Manna for Your Morning

Come and see the works of God; He is awesome in His doing toward the sons of men. — Psalm 66:5 (NKJV) See His mighty arms that carry you through each trial and temptation. He has your name tattooed on His hand. You are the apple of His eyes and they sparkle with love for you. See His ears; they are always listening for the cry of your voice. Notice the smile on His face because the LORD takes pleasure in His people (Psalm 149:4). His heart beats with compassion for all people —the weary, the downtrodden, the lost, the found, the confused and the crazy. Now take a closer look. He is right there, beside you, ready to show you the wonderful things He is going to do in your life in the coming year. Put your hand in His and let Him lead the way.

“I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You. Therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” — Job 42:5-6 (NKJV) Have you only heard about the LORD or do you clearly see Him? Have you personally encountered His grace and mercy or have you only heard others talk about it? I implore you to open wide your heart to His loving, yet powerful Presence. Let His glorious light and His matchless love penetrate every fiber of your being. Open your eyes and see the LORD, in all of His splendor and glory. Acknowledge His extravagant goodness and His extreme faithfulness. Enjoy an intimate, face-to-face, one-on-one relationship with the LORD, your Creator. When we truly see Him, we repent of all we thought we knew and humbly draw near to Him, hearts full of wonder and gratitude.

Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, — Job 38:1 (NKJV) In the midst of Job’s suffering: loss of material possessions, poor physical health, marital discord and grieving for his children, the LORD spoke to him. In the midst of your storm, listen carefully for God's voice. When we call upon Him, He will answer. The LORD has His way in the whirlwind and in the storm, (Nahum 1:3). No storm is too great for our mighty God!

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. — Psalm 46:1-2 (NLT) No matter what earth shattering news may come, we will not fear because God is our refuge. No matter how huge the mountain that falls into our world, He remains the strength of our lives. He is ever-present and always ready to help in troubling times. He never fails to act on behalf of those who wait for him. (Isaiah 64:4). And thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:57)!

But as for me, I trust in You, O LORD; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in Your hand; Deliver me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me. — Psalm 31:14-15 (NKJV) Trust in the LORD. We can take comfort in knowing that our times are in His hand. All our days were written in His book before one of them came to be. When the righteous cry out, the LORD hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles (Psalm 34:17). The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace (Psalm 29:11).

  For you are becoming progressively acquainted with and recognizing more strongly and clearly the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ (His kindness, His gracious generosity, His undeserved favor and spiritual blessing), [in] that though He was [so very] rich, yet for your sakes He became [so very] poor, in order that by His poverty you might become enriched (abundantly supplied). — 2 Corinthians 8:9  (AMP) Jesus came that we may have life, and that we may have it more abundantly (John 10:10 NKJV). Let us become increasingly aware of His kindness, gracious generosity, undeserved favor and spiritual blessing.

And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. — Matthew 2:11 (NKJV) When the wise men found Jesus, they went into the house and worshiped Him. Don’t be an outsider, looking in. Eliminate the barriers and draw near to Jesus. Our heavenly Father adopted us and brought us into His family as His beloved children. Come in and worship the King of kings, and Lord of lords!

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. — James 1:17 (NIV) For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16 NIV). Our Heavenly Father did not hold back. He gave us the perfect Gift, Jesus Christ, His Son. Jesus keeps on giving. He continually saves. He keeps on loving. Let us not hold back on God. Be a giver. Abundantly add to the lives of those around you. Give generously. Let your love be free and unconditional. Jesus came to give (life, peace, joy, love, etc.). May we follow His example.

As long as my breath is in me, and the breath of God in my nostrils, my lips will not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit. — Job 27:3-4 (NKJV) Out of all God’s creations, He formed man and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life. (Genesis 2:7) It’s His breath in our lungs! Our lives are but a breath (Job 7:7) and  our days are like a passing shadow (Psalm 144:4), but our God is ever mindful of us. May we be mindful of Him and give glory to Him, in all that we do and say. Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD! (Psalm 150:6)

Because of and through the heart of tender mercy and loving-kindness of our God, a Light from on high will dawn upon us and visit [us] To shine upon and give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to direct and guide our feet in a straight line into the way of peace. — Luke 1:78-79 (AMP) We no longer have to sit in darkness, loneliness or depression. The light of Jesus shines upon us. Let us be guided by His Light, along the path of abundant life and everlasting peace. And we shall be continually filled with the loving-kindness and tender mercies of our great God. Jesus, the giver of light, visits us every moment of every day. If you open the door of your heart, He will come right in and dine with you, and you with Him. Oh what sweet, sweet fellowship He desires to have with you!

The Lord is my Strength and my [impenetrable] Shield; my heart trusts in, relies on, and confidently leans on Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song will I praise Him. — Psalm 28:7 (AMP) The result of us trying to do something on our own is frustration, despair and weariness. When we commit our works to the LORD and rely on Him, we receive the help we need. The LORD is for us among those who help us; (Psalm 118:7a NKJV). The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles (Psalm 34:17). The LORD shall help them and deliver them; He shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in Him (Psalm 37:40). Learn to lean on the LORD.

Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls—Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. — Habakkuk 3:17-18 (NKJV) Simply stated, the prophet is saying is that when everything he sees with his eyes, contradict the promises of God, He will continue to rejoice in the LORD. May we never let our trust and faith in God be moved by what our current situation looks like. Job said, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.” (Job 13:15 NKJV). Surely, the God who loved us enough to save us, loves us enough to sustain us.

“True wisdom and real power belong to God; from him we learn how to live, and also what to live for.” — Job 12:13 (MSG) If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you (James 1:5 NLT). If you are weary and worn out, God is the source of all strength and power. When you are in need of direction, He has counsel and understanding. God is all we need! Let us live our lives in Him.

So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. — 2 Corinthians 4:16 (MSG) There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever (2 Corinthians 4:18 MSG). When we look beyond the things we can see with our natural eyes, we see God’s goodness, we see His grace unfolding in our lives,  and His abundant love and mercy. With eyes of faith, we can see every need met and our hearts abide in His peace. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! 2 Corinthians 4:17 (NLT)

You gave me life and showed me your unfailing love. My life was preserved by your care. — Job 10:12 (NLT) Job lost all his children, all his material possessions, and he was struck with painful boils from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head. In spite of all these things, Job remembered the goodness of his God. May we never let our present suffering distort our view of our mighty God. He put the breath of life, in our lungs and strengthens us from day to day. Let us always remember His unfailing love and His new mercies and compassions. His lovingkindness is better than life itself. Praise the name of the LORD!

See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you. — Isaiah 60:2 (NIV) Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you (Isaiah 60:1). May we allow the glorious light of God to shine through us and illuminate the world around us, that others may be touched by His love, comforted with His peace and drawn into His family. Shine ever brighter as a beacon of light in the earth.

He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, — Luke 2:5-6 (NIV) When Joseph and Mary went to register in Bethlehem, the time came for her to give birth. In the course of going about your daily tasks, the time will come for you to give birth to the promises God has spoken to you. It's time for the fulfillment of the dreams and desires He has placed in your heart. First, we must go through the labor pains (another word for work). Let us persevere this phase and keep pressing onward and forward, regardless of any challenges.

And she gave birth to her Son, her Firstborn; and she wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room or place for them in the inn. — Luke 2:7 (AMP) In all of our Christmas shopping and Christmas party going, may we make room for Jesus in our lives. Don't leave Jesus outside, knocking on the door of your heart. Open the door and invite Him in! Let us ensure He has first place in ou r hearts. Christmas is all about Him— Immanuel, “God with us.” For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). In Him was life, and the life was the light of men (John 1:4). He was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world (John 1:9). Celebrate the birth of Jesus by giving Him preeminence (first place in everything), in your life.

“If I were in your shoes, I’d go straight to God, I’d throw myself on the mercy of God. After all, he’s famous for great and unexpected acts; there’s no end to his surprises. — Job 5:8 (MSG) Whatever trials you face today, I would take them to God. Don't phone a friend first. Go straight to Him. You don’t need a middle man. God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us (Ephesians 3:20 MSG). Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need (Hebrews 11:16 NIV).

When You said, “Seek My face,” My heart said to You, “Your face, LORD, I will seek.”  — Psalms 27:8 (NKJV) I believe we are looking at the face of God when we reach our hand out to help those in need. Or when we turn the other cheek at offense and go the extra mile with a friend. When we love and pray for our enemies, His face is shining upon us. May we continually seek His face!

After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. — 1 Peter 5:10 (NASB) Job 3:26 says, “I am not at ease, nor am I quiet; I have no rest, for trouble comes.” In order to keep our hope alive, let us not focus on the fact that trouble comes, or even that it is here. Instead, zoom in on the fact that it also goes. (This too shall pass.) The Word says, the suffering is for a  “ little while …” After the suffering, we know God will perfect, strengthen and establish us. The Amplified version says, He will complete us and make us what we ought to be. Take comfort in knowing that God will use everything that happens in our lives to fulfill His awesome purpose and plan. Everything that happens is part of the process. Amen!

Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me. — Psalm 139:7-10 (NKJV) When we have done or said something contrary to the nature and character of God, we often try to hide, like Adam did in the Garden of Eden. But no matter where we go, our heavenly Father is there. Even the darkness does not hide us from Him (Psalm 139-11-12). What is helpful for us to remember is that He is not there to beat us up, but to pick us up and guide us back onto the path of life and into fellowship with Him. Instead of running away, return to Him and be restored.

The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? — Psalm 27:1 (NKJV) If God is with us, who can stand against us? The Lord is my Rock, my Fortress, and my Deliverer; my God, my keen and firm Strength in Whom I will trust and take refuge, my Shield, and the Horn of my salvation, my High Tower (Psalm 18:2 AMP). When you are worn out and weary, or down and out, remember to draw strength from the LORD. Trust in the LORD forever, for in YAH, the LORD, is everlasting strength (Isaiah 26:4).

Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. — Romans 5:5 (NKJV) See what great love the Father has lavished on us! (1 John 3:1). We have such a rich treasure in our earthen vessels, that is the Spirit of God and God is love. As He pours out His love in our hearts, we are to let His love flow freely through us and let it generously gush out, on everyone God brings our way. May we never limit our love and giving to a day or a season. Let’s lavish God's abundant and unconditional love on others, at all times!

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. — Hebrews 12:1-2a (NLT) If we are going to run our race with endurance, it is absolutely necessary to keep our eyes on Jesus. Look away from the sideshows that serve as distractions and stay focused on Him. As we look unto Jesus, our thoughts are elevated above the adverse life events, that try to pull us down and beat us up. Don't be consumed by darkness. Fix your eyes on Jesus, the light of the world (John 8:12). He is the source of our hope and our healer, the One who makes us whole. He is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:16).

When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, “Surely the LORD is in this place, and I was not aware of it.” — Genesis 28:11-16 (NIV) May we always be fully aware of the presence of the LORD, our God. In His presence, the rejected are accepted, chosen and cherished. He turns our mourning into dancing. He puts off sackcloth and clothes us with gladness (Psalm 30:11). In His presence, darkness and fear are exchanged for light and love. He hides us in the secret place of His presence from the plots of man (Psalm 31:20 NKJV). Whatever challenges you face today, remember, the LORD is in that place with you. And with Him, we receive the power and strength to live a victorious life.

God rescued us from dead-end alleys and dark dungeons. He’s set us up in the kingdom of the Son he loves so much, the Son who got us out of the pit we were in, got rid of the sins we were doomed to keep repeating. — Colossians 1:13-14 (MSG) Twenty-five years ago today, God rescued me from the dominion of darkness and brought me into the kingdom of His dear Son. He brought me into His family and made me His daughter, an heir of God through Christ and partaker of His wonderful promises. What great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! (1 John 3:1 NIV). As members of God's family, we have a higher calling and a glorious plan for our lives. We are a generation that has been chosen to fulfill God's will in the earth. So let us live as people of light, purpose and destiny!

We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. — 2 Corinthians 1:8b-9 (NIV) Sometimes, life events may cause us to wonder if we are going to live through them. However, when we are totally overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, we learn to rely only on God. Any strength or power we have, comes from our great God, not from ourselves. We may be pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We may be perplexed, but we are not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but we are never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed! (2 Corinthians 4:8-9). So we can get back up again. Amen and Hallelujah!

Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin? — Romans 2:4 (NLT) God is kind, but he’s not soft. In kindness he takes us firmly by the hand and leads us into a radical life-change (Romans 2:4 MSG). The goodness of God is intended to lead us to repentance. Repent: to change your mind and inner man to accept God’s will (Romans 2:4 AMP). Surely His goodness and unfailing love will pursue you all the days of your life (Psalm 23:6a NLT). Make a determined decision to abide in the LORD and walk in His will, all the days of your life!

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, and whose hope is the LORD. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit.” — Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NKJV) Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Christ Jesus the Lord, firmly and deeply planted in Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth. (Colossians 2:7). And you will not be bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Your leaves will stay green, and they will never stop producing fresh fruit. Amen!

Nevertheless we made our prayer to our God, and because of them we set a watch against them day and night. — Nehemiah 4:9 (NKJV) When the Israelites were rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem, their adversaries were very angry and conspired together against them to cause the work to cease. God’s people responded in prayer and also in arming themselves with swords, spears and bows. Whatever work you engage in, for the Lord, know that you will encounter adversaries, who want nothing more than to stop the work of God. When enemies rise up against you, don't be afraid of them, remember the Lord, great and awesome! (Nehemiah 4:14). May we arm ourselves, with prayer and with the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Then we can rely on the power and protection of our great God.

And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” — Luke 10:41-42 (NKJV) Instead of being worried and troubled, let us be like Mary. She sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word (Luke 10:39). The Message Bible says, she sat before the Master, hanging on every word he said. May we sit in the presence of the Son and soak in the rays of His marvelous, life-giving light. The one thing we need is His Presence. Instead of trying to figure out every detail of your life, let His Word be a lamp to your feet and a light to your path (Psalm 119:105).

I felt encouraged because the gracious hand of the LORD my God was on me. And I gathered some of the leaders of Israel to return with me to Jerusalem. — Ezra 7:28 (NLT) Ezra was moved to action because of the encouragement He received from the hand of the LORD. Let us be encouraged as the gracious hand of the LORD our God is also upon us. He surrounds us on all sides. (Psalm 125:2). God’s Holy Spirit resides in us and enables us to live the life He has designed for us, so we can fulfill His purpose upon the earth. Be strengthened and courageous to engage in the work He has called you to. The LORD will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength (Isaiah 58:11 NLT).

And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. — Ephesians 3:18-19 (NLT) It’s an unconditional love that says, “no matter how bad you messed up, I forgive you.” It’s a love so strong, that even when we walk away or turn our backs to Him, He still loves us and holds His arms open wide upon our return. It’s a love so generous, that Jesus, gave His life for our reconciliation to the Father. God desires to be in fellowship with us, His beloved children. He takes great delight in us. Nothing on this earth can separate us from His unstoppable love. We will only experience the fullness of His life and power in us, when we begin to understand this amazing, amazing love we have in God.

Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the LORD our God. — Psalm 20:7 (NKJV) Remember to call on the name of the LORD our God. His name is above all other names. His name is above the doctor’s report. His name shall endure forever (Psalm 72:17). His name is greater than those who rise up against you. His name will stand long after the mountain before you is made into a molehill. Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth (Psalm 124:8). The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe (Proverbs 18:10). Trust in the name of the LORD and rely upon our God.

Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way. — Colossians 3:17 (MSG) Don’t compartmentalize your relationship with God to Sunday morning. Whatever you do or say, keep Christ at the center of your life and thank God for each and every step He gives you the strength to take on the path of life.

Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, for His lovingkindness is everlasting. — Psalm 136:1 (NAS) A mouth full of giving thanks begins with a heart full of grateful appreciation for all that God has done and is doing in your life. Every good and perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning (James 1:17). Let's be mindful of all the GOOD things we have to be thankful for!

May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope. — Romans 15:13 (AMP) As we place our trust in God and stand on His Word, He fills us completely with joy and peace. By the power of His Holy Spirit, we have this hope, which is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary (Hebrews 6:19 NLT). Hope continually, and praise Him yet more and more (Psalm 71:14 NKJV)! There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off (Proverbs 23:18 NIV). Amen!

The LORD lives! Blessed be my Rock! Let the God of my salvation be exalted. — Psalm 18:46 (NKJV) Our mighty God is alive and active. He does not sleep, nor slumber. Whatever concerns you, He has already taken care of it. Let us enter into His gates with thanksgiving and a thank offering and into His courts with praise! Be thankful and say so to Him, bless and affectionately praise His name! For the Lord is good; His mercy and loving-kindness are everlasting, His faithfulness and truth endure to all generations (Psalm 100:4-5 AMP). Glory hallelujah!

When I arrived in Troas to proclaim the Message of the Messiah, I found the place wide open: God had opened the door; all I had to do was walk through it. — 2 Corinthians 2:12 (MSG)  God opens the door, our part is to walk through it. God-given opportunities may not always look the way we think they should, so we have to listen for His still small voice. Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, “This is the way you should go,” whether to the right or to the left (Isaiah 30:21 NLT). Then, instead of lingering at the closed door and longing for what used to be, let’s spring into action! Take each step in faith and go forward with God, to the wide open space He has given you to occupy!

In my distress [when seemingly closed in] I called upon the Lord and cried to my God; He heard my voice out of His temple (heavenly dwelling place), and my cry came before Him, into His [very] ears. — Psalm 18:6 (AMP) Call upon the name of the LORD, at all times. His name is above all names. He hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles (Psalm 34:17). Your cry brings you right into his presence— a private audience! (Psalm 18:6b MSG). A private audience with the King of kings and the LORD of lords. Certainly God hears you and He will attend to the voice of your prayer! (Psalm 66:19) Amen.

Trust in, lean on, rely on, and have confidence in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts before Him. God is a refuge for us (a fortress and a high tower). Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]! — Psalm 62:8 (AMP) No matter how circumstances may appear, keep your eyes always on the LORD. With him by your side, you will not be shaken (Psalm 16:8). For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the solid Rock except our God? (Psalm 18). Lean on Him. When you don’t know what to do, rely on the wisdom of our great God. When you don’t where to go, run to His throne room. Pour out your heart before Him. He is a refuge of safety and peace.

I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD! — Psalm 27:13-14 (NKJV) The Message Bible says: Stay with God! Take heart. Don’t quit. I’ll say it again: Stay with God (Psalm 27:14). Day and night I’ll stick with God; I’ve got a good thing going and I’m not letting go (Psalm 16:8 MSG). The only good and lasting thing we have is our unconditional love relationship with the LORD. Pursue a deeper, more intimate relationship with Him and you will always have the strength to face another day.

For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God. — 1 John 5:4-5 (NLT) 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). As children of God, we have been given divine strength which no hostile power can overcome. We are more than conquerors because the Spirit who lives in us is greater than the spirit in the world. In John 16:33 (MSG), Jesus said, “In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.” Despite all the things we go through in this life, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us! (Romans 8:37). Glory Hallelujah!

With the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah, that fateful dilemma is resolved. Those who enter into Christ’s being-here-for-us no longer have to live under a continuous, low-lying black cloud. A new power is in operation. The Spirit of life in Christ, like a strong wind, has magnificently cleared the air, freeing you from a fated lifetime of brutal tyranny at the hands of sin and death. — Romans 8:1-2 (MSG) Come out from under the black cloud. Live free in Christ! His power is at work in us. Live and walk habitually in the Holy Spirit being responsive to and controlled and led by the Spirit of life. Amen.

Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. — Psalm 73:23-24 (NLT) We are God’s property. We belong to the LORD, our Creator and heavenly Father. We are continually with Him. He takes us by the hand and leads us in all wisdom, power and truth. God knows what each and every day holds for us and He has given us exactly what we need. We are to take every step in faith, with purpose, and according to His plan. The LORD's plans for you are for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11 NLT). The LORD will work out his plans for your life—(Psalm 138:8 NLT). His plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken (Psalm 33:11 NLT). The LORD's purpose will prevail (Proverbs 19:21). Glory hallelujah!

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the king of Judah said. — 2 Chronicles 32:7-8 (NIV) So the LORD sent an angel and saved Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem from the hand of their enemies. He took care of them on every side (2 Chronicles 32:21, 22). May we be strong and courageous, because there is a far greater power with us. The LORD our God is with us to help us and take care of us. Our battles belong to the LORD! Give thanks to God, who always leads us in triumph, in Christ!

Nothing between us and God, our faces shining with the brightness of his face. And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him. — 2 Corinthians 3:18 (MSG) As we shed all pretense and remove the barriers that block our intimacy with God, we are transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory. First we have to let God enter our lives (hearts and minds), then we become more like Him. And our lives grow brighter and more beautiful as they reflect God’s Ways and His Word.

The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; for You, LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You. — Psalm 9:9-10 (NKJV) When the events of this life leave you battered and bruised, seek refuge in the LORD. They who know His name [who have experience and acquaintance with His mercy] will lean on and confidently put their trust in Him…(Psalm 9:10 AMP). No matter how hopeless circumstances may appear, continue to lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. (Proverbs 3:5 AMP).

Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation. Give heed to the voice of my cry, my King and my God, for to You I will pray. My voice You shall hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning I will direct it to You, and I will look up. — Psalm 5:1-3 (NKJV) May the LORD not only hear your voice every morning, but throughout the day as well. Let praises, and thanksgiving, continually flow from your mouth. When life circumstances try to get you feeling down and dejected, look up to the LORD and call to Him for help. If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31)

Then Hezekiah answered and said, “Now that you have consecrated yourselves to the LORD, come near, and bring sacrifices and thank offerings into the house of the LORD.” So the assembly brought in sacrifices and thank offerings, and as many as were of a willing heart brought burnt offerings. — 2 Chronicles 29:31 (NKJV) God’s people were told to come near after the priests brought out all the debris they found in the temple of the LORD (2 Chronicles 29:16). Let us remove from our hearts (His temple), anything that doesn’t belong. Any unforgiveness, any offense, rebellion or pride. Consider it rubbish. Be of a willing heart to let it go and come near to the living God. No matter where you're at today, the LORD is saying, “Come closer!”