Manna for Your Morning

How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; When I awake, I am still with You.  — Psalm 139:17-18 (NKJV) How precious are God's thoughts concerning you!  Our God is so amazing. His thoughts of you outnumber the grains of sand on the seashore. Not a moment passes by, that you are not on His mind. He has made many wonderful plans for us (Psalm 40:5, GW). May our minds be captivated with thoughts of our loving and gracious God!

He had begun his journey from Babylon on the first day of the first month, and he arrived in Jerusalem on the first day of the fifth month, for the gracious hand of his God was on him. — Ezra 7:9 (NIV) Ezra had the good hand of God upon him during his five month journey to Jerusalem. May the gracious hand of God be upon on us, as we embark upon the journey to a higher and deeper place in God. His gracious hand will guide us and protect us along the way. The good hand of God is there to catch us, when we fall and comfort us in our distress. The good hand of God opens doors, that were previously shut. Let us rely on the gracious hand of God. Amen.

But the leaders of the Jews were under God’s watchful eye. They couldn’t be stopped until Darius received a report and sent a reply to it. — Ezra 5:5 (GW) Just as God's eye was upon the Jews, He continues to watch over His people today. Since He formed you in the womb of your mother, our Heavenly Father has had His eye on you. He sees your struggles and He is there to give you the strength to endure and persevere. His eye is on your going out and your coming in, and He goes before you to smooth out the rough places. How blessed are we to be under God's watchful eye!

Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the descendants of the captivity were building the temple of the LORD God of Israel, they came to Zerubbabel and the heads of the fathers’ houses, — Ezra 4:1-2 (NKJV) When the people of Judah and Benjamin refused to let their enemies "help" them build the temple of God, they tried to discourage them. They attempted to frustrate their purposes and then they sent accusations against them to the king. When we are in the process of doing something for God, we can expect our adversary to show up. We must stay alert and be of sober mind, because our adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8).

Asa was afflicted with a disease in his feet. Though his disease was severe, even in his illness he did not seek help from the LORD, but only from the physicians. Then in the forty-first year of his reign Asa died and rested with his ancestors. — 2 Chronicles 16:12-13 (NIV) There is nothing wrong with going to the doctors, God uses them too. But put your trust and confidence in JESUS, the Great Physician. If we want to experience physical, emotional, mental and spiritual healing, we must go to Jesus, our Healer. Only Jesus heals, delivers and makes us whole. Praise the Lord!

“Hear me, Levites! Now sanctify yourselves, sanctify the house of the Lord God of your fathers, and carry out the rubbish from the holy place. — 2 Chronicles 29:5 (NKJV) During King Hezekiah's restoration project, he instructed the Levitical priests to clean out the holy place. First Peter 2:9 says, we are a a royal priesthood. We are the temple of God, and the Spirit of God dwells in us (1 Corinthians 3:16). So, let us take a survey of all that we have accumulated throughout the year and carry out any rubbish. Get rid of all debris: offense, unforgiveness, pride, rebellion, etc. These are things which will cause a root of bitterness to grow and defile our temples. Amen!

He set himself to seek God in the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the things of God; and as long as he sought (inquired of, yearned for) the Lord, God made him prosper. — 2 Chronicles 26:5 (AMP) When we seek the Lord, with all of our hearts, He makes us prosper. Prosperity touches every area of our lives. Our physical bodies are in good health, our souls flourish, and we are fruitful. We maintain healthy, loving relationships (based on compassion, trust, and respect). We have more than enough, thus the abundant life that Jesus came to give us. Let us dedicate our lives to drawing near to God, yearning for His Presence every moment, and delighting to do His will.  Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers (3 John 1:2).

“Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.”  — 2 Chronicles 20:15 (NKJV) When the people of Judah were being pursued by their enemies, the LORD told them, the battle was not theirs. Are you trying to fight battles, God will fight for you? God's people were told to position themselves, stand still and see the salvation of the LORD (2 Chronicles 20:17). The LORD set ambushes against their enemies and they were defeated. If you want to be victorious in the battles you face, MAINTAIN your POSITION in the LORD. Be wherever He has directed you to be. Be humble and worship Him in all that you do (2 Chronicles 20:18). Stand by and see the LORD deliver you!

God didn’t have to wake me up this morning, but I am so glad He did! The Lord did not have to take me out of darkness, and bring me into His marvelous light, but He did. Jesus didn't have to suffer and die on the cross to save us from the pit of hell, but praise the Lord, He did! God did it all! Now we can shine as children of light and live free, healthy and whole! Thank you, JESUS! All this is for your sake so that, as God’s kindness overflows in the lives of many people, it will produce even more thanksgiving to the glory of God. — 2 Corinthians 4:15 (GW)

I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify Him with thanksgiving. — Psalm 69:30 (NKJV) Proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all God's wondrous works (Psalm 26:7)! When we give thanks to the LORD, He is magnified in our lives. The mountains that stand before us shrink in His Presence and our LORD emerges into the foreground of our lives. Let us GIVE THANKS everyday, with an attitude of gratitude! Show grateful appreciation for all He has done in your life. He didn’t have to... but praise God, He did. Amen!

For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. — 2 Chronicles 16:9 (NKJV) A loyal heart has a consistent, deep devotion, that says, “I'm with you!” It is steadfast and immovable. When you are loyal to someone, you are willing to lay your life on the line for the other person. God is constantly looking for people whose hearts are totally committed to Him, so He can show Himself strong on their behalf. Let us serve Him with a loyal heart and with a mind that is willing to do it His way.

My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.  — Psalm 139:15-16 (NIV) We have been upheld by the LORD from birth; He brought us forth from our mother’s wombs (Psalm 71:6). Let us thank and praise the LORD for taking care of us from the day we were born to this very moment! If it had not been for God, who knows where we would be today. And Abba Father is so awesome, He has every single day of our lives all planned out. He has plans to prosper us and not to harm us, plans to give us hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11)! Glory Hallelujah!

Thus the children of Israel were subdued at that time; and the children of Judah prevailed, because they relied on the LORD God of their fathers . — 2 Chronicles 13:18 (NKJV) If you want to be shown more powerful than the forces that oppose you, rely on the LORD. Keep all of your trust and confidence anchored in the LORD, and you will see our mighty God show Himself strong on your behalf. Amen!

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.  — Psalm 139:13-14 (NIV) You are among God's wonderful creations. He chose you for Himself, in Christ, before the creation of the world (Ephesians 1:4). You are a very special person. God knit you together in your mother's womb, with a unique set of gifts, talents and abilities. Only you can fulfill your God-given purpose. He has destined you for greatness and for His glory to be shown. Praise the LORD!

If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me.  — Psalm 139:9-10 (NLT) The Psalmist says, "I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence!" (Psalm 139:7). My questions is, "Why would we ever want to?" Stop trying to hide from God and draw near. He guides us along right paths, bringing honor to his name (Psalm 23:3, NLT). His strength is our support. Thank you, Abba Father!

On the twenty-third day of the seventh month he sent the people away to their tents, joyful and glad of heart for the good that the LORD had done for David, for Solomon, and for His people Israel. — 2 Chronicles 7:10 (NKJV) Let us be joyful and glad of heart for all the good the LORD has done for us. Isaiah 61:10 says, I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness. Hallelujah! We are so blessed to be children of God. Be glad in the LORD and make a joyful shout to Him, all you saints!

You are all around me—in front of me and in back of me. You lay your hand on me. Such knowledge is beyond my grasp. It is so high I cannot reach it.  — Psalm 139:5-6 (GW) The reassuring presence of the LORD goes before us and in back of us. Even in the storms, remember, you have not been abandoned nor forgotten. Our heavenly Father is with you and He is working for your good. With His powerful arm, He protects us on every side. His hand of blessing is upon us, to give us a future filled with hope.

O LORD, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word on my tongue, but behold, O LORD, You know it altogether.  — Psalm 139:1-4 (NKJV) Our heavenly Father knows us better than we know ourselves and He still loves us exactly the way we are. He accepts us, as-is. However, He wants the best for us, so He doesn't want to leave us in the same condition. If you have taken a detour off the path God has for you, He knew that would be the case, before it happened. Jesus still says, “Come to Me!” Join Jesus on the path already laid out for you. It is a journey that leads to abiding peace, abundant life and joy forevermore.

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and Your right hand will save me. The LORD will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O LORD, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands.  — Psalm 138:7-8 (NKJV) When the winds of adversity blow into your life, remember that Almighty God in you is greater than he who is in the world. Abide in the LORD, our strong tower and you will not be moved. No matter what happens in your life, our heavenly Father will perfect everything that concerns you. He delivers the righteous out of all their troubles (Psalm 34:17).

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. — 1 John 4:7-8 (NIV) Beloved, whatever you do, do it all in love! If we fail to love others, we fail to love God. He is LOVE! Just as the DNA of a baby verifies who the father is, the love we have in the fibers of our heart, our DNA, testifies that we have been born of God. If His love is in us, when we get squeezed and pressured, His love is what will come out of us. May you be rooted and established in His love today and always!

In the day when I cried out, You answered me, and made me bold with strength in my soul.  — Psalm 138:3 (NKJV) Our God is Jehovah Shammah. He is always with us, an ever-present God! Every time we call upon the name of the LORD, He hears and answers. He knows our limitations and He steps in at just the right time and gives us strength. Constantly look to the LORD and put your confidence in Him as the Source of your strength. He makes us bold by giving strength to our souls: mind, will and emotions. With the intervention of our heavenly Father, we can think strong thoughts, we can set our will to follow God's instructions, and we can line our emotions up with the Word of God. Trust in the LORD forever, for in YAH, the LORD, is everlasting strength (Isaiah 26:4)!

I will worship toward Your holy temple, and praise Your name for Your lovingkindness and Your truth; For You have magnified Your word above all Your name. — Psalm 138:2 (NKJV)      The LORD loves us with an everlasting love and He draws us near to Him in lovingkindness. He does not give as the world gives. To the world you may be a hero one day and a big, fat zero the next. Our heavenly Father delights in declaring His lovingkindness every morning (Psalm 92:2). His love never fails and it never runs out.      His Word is truth and it too, stands forever. May we desire truth in our inmost being. First Peter 2:2 tells us to, crave the pure, spiritual milk of the word, that you may grow. His truth will set you free, free to LOVE, free to LIVE, free to wholeheartedly WORSHIP God!

Give thanks to him who led his people through the wilderness. His faithful love endures forever. — Psalm 136:16 (NLT) In your season of wilderness wandering, just keep following God, He will lead you through the wilderness, to the long awaited Promised Land. Get rid of everything that slows you down. Allow no distractions, which  so easily trips us up. Keep moving forward, with your eyes on the Lord Jesus and give thanks to God for His faithfulness and love!

Behold, bless the LORD, all you servants of the LORD, who by night stand in the house of the LORD! Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the LORD.  — Psalm 134:1-2 (NKJV) Lift up holy hands in the sanctuary, and gratefully praise the LORD! Let us sing praises to our God, for He is good all the time. Our LORD is above all gods. The name of the LORD endures forever, His fame, throughout all generations. Fix your eyes on Jesus, the Leader and the Source of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). Worship the Lord, with your entire being. Bless His holy name!

Saul died because he was unfaithful to the LORD; he did not keep the word of the LORD and even consulted a medium for guidance, and did not inquire of the LORD. — 1 Chronicles 10:13-14 (NIV) Today we have the Word of God and His Holy Spirit living within us, to guide us. We can suffer serious consequences for making wrong decisions and bad choices. Fools die for lack of wisdom (Proverbs 10:21). Our God is all-knowing and all wisdom dwells with Him. Inquire of the LORD before you launch and seek His guidance in all endeavors.

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! — Psalm 133:1 (NKJV) Jesus prayed for all believers to dwell together in unity. “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me,” (John 17:20-21). Our unity is a testimony to the world. Let us eagerly pursue the things which bring peace and make every effort to be united in love.

I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go into the house of the LORD.” — Psalm 122:1 (NKJV) Even though our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in us, and we can worship Him wherever we are, let us not stop gathering together with other believers, as some are in the habit of doing. Instead, we must continue to encourage each other even more as we see the day of the Lord coming (Hebrews 10:25).

Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully. — 1 Peter 5:7 (AMP) You will never soar like an eagle if you are weighed down with all kinds of concerns and anxieties. Cast your cares on the LORD, once and for all. That means, don't take them back after you cast them, by continuing to worry. Our heavenly Father cares about you. He has your back (front and sides too!) He keeps constant watch over you. Trust God. He's got this!

Attention, all! See the marvels of God! He plants flowers and trees all over the earth, bans war from pole to pole, breaks all the weapons across his knee “Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God, above politics, above everything.” — Psalm 46:8-10 (The Message) Get out of the fast lane, with all of its distractions and detours. Put your hand in the hand of the Father and be led on the path that He has for you. It is a path of abundant life and peace. Take a long, loving look at the LORD. He is above all. Let go of your concerns! Then you will know that I am God (Psalm 46:10, GW). Amen.

It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night,
 anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones . — Psalm 127:2 (NLT)  It is not by might nor by power, but by the Spirit of the LORD that we accomplish anything of value and lasting significance. Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.]” —Matthew 11:28, (AMP). Continually come to Jesus and find rest for your weary soul.