Manna for Your Morning

The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand. — Psalm 37:23-24 (NLT) When you stumble, the LORD will hold you up. When all others desert you, it is the LORD who stands by your side. When you find yourself in a pit, He will reach down and pull you out. Our heavenly Father attends to every detail of our lives. Trust in the LORD, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. (Psalm 37:3 NKJV)

And God is able to make all grace [every favor and earthly blessing] come in abundance to you, so that you may always [under all circumstances, regardless of the need] have complete sufficiency in everything [being completely self-sufficient in Him], and have an abundance for every good work and act of charity. — 2 Corinthians 9:8 (AMP) The enemy wants us to focus on fears and lack. However, as we trust God and freely give, He multiplies the blessings back to us in abundance. As we sow the seeds our heavenly Father provides, they come back to us in wave after wave, seeds of joy, seeds of love, financial seeds, etc. Freely you have received, freely give!

“I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the LORD Almighty.” — 2 Corinthians 6:18 (NKJV) God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure (Ephesians 1:5 NLT). God takes great delight in His children. He is a good Father and as any good father, He takes care of His children. He wants nothing but the best for us. If you then, evil (sinful by nature) as you are, know how to give good and advantageous gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven [perfect as He is] give what is good and advantageous to those who keep on asking Him  (Matthew 7:11 AMP). Our heavenly Father is loving and faithful. Cast all your cares on Him because He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7).

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) Even though get pressured from every direction, we never have to let the enemy crush our spirits. When we are perplexed, we know that God sees the whole picture and He is working for our good. When the enemy hunts us down, we never stand alone because God never abandons us. Events of this life may cause us to be battered and bruised, but no weapon formed against us shall prosper. We may get knocked down, but our heavenly Father gives us the strength to get back up again. So do not lose heart. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory (2 Corinthians 4:17, NKJV).

The women were terrified and bowed with their faces to the ground. Then the men asked, “Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? — Luke 24:5 (NLT) When the women went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus, in the tomb, they were greatly perplexed (Luke 24:3-4). Don’t be puzzled, and have no doubt, Jesus is no longer on the cross and His tomb has been empty. Jesus is Alive! He is our Advocate, who pleads our case before the Father. He is the One who is truly righteous. He conquered sin, death, and the grave. For over 2,000 years He has been actively engaged in the lives of His people, to bring about the Father’s will on the earth. Jesus overcame His enemies, for He is LORD of lords and KING of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.” (Revelation 17:14). Do you stand with Him today?

And Jesus cried out with a loud voice, and breathed His last. — Mark 15:37 (NKJV)  From the time Jesus died on the cross to the third day when the empty tomb was discovered, was a very dark time for the followers of Christ. The disciples had hoped that He was going to redeem Israel (Luke 24:21), but at this point, their hope was dead. We too will experience some dark days, in between the time we receive the promise, until our hopes and dreams begin to manifest into reality. Heaven will appear to be silent and you may wonder if God is aware of your plight. But hold on, the third day is coming! Don't bury your dreams. Remember God's Word. He is faithful to fulfill every promise. Just as the grave could not contain Jesus, the enemy cannot stop the purpose and plans God has for you.

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) When Jesus gave His life on the cross, to pay the debt for our sins, He restored us into fellowship with our heavenly Father. Where there was once separation, the blood of Christ brought us near to the Father of compassion. He is there to comfort us whenever we encounter troubles of any kind. He keeps track of all your sorrows. He has collected all your tears in His bottle. He has recorded each one in His book. (Psalm 56:8, NLT). When anxious thoughts multiply within you, His comforts will delight you. (Psalm 94:19). Amen.

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. — 1 Corinthians 15:57 (NKJV) Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. (James 1:2, NLT) We can rejoice knowing that the testing of our faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace]. (James 1:3, AMP). We can also rejoice in the fact that God has given us the ultimate victory that will last for all eternity. We are more than conquerors in Christ. Hallelujah!

Let love be your highest goal! But you should also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives—especially the ability to prophesy. — 1 Corinthians 14:1 (NLT) The Message Bible says, go after a life of love as if your life depended on it—because it does  (1 Corinthians 14:1a). Love never fails. (1 Corinthians 13:8, NKJV). That means no matter what the other person does, we continue to walk in love, no conditions, no strings attached, when they are doing what we want them to and even when they are not. This is the kind of love God lavishes upon us. This relentless love is what held Jesus to the cross. And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love (1 Corinthians 13:13). Love extravagantly!

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. — Romans 8:28 (NASB) If you love God, know that He is working everything together for good. One event by itself may appear not to be good, but worked together with other things, good will come out of it. Every day of your life was recorded in His book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. (Psalm 139:16b, NLT). Your story is not over yet. Today is simply the beginning of a new chapter. Wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well! (Psalm 139:14b, NASB)

Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. — Ephesians 4:1-3 (NLT) The Amplified Bible implores us to live a life that exhibits godly character, moral courage, personal integrity, and mature behavior—a life that expresses gratitude to God… (Ephesians 4:1). Living as a follower of Christ is a higher calling. However, answering the call of God for your life will lead you to a live in a higher place, closer to our heavenly Father and above earthly circumstances. You have been called and chosen by God, will you rise to the occasion?

Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. — 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 (NLT) All serious athletes, train hard and consistently. Let us run our race with perseverance, keeping our eyes on the prize, not allowing the hurdles of life to be a stumbling block. 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). Let us run with endurance and active persistence the race that is set before us, [looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus… (Hebrews 12:1-2, AMP)

The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” — Psalm 32:8 (NLT) Our paths differ so let us not compare or judge one another’s journey. Know that God is guiding you along the best pathway for your life, to fulfill His purpose in you, and bring about the good plans He has just for you. Stay on the path, ignore the distractions and don’t take any detours. Never stop praying (1 Thessalonians 5:17, NLT). Never stop believing. Never stop standing on God’s Word and His wonderful promises. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NLT)

Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. — Psalm 73:23-24 (NLT) When we feel inadequate to perform our God-given assignments, it’s because we are looking at ourselves, instead of our awesome God. One of the greatest pitfalls is for us to be preoccupied with self. Whatever God has called you to, realize, it’s not about you. It’s much bigger than you, and it has eternal consequences. Keep your eyes on the LORD and let Him be your guide. In Him, we live, move and have our being (Acts 17:28). When we focus on God, His faithfulness, and His mighty power, we will rise above the daily circumstances and live in peace and joy, knowing that nothing is too difficult for our great God!

For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God’s power. — 1 Corinthians 4:20 (NLT) I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 1:19-20 NLT). God has given us a spirit of power and of love and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). May we stop trying to do things in our limited human strength and draw from God's supernatural power that resides in us. May we be brave, bold and courageous as we continue to fight the good fight of faith, empowered by His Spirit!

“For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”  — Zephaniah 3:17 (NLT) God, the Creator of heaven and earth, takes great delight in you. His perfect love drives out fear (1 John 4:18, NIV). If you have any fears, open your heart to God and receive all the love he so generously lavishes upon you, every moment of every day. Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident (Psalm 27:3, NLT). Don’t be afraid nor discouraged, for the LORD is with you, He will strengthen you and help you. He will hold you up with His victorious right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you will abound in hope and overflow with confidence in His promises. — Romans 15:13 (AMP) Living a kingdom life is characterized by righteousness, peace and joy, which is a by product of loving God and completely trusting Him. He is the God of hope, a hope that is alive and active. Let us be confident in our great God, that He is both able and willing to fulfill every single promise He has made. For the LORD God is a sun and shield; The LORD will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly (Psalm 84:11, NKJV).

That makes it quite clear that none of you can get by with blowing your own horn before God. Everything that we have—right thinking and right living, a clean slate and a fresh start—comes from God by way of Jesus Christ. That’s why we have the saying, “If you’re going to blow a horn, blow a trumpet for God.” — 1 Corinthians 1:29-31 (MSG) In Christ, we have a clean slate and a fresh start from God. We could not have earned righteousness on our own. Therefore, if you want to boast, boast only about the LORD, who demonstrates lovingkindness, and exercises justice and righteousness. He is rich in grace, mercy, and compassion. The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning (Lamentations 3:22-23, NLT).

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” — Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV) Many of us seek security in doing things the way we have always done them, but God is doing a new thing. Instead of trying to keep Him in the box of what He did yesterday, let God be the Lord of our lives and expect Him to do a new thing, something we have never seen before. We don't need to figure everything out on our own, we just need to walk in the way the LORD directs us to. Even though you don’t see the whole journey mapped out before you, be confident that God is making a way to get you from where you are today to the land He promised you.

So what makes you think God won’t step in and work justice for his chosen people, who continue to cry out for help? Won’t he stick up for them? I assure you, he will. He will not drag his feet. But how much of that kind of persistent faith will the Son of Man find on the earth when he returns?” — Luke 18:7-8 (MSG) Jesus told the disciples a parable to make the point that at all times they ought to pray and not give up and lose heart. This unjust judge did not fear God, nor care about people, but he made sure a widow got justice because she kept troubling him with continual requests. (Luke 18:1-6). As disciples of Christ, may we have persistent faith. Never lose heart or give up. Surely, God will give justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night. When faced with challenges, faithful men and women of God believe His Word and continually stand on it. We pray at all times. We keep showing God’s love and grace to those difficult personalities in our lives. We keep gi...

Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. — Romans 12:1 (NASB) Sacrifice involves giving up something valued for the sake of something else regarded as more important or worthy. To worship God, we must give up our fleshly desires and worldly ways, to embrace His ways and become a true reflection of our awesome God. Jesus sacrificed His life for us, what are you willing to give? God wants all of you, not just a mouth or a foot. Let your whole body be a vessel God can use for His glory. May we use our minds to meditate on His Word and gain understanding by letting it seep into our hearts. Let the words that come out of our mouths be full of life and spoken in kindness that others will be drawn to the Lord. May we lift our hands to praise Him and use them as an extension of His love and compassion to the world around us. May we faithfully put one foot in f...

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? — Romans 8:31 (NKJV) While it may appear, at the moment, that a battle has been lost, we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 2:3). And remember, that despite all these things (whatever things you are going through), overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. (Romans 8:37 NLT).

But 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) As we trust in the LORD and are led by His Spirit, we are able to soar high above the storms of life, like an eagle. Eagles are large powerful birds, their broad wings allow for a more direct and faster flight. When we fully rely on God, His Spirit lifts us up, closer to Him, and carries us along on the path of life, with purpose and a wonderful plan. Just as eagles build their nests in tall trees or high cliffs, let us dwell with our heavenly Father, in the high places. Rise up and fly above the current conditions of your environment. Always follow the leading of His Spirit, and you will stay on coarse to fulfill your dreams, and reach your extraordinary destiny.

And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. — Romans 5:3-4 (NKJV) We can glory in hardships and troubles when we see them as tools God can use to help us develop perseverance. They are also opportunities to learn and grow in wisdom. As we patiently endure adverse circumstances, in full expectation of seeing God work in our lives, we develop depth and strength of character and spiritual maturity. That enables us to do the right thing even when we feel “it's hard.” When we let God work in us and through us, our hope in Christ, is kept alive and active, and it will never disappoint. Amen.

But he did not doubt or waver in unbelief concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong and empowered by faith, giving glory to God, being fully convinced that God had the power to do what He had promised. — Romans 4:20-21 (AMP) Abraham took God at His Word, when He said he would have a son. He did not consider the past infertility of his wife. He faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead, but He didn’t allow the facts to weaken his faith. (Romans 4:19) When current conditions appear hopeless, don't waver in unbelief, and have no doubt. Live fully persuaded that God is able to make good on all His wonderful promises. Just as Abraham grew, let us grow strong and empowered by our faith, as we progress from one glory to another. Faith looks through the shortcomings of yesterday. It sees beyond the realities of today and actively pursues the promises and possibilities available in God.

Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.] — John 14:27 (AMP) As long as the enemy can get you to worry about current circumstances and fret about possible adverse situations to come, he is robbing you of peace and joy. Let us look away from all of the distractions of the enemy and keep our eyes on Jesus, God with us. The King of kings and Lord of Lords, who conquered all! He gives us strength for every challenge. For I hold you by your right hand— I, the LORD your God. And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.’ (Isaiah 41:13 NLT)

No, a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather, it is a change of heart produced by the Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people. — Romans 2:29 (NLT) When we open our hearts to Jesus, we need to lay on His surgery table and let Him cut away anything that is not of Him. While the cutting may involve some pain, it is pain with a glorious purpose. Let Him cut away the areas of your heart that have grown cold and hard, areas infested with unforgiveness, bitterness, and hatred. If we stay on the table of His grace and mercy, He will cut away pride, and give us a humble and grateful heart, that seeks praise from God and Him alone. A circumcised heart will allow the Holy Spirit to produce this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! (Galatians 5:22-23 N...

But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand. But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. — Acts 28:3, 5 (NKJV) When it feels like the enemy has his teeth in you, shake it off. Have no fear, no weapon turned against you will succeed. God still reigns and His plans for you are good. Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge (Psalm 91:3-4 NIV). God will restore what the enemy has stolen and give you double for your trouble.

So keep up your courage, men, for I believe God and have complete confidence in Him that it will turn out exactly as I have been told; — Acts 27:25 (AMP) The ship taking the Apostle Paul to Rome, encountered a terrible storm that raged for many days, blotting out the sun and the stars, until they lost all hope of being saved. However, an angel of God stood beside him and said, ‘Don’t be afraid, Paul, for you will surely stand trial before Caesar! What’s more, God in his goodness has granted safety to everyone sailing with you.’ In Acts 27:44, everyone escaped safely to shore, just as God said. In all situations, believe God and have complete confidence in His Word. It never fails!

“Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. — Matthew 14:29-30 (NLT) God can work miracles in our lives as long as we keep our eyes on Him. When we look at the external circumstances and conditions around us, fear grips us and we begin to sink. As you get out of your boat and walk toward Jesus, remember to keep your eyes on Him. He is our fortress, our life preserver, and the calm in the middle of any storm.

“Believe me, I do my level best to keep a clear conscience before God and my neighbors in everything I do.” — Acts 24:16 (MSG) Let us always strive to do our best. When we do what we know is the right thing to do, we can have a clear conscience and live without offense, toward God and people. As we draw near to our heavenly Father, He leads us and guides us along on the right path. And His way, leads to everlasting peace, joy and the abundant life. When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. (Proverbs 16:7 NKJV). Amen.