Manna for Your Morning

A righteous person may fall seven times, but he gets up again. However, in a disaster wicked people fall. — Proverbs 24:16 (GW) When the enemy knocks you down, you don’t have to stay down. We may be struck down, but we are not destroyed. The righteous are never defeated, because we already have the victory in Jesus! If you have fallen, declare the words of Micah 7:8, “Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light.” Arise, and shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you! (Isaiah 60:1)

Smart people know how to hold their tongue; their grandeur is to forgive and forget.  — Proverbs 19:11 (The Message) If you find it hard to forgive, try this: Stop thinking about the offense and stop talking about it. That will allow forgiveness and healing to come easier. While you cannot erase the event from your brain, you can stop bringing the offense up to the forefront of your memory. Let it fade into the background. The more you rehearse it in your mind, the more heated and wounded your feelings become. Like a pot of boiling water, you have to remove the pan from the fire, if you want the water to cool down. Meditate on whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report (Philippians 4:8). The LORD is good and ready to forgive (Psalm 86:5). Let us be imitators of God (Ephesians 5:1).

Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, and before honor is humility.  — Proverbs 18:12 (NKJV) Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up (James 4:10)! Let us be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble,” (1 Peter 5:5). I believe pride and arrogance are some of the most putrid smells in the nostrils of God. The Message Bible says, pride first, then the crash (Proverbs 18:12). Humility starts with putting God first and then considering the needs of others before your self. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time (1 Peter 5:6).

Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. — Proverbs 16:24 (NIV) Let us do everything without complaining or arguing (Philippians 2:14, GW). Ephesians 5:19-20 instructs us to speak to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing, and making melody in our hearts to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Before you speak a word consult with the Holy Spirit who dwells within you and choose your words wisely. Speaking negative, critical words is like hitting a board with darts. You can apologize and pull the dart out, but like the hole that is left, the damage done with negative words is still there. Let your speech always be with grace (Colossians 4:6).

Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, — Ephesians 2:19 (NKJV) As children of God, our heavenly Father wants us to dwell in His house. He wants to spend time with us. Don't be like the prodigal son and leave the Father’s house in search of something better, only to find there is nothing. There is no greater love, no greater peace or no greater joy, than what the Father has for us, in Jesus. We go out to the world each day to perform our God given assignments and to bring back the lost, downcast and broken, that we find along the way. But never forget where you live, where you belong Child of God...in your Father's house!

Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. — Proverbs 4:7 (NKJV) In Hosea 4:6, the LORD says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” Through knowledge the righteous will be delivered (Proverbs 11:9). When we lack wisdom in any situation, let us ask God for it and it will be given unto us. He gives generously to all, without finding fault (James 1:5). Wisdom prolongs the length of our days and brings riches and honor (Proverbs 3:16). Wisdom also brings success (Ecclesiastes 10:10). Wisdom calls aloud outside (Proverbs 1:20) Will you answer her call?

And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” — 1 Peter 4:8 (NKJV) Above ALL, have a passionate intensity to your love. People can dispute the words that come out of your mouth, but they will not disagree with the care, compassion and love you share. God is love (1 John 4:8). When we allow our hearts to embrace love, we are embracing the very nature of our heavenly Father. Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over ALL wrongs (Proverbs 10:12, NIV). Let’s turn up the volume of our love!!!

Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: — Hebrews 12:14 (NKJV) In the process of pursuing peace, let no 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 (Ephesians 4:29). And remember, a gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare (Proverbs 15:1, NLT).

Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established. Do not turn to the right or the left;  Remove your foot from evil.  — Proverbs 4:26-27 (NKJV) Let us give careful thought to the way we choose to go. Don't let your attention be captivated by the sideshows and refuse to take any detours off the path of life, which the LORD shows us. Proverbs 4:18 says, the path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day. Follow the light of the LORD!

Men shall speak of the might of Your awesome acts, and I will declare Your greatness.  — Psalm 145:6 (NKJV) He turned the sea into dry land so His people could escape from their enemies. He kept Daniel safe in the den of lions. He delivered His faithful servants from the fiery furnace. Their garments didn't even smell like smoke. This is the mighty, awesome God we serve! He does not change. He still guides His people safely through the storms. Tell others about the great things God has done in your life. Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised!

I will meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty, and on Your wondrous works.  — Psalm 145:5 (NKJV) Our God is alive and active! The LORD upholds all who fall (Psalm 145:14). He executes justice for the oppressed, and gives food to the hungry. The LORD gives freedom to the prisoners and opens the eyes of the blind. The LORD raises those who are bowed down. He loves the righteous (Psalm 146:7-8). The LORD heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds (Psalm 147:3). Our heavenly Father  takes pleasure in His people; (Psalm 149:4) Marvelous are His works!

I look behind me and you’re there,  then up ahead and you’re there, too—  your reassuring presence, coming and going..  — Psalm 139:5 (The Message) God goes before us and behind us. He places His hand of blessing on your head (Psalm 139:5, NLT). No matter what we go through, He is there with us, His reassuring Presence. If we dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there His hand shall lead us, and His right hand shall hold us (Psalm 139-9-10). Be encouraged and reassured, the LORD your God is with you and by His hand He will lead you through every situation and circumstance.

The LORD will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O LORD, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands.  — Psalm 138:8 (NKJV) Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you (1 Peter 5:7, NLT). Our heavenly Father will perfect all that concerns you. He will work everything together for good. Praise the LORD, for His mercy endures forever!

It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. — Psalm 118:8 (NKJV) Instead of putting your confidence in what you hear on the news, or in what the doctor’s report says, it is better to trust God. “Blessed is the person who trusts in the LORD, and whose hope is the LORD,” (Jeremiah 17:7). Whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe (Proverbs 29:25). Isaiah 50:10 says, Who walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the LORD and rely upon his God. Trust in the LORD forever, for in YAH, the LORD, is everlasting strength! (Isaiah 26:4) Amen.

This is my comfort in my affliction, for Your word has given me life.  — Psalm 119:50 (NKJV) When the enemy tries to drown us in the sea of affliction, the Word of the LORD is our comfort. “I cried out to the LORD because of my affliction, and He answered me.” (Jonah 2:2) His wonderful promises preserves our lives. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but we can be strong and take heart because the LORD delivers us out of them all! (Psalm 34:19)

Give us help from trouble, for the help of man is useless. Through God we will do valiantly, for it is He who shall tread down our enemies.  — Psalm 108:12-13 (NKJV) If God is for us, who can stand against us? With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies (Psalm 108:13, NIV). With God’s help we will do mighty things (Psalm 108:13, NLT). With God we will display great strength (Psalm 108:13, GW). In God we’ll do our very best; he’ll flatten the opposition for good (Psalm 108:13, The Message). “...with God all things are possible.” (Mark 10:27) With God on our side, we win! Hallelujah!

He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!  — Psalm 107:20-21 (NKJV) Don't claim your sickness. Claim your healing! God sent Jesus, the Living Word, and by His stripes we are healed (1 Peter 2:24).  Proverbs 4:21-22 instructs us to pay attention to the words of wisdom because they are life to those who find them and they heal the whole body. Jesus is the Great Physician, His Words are wisdom. He heals ALL our diseases (Psalm 103:3)! In Jeremiah 30:17, the LORD says, ‘I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds.’ Praise the Lord for His wonderful works!

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. — Ephesians 2:13 (NKJV) At one time, we lived in this world without God and without hope (Ephesians 2:12), but now we have been brought near to the throne of God, by the blood of Christ. We have been redeemed with the precious blood of Christ. Jesus, loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood (Revelation 1:5). Because of the blood of Jesus, God has adopted us into His family. What great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! Now we can boldly enter the Most Holy Place and fellowship with our heavenly Father, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Hallelujah!

I will sing to the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have my being. May my meditation be sweet to Him; I will be glad in the LORD . — Psalm 104:33-34 (NKJV) As we meditate on the LORD and His wonderful Word, our meditation will be pleasantly sweet to Him. Let all those who seek God rejoice and be glad in Him, because 1) He is with us, 2) He is working for us and 3) we have the VICTORY! Hallelujah and Amen! And a bonus #4, I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go into the house of the LORD.” (Psalm 122:1) Let's go!

But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.  — Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV) Do not become weary and discouraged while doing good. Wait with your hope anchored in the LORD and you will find new strength. He awakened you this morning, with a purpose and a plan for your life. Spread your wings and soar like an eagle toward all that God has given you to do and be!

Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loads us with benefits, The God of our salvation! Selah  — Psalm 68:19 (NKJV) God didn't just put us here on earth and forget about us. He is an interactive God. He is not a distant, unconcerned father. Instead He is intimately acquainted with every detail of our lives. He showers us with new compassions every morning. He is there to bottle each tear that falls from your face. Our heavenly Father daily loads us with benefits. He forgives all our iniquities, heals all our diseases, and redeems our lives from destruction. The LORD crowns us with lovingkindness and tender mercies (Psalm 103:3-4). Praise the Lord!

Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker. For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand.  — Psalm 95:6-7 (NKJV) Being on your knees is a sign of submission and humility. Let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker and acknowledge that He is God, a great and awesome God. When a man kneels before a woman to ask for her hand in marriage, he puts himself in a position of vulnerability, to the one he loves. Let us make ourselves vulnerable before our God. Put your heart on His altar and fully avail yourself to Him. Nothing we admit to God is going to shock Him. He already knows the condition of our hearts. Opening the door of our hearts to our heavenly Father is just the first step to receiving the help and healing we so desperately need.

Those who are planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bear fruit in old age; They shall be fresh and flourishing,  —P salm 92:13-14 (NKJV) Are you planted in the house of the LORD? That is the only way to be rooted and established in His love. Only then, are we able to stay fresh and continue to flourish all of our days. Make the Most High your dwelling place. In His house, you will blossom with the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify Him with thanksgiving.  — Psalm 69:30 (NKJV) Instead of focusing on the problem, let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name (Hebrews 13:15). It is good to give thanks to the LORD, and to sing praises to His name, O Most High; (Psalm 92:1)! As we acknowledge our blessings and continually give thanks to God, the more magnified He becomes in our lives, in our hearts and in our thoughts. Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. (Psalm 118:1). In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand. You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. — Psalm 73:23-24 (NKJV) The word, “nevertheless” speaks volumes. It says, in spite of anything and everything that comes our way, come hell or high water, we are still with the Lord. All our earthly possessions can be destroyed by fire or flood waters, but nothing can disrupt the wonderful relationship we have with our heavenly Father. Always seek to develop a deeper level of intimacy with Him. It is good for us to draw near to the Lord GOD for we are continually with Him.

Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. — Psalm 73:25 (NKJV) Jesus once asked the twelve disciples, “Do you also want to go away?” And Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God,” (John 6:67-69). Let us be like the psalmist who made a dedicated decision, “My flesh and my heart may fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever (Psalm 73:26). The Lord is all we really have and thank God, He is all we really need!

He has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me, for there were many against me.  — Psalm 55:18 (NKJV) God will redeem you from whatever battles rage in your soul. Whether it is an addiction, or a battle against discouragement and depression, the battle is the LORD’s! Call upon God, morning, noon and night, and the LORD shall save you. Pray and cry aloud and He will hear your voice (Psalm 55:16-17). Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all (Psalm 34:19). Through our God we gain the victory because He tramples down our adversaries (Psalm 60:12)!

For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.  — Psalm 30:5 (NKJV) God changes our sorrow into dancing. He takes away our clothes of sadness, and clothes us in happiness (Psalm 30:11, NCV). When we go through our dark nights, we can be sure that  the bright light of morning will soon appear. The sun will rise again and break through the clouds of gloom. Just as sunshine comes after the rain, there will be joy after the pain!

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. — Revelation 12:11 (NKJV) Are you testifying more about your troubles than about the amazing God who delivers you out of all your troubles? All the trials and temptations we suffer in this world, are nothing more than an opportunity for us to testify about how our great God brought us through. Tell others about all the good things God has done in your life. Speak of how the wonderful Word of God has been proven true in your life. Give testimony of the victory we have in Jesus Christ!

Oh, send out Your light and Your truth! Let them lead me; Let them bring me to Your holy hill and to Your tabernacle.  — Psalm 43:3 (NKJV) May we be led by the light of the LORD. God is light and in Him is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5). He has called us out of darkness and into His marvelous light. Let us cast off the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light (Romans 13:12). His light will always guide us to a place of unconditional love, forgiveness, grace and mercy. Consistently following the Light of this world, Jesus Christ, will lead us to wholeness, healing and an abundant, eternal life. Amen!

You crown the year with Your goodness, and Your paths drip with abundance. — Psalm 65:11 (NKJV) God has wrapped His goodness around this year. The LORD abounds in goodness and truth, mercy and grace. And His goodness endures continually (Psalm 52:1). Believe that you will see the goodness of the LORD, in the land of the living. The LORD says, “My people shall be satisfied with My goodness,” (Jeremiah 31:14). For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with great goodness (Psalm 107:9). Surely His blessings of goodness and mercy shall fall upon you in abundance, as you follow the steps of the LORD, on the path of life. Let us proclaim 2013 as the year of God’s bounty. The year of abundant goodness and grace. A year that we are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of His house (Psalm 36:8). That we may have an abundance for every good work God has given us to do (2 Corinthians 9:8). Amen!