Manna for Your Morning

And he said, “I have been very zealous for the LORD God of hosts; because the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.” — 1 Kings 19:14 (NKJV) When you're on fire for God and doing all that He calls you to, the enemy will take notice. After the prophet Elijah had a great victory, Jezebel threatened to take his life. He hides in the wilderness, where he prayed that he might die (1 Kings 19:4). Elijah was in such a distressed state that he believed he was the only one left serving God. In reality God had reserved 7,000 loyal servants, in Israel (1 Kings 19:18). Don’t let the enemy give you the wrong perspective. You are never alone. Our awesome God is our constant companion and mighty King.

Jesus told them a story showing that it was necessary for them to pray consistently and never quit. — Luke 18:1 (MSG) Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not lose heart. In 1 Kings 18:43, the prophet Elijah prayed for rain. He sent his servant to look for rain. Six times the servant came back and said “There is nothing.” And seven times Elijah said, “Go again.” The seventh time, the sky became black with clouds and wind, and there was a heavy rain (1 Kings 18:45). Things may not happen in the timeframe of your choosing but continue to pray consistently and don’t lose heart. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. (James 5:16).

You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You. — Isaiah 26:3 (AMP) We can have perfect and constant peace as we center our thoughts on the LORD (not our problems). Think about His faithfulness, His goodness and His mighty power. Stay mindful of our awesome God, and all the wonderful works He has done in our midst. May we be fully committed to the LORD and be completely confident that He is able to take care of everything that concerns us.

Then Elijah stood in front of them and said, “How much longer will you waver, hobbling between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him! But if Baal is God, then follow him!” But the people were completely silent. — 1 Kings 18:21 (NLT) Our God is so gracious, He gives us the freedom to make choices. He sets before us life and death, blessing and cursing; Then He gives us the right answer and says “choose life, that both you and your descendants may live,” (Deuteronomy 30:19). At any given moment, we can choose to follow God, our flesh, the world, or the devil. When it comes to making choices, don’t remain speechless. We believe, therefore we speak (2 Corinthians 4:13), and we follow through with the corresponding actions. Stop hobbling and being double-minded. Stand up straight and firm. Let every decision you make be, to follow God on the path of life, not just for you, but for the next generation.

And it will be that you shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.” So he went and did according to the word of the LORD, for he went and stayed by the Brook Cherith.. . — 1 Kings 17:4-5 (NKJV) The prophet Elijah did as the LORD told him, and the ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and in the evening; and he drank from the brook (1Kings 17:6). Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? (Luke 24:38) God fed Elijah in the middle of a barren desert. Surely, your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him (Matthew 6:8). Never doubt our great big GOD, just do as the LORD has instructed. Wherever He has called you, He will supply. He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20).

“He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him..” — Psalm 91:15 (NAS) The Most High God promises to be with us in trouble. He is intimately involved in everything that concerns you. Let His Presence keep your inner being calm and in perfect peace, despite outer chaos. Instead of holdong onto your problems with such intense focus, embrace His Presence, and keep your eyes on the Lord. There is power in His Presence to break every bondage and stronghold. In His Presence, mountains melt like wax. In His presence is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11). Always be aware of His Presence. He is with you every moment of every day.

He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler. You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, — Psalm 91:4-5 (NKJV) There will be days when our enemy will send his flaming arrows our way. First Peter 4:12 says, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you (1 Peter 4:12 NIV). However, we can find protection under the wings of our heavenly Father. His truth is our shield. It will extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. When the enemy tells you, "it's impossible" lift up your shield of truth —all things are possible with our great God!

The LORD has been mindful of us; He will bless us; He will bless the house of Israel; He will bless the house of Aaron. He will bless those who fear the LORD, both small and great. — Psalm 115:12-13  (NKJV) The LORD has you on His mind. Thoughts of you continually invade the mind of God. Psalm 40:5 says, His thoughts toward us are more than can be numbered. Psalm 139:17 says, how precious also are His thoughts to us, O God! How great is the sum of them! Likewise, let us continually be mindful of our heavenly Father. God shows personal favoritism to no man (Galatians 2:6). He loves each and every one of us and is working for our good. So whether you think you’re small and insignificant or think you are great, if you fear the LORD, abundant blessings are coming your way!

For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: In returning [to Me] and resting [in Me] you shall be saved; in quietness and in [trusting] confidence shall be your strength. — Isaiah 30:15  (AMP) There is an appropriate time for everything. There is a right time to shut up and another to speak up (Ecclesiastes 3:7 MSG). Instead of worrying and fretting and letting words escape from your mouth that don’t line up with the Word of God, just maintain a silent confidence in the LORD. Know without a shadow of doubt, that our God is able. His abundance will make up for your lack. His love and healing power will compensate for your brokenness. He is higher, greater and above anything we encounter on this earth. You can be strong by being quiet and by trusting Him (Isaiah 30:15 GW).

Remember how short my life is, how empty and futile this human existence! No one can live forever... — Psalm 89:47-48  (NLT) Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone (James 4:14 NLT). Live life with a sense of urgency. Let us make each moment count toward something that is going to last, the kingdom of God. As we reach out and touch others with the genuine love of God and share the Good News about Jesus, we are changing lives and making an eternal difference in the world.

We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. — 2 Corinthians 4:8-9  (NLT) Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us (Romans 8:37 AMP). Don't be fazed by the sufferings of this present time and the light momentary afflictions which are upon you. If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31 NKJV)

Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are those who dwell in Your house and Your presence; they will be singing Your praises all the day long. — Psalm 84:4 (AMP) God adopted us into His family. As children of God, we belong in His house. We are no longer outsiders. A single day in His courts is better than a thousand anywhere else! I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God than live the good life in the homes of the wicked (Psalm 84:10 NLT). If you are on the outside, looking in, get back in the house of the LORD. Abiding in His Presence gives us reason to sing His praises! One thing I have desired of the LORD, that will I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life...(Psalm 2:4).

Blessed is the man whose strength is in You... — Psalm 84:5 (NKJV) We get tripped up when we think we can accomplish anything, purely in our own strength. Let the LORD be the strength of your life (Psalm 27:1). Draw from the well of His unlimited power and strength. Blessed is the person who strength is in the LORD. They go from strength to strength [increasing in victorious power] (Psalm 84:7 AMP). Rely on the LORD to turn those seemingly impossible situations around. “His strength is made perfect in our weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NKJV). Our heavenly Father, did not expect us to do this on our own, He made His strength available to us. Amen!

And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.  — Hebrews 6:15 (NKJV) The Message Bible says, Abraham stuck it out and got everything that had been promised to him (Hebrews 6:15). We have to stick some things out. Despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us (Romans 8:37). Whatever circumstances come in your life, will also come to pass. Our heavenly Father goes before us and navigates us through the storms. Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ (2 Corinthians 2:14)!

Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it. — Psalm 81:10 (NKJV) It is in the heart of God to bless His people. As we incline our hearts toward Him and walk in His ways, we will naturally experience the abundant blessings that flow from having a rich relationship with our heavenly Father —joyful hearts, peaceful minds, etc. No good thing will He withhold From those who walk uprightly (Psalm 84:11). Be willing to receive all that God has to offer: His instruction, His wisdom, His unconditional love and His Presence. The godly are showered with blessings (Proverbs 10:6 NLT). Amen!

You have kept what You promised Your servant David my father; You have both spoken with Your mouth and fulfilled it with Your hand, as it is this day. — 1 Kings 8:24 (NKJV) Man may fall short of what his mouth has spoken, but God cannot lie (Titus 1:2). He fulfills every word He has spoken. If you seek the LORD our God, you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul (Deuteronomy 4:29). He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you,” (Hebrews 13:5). When you pass through the waters, He will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you (Isaiah 43:2). Continue to stand on the promises of God, no matter how circumstances appear. Our God is Faithful!

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. — Ephesians 3:20 (NLT) With God’s power at work in us and through us, He is able to carry out His purpose and do superabundantly, far over and above all that we dare ask or think, infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams (Ephesians 3:20 AMP). Live under the influence of His Holy Spirit, who lives in you. Be led by Him. God wants to do greater things in your life, in this world and in His kingdom. We serve a BIG GOD, think big!

We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks! For Your wondrous works declare that Your name is near. — Psalm 75:1 (NKJV) It is good to give thanks to the LORD (Psalm 92:1). First Thessalonians 5:18 instructs us, to give thanks in everything, no matter what the circumstances may be; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. In Luke 17:16, only one of the ten lepers that Jesus healed, returned, fell down on his face at His feet, and gave Him thanks (Luke 17:16). Remember all the wondrous works God is doing in your midst. And be the one who returns to give Him thanks!

And behold, I propose to build a house for the name of the LORD my God...  — 1 Kings 5:5 (NKJV) God prepared in advance, good works for us to do. What are you building for the LORD? For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:10). King Solomon purposed in his heart to build God a house. Be a contributing member of God's labor force. Purpose in your heart to do a good work, prepare and persevere. Let's rise up and build!  Why? To leave a legacy for our children’s children, to give glory to God, and to show the lost there is a place where they belong!

But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, That I may declare all Your works. — Psalm 73:28 (NKJV) Don’t just seek Him in the day of trouble, draw near to God always. James 4:8 promises that when we draw near to God, He will draw near to us. In spite of what all you have on your daily agenda, fellowship with the Father, first and foremost. God wants us to grow in our knowledge of Him. The only way we get to know someone is to spend time with them. Psalm 74:16 says, the day is His, the night also is His. Give Him your day and your night. May your heart and your flesh cry out for the living God (Psalm 84:2)!

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. — Hebrews 10:23 (NKJV) Wikipedia says hope is an expectation of positive outcomes related to events and circumstances in one’s life or the world at large. As believers and children of God, we above all, have an everlasting hope. May we keep a firm grip on God’s promises, without wavering, because our heavenly Father always keeps His word. Christ in us, is the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27). This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls (Hebrews 6:19a NLT). Never lose hope. Always expect a positive outcome in your life situations.

I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. — Ephesians 1:18 (NLT) Happy and blessed is the person who gets understanding, drawing it from God’s Word and life’s experiences. (Proverbs 3:13 AMP). I ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory—to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers (Ephesians 1:17-18 MSG). Amen!

My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. — Psalm 73:26 (NKJV) Do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day (2 Corinthians 4:16 NKJV).  God arms us with strenth. He empowers us by His Holy Spirit in us, to do all that He has called us to do. Go in the strength of the Lord GOD (Psalm 71:16a NKJV)! Go from strength to strength increasing in victorious power!

But I will hope continually, and will praise You yet more and more. — Psalm 71:14 (NKJV) No matter life brings your way, always have hope, in God. 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). Let His praises continually flow from your mouth. The very Presence of God inhabits the praises of His people. When the enemy comes in like a flood, turn up the volume on your praise. Never doubt the goodness of God. Our God is good, all the time, and He is working for your good!

  Do all things without complaining and disputing, — Philippians 2:14 (NKJV) Your words are seeds that germinate in the soil of your heart. They will either produce life or death. Proverbs 18:21 says, death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. When you criticize, complain, bicker, and engage in faultfinding, your words produce poisonous weeds that will choke the life out of the hearer. May we speak positive, uplifting praiseworthy words of encouragement over our lives and into the lives of others. Then the garden of our hearts will thrive and produce a harvest full of life, strength and beauty.

God be merciful to us and bless us, and cause His face to shine upon us,  Selah That Your way may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations. — Psalm 67:1-2 (NKJV) God continually blesses us with abundant grace and mercy, to make His way known. We are blessed to be a blessing to others. Let His light shine through you in such a way that it draws others into His marvelous light, where there is strength, peace and joy. DISPLAY His ways on this earth, that our great God and His saving grace may be known in every nation. When all is said and done, your actions speak louder than your words.

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.” — John 14:1 (NKJV) Jesus gave us His peace (John 14:27). How do we keep our hearts from being troubled? By believing in God, the Father and in His Son, Jesus, our Savior and Lord. Believe that He is all we need Him to be, in every situation and circumstance. In John 16:33 (AMP), Jesus said, “...in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]”

Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; ‘For YAH, the LORD, is my strength and song; He also has become my salvation.’” — Isaiah 12:2 (NKJV) In Deuteronomy 20:1, the children of Israel were instructed, “When you go out to battle against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and people more numerous than you, do not be afraid of them; for the LORD your God is with you… Let us not be overwhelmed with how things appear, for the LORD, our God is with us and He has given us the victory. Trust in the LORD forever, for in YAH, the LORD, is everlasting strength (Isaiah 26:4).

Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden, the God who is our salvation.   Selah.  — Psalm 68:19 (NAS) The Lord daily carries our burdens for us, every worry and every care. Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall (Psalm 55:22 NLT). Daily, He loads us up with benefits. He forgives all our sins and heals all our diseases. He redeems us from death and crowns us with love and tender mercies. He fills our lives with good things (Psalm 103:3-5 NLT). Blessed be the Lord!

You let people ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance. — Psalm 66:12 (NIV) No matter how deep the troubled waters get or how hot the flames of adversity become, God promises to be with us. He will bring us through. He will not leave us, nor abandon us. Isaiah 43:2 says, when you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned or scorched, nor will the flame kindle upon you (AMP). And once we have gone through, God brings us to a place of great abundance and rich fulfillment. Amen!

  Because You have been my help, therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice. My soul follows close behind You; Your right hand upholds me. — Psalm 63:7-8  (NKJV) Let God lead, He knows the way. You follow His lead and stay close enough to be in His shadow. Peter followed Jesus at a distance and he ended up denying Him (Luke 22:54). The greater the distance, the more opportunity for distractions and detours to occur. Joshua wholly followed the LORD (Joshua 14:9) and he experienced great victories and good success. Let us be committed to following the LORD, wherever He may lead us.