Manna for Your Morning

The LORD will give [unyielding and impenetrable] strength to His people; The LORD will bless His people with peace. — Psalm 29:11 (AMP) The strength the LORD gives us is unyielding. It doesn’t cave in, under pressure and it doesn’t quit, in times of difficulty. We grow tired and weary when we try to do things in our human strength.  Obsession with self in these matters is a dead end; attention to God leads us out into the open, into a spacious, free life.  (Romans 8:6 MSG). When we are open to God’s will and allow His Holy Spirit to work in us and through us, His supernatural strength carries us, and our strength is renewed. We will soar on wings like eagles; we will run and not grow weary, we will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:31).

“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9 (NLT) We can be strong and courageous because God is with us. Our battles belong to Him and He has the victory. So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn’t hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn’t gladly and freely do for us?(Romans 8:31-32 MSG) And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God’s chosen? Who would dare even to point a finger? The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. (Romans 8:33 MSG)

But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. — Acts 20:24 (NKJV) The Holy Spirit revealed to the Apostle Paul that chains and tribulations awaited him in every city (Acts 20:23), yet he was not moved. May we never be moved by the events and external circumstances of this world. The way we live our lives is the loudest message we preach. May our lives, words and actions tell of the glory of our faithful God. In The Message version of Acts 20:24, the Apostle Paul says, “What matters most to me is to finish what God started: the job the Master Jesus gave me of letting everyone I meet know all about this incredibly extravagant generosity of God.” Never lose sight of the finish line! This is the only race worth running. (2 Timothy 4:7b MSG). When all is said and done, may we all be able to speak these words, “ I have...

…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) As we consistently renew our minds with the Word of God, our thoughts will line up with all of God’s wonderful promises. Our speech and our actions will also agree with His Word. When the world or our enemy gives us a negative report, we slice it up with our sword (The Word). As men and women of faith, may we confidently believe all of God’s promises because He is faithful to fulfill every one of them. It’s what we trust in but don’t yet see that keeps us going. (2 Corinthians 5:7 MSG)  Jesus said, “ If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes. ” (Mark 9:23)

Blessed be God— he heard me praying. He proved he’s on my side; I’ve thrown my lot in with him. Now I’m jumping for joy, and shouting and singing my thanks to him. — Psalm 28:7 (MSG) Always trying to figure things out will lead us to question God and wander away from Him. Instead, go with what you know! His Word is true and it will last forever. Our God is rich in mercy and grace. His faithfulness has been tried and tested. He’s proven His lovingkindness to us over and over again. Know that God is on your side and He will work everything together for good in your life. Seek and deeply long for the LORD and His strength [His power, His might]; Seek and deeply long for His face and His presence continually. ( Psalm 105:4 AMP )

But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. — Acts 16:25 (NKJV) Paul and Silas had been dragged, had their clothes torn off, they were beaten with rods and thrown into prison, with their feet clamped in stocks. (Acts 16:19-24). The Word does not say they were asking God, “Why is all this happening to us, if You are with us?” It does not mention them complaining about the conditions of the prison. No, in spite of all these hardships, they were still praying and praising. The enemy could not stop their praise to God, nor steal their joy.  How do you react when adverse circumstances hit? Whether your circumstances have you locked up or not, no one can stop you from praying and praising our mighty and awesome God. No matter what comes your way, keep praying and praising God. What a glorious testimony to those who are listening to you.

…strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.”   — A cts 14:22 (NKJV) Paul and Barnabas encouraged the believers to continue in the faith, and they also warned believers that we will go through many (not a few) tribulations. The word “through” indicates forward movement, a step-by-step progression, a victorious outcome. No matter what adverse circumstances arise, don’t stop and He will see you through. You overcome because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4) “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)

But they shook off the dust from their feet against them, and came to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. — Acts 13:51-52 (NKJV) When the Jews persecuted the Apostle Paul and Barnabas for preaching the Word to the gentiles, they shook the dust from their feet and moved on to the next town. When we are walking in the will of God and others refuse to accept us, we have to know when to shake the dust off our feet and move on down the road. Refuse to let the enemy steal your joy!

...He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.’ — Acts 13:22 (NKJV) God said David was a man after His own heart, who will do all His will. Do you follow God wholeheartedly, doing ALL His will, or do you pick and choose what part of the Word, you will follow? My response to God this morning was, “Ouch!” Are we following Philippians 2:14, do all things without complaining and disputing? Do we cast all our cares on the Lord? Are we forgiving and letting no root of bitterness grow, in our garden of unconditional love? When challenged to do all His will, let us remember this: God was ALL in, when He gave His only Son as a sacrifice to save our souls from eternal damnation. Let’s be sold out for Jesus and be about the Father’s business 100%.

Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church. — Acts 12:5 (NKJV) Peter was in prison, bound with chains, between two soldiers and sentries guarded the entrance. In response to the prayers offered by the church, God sent His angel, the chains fell off, Peter walked out of the prison and when they came to the city's iron gate, it opened for them all by itself.  Never underestimate the power of prayer! No matter how hopeless a situation may appear, stay in constant prayer. I believe when we take our eyes off of ourselves and fervently pray for others, miracles happen. Chains of bondage fall off of people, doors open and our enemies cannot hold us down. Let us continue in prayer for one another and expect great things from our mighty God!

When he arrived and saw the grace of God [that was bestowed on them], he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with an unwavering heart to stay true and devoted to the Lord. — Acts 11:23 (AMP) With true, genuine devotion and unwavering faith, let us stay true to the Lord. When we are true to the Lord, it’s His way or no way. While His way may seem harder and longer, His way is the only way that leads to fullness of joy and everlasting peace and the abundant life. Being true to the Lord means we remain in His love, when betrayed, we forgive, when lied about and mistreated, our response is unconditional love. When we stay true to the Lord, our deepest affections and heart's desire is for more of His Presence, in our lives. I encourage you to stay true and devoted to the Lord!

When the church at Jerusalem heard what had happened, they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw this evidence of God’s blessing, he was filled with joy, and he encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord . — Acts 11:22-23 (NLT) When the church in Jerusalem, heard that a large number of Gentiles had believed and turned to the Lord, they sent Barnabas to encourage them. Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. And many people were brought to the Lord (Acts 11:24 NLT). We too should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. (Romans 15:2 NLT). So let’s agree to use all our energy in getting along with each other. Help others with encouraging words; don’t drag them down by finding fault (Romans 14:19 MSG). Don't be part of the demolition, tear down crew. Instead encourage and build each other up. Amen.

Cornelius answered: “Three days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, at three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me and said, ‘Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor. — Acts 10:30-31 (NIV) Acts 10:1-2 (NIV) says, Cornelius and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. God does not show favoritism (Acts 10:34), just as He heard the prayers of Cornelius and remembered His gifts to the poor, as we commit our lives to Him, our prayers and acts of kindness to those in need ascend before God as a memorial offering. In every nation the person who fears God and does what is right [by seeking Him] is acceptable and welcomed by Him. (Acts 10:35 AMP). He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6b)

For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. — Proverbs 23:7 (NKJV) Your mood, and your actions, and the words that come out of your mouth, will follow what you think about the most. If you constantly think about what you don’t have, you are calling lack into your life. If you always find something to worry about, you will be full of anxiety and despair. However, if your thoughts are fixed on the LORD, that is where your trust will be and, He will keep you in perfect peace. (Isaiah 26:3). When you remember all the benefits we have in the LORD, you will have a grateful attitude, a joyful heart and a cheerful disposition.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. — Hebrews 12:1-2a (NLT) We all have a race to run, but our courses are not exactly the same. In order to complete our race, we need to keep our eyes on Jesus. Don’t set your eyes on the person who stands in the pulpit and preaches the Word. Don’t look at the brother or sister running next to you and start comparing your races. These are distractions that will slow you down or make you stop running and sit on the sidelines of life, just being a spectator. Keep your eyes on Jesus and run, to the end!

If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love [for others growing out of God’s love for me], then I have become only a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal [just an annoying distraction]. — 1 Corinthians 13:1 (AMP) If you say you love, but never show it, you are merely making a lot of noise. Jesus showed His love to us by stretching out His arms on the cross. How do you show love? May we love extravagantly. Lavish love on others that is rich and genuine. Love BIG and out of the box, in action and kind deeds, not just words.

Love bears all things [regardless of what comes], believes all things [looking for the best in each one], hopes all things [remaining steadfast during difficult times], endures all things [without weakening]. — 1 Corinthians 13:7 (AMP) True love endures ALL things, without growing weak. As Pastor Jeff Osborne preached, “there are no loopholes in love. We cannot choose when to love and when not to love.” Our earthen vessels were created to be containers of God’s love. Not closed up containers, but vessels that are open to receive God’s love and to give love back to our heavenly Father. We are to be open receptacles to let God’s love flow to everyone that comes our way. We are called to love ourselves, our neighbors, and even our enemies. Our love is to remain steadfast during difficult times. The root of bitterness and hatred cannot grow in the soil of God’s love. Let us cultivate love and have faith to believe the best of others.

Then the king said, “Is there not still someone of the house of Saul, to whom I may show the kindness of God?” And Ziba said to the king, “There is still a son of Jonathan who is lame in his feet.” — 2 Samuel 9:3 (NKJV) Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth, was found hiding out in Lo Debar. King David sent for him, restored to him all the land of King Saul and invited him to eat at his table continually, like one of the king’s sons. (2 Samuel 9:5,7, 11). Are you hiding out in Lo Debar, when you could be dining at the King’s table? When we mess up or when something doesn't go the way we think it should have, we allow the enemy to draw us away from God. We think we are hiding from God, but He knows exactly where we are. And no matter where we are, spiritually, emotionally or physically, God just wants to show us His kindness. So come out of hiding, stop living a lame spiritual life, and dine with Him continually. Daily partake of the delicacies at the King’s table. You are a child o...

Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” — Acts 5:38-39 (NIV) If you are pursuing your God-given purpose and destiny, just know that no matter who is working against you, they cannot stop you. Pay no attention to how hopeless the situation may appear at this moment. Instead, keep your eyes on our mighty, wonder-working God and His purpose and good plans will prevail in your life. The LORD Almighty has sworn, “Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will happen. (Isaiah 14:24 NIV)

Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” — Acts 3:6 (NKJV) We may not have much when it comes to worldly possessions, but we are rich in God. What we do have is a God who chose us before the foundations of the world, to be in Him and do the good works which He prepared beforehand. We have a gracious and merciful God who sets our sins as far away from us as the east is from the west. We have a God who gave us a Savior, Jesus Christ, that we might dwell in His Presence forever. He adopted us into His family, and gave us His Holy Spirt to be our Helper. We have a God who says, “I am with you.” “The battle belongs to Me,” declares the LORD. He fights our battles for us. Let the poor say, “I am rich, indeed!” May we give a lost and hurting world what we do have, Jesus, King of kings and Lord of lords! Now is the time to rise up and walk in the strength, and power of our great God.

Trust in and rely confidently on the LORD with all your heart and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, and He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way]. — Proverbs 3:5-6 (AMP) Do you want the obstacles in your life removed? Seek to know the LORD, first and foremost, above all else. In all your ways, know Him, not just your going to church way, but in your everyday life way. In all your ways, be loving, forgiving, kind and compassionate. We acknowledge Him when we accept His way as the best way and put it into action. What little insight we think we have cannot begin to compare to God’s infinite wisdom. Recognize that He is greater than anything that attempts to block your path and rely confidently on the LORD. He is the only Way!

Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ’s love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins… — Romans 8:35 (MSG) No matter how hard times get, remember: God loves you and He is with you. So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? (Romans 8:31MSG). 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 8:38-39 MSG). May we also embrace others with His magnificent, amazing love.

Jesus said to them, “Come and eat breakfast.” Yet none of the disciples dared ask Him, “Who are You?”—knowing that it was the Lord. Jesus then came and took the bread and gave it to them, and likewise the fish. — John 21:12-13 (NKJV) This is now the third time Jesus showed Himself to His disciples after He was raised from the dead (John 21:14 NKJV). This interaction Jesus has with His disciples really shows His heart for the sheep and His desire to fellowship with us. It exemplifies the concern and compassion He has for each and every one of us. Jesus cares about you and He wants to spend time with you. Revelation 3:20 says, He stands at the door and continually knocks. If you hear His voice and open the door, He will come in to you and dine with you and you with Him. Open the door of your heart and dwell among those who know Him. Jesus is the bread of life (John 6:48). If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever (John 6:51). Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Bl...

Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea. — John 21:7 (NKJV) When Peter heard that it was the Lord, he left behind all his worldly concerns about the fish and what was going on in the boat and dived into the water. He totally immersed himself in the water, so He could get to Jesus, without any delay. We also, need to leave our worldly concerns behind and take the plunge into the fountain of living waters. Let us keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, and  continue to draw closer to Him. May we get to know Him more and more each day. Jesus is the answer to every problem. He will reveal what we need to know to overcome every obstacle that comes our way. He opens the doors that need to be opened and closes the ones that need to be closed. He is the peace that calms the storms of life. He brings lig...

Then Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any food?” They answered Him, “No.” And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish. — John 21:3-6 (NKJV) The disciples went fishing and that night they caught nothing. But in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore. Even though they had been fishing all night, when Jesus told them to cast their net, they followed His instruction. As a result, their net was so full, they had to drag it. John 21:11 says, it was full of large fish, not tiny, skimpy ones. We may feel like we have been toiling all night and catching nothing, not seeing the results we hoped for. However, when we continually follow Jesus and listen to His directions, He will lead us to more than enough and good success. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy (causing lack and scarcity), but Jesus came that we may have and enjoy lif...

We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps. — Proverbs 16:9 (NLT) When I got hired, I told the lady, “I won’t be here long.” I was sure, I would be moving on, to bigger and better things. Well, I had my plans and God had His. I have been working at the same place for 25 years now. I use to cry out, “When God when?” I finally learned to embrace the place where He has me. God sends us out into the world, our workplace, our homes, etc. to be ambassadors for Him. Where we go everyday is the place He has called us to occupy and take territory for His Kingdom. The people I encounter on my job, are for His purpose. He has called me to be a light in that place. I am to share the love and grace of God. I am to be a peacemaker and do what I can to keep the peace. God does not stash us away, just to occupy time and space. Wherever He sends us everyday, He has purpose for us to fulfill. Do not despise the place where God has you, no matter how small and mundane it may appear. Y...

Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.” — John 20:19 (NKJV) Do we let fear keep us shut up and locked in? When fear and insecurity tries to stop you from accomplishing your mission and fulfilling your purpose, open the door of your mind and let Jesus come in. He speaks peace to you. When He speaks, the winds of adversity cease. Let your mind be still from all the “what if…” scenarios, that make you anxious and distressed. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7). There is no fear in the unfailing love God has for us. His perfect love casts out all fear.

This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it. — Psalm 118:24 (NKJV) Let us rejoice in the goodness of God, that He allowed us to see another day. We can rejoice in the fact that God is with us, and no matter what challenges arise today, we know the He will bring us through it. With God on our side, we cannot fail. So, don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. (Philippians 4:6-7 NLT). Amen!

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah — Psalm 46:1-3 (NKJV) Even when it seems, our world is falling apart, our God is a very present help. He is always ready to help in times of trouble. He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. (Isaiah 40:29). Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us (Psalm 62:8), a safe shelter in the storm.