Manna for Your Morning

No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is from Me,” says the LORD. — Isaiah 54:17 (NKJV) Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12 NIV). Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes (Ephesians 6:11 NIV). Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power, knowing that no weapon formed against you shall prosper. God will work it all together for good.

Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live. — 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (MSG) Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you (1 Peter 4:12 NIV). Find comfort and strength in the fact that God is with you. When you go through deep waters, He will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you (Isaiah 43:2 NLT). Be cheerful, knowing that with God on our side, we shall overcome.

A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. — John 16:21 (NIV) Just as a woman endures labor pains in order to deliver a baby, we too must persevere some trials and suffering, in order to give birth to the dreams and desires God placed inside of us. Once the labor pains begin, it's only a matter of time before a new life is born into this world, but the mother has to go through the process. Let us not quit in the process of realizing our dreams and goals. Don't let the pains of childbirth discourage you. We can look forward to the inexpressible joy that will be ours as we accomplish all that God has for us. If you are in the waiting room of life, patiently wait, full of expectation, knowing that your time will come.

And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God. Amen. — Luke 24:52-53 (NKJV)  Let us worship the Lord with great joy. God in His extravagant goodness, grace and mercy has done wonderful works in our lives. O my soul, bless God. From head to toe, I’ll bless his holy name! O my soul, bless God, don’t forget a single blessing! He forgives your sins—every one. He heals your diseases—every one. He redeems you from hell—saves your life! He crowns you with love and mercy—a paradise crown. He wraps you in goodness—beauty eternal. He renews your youth—you’re always young in his presence. (Psalm 103:1-5 MSG). We are wrapped in His goodness! Praise the Lord!

“And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.” — John 12:32 (NKJV) Jesus said, He draws ALL peoples to Himself. Nationality, color, race, social status, socioeconomic status, language, etc. does not matter. God does not show favoritism (Acts 10:34 NIV). Jesus draws all of us. He draws us with unconditional love and compassion, and His love never fails. Nothing can separate us from His love. Instead of condemnation, He shows us forgiveness, grace and mercy. Jesus came that we may have life, and have it more abundantly (John 10:10). We enjoy that abundant life as we abide in constant companionship with our Savior. Don’t be among those who draw back, instead, allow Jesus to continually draw you into a deeper, more intimate relationship with Himself, the very source of our peace, joy, love and life.

“I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.” — John 16:33 (MSG) Jesus said, “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” (John 14:27 NLT). Why seek peace in the things of this world? Jesus forewarned us that in this world, we will continue to experience difficulties. But our comfort and confidence lies in the fact that in Jesus, we are victorious. He has already overcome the world and everything in it. Don’t be moved by earthly events. In Christ, our Savior, we are unshakable. Stand strong on the sure foundation, and keep praising Him. When troubles arise, keep your eyes on Jesus and continue to follow Him, as He shows you the way through each and every situation. Rest assured that no matter what comes, Jesus has already won ...

So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and he’ll be there in no time. — James 4:7-8 (MSG) Say “no” to the devil and his lies. Don’t fall for his tricks, distractions and temptations. When we cry out to God, He hears us and comes to the rescue. Just as a loving parent listens for the cry of their child, our God loves and us and keeps watch over us. Say “yes” to God, His ways and His will. Resist the devil and submit to our heavenly Father. He only wants the best for you. And He is able able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, (Ephesians 3:20 NIV).

…fight the battle well, holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith. — 1 Timothy 1:18-19 (NIV) Avoid shipwreck by letting the light of the Lord be the guiding force in your life. Hold onto faith by  daily renewing your mind with the Word of God and keep a good conscience by actually doing what His Word says. As we fix our eyes upon the Lord, He will guide us to our desired destination.

Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. — 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT) The Apostle Paul was given a thorn in his flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment him and keep him from becoming proud (2 Corinthians 12:7). God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). When we admit we are poor, we can draw from the riches of His grace. When we admit our weaknesses to Him, His strength and power is available. When we surrender all and submit to God, He can do His best work in us and through us.

“All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.” — John 6:37 (NKJV) Most of us know the pain of rejection. Even Jesus was despised and rejected by men (Isaiah 53:3). Rejection often leads to feelings of being unwanted and thoughts of not being good enough. It sometimes creates a pretense that we don’t need anyone. Thank God that our past experiences with flawed humanity, is not the end of the story! Jesus, the good Shepherd, calls us to COME to Him. Jesus says He will never cast out those who come to Him. In the Amplified version, He says, “I will never, no never, reject one of them who comes to Me.” He holds on and doesn’t let go. No matter who you are and no matter what you have done, Jesus loves you and wants you close to Him. He will comfort you in all affliction.

“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” — John 15:11 (NKJV) How can we have a joy that remains, a joy that is complete and overflowing? In Isaiah 2:5, a call goes out to the people of God, to walk in the light of the LORD. As we walk in His light, we will experience that inexpressible joy, deep down in our soul. This joy will keep us from being moved by the temporary events that take place on this earth. No matter how outer circumstances may appear, let us continually rejoice in the God of our salvation. Let us rejoice that His Spirit dwells in us and empowers us to be victorious in our walk of faith. In His Presence is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11).

Then they said to the woman, “Now we believe, not because of what you said, for we ourselves have heard Him and we know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world.” — John 4:42 (NKJV) At first many of the Samaritans believed in Jesus because of the word of the woman who testified about Him. After they came to Him, and heard Him, they got to know Him for themselves. In order to believe in Him and totally trust Him, you have to know Him. You have to know that He is with you, and develop a personal relationship with Him. Know that He is a God who will never fail you. Two co-workers told me about Jesus, then I had my own experience with Him and continue to pursue a deeper more intimate relationship. When I was believing the lies of the enemy, He opened my eyes and showed me truth. When I was down, and turned to the Living Word, He lifted me up out of that pit of depression. When I get overwhelmed, He is my peace. When I was on my sick bed, feeling like I was going to die...

Jesus said to them, “Fill the waterpots with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. — John 2:7 (NKJV) Jesus told the servants at this wedding to fill the waterpots with water because they ran out of wine. The servants didn’t know what was happening, they simply followed the instructions of Jesus. Then Jesus said to them, “Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast.” (John 2:8). The Master of feast declared that it was not just wine, but good wine! As we faithfully fill our waterpots, cups, jars or containers, with the living water, Jesus will provide whatever we lack: peace, joy, love, strength, wisdom, etc. Let us fill our hearts and minds with the Living Word and our mouths with His praises and thanksgiving. He will fill in the gaps and our lives will be better and more fulfilled than ever. We may not always understand what is happening, but we know that He is working for our good.

Nathanael said to Him, “How do You know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” — John 1:48 (NKJV) Just as Jesus saw Nathanael under the fig tree, He sees you, no matter what you are under today. Whether you are trying to hide, or whether you are feeling the crushing weight of that thing hanging over you and you want to escape, He sees you! And He looks upon you, with eyes of compassion, not condemnation. When God is not even on our radar, His heart is to pursue us and invite us to come to Him. No conditions, just come. He loves us right where we are. In John 1:49, Nathanael answered and said to Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” Nathanael was amazed to know that Jesus saw and knew him. What is your response to knowing that Jesus, the King of kings, sees and knows you, and more than that —He cares about you?

“Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?” — Luke 24:26 (NKJV)  Jesus was falsely accused, mocked, condemned to death, and crucified before He entered into His glory. Joseph landed in the palace, by way of a pit and prison. Joshua endured the forty year journey through the wilderness before he stepped foot on the Promised Land. Can we see the things we suffer as temporary events, that God will turn around, to reveal His glory in our lives? For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us (Romans 8:18). For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So let us fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.  (2 Corinthians 4:17-18)

And He said to them, Why are you disturbed and troubled, and why do such doubts and questionings arise in your hearts? — Luke 24:38 (AMP) I have told you these things, so that 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.] (John 16:33 AMP). Receive this Word in your heart, mind and soul. When we are truly confident in all that the Lord has done for us,  no tribulation or trial will cause us to doubt or question the goodness of our great God. And we will allow no earthly event to steal our joy. Amen.

And He said to them, “What kind of conversation is this that you have with one another as you walk and are sad?” — Luke 24:17 (NKJV) These two disciples were sad because they were discussing how Jesus had been condemned to death, and crucified. Our words will effect our moods. Acts 2:26 (NKJV) says, my heart rejoiced, and my tongue was glad; Moreover my flesh also will rest in hope. A glad tongue speaks of the good things God is doing and then the flesh can rest and be full of hope. Let us be mindful of the words we speak. Philippians 2:14-15 (NKJV) says, do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world. The Israelite people complained about their hardships in the hearing of the LORD, and when he heard them his anger was aroused (Numbers 11:1a NIV). Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with sa...

As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; — Luke 24:15 (NIV) Jesus joined two of the disciples, while they were talking and walking to another village. As we go from place to place, in the course of our day, Jesus comes and walks alongside us too. He is with you as you sit in your vehicle, stuck in traffic. May we always be aware and sensitive to His Presence as we walk, talk and do whatever it is that consumes our waking life. He is our constant Companion and guide. As we abide in His Presence, His grace empowers us to do all that we are called to do. As Philippians 4:13 says, we can do all things through Christ, who gives us strength! Amen.

The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy, but Jesus came that we may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows). — John 10:10 AMP Two things we know about our enemy: he is a liar and a thief. Refuse to listen to his lies and don’t let him steal anything that your heavenly Father has given to you. He wants to rob you of joy and peace. He wants to lure your heart away from God. Close the door to the tricks and distractions of the enemy. Allow him to burglarize you no more. He will steal the present, with regrets about the past or worries about the future. Let’s enjoy life in the presence of our God, every breathing moment.

But they did not discover anything they could do, for all the people hung upon His words and stuck by Him. — Luke 19:48 (AMP) Jesus taught daily in the temple and all the people hung on every word He spoke and stuck by Him, while others were trying to destroy Him (Luke 19:47). Let us stick by Him, the King of kings and the Lord of lords. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End (Revelation 1:8). Never allow difficult circumstances to separate you from the love of God that we have in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:39). Troubles will come and go, but Jesus stands forever, the everlasting Rock. In the Messiah, in Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade (2 Corinthians 2:14 MSG). Stick by Him!

Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, — Luke 18:1 (NKJV) And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily…” Luke 18:7-8a (NKJV). But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:8-9 NIV). God is working for our good, something that is going to last forever. As you continue to pray, be encouraged and keep your hope alive.

Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all. — 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NKJV) The reason we can have peace is because the Lord is with us, at all times. And He who is in us, is greater than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4). Even though we have troubles and tribulation in this world, we can be of good cheer, because Jesus, our Lord and Savior has overcome the world. (John 16:33) In Jesus, we already have the victory. No matter how circumstances appear, we can remain in peace always, knowing that He is working everything together for good, to give us a future and a hope.

The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand.   — Psalm 37:23-24 (NLT) Not only does the LORD holds us by the hand and direct our steps. He also delights in being involved in every detail of our lives. Take all your cares and concerns to our heavenly Father. We never have to feel like we are bothering God. He wants us to come to Him, with all our concerns, questions and fears, etc. His ear is always attentive to His children. And it tickles the heart of God when His children give Him thanks for working out the details of our lives.

Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. — Psalm 37:7 (NLT) Be still, and know that He is God (Psalm 46:10). The whole earth declares His wonderful works. He laid the foundation of the earth, and stretched out the heavens like a curtain. He set set a boundary for the waters and appointed the moon for seasons. Even the sun knows when to rise and when to go down. Surely, the LORD is able to take care of all that concerns you. Wait on the LORD, and keep His way, and He shall exalt you to inherit the land; (Psalm 37:34a NKJV).

And behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bent over and could in no way raise herself up. But when Jesus saw her, He called her to Him and said to her, “Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity.” — Luke 13:11-12 (NKJV) As Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, He sees this woman in need and stops to tend to her. Know that Jesus sees you too. You are important to Him. Your well-being matters. It is His loving, compassionate nature to relieve people of their suffering. We may be physically, emotionally or spiritually bent over —beaten down by depression, shackled with shame, etc. We are unable to raise ourselves up, that’s why Jesus came to set us free. After 18 years of suffering, Jesus laid His hands on this woman, and immediately she was healed! (Luke 13:13). No matter how long you have been suffering, Jesus sees you and He is calling you to come to Him. Receive a touch from the Lord of lords and be healed today. Amen!

“And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind.” — Luke 12:29 (NKJV) The Prince of Peace instructs, not to have an anxious mind. Psalm 37:8b says, do not fret—it only causes harm. If your thoughts are troubling, unsettling and constantly searching for answers, peace will be far from you. Where the mind goes, the man or woman follows. Just as a teabag is seeped in hot water, soak your mind in the Word of God and your heart will remain in the perfect peace of God. Instead of trying to figure everything out on your own, look to the One who has already written the Book.

Trust in the LORD and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. —P salm 37:3 (NLT) If we think God is like every other man or woman we have dealt with, who disappointed us and deserted us, that hinders our ability to trust God. We cannot compare our perfect God with flawed humanity. How can we have difficulty trusting the One who has a proven track record? God is always there. He is faithful. Our heavenly Father will never abandon you. He is there to help you, every step of the way. Every word He has spoken comes to pass, because His Word does not return to Him void. If we doubt God's love for us, that will also block our ability to trust Him. See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! (1 John 3:1 NIV) Open the door of your heart and receive His amazing, unfailing love, then set your mind to totally and completely trust in the LORD, no matter what circumstances look like.

Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead (Luke 10:30 NIV). First a priest and a Levite, a religious man passed by on the same road, and avoided the injured man. Then a Samaritan traveling the road came on him. When he saw the man’s condition, his heart went out to him. He gave him first aid, disinfecting and bandaging his wounds. Then he lifted him onto his donkey, led him to an inn, and made him comfortable. — Luke 10:33-35 MSG Does your heart go out to those in need? Many of us, in the busyness of our day, pass by those in need, physically and spiritually, everyday. May we have discernment and let our hearts engage with those in need. If we picture ourselves in the place of the man left half dead on the side of the road, it will be easier to extend a helping hand. In Matthew 25:40, Jesus said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to on...

Jesus said to him, No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back [to the things behind] is fit for the kingdom of God. — Luke 9:62 (AMP) “The reason you’re not living the life you want to live is because you’re not dying to the life you used to have.” —Pastor Jeff Osborne. Let us pay attention to what God is doing today. You have come to far to go back. In the Message version of Luke 9:62, Jesus says, “No procrastination. No backward looks. You can’t put God’s kingdom off till tomorrow. Seize the day.” Press on! The righteous will move onward and forward, and those with pure hearts will become stronger and stronger (Job 17:9 NLT).

No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. — Romans 8:37 (NLT) Despite all the challenges, trials and temptations we encounter in this life, overwhelming victory is ours through Jesus Christ, who has demonstrated His sacrificial love for us. We can continue to praise the Lord, through all difficulties, because the battle belongs to the God (2 Chronicles 20:15) and He has already given us the victory in Christ Jesus. Amen!

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. — Romans 8:38-39 (NLT) Just because you are going through a difficult time, don’t think for a minute that God is mad at you. God is not mad at you. The flow of our heavenly Father’s love is constant. God’s love doesn’t change based on our behavior. God does not change and His love is unconditional. He created you in love. He wakes you up day after day, and pours out new mercies and compassions on you. He watches over you moment by moment and leads you in the way you should go. He protects and provides for you all the days of your life. Know that God is working all things in your life together for good.