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.