Manna for Your Morning

being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; — Philippians 1:6 (NKJV) As we submit ourselves to the Holy Spirit at work in us, we can be certain that God will continue to perfect that good work and bring it to full completion. The Message version says, He will “keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish.” “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV).

Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. — Ephesians 5:1 (NLT) Little children often imitate their parents. Jesus said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:3). Ephesians 4:32 tells us to be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us (Ephesians 5:2). Let us follow His example.

And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. — Galatians 3:27 (NLT) The one question most of us ask ourselves almost everyday is, “what am I going to wear?” Then we intentionally pick out an outfit and get dressed. Similarly, in the spiritual realm, we must purposefully choose how we clothe ourselves. We can choose to wear the garment of praise instead of the spirit of heaviness (Isaiah 61:3, NKJV). Romans 13:12 (NKJV) instructs us to cast off the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light. Colossians 3:12 (NIV) says, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony (Colossians 3:14, NLT).

[That you may really come] to know [practically, through experience for yourselves] the love of Christ, which far surpasses mere knowledge [without experience]; that you may be filled [through all your being] unto all the fullness of God [may have the richest measure of the divine Presence, and become a body wholly filled and flooded with God Himself]! — Ephesians 3:19 (AMP) The Apostle Paul prayed for believers to gain an understanding of the infinite dimensions of Christ’s love for us, this endless love which continues to reach out across the generations and for ages to come. This understanding shifts us from just a surface level knowledge of His love to a much deeper experience of God Himself. Then, in the face of tragedy or disaster, there are no questions, nor any doubt that God has us covered. May your entire being be filled and flooded with God’s Presence.

  And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. — Galatians 6:9 (NKJV) To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Wait on the LORD and your strength will be renewed; you shall mount up with wings like eagles, you shall run and not be weary, you shall walk and not faint (Isaiah 40:31). Do not lose heart, every promise and purpose that God has for you will come, in due season.

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. — 2 Corinthians 12:10 (NKJV) The Amplified Bible says: when I am weak [in human strength], then am I [truly] strong (able, powerful in divine strength). When we are weak, the strength of Christ works through us. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak Isaiah 40:29 (NIV). May you be strengthened in the Lord today!

So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. — 2 Corinthians 12:7b (NLT) The Message translation says, so I wouldn’t get a big head, I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations. Satan’s angel did his best to get me down; what he in fact did was push me to my knees. Are you being pricked? So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor (1 Peter 5:6, NLT). And remember what the Lord said: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness,” (2 Corinthians 12:9a, NKJV). His grace (favor, loving-kindness and mercy) is more than enough!

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, — 2 Corinthians 10:4 (NKJV) It is a spiritual war we are fighting, not a war with flesh and blood. God has given us powerful weapons for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:4, AMP). With these weapons, we are able to cast down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5, NKJV). Fight the good fight of faith and remember: No weapon formed against you shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17)!

For when we came into Macedonia, we had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn—conflicts on the outside, fears within. — 2 Corinthians 7:5 (NIV) No matter what harassment comes, instead of getting distracted by the enemy, let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith (Hebrews 12:2). He is the Source of our faith, also its Finisher, bringing it to maturity and perfection (AMP). And His perfect love casts out all fear (1 John 4:18).

We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. — 2 Corinthians 1:8 (NLT) My beloved brothers and sisters, I think you ought to know, even as believers, we are going to go through some things. You will be burdened beyond measure, and may even give up hope of living. Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you (1 Peter 4:12). During those times, let us remember what the Apostle Paul said in 2 Corinthians 1:9. He said, it was the best thing that could have happened because they were forced to trust God totally (The Message). The extreme difficulties we experience cause us to stop relying on ourselves and teach us to rely ONLY on God, who raises the dead (NLT). Hallelujah and amen!

And now, behold, the LORD has kept me alive, as He said, these forty-five years, ever since the LORD spoke this word to Moses while Israel wandered in the wilderness; and now, here I am this day, eighty-five years old. — Joshua 14:10 (NKJV) Caleb was 85 years old when he claimed the mountain which the LORD promised him (Joshua 14:12). As long as we are on this side of heaven, it is never too late to make the rest of your life, the best of your life. Why wander in the wilderness, when you can experience mountaintop living and move in the Presence and power of the LORD, with purpose and a plan?

Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men! For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness.  — Psalm 107:8-9 (NKJV) Let us thank the LORD for His great goodness and for all the wonderful works He has done in our lives. The LORD will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought. When things seem really dry, drink from the rivers of His living water. When your soul is empty and hungers for more, be filled with His Presence. In His presence is fullness of joy; at His right hand are pleasures forevermore (Psalm 16:11).

Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. — 1 Corinthians 13:7 (NLT) We are to love one another deeply, from the heart (1Peter 1:22, NIV). Sincere love never gives up on others. It always looks for and is ready to believe the best of every person. True love accepts people for who they are, and encourages them to do their best. Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, without growing weak (1 Corinthians 13:7, AMP). Let our love for others be strong, always hopeful and resilient!

And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. — Hebrews 6:11-12 (NKJV) Stay passionate and diligently pursue the call of God on your life. As you encounter various challenges and difficulties do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal (2 Corinthians 4:18). It takes faith and patience to endure the troubles and trials. Be like those who stay the course with committed faith and then get everything promised to them (Hebrews 6:12, The Message). Complete the course! Run the race, to the end!

For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, but My kindness shall not depart from you, nor shall My covenant of peace be removed,” says the LORD, who has mercy on you. — Isaiah 54:10 (NKJV) The LORD has established a covenant of peace with His people. And God is faithful to keep His Word. His covenant lasts forever and extends to every generation. When we bring our children up in the peaceful, loving Presence of God, we are passing on a legacy of God’s love and peace. Isaiah 54:13 says, all your children shall be taught by the LORD, and great shall be the peace of your children. When children are given that foundation of faith by their earthly parents, teachers, etc., they have a good strong root system of being planted in the LORD. May we continually plant seeds of God’s love and peace in the young people who are within our sphere of influence.

I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go into the house of the LORD.” — Psalm 122:1 (NKJV) As little children, our parents often had to tell us to get in the house. As adults we ought to realize it is still very important for us to get in the house, the House of the LORD, that is. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching (Hebrews 10:25, NIV). As the Apostle Paul says in Romans, I long to see you, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith. When we gather together with other believers, you will be encouraged in your faith, and someone will be encouraged by yours (Romans 1:12).

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.  — 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV) I came across this quote by W.T. Purkiser, that really spoke to my heart: “Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving.” It reminded me of something I once heard in a sermon, that the cemetery is full of unsung songs because many people die, never having sang the song, God placed inside of them. We are so blessed! Each one of us has his own gift from God. Do not neglect the gift that is in you. When we use our gifts to their full potential, we magnify God with thanksgiving and bring glory to His kingdom.  I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify Him with thanksgiving. —Psalm 69:30 (NKJV)

Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? — 1 Corinthians 3:16 (NKJV) The Spirit of God who dwells within us is a God of love, peace and patience. He is the God of all comfort. He is a God of mercy and truth. Our heavenly Father is our strength and the very source of all that we need. Let the presence of His Holy Spirit permeate every crevice of your being. Let His light invade any dark areas of your heart and mind. He will strengthen the weak areas and heal the hurts, with a constant flow of His love. But we must open the door of our hearts to  Him.

I have no interest in giving you a chatty account of my adventures, only the wondrously powerful and transformingly present words and deeds of Christ in me that triggered a believing response among the outsiders . — Romans 15:18 (The Message) Let all that we say and do be aimed at triggering a believing response in those around us, who do not know Jesus. When others look at us may they see the love, compassion and kindness of Christ. Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience (Colossians 3:12, NIV). So that we may have reason to glory in Christ Jesus in the things which pertain to God (Romans 16:17, NKJV).

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. — Romans 5:13 (NKJV) As we believe and trust in the God of hope, we will be filled with all joy and peace. In His Presence is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11). The Word doesn't say if our hormones are balanced or when our bank accounts have a surplus. His Presence alone, is enough to fill us with joy. And as we fix our thoughts on the LORD, He keeps us in perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3). So, as we believe in God, rivers of joy and peace, naturally flow and that creates in us a pool of hope that is powered by His Holy Spirit within us. Let us truly believe God, the Creator of all, the way maker. He is the God of ALL hope!

And Jesus answered and spoke to them again by parables and said: “The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son, and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding; and they were not willing to come.  — Matthew 22:1-3 (NKJV) Our natural instinct is to pick up the phone when it rings. However, our heavenly Father has sent out a call to each and every person. Yet so many just let the phone ring. They refuse to answer the call God has placed on their lives. They hear the phone ringing, but they get distracted with other things, things that have no eternal value. Matthew 22:5 says, those who heard the invitation, made light of it and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his business. In the words of Pastor Matthew Pollock, this is indeed a major biblical tragedy. Today, people neglect the call of God to do their own thing. Let there be no more excuses, nor delays - answer the call!

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. — Romans 12:9 (NLT) Let us deeply and sincerely love others. For most people, it's easy to say, “I love you” but a sincere love is not only spoken. It is shown with action and backed up with a kind and supportive attitude. What we do speaks volumes more than what we say. When Jesus showed the disciples the full extent of His love, He washed their feet (John 13:1-5). Afterward, Jesus said, “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet,” (John 13:14). Are you a disciple of Christ? Are you washing the feet of others, (helping to meet their needs)?

‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the LORD of hosts. — Zechariah 4:6 (NKJV) Sometimes we struggle because we are trying to do things in our flesh. As we submit to God and allow His Holy Spirt to work in us and through us we have peace. We accomplish things of eternal value, not by might nor power, but by His Holy Spirit. In 2 Chronicles 20:17, the LORD said His people, “You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the LORD, who is with you,” We have to get ourselves in the right position, as the Holy Spirit leads us, but the battle belongs to the LORD (1 Samuel 17:47).

But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.” — Acts 23:11 (NKJV) Today, we can be of good cheer, because the Lord stands by us. If all others forsake us, He will still be there. The Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one (2 Thessalonians 3:3, NIV). In 2 Timothy 4:17, the Apostle Paul says, “the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached...” We are to bear witness of Jesus, at this time, to this generation, and He stands by us to give us strength.

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. — Romans 8:28 (NKJV) Everything that happens may not make sense when we look at one single event, but our heavenly Father has a plan and He will cause everything to work together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His design and purpose. Just stay strong in faith and keep your trust in Him!

We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit! — Romans 5:3-5 (The Message) Know that the trials you go through produce patience and perseverance. And that perseverance develops a strong and impeccable character. That character in turn, produces a hope that will not be disappointed. Continue to shout your PRAISE!

He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. — Romans 4:20-21 (NKJV) When God told Abraham, he would be the father of many nations, He did not consider his own body, already dead (about 100 years old), and the deadness of Sarah's womb (Romans 4:19). No matter how hopeless or dead situations may appear in your life, be fully persuaded, 100% confident, that God is able turn it around. The Message Bible says, Abraham plunged into the promise and came up strong, ready for God, sure that God would make good on what he had said. Be strengthened in your faith today!

Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, The Holy One of Israel: “I am the LORD your God, Who teaches you to profit, Who leads you by the way you should go.” — Isaiah 48:17 (NKJV) The Message Bible says, “I am God, your God, who teaches you how to live right and well. I show you what to do, where to go” (Isaiah 48:17). When we don't know what to do or which way to go, we can go to God and seek His will and His wisdom. Though our vision is limited, God's is not. He knows exactly what we need and when, to get us where we ought to be. Our heavenly Father will show us the way and provide what we we need to fulfill His purpose and prosper in every area of our lives. All we need to do is FOLLOW.

For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. — Proverbs 23:7 (NKJV) As a person thinks in their heart so is he. Where our minds go, we tend to follow. That's why it is so important for us to renew our minds according to the Word of God (Romans 12:2). What we think about most tends to be what we talk about and our words usually lead to our actions. We can think happy, hopeful thoughts, speak words of hope and joy and we will tend to do things that create joy in our atmosphere.

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. — Philippians 2:3-4 (NKJV) In the world, people put themselves first and insist on having things their own way. Selfish ambition and vain conceit are often rewarded. However, in the family of God, we are to follow the ways of our heavenly Father. His ways are higher. In God's house, we humble ourselves and value others, just as Jesus sacrificed His life for us. Let us forget ourselves long enough to lend a helping hand (Philippians 2:4, The Message).