Manna for Your Morning

“This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” — John 15:12-13 (NLT) The Message Bible says it this way: “This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you. This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends.” (John 15:12-13 MSG). The best way for us to love each other is the way Jesus loved us. His love is unconditional and it never fails. His love never runs out on us. Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. (Galatians 6:1 NLT). It’s love that will lead one to repent, not condemnation. You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. (Psalm 86:5 NIV)

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” — John 15:5 (NKJV) Jesus is the true vine (John 15:1) and we are the branches. He chose us and appointed us that we should go and bear fruit, (John 15:16a). In order to bear much fruit, we must abide in Him. If we don’t abide in Him, we wither and die. As we allow our roots to grow deep in Jesus, we not only survive —we thrive! As we stay connected to Him, we will produce the fruit of unconditional love, that is focused on others and not self. We will bear the fruit of joy that bubbles from deep within and touches those around us. When we abide in the vine, we bear the fruit of peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. “ By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. ” ( John 15:8 ). Glorify God and be a bountiful fruit bearer!

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.” — John 14:1 (NLT) In John 14:27 (NKJV), Jesus gives us another reminder: “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.” If Jesus, the Prince of Peace, is our Lord, why do we get so upset and distressed when troubles come our way? Jesus said He gave us His peace. Do we believe the world more than we believe the Word of God? While the disciples thought they were perishing, Jesus was able to sleep in the midst of the storm because He trusted in our heavenly Father. (Mark 4:37-38). “Do not let your heart be troubled (afraid, cowardly). Believe [confidently] in God and trust in Him, [have faith, hold on to it, rely on it, keep going and] believe also in Me. (John 14:1 AMP) [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.] (John 14:27 AMP excerpt)

“And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.” — John 12:32 (NKJV) To draw means to gently pull or guide someone in a specified direction. Jesus has been lifted up from the earth, and now He is drawing all peoples to Himself. Sometimes, we act like Jonah and go in the opposite direction, but our specified direction is to move toward Jesus. Once we have delighted ourselves in His precious, yet powerful Presence, how can we not hunger and thirst for more of Him, more of His love, mercy, grace, and compassion? Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! (Psalm 34:8a) The Word says He draws ALL peoples. Don’t think you are excluded. No matter who you are or what you have done, Jesus desires to draw you into a love relationship with Him. Surrender your heart to Him today.

“Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour. Father, glorify Your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, saying, “I have both glorified it and will glorify it again.” — John 12:27-28 (NKJV) Even when the soul of Jesus was troubled, He stayed focused on completing the Father’s mission and glorifying His name on the earth. We are here for such a time as this. Let us be purpose-driven, not for our own purpose and pleasures, but focused on our heavenly Father’s purpose. Let us live our lives in such a way that gives Him glory. We have come to this day, time and place because God has a purpose for us to fulfill. He woke you up this morning because He has something for you to do. Even in times of testing, trials, and troubles, there is a reason and God will get the glory. Amen!

Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!” And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Loose him, and let him go.” — John 11:43-44 (NKJV) Just as Jesus called Lazarus to come out of the grave, He is calling you to come forth! Come forth out of that dead place and be filled with everlasting life. Come out of anxiety, despair and depression. Come out of that darkness and live in the light of the Lord. Jesus released you from that spirit of heaviness and has given you a garment of praise. Come forth to the promise land and experience victorious living. Be clothed with perfect peace, unfailing love and unspeakable joy that resides deep down in your soul, in spite of external conditions. We are pressured in every way [hedged in], but not crushed; perplexed [unsure of finding a way out], but not driven to despair; hunted down and persecuted, but not deserted [...

Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you believe [in Me], you will see the glory of God [the expression of His excellence]?” — John 11:40 (AMP) Lazarus had been dead four days when Jesus said, “Lazarus, come forth!” And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth.  Jesus said to them, “Loose him, and let him go.” (John 11:44 NKJV). Jesus is the resurrection and the life (John 11:25a). He can resurrect whatever dead situation or relationship exists in your life. Jesus is a God of restoration, He can bring that which is dead, back to life. “ If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes. ” Mark 9:23 (NKJV)

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.” — John 10:27-28 (NKJV) Jesus is the god shepherd. He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand… (Psalm 95:7a NKJV) Many voices  clamor for our attention on a daily basis. The voices of the enemy, and the angels of darkness who pose as angels of light chatter regularly. The world constantly makes demands on our attention. The voice of the Master, is the only voice that matters! Listen to Him. Let us stay attuned to the voice of our Lord and Savior. As we closely follow Jesus, we are able to clearly hear His voice, louder than any other. And no one will be able to snatch us away from Him. Drop everything and listen, listen as he speaks: “Don’t turn a deaf ear … ”  (Psalm 95:7 MSG)

He answered and said, “Whether He is a sinner or not I do not know. One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see.” — John 9:25 (NKJV) Jesus passed by a man who had been born blind. Before meeting Jesus, this man had lived his life in total darkness. He never knew what it was like to watch the sunset or look upon the face of his mom and dad. We too once dwelt in darkness, unable to see the light of the truth. And just as Jesus loved the blind man too much to leave him in the same condition, He loves us too. When Jesus touches our lives with His compassion and grace, we are transformed. Know that God loves you. He is on your side and nothing is too difficult for Him. No matter what you are going through, the work of God will be revealed. He will work it all things together for good.

Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” “No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.” — John 8:10-11 (NLT) It is not the heart of Jesus to condemn us. Satan condemns you and accuses you before our God day and night, but Jesus is our advocate. (Revelation 12:10; 1 John 2:1). Jesus calls us out of the darkness, to live on higher ground. He wants us to live in the light. Understand this: just like the woman caught in adultery, we are very valuable treasures to Jesus. We matter to Him. Jesus cherished us so much, He gave His very life for us. In John 8:12 (AMP) Jesus said, “I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” Why choose to dwell in darkness that leads to death when you can walk in the light, that leads to an abundant life of peace and joy, in the Kingdom of God?

“If a man receives circumcision on the Sabbath, so that the law of Moses should not be broken, are you angry with Me because I made a man completely well on the Sabbath?” — John 7:23 (NKJV) Have you ever had a conversation with someone who just doesn’t get it? The religious people were upset because Jesus healed on the Sabbath. However, they missed the main point. People who had been burdened for years, with disease, deformities, and sin, were being set free and completely healed. The blind received their sight. The lame walked. Lepers were cleansed. The deaf were able to hear. Dead people were brought back to life! When we come to Jesus, He sets us free from sin, sickness and death. He wants to make us completely healed, in every area of our lives: body, mind and soul. Our relationships with spouses, children, parents, in-laws, other believers, our neighbors, etc are to be vibrant, healthy and whole. Don't miss the main point: JESUS SAVES & HEALS! Submit your life to Chr...

As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who feeds on Me will live because of Me. — John 6:57 (NKJV) What are you feeding on? When we feed on the things of this world, we get worldly results: temporary pleasures that leave us empty and unfulfilled, or anxious and in despair. When we feed on Jesus, we will be richly satisfied. Jesus said, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.” (John 6:35 NKJV). He will show us the path of life; In His presence is fullness of joy; At His right hand are pleasures forevermore (Psalm 16:11). As we feed on Him, we experience true peace. Feed on Him today, and let His life-giving nutrients spread throughout your mind, heart and entire being.

Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your son lives.” So the man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him, and he went his way. — John 4:50 (NKJV) The nobleman believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and his son was healed in the same hour that Jesus spoke. Do you believe the Word Jesus speaks to you? As you go on your way and troubles come, do you keep believing the Word? Believe and you will live. “For with God nothing will be impossible.” (Luke 1:37 NKJV) The Word of God stands forever, it will not return to Him void.

“And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions.” — Joel 2:28 (NKJV) Without a vision the people perish. In spite of the difficulties that arise, let us actively pursue the dreams God has placed inside of us. John 2:24-25 says, Jesus knew all men, and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man. Jesus knew everything about us and still gave His life to save us. Stop listening to the lies of the enemy and beating yourself up. God created you unique and extraordinary. You are of great value to Him. God calls us to come to a higher place in Him and His Spirit dwells in us to help us. The LORD has plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV). Keep your dreams alive!

And He said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts?” — Luke 24:38 (NKJV) Doubt and fear are tools of the enemy. Why let yourself be troubled when we have the greater One living inside of us? God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1 NLT). Believe with your mind and know in your heart, that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. (John 6:69) The King of kings and the Lord above all. “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.” (John 14:1 NKJV)  “…in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

“Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them.” — Luke 24:30 (NKJV) In all of these accounts: Matthew 26:26, Mark 14:22, and Luke 24:30, Jesus blessed the bread before it was broken. Just because we have been broken by some horrific events in our past, doesn't mean that we are not blessed. We can be both at the same time, blessed and broken. We may be struck down, but never destroyed (2 Corinthians 4:9 AMP). After Jesus was beaten, and  crucified, He received the blessing of sitting at the right hand of the Father. We too will be broken as we receive our blessings and go from one glory to another. Brokenness builds strength and tenacity in us, and increases the capacity we have to give to others. It adds a richness and depth to our life experiences than if we never had anything to overcome. In our brokenness, we have bits and pieces of ourselves that we can share with those God brings into our lives an...

On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. — Luke 24:1 (NIV) The women prepared spices and fragrant oils for the body of Christ. Jesus is the Bridegroom and we, the church, are His bride. Every bride prepares herself for her groom. Are you preparing your heart, as a home for Jesus? Open the door of your heart and let His grace and mercy flood every room. Continual housecleaning is needed, to make sure it does not become cluttered with unforgiveness and bitterness. Toss out the rubbish of offense and envy. Let Christ occupy every area. Allow Him to fill the chambers of your heart with His love and His light, until it overflows and radiates out of the windows and onto those around you. When He resides in your heart, joy and peace fill the atmosphere, and compassion and kindness adorn the walls. Make your heart, a pleasant place for Christ to reside. Behold, I stand at the door [of the church] and conti...

Now when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceedingly glad; for he had desired for a long time to see Him, because he had heard many things about Him, and he hoped to see some miracle done by Him. — Luke 23:8 (NKJV) Don’t seek Jesus for a sign or for what you can get from Him. Seek Him for who He is: the Savior of the world, the Son of God, Wonderful Counselor, Prince of Peace, and Mighty God. Jesus is the good Shepherd, who cares for the sheep. He is the way, the truth, and the life. Don’t settle for what you have heard about Him. Get to know Him for yourself. Delight yourself in His Presence. However, be fully expectant that He will do something spectacular in you, in your life, and in the lives of those around you. Keep your hope in Him alive!

He took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this to remember me.” — Luke 22:19 (NLT) Jesus sacrificed His body for us. He was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed (Isaiah 53:5 NLT). The Amplified Bible says, the punishment [required] for our well-being fell on Him… (Isaiah 53:5b). Therefore if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Savior], he is a new creature [reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit] (2 Corinthians 5:17 AMP). Jesus opened the door for us to live healthy and whole. May we allow His Spirit to work in us and bring about a complete healing (physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually), that we may be whole and enjoy the abundant life our Savior came to give us!

There’s no telling who will hate you because of me. Even so, every detail of your body and soul—even the hairs of your head!—is in my care; nothing of you will be lost. Staying with it—that’s what is required. Stay with it to the end. You won’t be sorry; you’ll be saved. — Luke 21:17-19 (MSG) Stand firm on your faith in Jesus, the living Word. Let us stay submitted to His will and His ways, knowing that He is able to take care of everything that concerns us. Our endurance will make the difference between being poor and pitiful or richly satisfied with all things that pertain to life and godliness. Holding onto our faith will take us from being weak and weary to being strong and being continually refreshed and made new. Instead of being victims of circumstances, we will be victorious overcomers. Instead of losing, we will win, in the eternal realm! Instead of being sorry, we will be saved! May we be courageous and remain confident in Christ and all He has done for us.

When hard pressed, I cried to the LORD; he brought me into a spacious place. The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? — Psalm 118:5-6 (NIV) When hard pressed, instead of running to your Pastor or phoning a friend, let your first course of action be to call upon the LORD God Almighty, your Creator and Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of your faith. Those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint (Isaiah 40:31 NLT). Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think (Ephesians 3:20 NLT). Amen!

The LORD hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. — Psalm 34:17-18 (NLT) What a wonderful promise in the Word of God! Instead of being worried and distressed, be confident in the Word and trust our heavenly Father, that He is going to bring you through, whatever troubles come your way. …for we walk by faith, not by sight [living our lives in a manner consistent with our confident belief in God’s promises]— 2 Corinthians 5:7 (AMP)

God will always give what is right to his people who cry to him night and day, and he will not be slow to answer them. I tell you, God will help his people quickly. But when the Son of Man comes again, will he find those on earth who believe in him?” — Luke 18:7-8 (NCV) In Luke 18:1-6, Jesus told the disciples a parable about an unjust judge, to make the point that at all times we ought to pray and not give up and lose heart. God brought us through our past, He is in our present and He knows our future, so He always orchestrates events with such perfect timing. (Sometimes not as speedily as we would like.) I encourage you to keep praying! Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results (James 5:16 NLT).

We’ve been surrounded and battered by troubles, but we’re not demoralized; we’re not sure what to do, but we know that God knows what to do; we’ve been spiritually terrorized, but God hasn’t left our side; we’ve been thrown down, but we haven’t broken. — 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (MSG) Whatever life brings your way, know that the LORD God is on your side, and nothing is too difficult for Him. Just as the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people, both now and forever (Psalm 125:2 NLT). God never leaves our side. Pile your troubles on God’s shoulders— he’ll carry your load, he’ll help you out. He’ll never let good people topple into ruin (Psalm 55:22 MSG).

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. — Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) We are God’s masterpiece. Within our earthen vessels lie great treasure. Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life burgeons! (2 Corinthians 5:17 MSG). Every day is a new day for us to pursue all God created us to be. We have the potential in us, to do great things. He created us  extraordinary, not average. While our outside is perishing, inside we are in a process of continual renewal. Don’t settle for average, be EXTRAORDINARY! Release the gifts and talents that lie dormant in you and be the blessing to this world that God created you to be. Make your dreams, your reality and let them live!

The eternal God is your refuge, and his everlasting arms are under you. He drives out the enemy before you; — Deuteronomy 33:27 (NLT) Our heavenly Father is our refuge, a secure shelter that protects us and keeps us safe when the enemy attacks. As we abide in Him, our battles belong to the LORD! And He always leads us in triumph in Christ. For since the beginning of the world men have not heard nor perceived by the ear, nor has the eye seen any God besides You, Who acts for the one who waits for Him. (Isaiah 64:4 NKJV). Take refuge in Almighty God.

None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us. — Romans 8:37-39 (MSG) Jesus, our Lord and Savior embraces us. He holds us close to His heart and nothing can separate us from His love. Don’t be fazed by the events of this world, because we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. (Romans 8:37 NKJV). Jesus is the good shepherd and we are the flock under His care. He protects us from the wolf who desires to come in, divide and destroy. Instead of letting the enemy woo us and get us to wander away from the Lord, let us stay in the sweet spot, in the safety of His fold.

Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear.” — Luke 12:22 (NLT) “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. Steep yourself in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.” (Luke 12:29-31 MSG) “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. (Luke 12:32 NKJV). For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, (Romans 14:17 NIV).  What God is doing in our lives and on this earth (advancing His kingdom) is the only reality we need to be concerned about. He provides all we need.

“And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” — Luke 11:9-10 (NLT) Persist in prayer and continually seek His will and in due time, the door will be opened to you. Keep believing God for that family member or friend who needs to be saved, believe that you will conceive the thing you have been hoping for. Seek His wisdom and guidance for victory over every struggle. Our God is faithful and He will answer.

Then Jesus answered and said: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. — Luke 10:30-33 (NKJV) The Samaritan bandaged up this man's wounds, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. In the busyness of our lives, how many people, left half dead on the road of life, do we pass by? May we take our eyes off ourselves long enough to see the wounded people all around us, those who are hanging on by a thread. May our hands reach out to help those in need. Let us bandage up the wounds they have suffered on the battlefield of life and build them up with encouraging wor...

“And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the wine would burst the wineskins, and the wine and the skins would both be lost. New wine calls for new wineskins.” — Mark 2:22 (NLT) If we continue doing things the same old way, we will continue to get the same results. Let us put new thoughts and new actions into the new wineskin of 2016. May we expand our minds to think of new ways to share the the love and kindness of Christ. God gives us new compassions every morning, so we can do something new and fresh. God wants to stretch us so we can reach new heights, and go somewhere we have never been before. The Word tells us to sing a new song to the LORD!