Manna for Your Morning

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!”

But now, O LORD, You are our Father; We are the clay, and You our potter; And all we are the work of Your hand. — Isaiah 64:8 (NKJV) Our heavenly Father does the molding, but we need to stay on His wheel. Let us present ourselves to Him, moment by moment, as living sacrifices. Lay your heart on His altar and let Him soften it and shape it to be more like His. Allow the touch of His loving hands to set it on fire. Renew your mind according to His Word. As the clay is in the potter’s hand, may we also be in the hand of the Master.

I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, ‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. — Isaiah 41:9 (NIV) Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes (Ephesians 1:4 NLT). Before God formed you in the womb, He knew you. He created you and called you for a purpose. God has not abandoned you, nor rejected you. Answer the call, pursue His purpose for your life. For we are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that we may proclaim the praises of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9 NKJV)!

Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you. — Isaiah 41:10 (MSG) The size of your mountain does not matter when compared to the size of your great and mighty God! Have no fear or anxiety because the Presence and power of God is with you. He has your back (your front and sides too)!

Commit your works to the LORD, and your thoughts will be established. — Proverbs 16:3 (NKJV) Wholly commit the works of your hands— whatever you are planning or pursuing, to the LORD and He will cause your thoughts to come into alignment with His will. A man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD directs our steps (Proverbs 16:9). As you follow the leading of His Holy Spirit within you, your plans will succeed.

“O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.” — 2 Chronicles 20:12 (NKJV) When you have something coming against you and you don’t know what to do, fix your eyes upon God. Lift up your eyes to the hills— from whence comes your help? Our help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth (Psalm 121:1-2). “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, and whose hope is the LORD (Jeremiah 17:7).

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. — Philippians 4:12 (NIV) Let us be like the Apostle Paul and learn the secret of being content in every situation. Be assured that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them (Romans 8:28 NLT). No matter how hopeless our current circumstances appear, we have God’s Presence, His promises and His mighty power, which is at work in us. Know that He has a purpose and a plan for your life that is good. Glory to God!

And his heart took delight in the ways of the LORD; — 2 Chronicles 17:6 (NKJV) The LORD was with King Jehoshaphat, because he walked in His commandments (2 Chronicles 17:3-4). The LORD established the kingdom of Judah in his hand and Jehoshaphat had riches and honor in abundance (2 Chronicles 17:5). May we wholeheartedly take great delight in the ways of the LORD. His ways are loving and compassionate. The LORD is full of grace and mercy. His ways are forgiving and faithful. The LORD gives generously. His ways are the way of truth, light and life. Make a dedicated decision to walk in His ways, everyday.

I said to myself, “Relax and rest. God has showered you with blessings. Soul, you’ve been rescued from death; Eye, you’ve been rescued from tears; And you, Foot, were kept from stumbling.” — Psalm 116:7-8 (MSG) God brought us into His family, under His covering of love. He constantly pours out His grace, mercy and compassion on us. He forgives all our sins and heals all our diseases (Psalm 103:3). God has also given us the shield of His salvation; His right hand holds us up. His gentleness makes us great (Psalm 18:35). We may sow in tears, but we shall reap in joy (Psalm 126:5). Our heavenly Father is able to keep us from stumbling (Jude 1:24). God arms us with strength, and makes our way perfect (Psalm 18:32 NKJV). Praise the living God!

…the people of Judah were victorious because they relied on the LORD, the God of their ancestors. — 2 Chronicles 13:18 (NIV) Because the people of Judah sought the LORD, He gave them rest on every side. So they built and prospered (2 Chronicles 14:7). Truly rely on the LORD. You will prevail over your enemies and prosper in the work of your hands. When we fully rely on God, He keeps us in perfect peace. Only in returning to the LORD and resting in Him will you be saved. In quietness and confidence (trust) in God, is your strength (Isaiah 30:15).

But as for us, the LORD is our God, and we have not forsaken Him; — 2 Chronicles 13:10 (NKJV) No matter what happens in this life or how bad you mess up, never run away from the LORD our God. The LORD is a shield around us; He is our glory, the one who holds our heads high (Psalm 3:3 NLT). He is like the father of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-24), He is filled with love and compassion for you. Our heavenly Father is always watching out for you. He is waiting with open arms, for you to come to Him and be embraced. He longs to hold you close to His bosom. Run to Him like a little child and let Him smother you with kisses.