Manna for Your Morning

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. — Ephesians 6:10 (NKJV) We experience our greatest strength when we acknowledge our human weaknesses, and fully rely on God, —His power, His wisdom and His strength. In His strength you can crush an army; with God you can scale any wall. “God’s way is perfect...” (2 Samuel 22:30-31 NLT). Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith…(1 Peter 5:8-9 NIV).

  Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. — Ephesians 5:1 (NLT) Just as little girls like to wear their mother’s make-up and put on their shoes, let us clothe ourselves in the garments of our heavenly Father and walk in the light as He is in the light. As He is love, let us be love to others, including our enemies. Be the love that covers a multitude of sins and sees the best in others instead of their flaws. As our heavenly Father freely gives grace, mercy, and kindness, let us do likewise. Just as peace, and joy abound in His Presence, may our hearts and minds stay in His perfect peace and bountiful joy.

...looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. — Hebrews 12:2 (NKJV) Jesus looked beyond the pain and suffering of the cross for the joy that was to come in fulfilling the Father's plan. No matter how hopeless the situation may appear at any given moment, do not lose heart. God has a plan for you that is good. Fix your eyes on Jesus and keep your hope in Him alive. This hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love (Romans 5:5 NLT).

…far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. — Ephesians 1:21 (NKJV) God raised Christ from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places (Ephesians 1:20). Praise God that we are in the One, who is far above all principality, power, might and dominion. Jesus is above every name that is named.  Christ rules! He is above every sickness, disease, lack, and any other mountain that stands before you. Put all your trust, confidence and hope in the Lord of lords and the King of kings. Call on the name of Jesus. When we keep Him at the center of our lives, the impossible becomes possible, the dead is made alive, the weak become strong, and defeat is turned into victory!

You can tell for sure that you are now fully adopted as his own children because God sent the Spirit of his Son into our lives crying out, “Papa! Father!” Doesn’t that privilege of intimate conversation with God make it plain that you are not a slave, but a child? And if you are a child, you’re also an heir, with complete access to the inheritance. — Galatians 4:6-7 (MSG) What a rich inheritance we have received in Christ! As children of Almighty God, He has given us full access to His glorious kingdom. He has not held anything back. For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17 NLT). It is an absolute privilege to live in His Presence, full of the power that brought Jesus back to life. Surely, He who conquered death, will enable us to be victorious over the challenges we encounter.

The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. — Psalm 23:1-3 (NLT) As we continually look to the LORD, our Shepherd, we shall not be in want. He is our Source. He is the answer to every challenge. When we are still, and rest in His Presence, He renews our strength and refreshes our souls. Follow Him and He will show you the path that leads to a more abundant life. May our lives bring glory and honor to His name.

Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. — Colossians 3:14 (NLT) Do you want to live in perfect harmony and unity with others? Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you (Colossians 3:13 MSG). And clothe yourself with love. In order to love others with the unconditional love we receive from God, we must spend time drawing closer and closer to our heavenly Father. He is love. His constant flow of perfect love, fills our cups to overflowing and gives us an abundance to share with others. Colossians 3:14 NKJV says, love is the bond of perfection. Love is the glue that will bind and hold us together according to God's perfect plan.

For You have made him most blessed forever; You have made him exceedingly glad with Your presence. — Psalm 21:6 (NKJV) We are most blessed because we have been brought into the family of Almighty God and called children of God. We have the benefit of enjoying His Presence every moment of our lives. In His Presence we find gladness that exceeds our capacity to contain it, so we can let the overflow splash into the lives of those around us. His Presence brings us joy, when we realize that nothing can stand against us, as we abide in Him.

“Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, and you will find life. I will make an everlasting covenant with you. I will give you all the unfailing love I promised to David.” — Isaiah 55:3 (NLT) The Message Bible says, Listen to me, listen well: Eat only the best, fill yourself with only the finest. Pay attention, come close now, listen carefully to my life-giving, life-nourishing words . With all the extraneous noise and voices clamoring for our attention, let us keep an open ear to hear His still small voice. His words give life and nourishment to our souls. Draw near to our heavenly Father, with your ears wide open. The closer you are to Him the more likely you are to hear His voice.

Love suffers long and is kind; — 1 Corinthians 13:4 (NKJV) God put these 3 words on my heart this morning: love suffers long. Then He added, do all things without complaining (Philippians 2:14). We do not like to suffer, but it’s a part of life. And we have the comfort of knowing that God will cause ALL things to work together for good. Like childbirth, we must go through the pain of delivery to enjoy holding a beautiful baby in our arms. How long must we suffer? As long as we need to. Labor times vary in duration. Tell yourself, “I will until!” Continue until what is in you has been birthed into reality. We live in a microwave, disposable society. We want everything quick and when something no longer works for us, we throw it away. Our God us above and beyond a crock pot, He is doing in us, a work of perfection, not to be rushed or taken lightly.

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, — 1 Peter 5:6 (NKJV) How do we humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God? By acknowledging that He is our Creator and everything we have accomplished in this world is because of Him and His grace and mercy. For in Him we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:28). By recognizing that without Him, we have nothing of any value. We humble ourselves under His mighty hand, when we fill our mouths with thanksgiving to God and our hearts with grateful appreciation for ALL He has done and is doing in our lives. We humble ourselves when we stop trying to force our way and surrender all we do and say to His will and His ways (unconditional love and kindness). We are under His mighty hand, when we resort to His Word for answers instead of the world. Our heavenly Father knows best. He sees the whole picture from beginning to end. So be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs. God’s str...

So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. — 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NKJV) Let us imitate our heavenly Father, Who continually gives. He pours out His love and kindness, at all times. The spout on His grace and mercy is continuously open. James 1:5 says, God gives wisdom generously to all who ask. No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly (Psalm 84:11). 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). As we have freely received, let us delight ourselves in being extravagant givers, not just of our finances, but our time, talents, God's love, and grace, etc.

When we arrived in Macedonia, there was no rest for us. We faced conflict from every direction, with battles on the outside and fear on the inside. — 2 Corinthians 7:5 (NLT) The enemy may be harassing you, every chance he gets, but with God on your side, nothing can stand against you. The battle is not yours but the LORD's. Set the LORD always before you; because He is at your right hand you shall not be moved. (Psalm 16:8). The LORD is your strength. Keep standing and pursuing what He has for you. When you face fears of any kind, immerse yourself in the unlimited supply of God's perfect love. It casts out all fear. Amen.

“Don’t fuss about what’s on the table at mealtimes or if the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your inner life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body.” — Luke 12:22-23 (MSG) “What I’m trying to do here is get you to relax, not be so preoccupied with getting so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works.” (Luke 12:29-30 MSG). We can relax and stop being anxious about the cares of this world because we know God. We know that He is our provider. He cares for us and He will take care of everything we need to thrive in our inner beings (mentally, emotionally, spiritually) and our outer, physical life. When you don't know what to do, hang onto who you do know...God!

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) In the midst of adversity, we do not lose heart. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all (2 Corinthians 4:17 NIV). When we get pressed, let’s press on! Press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us (Philippians 3:14 NLT). Press on knowing that God always leads us in triumph in Christ… (2 Corinthians 2:14 NKJV)!

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.  — 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV) Our heavenly Father is full of compassion and the source of all comfort. We can know that we know, our God is faithful. He is no respecter of persons and He does not change. What He does for one, He will do for all. If we fall, our merciful Father is there to catch us in His arms. In all of our troubles He is there to comfort us. He is the excellent role model for us. As He is compassionate and comforts us, likewise we can be there for others when they are troubled, and going through hard times.

For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries. — 1 Corinthians 16:9 (NKJV) When God opens doors of opportunity, do not be surprised when you encounter adversaries and opposition, as you pursue what God has for you. The fiery darts of the enemy will come. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:57 NKJV). Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong (1 Corinthians 16:13 NIV). For you have the victory!

But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve... — Joshua 24:15 (NIV) Every day we make a decision to follow the LORD, the world, or our flesh. We choose to walk in the love and grace of God, with every action, and reaction. Let’s challenge ourselves to consistently make better choices. As we grow and mature, we can make better choices with the use of our time, our talents and our money. We can make better choices in the attitudes we display and the words we speak. Choose to speak positive, uplifting words of life. Praise God that He will do the amazing, spectacular things He does, but it is always our responsibility to make better choices. Choose wisely!

But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. — 1 Peter 2:9 (NLT) God chose us in Him before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4). Whatever God delivered you from, it was not just for you. He chose you with a purpose and a destiny, that will effect the lives many. And if He woke you up this morning, He still has something for you to do. We are to show others the goodness of God. We can lead others out of the darkness of this world and into His marvelous light. Let us actively pursue the passions God has placed in our hearts, then we will live abundant, joyful lives and bear much fruit for His kingdom.

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, — Philippians 2:14-15 (NKJV) It’s a matter of choice whether to continually complain or fill our mouths with thanksgiving to God, at all times. Instead of complaining about traffic, I thank God for waking me up this morning. I thank Him for the job I get to go to and the properly functioning car that gets me there. I appreciate the beautiful sunrise that God paints for me, on my way to work. Decide today to lay aside the fault finding and complaining and focus on all of the wonderful blessings God showers upon you, every moment of the day!

God, the one and only— I’ll wait as long as he says. Everything I hope for comes from him, so why not? He’s solid rock under my feet, breathing room for my soul, an impregnable castle: I’m set for life. — Psalm 62:5-6 (MSG) God is solid rock beneath our feet, a firm foundation. He sets our souls free from bondages and strongholds. In Him, we can breathe in life and we are free to run and dance. We are free to worship Him and celebrate all the wonderful things He does in our lives, each and every day. Glory Hallelujah!

God wants His children to know : “I really do love you. I want the absolute best for you. Don’t think you know better than I do, what is good for you. Don’t grovel in past mistakes, and don’t be like a dog that goes back to its vomit. Your future is so much more glorious than where you have been. The world has nothing of any value to offer you. It’s all temporary. What I offer is life, abundant life, true happiness and a deep, deep peace that will not be moved by circumstances. I have a love for you that never dies and never grows cold. I don’t love like man. I love deep. I love you through and through. I know the worst about you and I still love you. I will never abandon you. I’m here to stay, right by your side. You are not alone. Stop running. I am on your side —not against you. Draw near to Me. I want to hold you in My arms. Let Me surround you with the light of My love. My perfect love casts out fear. When my light enters your being, darkness has to flee. It cannot stay. T...

Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, — 1 Corinthians 6:19 (NLT) We are God’s property and it’s all good! He is not an abusive Father. It is not in His heart to do us harm. What does He want to do with us? He wants to lavish us with His love and compassions. He wants us to draw near to Him, so He can be our refuge, a shelter of protection. He wants to catch our tears and make our broken hearts whole again. He desires to fill us with His perfect peace and abundant joy. He longs to share a deep intimate relationship with us for all eternity. Wow! What favor! Why do we turn away from our Creator? Sometimes it seems like the more God attempts to mend us, the more we work against Him or run away from Him. Could it be that we are like abused children who are so familiar with the abuse, they cannot believe that someone actually wants to show them kindness and do good for them?

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. — 1 Peter 5:6-7 (NKJV) When we cast ALL our cares upon the LORD, there is nothing standing between us and God. It rids us of unnecessary distractions and we are free to focus on our faithful heavenly Father, the One who lavishes His loves on us. He is the One who will never leave us or forsake us. As we abide in Him, He gives us the strength and wisdom to overcome life's challenges.

O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water. — Psalm 63:1 (NKJV) When we hunger and thirst for God, we shall be satisfied. Seek Him early, before you get caught up in the spiral of daily events. The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail (Isaiah 58:11 NIV). As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. (Psalm 42:1-2a NKJV)

The eternal God is your refuge, and his everlasting arms are under you. He drives out the enemy before you; he cries out, ‘Destroy them!’ — Deuteronomy 33:27 (NLT) With His mighty hand and outstretched arm, the LORD will take you out of the land of your captivity, just like He did with the children of Israel. He will deliver you out of all your troubles. “Trust [confidently] in the LORD forever [He is your fortress, your shield, your banner], for the LORD God is an everlasting Rock [the Rock of Ages]. (Isaiah 26:4 AMP)

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. — Romans 15:13 (NIV) As we put all our trust in God and stand on His Word, our hearts will overflow with hope. Our wonder-working God is the source of hope. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure (Hebrews 6:19a NIV). This living hope will hold us steady in the storms of life, and enable us to walk in perfect peace and abundant joy. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love (Romans 5:5 NLT).

‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the LORD of hosts. — Zechariah 4:6b (NKJV) As we face battles and challenges, in life, we don’t want to fight in our own strength. We win by letting the Holy Spirit work in us and through us. With God on our side who can stand against us? Our help is in the name of the LORD, Who made heaven and earth (Psalm 124:8 NKJV). Amen!

Just as rain and snow descend from the skies and don’t go back until they’ve watered the earth, doing their work of making things grow and blossom, producing seed for farmers and food for the hungry, so will the words that come out of my mouth not come back empty-handed. They’ll do the work I sent them to do, they’ll complete the assignment I gave them. — Isaiah 55:10-11 (MSG) When current events and circumstances don’t seem to line up with the promises God has spoken to you, go with His Word. Stand on His Word. Speak His Word. Live His Word. Our words and actions need to align with His Word. And then we can rest in His Word, knowing that His words do not return to Him without doing the work He sent them to do. He has a 100% track record of fulfilling every promise. Hallelujah!

“Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes. — Matthew 6:34 (MSG) When we declutter our minds with thoughts of the past and worries about the future, we are free to rejoice in the good things God is doing today. Each day has enough trouble of its own (Matthew 6:34B NIV). Enjoy this present moment, that God has given to you. He is doing amazing things today. Delight yourself in His Presence and let Him guide you each step along the way.

For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. — Romans 8:38-39 (NKJV) 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 (Ephesians 3:18 NLT). Be totally convinced that absolutely nothing can get between us and the love God has for us. His love has no boundaries. The love God lavishes on us is limitless. It comes splashing in, wave after wave. Whatever you are going through at this present time, know that God's love is surrounding you. He will work everything together for good, because He is a good, good Father!