Manna for Your Morning

So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit. — John 19:30 (NKJV) When Jesus said, “It is finished!” it was a done deal. As Jesus bowed His head on that cross, all things were accomplished —our healing, our victory. Through His sacrifice we received everything we will ever need. What freedom we can experience when we really understand that it is already done. With this realization, we can stay in His perfect peace and fullness of joy. All of our days are already written in God's book. Instead of victims we are victors, more than conquerors. We just have to walk in the steps Jesus already mapped out for us. Everything else that happens in this life is just a sideshow distraction to get us off the path God has for us. Distractions are tools the enemy uses to get us to wander off the path and wonder if God’s Word is true. God made it simple, we complicate it. Don't let the enemy come in cause confusion. Inst...

One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and started out. As they sailed across, Jesus settled down for a nap. But soon a fierce storm came down on the lake. The boat was filling with water, and they were in real danger. The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and the raging waves. Suddenly the storm stopped and all was calm. — Luke 8:22-24 (NLT) If a fierce storm arose after you set sail to pursue what God put in your heart to do, it probably felt like Jesus was asleep in your boat. In spite of the winds of adversity and violent waves, rest assured, Jesus is not asleep. Have no anxiety or fear. In the midst of the storm, you can live in His perfect peace. As long as you are on board with Jesus, our life preserver, you will reach your desired destination, and your plans will succeed.

But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience. — Luke 8:15 (NKJV) The bearing of fruit comes with patience. Once we receive the seed, the Word of God, on the good soil of our hearts, we need to develop patience as we wait for the fruit to appear. Just as the farmer waits [expectantly] for the precious harvest from the land, being patient about it, until it receives the early and late rains. (James 5:7 AMP) God’s Word will bear fruit in your life, whether it's the early or late rains, or both. His Word does not return to Him void. Keep watering the seed by speaking words of life over it and protect it from the enemy who wants nothing more than to steal the Word that has been sown in your heart. “But the seed in the good earth—these are the good-hearts who seize the Word and hold on no matter what, sticking with it until there’s a harvest.” (Luke 8:15 MSG) Stick with it! No matter...

Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”  — John 11:40 (NIV) Don’t ever stop believing in God and all of the wonderful promises He has spoken to you. No challenge that stands before you today is too big for our great and mighty God. Keep believing and you will see the fulfillment of every promise. He delivers us from all our troubles. Praise the LORD! “‘“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.”’ — Numbers 6:24-26 (NIV)

Commit your works to the LORD [submit and trust them to Him], And your plans will succeed [if you respond to His will and guidance]. — Proverbs 16:3 (AMP) It is wise to seek God’s will in all that we do. He guides us along on the path of life and will ensure we reach the desired destination. He knows what our future holds and He always prepares us for what is to come. If you stay attuned to His 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). Respond according to His guidance and your plans will succeed.

For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority. — Colossians 2:9-10 (NLT) In Christ, we have everything we need. When we come to Him anxious and fearful, He gives us true peace, strength and courage. When we are emotionally wiped out, He refreshes our souls. When we come to Him broken, He heals us and fills in the gaps. When we come to Him empty, He fills us with joy, hope and a more abundant life. The Message Bible says: You don’t need a telescope, a microscope, or a horoscope to realize the fullness of Christ, and the emptiness of the universe without him. Colossians 2:9-10 (MSG)

So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. — Luke 2:15-18 (NKJV) Just as the shepherds went in haste to see Jesus, let us have a sense of urgency, not only to see Jesus, but to know Him personally. May we have a richer and deeper experience of His love and grace, each and every day.  And let’s introduce others to our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6 NIV). The LORD anointed Him to bring good news to the poor. He was sent to comfort the brokenhearted and to announce freedom to all captives, and pardon all prisoners. (Isaiah 61:1). Hallelujah! Enjoy your day as you celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

“Glory to God in the highest [heaven], and on earth peace among men with whom He is well-pleased.” — Luke 2:14 (AMP) In a world that is full of chaos and disaster, the only peace we find is in our amazing love relationship with the King of kings and the Lord of lords. Let the peace of Christ [the inner calm of one who walks daily with Him] be the controlling factor in your hearts [deciding and settling questions that arise]. To this peace indeed you were called as members in one body [of believers]. And be thankful [to God always]. (Colossians 3:15 AMP)

Honor God with everything you own; give him the first and the best. Your barns will burst, your wine vats will brim over. — Proverbs 3:9 (MSG) As we honor God by giving back to Him  and to others, He pours back into our lives in abundance so that we have more than enough. As Pastor Jeff Osborne taught on Sunday, there are givers, takers and matchers. Takers are only out for what they can get from others. Their mantra is “what have you done for me lately?” Matchers limit their giving to the extent that they receive from others. Givers, freely and cheerfully give. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son (John 3:16a (NKJV). God gives us all things that pertain to life and godliness. His love knows no bounds; it is limitless. Freely we have received, let us freely give!

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. — Luke 2:19 (NIV) Mary pondered the words that were prophesied about her Son. When we ponder something we continually think about it. The thought just keeps grabbing our attention, until it gets deep into our heart. Some of us ponder the negative things others have spoken to us. Others ponder people and why they said or did something to us. Let all of that go. If it didn’t kill you, it made you stronger and better. Let us treasure all the awesome words our heavenly Father has spoken to us through His wonderful Word. Ponder all the promises He has spoken to you and know that He is a Promise Keeper. Not one of all the LORD’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled. (Joshua 21:45 NIV). Just as He did for Israel, He will do for you. Ponder that!

“Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.” — Luke 1:45 (NKJV) Just as the angel told Mary, you are blessed [spiritually fortunate and favored by God] when you believe that the Lord will do what He said. For the word of God will never fail. (Luke 1:37 NLT) Live in faith, being confident that what you hope for will actually happen, at the appointed time. “ I know that You can do everything, and that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You. ” (Job 42:2 NKJV)

And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You, LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You. — Psalm 9:10 (NKJV) We can put our trust in the LORD. He does not abandon those who seek Him. It is in the dark moments of our lives that the light of His glory shines the brightest. It is in our weakness that His power and strength are displayed. Keep your trust in God, and He will continually guide you along on the path of life. In Isaiah 41:10 (NLT) the LORD says, Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. God has your back.

They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. — Matthew 2:11a (NLT) The initial response the wise men had when they entered the presence of Jesus was to bow down and worship Him. Bowing down is an act of surrender and submission. It’s an acknowledgement of His lordship over our lives. Bowing down is an indication of a humble heart. It says not my will but Your’s be done. As wise men and women, may we bow down and worship Jesus, the Lord of lords and King of kings, every day God gives us breath. He is called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last. He is worthy of all praise and honor! Alleluia!

“Come!” say the Spirit and the Bride. Whoever hears, echo, “Come!” Is anyone thirsty? Come! All who will, come and drink, drink freely of the Water of Life! — Revelation 22:17 (MSG) Jesus continually says, “Come!” And His Bride, the church, is to echo the call to the world. There are no pre-onditions, no additional requirements. Just Come. Come be washed with the water of His Word. Come stand under the flow of His grace and mercy. Come bask in the light of His unfailing love. Immerse yourself in the springs of His healing waters. If you hunger and thirst for righteousness, you shall be filled (Matthew 5:6). Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28 NLT). He will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.” ( Jeremiah 31:25 NIV). Answer His call today and COME !

“I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.” — Revelation 22:16 (NKJV) …we have even greater confidence in the message proclaimed by the prophets. You must pay close attention to what they wrote, for their words are like a lamp shining in a dark place—until the Day dawns, and Christ the Morning Star shines in your hearts. (2 Peter 1:19 NLT). Jesus is the Bright and Morning Star. He brings light to dark situations and dark places. In His glorious light there is hope, joy, peace and freedom. Let the light of His love shine in your heart. Let it permeate every fiber and illuminate those around you. Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. (Isaiah 60:1 NKJV)

For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.  — Romans 5:17 (NKJV) In Christ we have an abundance of grace and mercy. Because of all that Jesus Christ did for us, we can reign in life. Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come your way. Every war has its battles. In order to be victorious, there has to be a battle. But the battle is not ours, it belongs to the LORD.  Whatever the enemy has stolen from you, pursue, overtake and recover all! In Christ, we are to be the head, not the tail. We shall be above only and not beneath, as we walk with Him. (Deuteronomy 28:13). I love the way The Message Bible says it: Imagine the breathtaking recovery life makes, sovereign life, in those who grasp with both hands this wildly extravagant life-gift, this grand setting-everything-right, that the one man Jesus C...

But the LORD watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love. — Psalm 33:18 (NLT) It’s hard for many to understand the magnitude of God’s love because somebody we knew once told us they loved us, then turned around and hurt us with betrayal, lies, etc. The LORD doesn’t love the way flawed humanity loves. His ways are higher and His love is perfect. He forms a covenant that He is faithful to uphold. His love is always and forever. When our heavenly Father says He will never leave us, He means it. Even though we may stray away from Him, like the father of the prodigal son, He is always on the look out for us to come home. When we turn to Him, He runs to us with arms wide open, to embrace us and hold us close to Him. God gives His all for love. He gave His Son because He loved us and desired to fellowship with us now and forever. He only wants the best for us. We can rely on God’s unfailing love.

“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” — Matthew 1:23 (NKJV) In every trial, in every temptation and in every challenge, this is all we need to know: God is with us! He is not against us. God is for you. He loves you. The Creator of the universe chose you! He created you with a purpose. Only you, with your unique set of gifts, talents and personality can fulfill the glorious destiny He has for you. He works all things together for good. The plans He has for you are good. How can you lose, when Jesus has already won the victory for us? All of our days are written in His Book. We win. Our heavenly Father has given us everything we need to overcome and conquer all. It's only possible when we humble ourselves and totally depend, rely on and trust in God and recognize that He is with us. Glory hallelujah!

To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven  — Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NKJV) I’m sharing this for those who are not full of cheer this holiday season. If you are consumed with sadness or depression during this time, this is a reminder that this too shall pass. Times and seasons come and go, but through it all, we have our great God, who never changes. One Christmas morning, 23 years ago, I found myself lying on the living room floor, in front of our Christmas tree, with tears pouring down my face, having suicidal thoughts. I was experiencing marital difficulties and I was miserable and hopeless. I could hear the enemy telling me to go in the bathroom and hang myself. He told me my life was not going to  get any better. I almost believed the lies. Fast forward to the present, I’m loving my life, walking with the Lord, standing on His Word, happily married for 18 years. On that cold Christmas morning, I never imagined the possibility for my life to be ...

As I watched secret santa gifts being exchanged at a Christmas party, I realized one simple thing. Once a gift has been offered, it is on us to accept it, neglect it, or reject it. We choose to accept it and unwrap it. Some choose to complain about the gift. Some discard the gift and therefore never enjoy the benefits the gift may bring. Others receive gifts with grateful hearts. They embrace them and cherish them, as a result, their lives are changed. God gave us the most precious gift —His Son! If you neglect Him or reject Him, you will never know the benefits. Accept Him. Unwrap the mysteries that surround Him, by getting to know Him (reading the living Word and spending time with Him). Invite Him into your heart. Jesus gives us the gift of grace, peace and a more abundant life. Accept His gift and walk in it every moment of the day. Accept the wonderful gift of His Presence. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our L...

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 (NKJV) If you need peace, you need more of God’s Presence. Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Draw near to Him and experience His deep and abiding peace. His peace ranks above earthly circumstances. That means that His peace cannot be moved by any of the events that take place on this earth. Jesus gave us peace as His parting gift. “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27 NKJV). Instead of focusing on problems, focus your attention on His Presence and He will keep you in perfect peace.

“Be still and know (recognize, understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth.” — Psalm 46:10 (AMP) Are you going to get caught up in the busyness of “doing” Christmas (process) or be still and know our great God (purpose)? In the midst of all the decorating, baking and party-going, may we take time out to be still and exalt God. Thank our heavenly Father for sending His only Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Recognize and celebrate all He has done for us. It’s in the stillness that we are able to hear His voice. When we are still, and give our attention to Him, we can clearly see the answers we seek. In the stillness, we are captivated by His love! Delight yourself in His Presence.

And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel’s hand. — Revelation 8:4 (NKJV) First Thessalonians 5:17 (NKJV) tells us to pray without ceasing. Our prayers go up before God, like a sweet smelling incense. “For the eyes of the LORD are [looking favorably] upon the righteous (the upright), and His ears are attentive to their prayer (eager to answer)…” Never let adverse circumstances or lies of the enemy silence your voice to your heavenly Father. Cry out to Him day and night. Engage in a continual conversation with Abba Father. As Colossians 4:2 (NLT) says, devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. He is faithful answer, so wait with expectancy. Hear my prayer, O LORD, give ear to my supplications! In Your faithfulness answer me, and in Your righteousness. (Psalm 143:1 NKJV)

And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals;  For You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, — Revelation 5:9 (NKJV) We overcome and conquer our enemy because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of our testimony… (Revelation 12:11 AMP). Jesus Christ, loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, (Revelation 1:5) His blood washes us all, no matter which tribe, tongue, people or nation we belong to. He set the captives free. Those who dwell in darkness, He brings into the light. Worthy is the Lamb of God, to receive all honor, praise and glory! Sing a new song to Him today.

But one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.” — Revelation 5:5 (NKJV) Jesus has triumphed! (NIV) He has won the victory! (NLT) He has overcome and conquered! (AMP) Notice what these versions have in common? They are all past tense. When Jesus said, “It is finished!” (John 19:30), He meant it. It's a done deal! We can dry our tears and take joy and peace because He has overcome the world. He prevailed over everything in the earth, sin, death sickness and disease. He who lives in us is greater than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4). God always leads us in triumph in Christ (2 Corinthians 2:14). Amen! “ I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. ” (John 16:33)

“You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased.” — Revelation 4:11 (NLT) It was God’s will to create you. You are not a mistake or a piece of junk; those are lies of the enemy. It pleased God to create you. He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4). In him we live and move and exist. As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ (Acts 17:28 NLT), Psalm 8:4 says, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? Never think for one minute that God has forgotten about you. He loves you and you are always on His mind.

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”  — Revelation 3:20 (NKJV) Jesus continually knocks on the door of our hearts. Open wide your heart, to Him. Give Him complete access. The brilliance and beauty of His light will shine in every room, every crevice; His love, His kindness, His grace and mercy. It will flood your soul. Twenty-six years ago today, I opened the door of my heart to Jesus for the first time and my only regret is that I didn’t do it sooner. Never had I known such pure and unconditional love, such deep peace and unspeakable joy. He filled that empty space in my heart. Opening the door to Jesus, gave me hope, and a purpose to fulfill His wonderful plan for my life. Open your heart to Him, today.

“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.” — Revelation 3:15-16 (NKJV) We can fool some of the people some of the time, but we can never pull a fast one on God. He knows everything we do. For the LORD searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought. (1 Chronicles 28:9b NIV). Serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind (1 Chronicles 28:9a). Lukewarmness comes when our desires are split. We want to walk in God's way and enjoy the benefits of living in His kingdom, but half of the time we take a detour and allow ourselves to get caught up in the world and it's ways. No one can serve two masters; (Matthew 6:24). Don’t leave a bad taste in the mouth of God. Let ALL you do and say give glory to His kingdom. Be on fire for God, consistently doing the right things with pure motives and a clear conscien...

“I see what you’ve done. Now see what I’ve done. I’ve opened a door before you that no one can slam shut. You don’t have much strength, I know that; you used what you had to keep my Word. You didn’t deny me when times were rough.” — Revelation 3:8 (MSG) When God opens a door for us, no one will be able to shut it, and when He closes a door, no one can open it. (Revelation 3:7). Consistently pursue the purpose and passions God has placed in your heart. Be wise and ensure that God opened the door, before going forward. You may not have much strength, but as you walk in alignment with God’s will, you shall successfully accomplish your plans and fulfill your purpose, by the grace of God. Amen!

Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. — Revelation 2:10 (NKJV) Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you (1 Peter 4:2). Suffering brings about great fruit. A diamond has to be cut and polished before it sparkles. Before the championship game can be won, we must experience the pain and soreness of practice. Before the baby is born, one must go through the pain of labor. Jesus bled and suffered for us to enjoy the fruit of fellowship with the Father. Do not fear the suffering. You have the greater One living inside of you. Be faithful to the end. In Jesus, we have the victory!

“I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first.” — Revelation 2:19 (NKJV) Let us strive to become more like Jesus. In addition to consistently walking in the will of the Father, He always increased the quality of life for those around Him. As we become more like Him, our hearts will be enlarged with an unconditional love for others. Our works are not done to be seen by man, or to earn God's love, but to serve our heavenly Father and His kingdom, out of gratitude for all He has done for us. May we continually grow in our work of faith, labor of love, and our endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Thessalonians 1:3). What will you do to increase the quality of life for those you encounter today?