus has given us the victory over sin, and death. He has overcome the world. May we live abundant and joyful lives in Jesus, our Savior!

But there will be glory, honor, and peace for every person who does what is good, for Jews first and Greeks as well. God does not play favorites. — Romans 2:10-11 (GW) In the families in which we grew up, we may have felt one of our siblings were favored by mom or dad. However, in God's family, He has no favorites. There is no partiality with God. He loves us all and nothing can separate us from His great love! Every person who habitually does good will be rewarded by our heavenly Father. Embrace the way God does things, and live in glory, honor and peace.