Manna for Your Morning

And you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty. — Exodus 28:2 (NKJV) God’s glory and beauty dwells within us in the form of His Holy Spirit. We are to let the fullness of His glory and beauty shine through us as we clothe ourselves in holy garments. Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience (Colossians 3:12, NIV). Colossians 3:13 instructs us to bear with each other and forgive one another, as the Lord has forgiven us. That is a beautiful thing! And over all these virtues, we are to put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity (Colossians 3:14, NIV). As we continuously wear these attributes wherever we go, we are a reflection of God's glory and beauty. Amen!

Little by little I will drive them out from before you, until you have increased, and you inherit the land. — Exodus 23:30 (NKJV) Just as the enemies of the Israelites were driven out of the land, little by little, we are to advance and take our land for the Lord. Little by little we are to influence those in our sphere of influence for the kingdom of God, by sharing the love and grace of Jesus. We are to expand God’s kingdom, by rescuing the lost and hurting of the world and showing them the way, the truth, and the life: Jesus Christ (John 14:6). May we take each step in faith and declare the words of Joshua 1:3, “every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you.”

 “Behold, I send an Angel before you to keep you in the way and to bring you into the place which I have prepared.” — Exodus 23:20 (NKJV) The LORD sent His Angel before the Israelites as they wandered in the wilderness for forty years, and eventually, they took possession of the land God promised them. As we journey through this life, God’s Angel goes before us and empowers us to reach the place He has prepared for us, our land of promise. Don't grow weary, nor faint. March on with passion and purpose, fully pursuing all that God has for you. For the LORD gives His angels charge over those who make the LORD, their refuge and dwelling place, to keep them in all their ways. (Psalm 91:9,11)

“Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” — Luke 22:42 (NKJV) The commitment and submission Jesus had to the Father, led Him to give His life to save a lost world. For the joy that was set before Him, Jesus was obedient to the Father’s will and endured the pain of the cross (Hebrews 12:2). May we fully submit to God, and yield to His will and His ways. It may not always “feel good,” but after you have suffered a little while, He will restore, support, and strengthen you (1 Peter 5:10). Just like Jesus, we have a future full of hope and joy, that grows brighter and brighter. Stay committed to the Father's will and the rest of your life will be the absolute BEST of your life!

I appeal to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship. — Romans 12:1 (AMP) Let us dedicate our bodies to God, as living sacrifices. May we unplug our affections to the world and separate ourselves unto God that we might be well-pleasing to Him. This is a reasonable manner to serve the kingdom of God and give glory to our King, Christ Jesus! Amen.

When the Israelites saw it, they said one to another, Manna [What is it?]. For they did not know what it was. And Moses said to them, This is the bread which the LORD has given you to eat. — Exodus 16:15 (AMP) Manna was bread from heaven which the LORD provided for the children of Israel to eat, for forty years. However, when it first came, they didn't recognize it. Sometimes God’s provision for us doesn’t come the way we thought it would or it doesn’t look the way we thought it should. At those times we must fully trust the LORD, and know that He has a master plan for our lives and it's a plan for good and not for harm. Let’s stand in faith, and be thankful for all of God’s provision.

Now when they came to Marah, they could not drink the waters of Marah, for they were bitter . — Exodus 15:23 (NKJV) When Moses cried out to the LORD, He showed him a tree. When he cast it into the waters, the waters were made sweet (Exodus 15:25). Our heavenly Father is a God of change. He turns our weeping into rejoicing (Psalm 30:5). He turns our mourning into dancing (Psalm 30:11). If any wrongs that have been done to you made your waters bitter, open wide the channel of your heart and let the LORD's cleansing waters freely flow. They are full of love, forgiveness and strength. He will take those bitter waters and make them sweet.

So God led the people around by way of the wilderness of the Red Sea. And the children of Israel went up in orderly ranks out of the land of Egypt. — Exodus 13:18 (NKJV) The LORD went before the Israelites by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night (Exodus 13:21). Today, we have His Holy Spirit inside of us to lead us. We also have His word, which is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105). When we follow the LORD, we will always be exactly where God wants us, in the right place, at the right time. Submit to God and let Him lead you along the path He has before you.

 Therefore say to the children of Israel: ‘I am the LORD; I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, I will rescue you from their bondage, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgments. — Exodus 6:6 (NKJV) It is the desire of our heavenly Father to bring His children out from under burdens. He tells us to cast all our cares upon Him (Psalm 55:22). In Matthew 11:28 (NLT), Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” His yoke is easy to bear, and the burden He gives us is light (Matthew 11:30). Let us lay aside the heavy burdens and come to Jesus; under His yoke, we find rest for your souls.

Then the people of Israel were convinced that the LORD had sent Moses and Aaron. When they heard that the LORD was concerned about them and had seen their misery, they bowed down and worshiped. — Exodus 4:31 (NLT) When we know that the LORD cares about us and that He has seen our affliction and troubles, the appropriate response is to bow down in humility and cast all our cares upon Him. Then we can wholeheartedly worship the LORD, knowing that our heavenly Father is a great and mighty God. He is able to handle everything that concerns us. Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker (Psalm 95:6). Worthy, worthy worthy is the LORD!

But if one loves God truly [with affectionate reverence, prompt obedience, and grateful recognition of His blessing], he is known by God [recognized as worthy of His intimacy and love, and he is owned by Him]. — 1 Corinthians 8:3 (AMP) Gratefulness goes beyond perfection. We are to have a grateful heart even when circumstances are not perfect. Gratitude is an attitude of the heart that is able to recognize the good in every situation. Even though you didn’t get the promotion, you can be grateful to still have a job. Being grateful is simply a choice we make to either complain about what we don’t have or be grateful for what we do have.

Come therefore, let us now kill him and cast him into some pit; and we shall say, ‘Some wild beast has devoured him.’ We shall see what will become of his dreams!” — Genesis 37:20 (NKJV) Joseph was a dreamer. It was because of his dreams that his brothers sold him into slavery. But his dreams came true. After Joseph favorably served in the palace and in the prison, he eventually became governor over the land of abundance, in the midst of a famine. No matter how circumstances appear right now, don’t give up on your dreams! Even the old men shall dream dreams (Joel 2:28). As long as there is breath in your nostrils it's not too  late. Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart. — Psalm 37:4 (AMP) God bless you as we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., today.

Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD! — Psalms 27:14 (NKJV) Our wait on the LORD is not supposed to be idle. We are to daily follow the instruction He has already provided and continually pursue His Presence and His will above all. While we wait, let us fully trust and rely on God, with our hearts and minds in constant peace. Wait on the LORD, for He is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him (Lamentations 3:25). Amen!

The LORD’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I have hope in Him.”  — Lamentations 3:22-24 (NAS) As each day dawns, the LORD showers us with brand new compassions and mercies. We get to begin afresh! Our God is faithful and His lovingkindness never fails. Look forward to what lies ahead, and keep your hope in Him. Expect great things to come your way, today! We serve a great big God and He is doing great BIG things!

And Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come near to me.” So they came near. Then he said: “I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt. But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life. — Genesis 45:4-5 (NKJV) What Joseph’s brothers meant for evil, God used for good and the saving of many lives (Genesis 50:20). Isaiah 54:17 says, no weapon formed against you shall prosper. The Word doesn't say the weapon would not be formed, just that it will not prosper. Do not be surprised at the fiery ordeals that come (1 Peter 4:12), just keep trusting God to work it all together for good.

Joseph named the firstborn Manasseh, “For,” he said, “God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father’s household.” He named the second Ephraim, “For,” he said, “God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.” — Genesis 41:51-52 (NAS) After Joseph was in prison for two years, Pharoah set him over all the land of Egypt (Genesis 41:41-42). God can make the place where you experience the most hurt and pain (the land of your suffering), the same place where you experience abundant fruitfulness. The area where you fight your most difficult battle, can become the place where you experience the greatest  blessings. Praise the LORD, who is able to make you forget all your troubles!

The keeper of the prison did not look into anything that was under Joseph’s authority, because the LORD was with him; and whatever he did, the LORD made it prosper. — Genesis 39:23 (NKJV) Joseph was sold as slave by his brothers and eventually thrown into prison based on a false accusation. Joseph did all the right things but still finds himself in prison. The most important thing is that God was with Joseph and He had a plan for his life that was very good. Things may not always appear to be working in your favor, but the LORD is with you too and He has a wonderful plan for your life as well.

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. — Daniel 1:8 (NKJV) Daniel purposed in his heart not to defile himself with the king’s delicacies and God’s favor was upon him. In 2 Corinthians 6:17, the Lord calls believers to come out from among the world and be separate. 2 Corinthians 6:14 asks, what communion has light with darkness? May we determine in our minds and hearts to follow the ways our our heavenly Father and draw near to Him. Let us not defile ourselves with the delicacies of this world. If what you have been doing has not brought you closer to God, it's time for a change. Amen.

And He said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.” — Genesis 32:28 (NKJV) In order for any progress to be made, there is going to be a struggle. Jacob wrestled all night with a Man and refused to let go until he received his blessing (Genesis 32:24, 26), then he became Israel, Prince with God. If we persevere through the struggles and the pain, and keep God as our strong foundation, we too will prevail. God gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:57). Amen!

“Unless the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely now you would have sent me away empty-handed. God has seen my affliction and the labor of my hands, and rebuked you last night.” — Genesis 31:42 (NKJV) Jacob was in his Uncle Laban’s house twenty years; he served him fourteen years for his two daughters, and six years for his flock. Laban deceived him and changed his wages ten times Genesis 31:7, 41).  In Genesis 31:29, Laban says God spoke to him and said, “Be careful that you speak to Jacob neither good nor bad.” Whatever hardships, troubles and afflictions you may be facing, know that God sees your affliction and He will deliver you. When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their distress and troubles (Psalm 34:17, AMP). The Message Bible says it like this: Is anyone crying for help? God is listening, ready to rescue you.

Your name, O LORD, endures forever, Your fame, O LORD, throughout all generations. — Psalm 135:13 (NKJV) Why do we place so much emphasis on things which are here today and gone tomorrow? These are the things the Apostle Paul counted as rubbish when it came to pursuing his relationship with Christ. (See Philippians 3:7-9) Don’t look at the troubles you see now; rather, fix your gaze on things that cannot be seen (God’s eternal love and mercy, etc.). For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. (2 Corinthians 4:18, NLT). Fellowship with our heavenly Father is the one thing that is above all and nothing in this world can take Him away from us. Amen!

Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “Surely the LORD is in this place, and I did not know it.”  And he was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven!” — Genesis 28:16-17 (NKJV) Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you (1 Corinthians 6:19)? And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed (Romans 13:11). May we (the church and body of Christ) have a spiritual awakening and always be aware of His presence within us, and His mighty power which is at work in us to bring about the perfect will of God.

Now Abraham was old, well advanced in age; and the LORD had blessed Abraham in all things. — Genesis 24:1 (NKJV) How would you like to be blessed in ALL things? Let us look at and follow Abraham’s example: First of all, Abraham trusted and obeyed God. When God told him to get out of his country, Abraham left, not even knowing where he was going (Genesis 12:1-4). Second, Abraham was a giver. He gave Melchizedek, the priest of God Most High a tithe (tenth) of all (Genesis 14:18-20). Third, Abraham humbled himself under God’s mighty hand. Genesis 17:3 says, he fell on his face, and God talked with him. May trust, obedience, generosity, and humility characterize our lives, as well. Amen!

When the water in the skin was gone, she put the boy under one of the bushes. Then she went off and sat down about a bowshot away, for she thought, “I cannot watch the boy die.” And as she sat there, she began to sob .— Genesis 21:15-16 (NIV) After Abraham sent Hagar and her son away, she wandered in the wilderness and ran out of water. At this point Hagar lost all hope and was sure her son would die, but the angel of God calmed her fears and told her Ishmael would not only live but that God would make him a great nation. Then God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water. Sometimes, difficult situations can cloud our eyes of faith and we lose heart, but may we always remember, even though it may seem like we are wandering in the wilderness, we belong to a faithful God of hope, comfort and provision.

“Is anything too difficult for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, at this time next year, and Sarah will have a son.” — Genesis 18:14 (NAS) Today’s society has us geared for what’s fast and quick. We want the express lane in life. Waiting is an inconvenience. However, God is not moved by our timetable. He has an appointed time. There is a time for every activity under heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Abraham waited more than 20 years from the time God promised him that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars (Genesis 15:5) until the birth of his son, Isaac. So, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise (Hebrews 6:25). May we be like Abraham and patiently endure. We don't have to know when or how, just know that God does fulfill all of His promises! Nothing is too difficult for Him.

Then she called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees; for she said, “Have I also here seen Him who sees me?” — Genesis 16:13 (NKJV) When Sarai dealt harshly with her, Hagar fled from her presence and the Angel of the LORD found her by a spring of water in the wilderness. The Angel told her that the LORD has heard her affliction. Not only are His eyes upon us, God’s ears are always open to our cries. He is with us in all our afflictions and troubles and He promises to deliver us from each and every one. The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles (Psalm 34:17). Praise the LORD!

The Lord your God is in the midst of you, a Mighty One, a Savior [Who saves]! He will rejoice over you with joy; He will rest [in silent satisfaction] and in His love He will be silent and make no mention [of past sins, or even recall them]; He will exult over you with singing. — Zephaniah 3:17 (AMP) The LORD our God is in our midst. He is mighty to save. He takes great delight in His people. Once we confess our sins, He removes our transgressions from us, as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12). His perfect love casts out all fear (1 John 4:18). He rejoices over us with joyful songs. Let us draw near to Him and delight in His Presence!

In the day that God created man, He made him in the likeness of God. He created them male and female, and blessed them and called them Mankind in the day they were created. — Genesis 5:1b-2 (NKJV) Guess what? If you belong to the human race, you are blessed by God! When God created human beings, He blessed the whole human race. Psalm 144:3 says, LORD, what is man, that You take knowledge of him? Or the son of man, that You are mindful of him? He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4). No matter what lies the enemy tells you, remember that God loves you and He is working everything together for good! (Romans 8:28) Let us count our blessings, starting with the fact that we woke up this morning. Amen!

Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’? ” — Genesis 3:1 (NIV) Eve listened to the serpent and was deceived (Genesis 3:13). Don’t let Satan get you to question and doubt what God has spoken to you. God is not a man, that He should lie. What He has spoken, will He not make it good? (Numbers 23:19) For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope,” (Jeremiah 29:11, NLT). Only believe.

Honor God with everything you own; give him the first and the best. Your barns will burst, your wine vats will brim over. — Proverbs 3:9-10 (MSG) Not only are we to honor the LORD with our wealth and with the first of all we produce, we should also give God the first and the best of ourselves. We don’t want to dishonor God by giving Him the leftovers when it comes to our finances, our time, our attention, or our affections. So, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him (Romans 12:1, NLT).

He must increase, but I must decrease. — John 3:30 (NKJV) This is the first Scripture God put on my heart in the new year and I'm making it my ultimate goal for 2014. It goes along with the series Pastor Matthew Pollock has been preaching about making room for Jesus. In order for Him to increase in our lives, we have to make room for Him. Let us get rid of the clutter in our lives, close our ears to the cries of our flesh and open all the doors and windows of our hearts to Jesus. May we allow Him to increase in our hearts, minds and lives. May we allow His Presence to increase in our homes, on our jobs, in the market place and everywhere we go. Amen!