Manna for Your Morning

God—you’re my God! I can’t get enough of you! I’ve worked up such hunger and thirst for God, traveling across dry and weary deserts. — Psalm 63:1 (MSG) Don’t attend church services out of routine or obligation. Let’s come to the LORD, hungry and thirsty for more of Him. Matthew 5:6 says, “ You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat. ” (MSG). As you journey across dry places and through weary deserts, He is with you. The LORD will satisfy your soul and completely fill your cup. He prepares a feast for you in the presence of your enemies. He honors you by anointing your head with oil. Your cup overflows with blessings. (Psalm 23:5)

So they brought what Moses commanded before the tabernacle of meeting. And all the congregation drew near and stood before the LORD. — Leviticus 9:5 (NKJV) Moses and Aaron went into the tabernacle of meeting, and came out and blessed the people. Then the glory of the LORD appeared to all the people (Leviticus 9:23 NKJV). When the Israelites drew near to God, He drew near to them. God does not show favoritism (Acts 10:34). When we come close to God, God will come close to us. (James 4:8a NLT). And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you, by the mercies of God, that you daily draw near to God and present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, and acceptable to God. Give Him all of you, as a vessel for His glory. And He will fill your temple with His Presence. What greater blessing is there?

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; — 1 Peter 2:9 (NKJV) God chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love (Ephesians 1:4). We are alive today because God has called us to be here for such a time as this. We were not here during medieval times or for the dark ages, but God has called us and equipped us for this present age. We are ambassadors for Christ (1 Corinthians 5:20). May we represent Him well. Let us show others the goodness of God, that those who dwell in darkness may see His light and hear His call. “ These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful. ” (Revelation 17:14)

…I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back. — Philippians 3:14 (MSG) The rear view mirror is smaller than the windshield because where you are going is much more significant than where you have been. Forget those things which are behind you and reach forward to what lies ahead. (Philippians 3:13). God is calling us onward & upward! “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?” (Isaiah 43:18-19a NIV)

For we live by faith, not by sight. — 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV) Let's live our lives by believing God and His Word. As the Message Bible says, It’s what we trust in but don’t yet see that keeps us going. Do you suppose a few ruts in the road or rocks in the path are going to stop us? (2 Corinthians 5:7). We are to hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. (Ephesians 6:16 NLT). Circumstances may say “not enough,” but the Word of God says He will supply all of our needs (Philippians 4:19). He is the God of “more than enough!” Let us lay aside every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up, and run with endurance the race God has set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” — Matthew 11:28-29 (NIV) If you are weary and heavily burdened, get away with Jesus. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you (1 Peter 5:7 NLT). Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens (Psalm 68:19 NIV). Leave your cares in His mighty hands and live your life close to Jesus. In His Presence we have perfect peace, fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore. ...those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, they run and don’t get tired, they walk and don’t lag behind. (Isaiah 40:31 MSG)

But as for me, I will look expectantly for the LORD and with confidence in Him I will keep watch; I will wait [with confident expectation] for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me. — Micah 7:7 (AMP) Out of my distress I called on the LORD; The LORD answered me and set me free (Psalm 118:5 AMP). When we reach out to God, He responds. When we call upon Him, He hears and answers. Don’t pray half-heartedly just to be going through the motions. When you pray expect great things of our great big God. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. (James 5:16 NLT). ’Call to me and I will answer you. I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.’ (Jeremiah 33:3 MSG)

The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace. — Psalm 29:11 (NIV) When we continually give our attention to problems, it produces anxiety, doubt and fear. It drains our energy and clouds our ability to think clearly. Let us focus on the LORD. As we keep our eyes on our mighty God and draw closer to Him, we maintain our peace. As we cast all our cares on Him and trust Him to provide the answer, we are able to draw strength from the LORD's limitless supply. You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! (Isaiah 26:3 NLT)

And the LORD passed before him and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth…” — Exodus 34:6 (NKJV) The LORD our God is full of mercy and grace. His mercies for us are brand new every morning. (Lamentations 3:23). They never cease. We have forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace (Ephesians 1:7). He suffers long with us. Just as parents hurt when their children go down the wrong path, God wants what is best for His children and it hurts His heart to see us choose the wrong path, but He is patient with us. And He waits with His arms open wide. He waits for us to turn and come back to Him and take the path He has for us, so He can lead us to still waters and green pastures. Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! (1 Chronicles 16:34a). The LORD abounds in goodness. Psalm 27:13 promises that we will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. If you want what is good, cling to yo...

Then the LORD said to Moses, “Leave this place, you and the people you brought up out of Egypt, and go up to the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, saying, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’ — Exodus 33:1 (NIV) It’s time to go up from where you are to the land of promise, where love and grace abound. We have to leave the land of broken dreams to dwell in the land of promise, with the light of hope. Depart the dead, dry place of despair and discouragement and live in the land of the LORD, victorious and full of joy. Let go of yesterday's disappointments and journey on to the promises God has for you today. “…Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 NKJV). And He said, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” (Exodus 33:14 NKJV)

Now when the people saw that Moses delayed coming down from the mountain, the people gathered together to Aaron, and said to him, “Come, make us gods that shall go before us…” — Exodus 32:1 (NKJV) When Moses was delayed in coming down from the mountain, the children of Israel quickly turned away from following the LORD. (Exodus 32:8). When things don’t happen according to your timetable, remember Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NKJV): To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven. The LORD appoints a set time for events to occur and His perfect timing brings everything together in wonderful ways at just the right time. Let us wait patiently and continually look to the LORD, as our guide. Wait on the LORD, and keep His way, and He shall exalt you to inherit the land; (Psalm 37:34 NKJV)

I will dwell among the children of Israel and will be their God. And they shall know that I am the LORD their God, who brought them up out of the land of Egypt, that I may dwell among them. I am the LORD their God. — Exodus 29:45-46 (NKJV) Just as God was with the children of Israel, He is with us. He not only dwells among us, but He lives inside of us. As the Amplified version says, He wants us to know from personal experience and acknowledge that He is the LORD our God who brought us out of whatever we needed to be rescued from. He is our deliverer and redeemer. In His Presence, there is ample power to overcome any problem. ‘Do not fear [anything], for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, be assured I will help you; I will certainly take hold of you with My righteous right hand [a hand of justice, of power, of victory, of salvation].’ (Isaiah 41:10 AMP )

“And you shall command the children of Israel that they bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to cause the lamp to burn continually.” — Exodus 27:20 (NKJV) Olive oil is made by a strenuous and tedious process of pressing olives. The Israelites needed olive oil for the morning and evening offerings, so it was an ongoing requirement that took diligence and dedication. In a similar fashion, as difficulties and troubles press us, let us commit to continually make the right choices and allow the impurities to be squeezed out of us. When we choose life and godliness, we allow God’s light to shine brighter and brighter through us. Be a vessel of His light. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; (2 Corinthians 4:8 NIV)

And Abraham called the name of the place, The-LORD-Will-Provide; as it is said to this day, “In the Mount of the LORD it shall be provided.” — Genesis 22:14 (NKJV) As the Israelites journeyed in the desert for forty years, God provided all they needed. He gave them water from a rock and fed them daily with manna, bread from heaven (Exodus 16:4, 17:6). When they complained about having no meat, He sent quail (Numbers 11:31). In those forty years, their clothes did not wear out nor did their sandals. (Deuteronomy 29:5). The LORD is faithful and He always provides for His people. Take your eyes off of your limited resources, and look to your heavenly Father who loves you. He has an infinite supply, more than enough. Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (Matthew 6:33 NKJV). No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly. (Psalm 84:11)

“See, I am sending an angel before you to protect you on your journey and lead you safely to the place I have prepared for you.” — Exodus 23:20 (NLT) When we walk on the path the LORD has for us, He will lead us safely to the places He has called us to be. As we walk under the umbrella of His protection, we can remain in peace, knowing that He will guide us through every storm. If you say, “The LORD is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; (Psalm 91:9-11 NIV). The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him and delivers them (Psalm 34:7 NKJV). Amen.

As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. — Exodus 17:11 (NIV) The Israelites defeated their enemies because Moses continually held his hands up to God. We will win our battles as we continually lift our hands up, in surrender to God and in praise of Him. Lifted hands are a sign of surrender, letting go and giving our cares to God. Raised hands indicate a submission to God, His Word and His ways. We also lift our hands to worship and praise our Heavenly Father. So get your hands up and start praising God for your victory! “The LORD will fight for you while you [only need to] keep silent and remain calm.” (Exodus 14:14 AMP)

“…Stop doubting and believe.” — John 20:27 (NIV) In Exodus 15:1-21, the Israelites were dancing and singing praises to God because He led them through the sea on dry ground and drowned their enemies. In Exodus 15:24, just three days into the wilderness they were complaining, then in Exodus 17:7 (NKJV) the children of Israel were saying, “ Is the LORD among us or not? ” Wow! How quickly can we see God do a mighty work in one situation and then when faced with another difficulty retreat back to a place of little faith? May we never doubt. It is a tool of the enemy. Doubt is deadly. It is a slow leak in the balloon of hope. With doubt, dreams die and hope fades away. Doubt paralyzes faith. James 1:6 (NIV) says, the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. If you are constantly blown and tossed by the wind, it will be difficult to reach your desired destination. Know that God is with you and He is for you. He intentionally knit you together in your mot...

‘With a strong and powerful hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt, from the house of bondage and slavery.’ — Exodus 13:14 (AMP) The strong right arm of the LORD is raised in triumph. The strong right arm of the LORD has done glorious things! (Psalm 118:16 NLT). The LORD brought His people out of the land of Egypt with His strong and powerful hand. Wherever the enemy is trying to hold you captive, the LORD will set you free. Whatever you are going through, He will bring you out with great power and His mighty hand. He will deliver you from the hand of your enemy. He will also lift you up above those who rise against you. (Psalm 18:48) “Your right hand, O LORD, is glorious in power. Your right hand, O LORD, smashes the enemy. (Exodus 15:6 NLT)

She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word. — Luke 10:39 (NASB) Don’t be so worried and troubled about many things, like Mary’s sister Martha. Yes, God does speak to us as we hustle and bustle throughout our day, but sometimes we need to step out of the fast lane of life, set aside the distractions and just soak in the Presence of the Lord. And listen for His word. In Luke 10:42, Jesus said, Mary has chosen the good part [that which is to her advantage]…(AMP). Cultivating any relationship takes a very special ingredient: TIME. If you have a friend or spouse and you're always engaged in some other activity when you talk to them, it will be difficult to have a strong and close relationship with them. Be still and know that He is God. (Psalm 46:10) He is everything you will ever need Him to be and more. He has all the answers you are searching for. He will complete you, if you let Him.

So the people believed; and when they heard that the LORD had visited the children of Israel and that He had looked on their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshiped . — Exodus 4:31 (NKJV) When Moses and Aaron told the Israelites about God’s promise to bring them out of slavery, they believed and worshiped God. However, when Pharaoh made their work conditions worse, they became discouraged and beaten down in spirit. (Exodus 6:9) When God has spoken a promise to you and circumstances appear to grow worse, know that His light shines brightest in times of darkness. He is working for your good. What looks like a setback may actually be a setup for God to show Himself strong and mighty on your behalf. Continue to believe and worship God at all times, regardless of how things may appear. Just as God brought the children of Israel out with favor (Exodus 12:35-36), He will deliver you. Amen!

Then the LORD told him, “I have certainly seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their cries of distress because of their harsh slave drivers. Yes, I am aware of their suffering. — Exodus 3:7 (NLT) When you cry out to the LORD in the midst of your distress know that He hears you. He sees any injustices and he is deeply concerned about your suffering. He will deliver you from all your troubles. As Psalm 34:17 (NLT) says, the LORD hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. Amen. Cry out to the LORD, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. (2 Chronicles 20:15)

And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” — Exodus 3:14 (NKJV) When God called Moses, he replied, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” (Exodus 3:11). Whatever God calls us to do, may we remember that it’s not about us, nor our shortcomings. It is all about the great and mighty God we serve. In 2 Corinthians 12:9 (AMP), He says, “My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.” His grace enables us to do all that He has called us to do. The hand of the great “I AM” reaches beyond our limitations. Rely on the power of the God who dwells in you, as you go forth to perform His will.

You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. — Genesis 50:20 (NLT) What the enemy meant for your harm God will use it all for good. As the Amplified Bible says, “No weapon that is formed against you will succeed; And every tongue that rises against you in judgment you will condemn. This [peace, righteousness, security, and triumph over opposition] is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from Me,” says the LORD. (Isaiah 54:17). Victory is ours because God has given it to us. It is our birthright for being born into His kingdom. The enemy cannot take it away from us. And we know [with great confidence] that God who is deeply concerned about us causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose (Romans 8:28 AMP). He is able to carry out His purpose and do superabundantly more ...

So He said, “I am God, the God of your father; do not fear to go down to Egypt, for I will make of you a great nation there. I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also surely bring you up again…” — Genesis 46:3-4 (NKJV) God promised Israel that He would accompany him on his journey to Egypt. And He fulfilled that promise. Israel dwelt in the best of the land, and grew and multiplied exceedingly. (Genesis 47:11, 27). Our mighty God is a Promise Keeper. His words still ring true for His people today. We are not to fear treading where God has called us to go. When we go down, let us remember that God is with us and He will surely bring us up again. May we encourage ourselves in the LORD and find strength to endure life's challenges. Wherever and whatever God leads us to, He is faithful to bring us through it, out of it, or over it. Glory hallelujah!

But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life. — Genesis 45:5 (NKJV) Perspective, “ how ” we choose to look at a situation is so important. Joseph could have looked at his brothers selling him into slavery as a betrayal and an attempt to destroy him. This perspective would have led to bitterness and unforgiveness. Instead, Joseph recognized that God used the events in his life to put him in the right position, to serve as a life preserver for His people. So don’t look at the troubles you can see now; rather, fix your gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things which are seen are temporary. (2 Corinthians 4:18). They will come to pass. However, when we fix our eyes on our mighty God, and His faithfulness and trust Him day by day, we will maintain a proper perspective. And He will get us in the right place at the right time, regardless of the circumstances that come and go.

He named the second [son] Ephraim (fruitfulness), for “God has caused me to be fruitful and very successful in the land of my suffering.” — Genesis 41:52 (AMP) God gave Joseph dreams as a young boy, but Joseph had to persevere the pit and the prison before he progressed to the palace. Maybe what he went through in the pit and in the prison prepared him to be successful in the palace. Could it be that what you are going through is part of God’s plan for your dreams to be fulfilled? The adversities we face can very well be part of the process God will use to position us for fruitfulness and success. You will experience some troubles and uphill battles on the path of fulfilling your purpose, but rest assured that God can cause the land of your pain and suffering to be the exact place of your fruitfulness and success. Persevere and you will prevail to receive His precious promises. And just as Joseph’s success saved a nation, our favorable outcomes in life are designed to be a bless...

And please remember me and do me a favor when things go well for you. Mention me to Pharaoh, so he might let me out of this place. — Genesis 40:14 (NLT) Joseph asked the chief butler to put in a good word for him to Pharaoh, however, the chief butler did not remember Joseph but forgot him (Genesis 40:23). However, God did not forget about Joseph and in due time, He exalted him over all the land of Egypt. (Genesis 41:41). Sometimes we try to make the right connections and orchestrate special favors, but may we realize the ultimate hook-up comes from God alone. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man (Psalm 118:8 NKJV). God has plans for you that are good and He will direct your steps. (Proverbs 16:9). No matter where you are today, God remembers you and He is working for your good.

The keeper of the prison did not look into anything that was under Joseph’s authority, because the LORD was with him; and whatever he did, the LORD made it prosper. — Genesis 39:23 (NKJV) While Joseph served as a slave, the LORD was with him, and made him successful in everything he did. (Genesis 39:2). Instead of feeling abandoned by God when he was sold into slavery, Joseph knew God was with him. Even in that adverse situation, Joseph maintained his integrity and refused to sin against God. He did not give in to the daily temptations of Potiphar’s wife. After being falsely accused and thrown into prison, God was still with Joseph and made him prosper. Genesis 39:21a (NLT) says, the LORD was with Joseph in the prison and showed him his faithful love. As we maintain a right relationship with the LORD, our circumstances cannot stop our faithful and gracious God from pouring out His love and blessings. No prison bars are strong enough to stop the flow of His unfailing love and gra...

As for me, I look to the LORD for help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me. — Micah 7:7 (NLT) The minute we think we have everything under control, we think more highly of ourselves than we ought and we have allowed the pride of our hearts to deceive us. (Obadiah 1:3). May we humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt us in due time (1 Peter 5:6). Let us look to the LORD for help and confidently wait with full expectation that He will cause everything to work together for the good of those who love Him. He shines His light in the darkness and makes right the wrongs. He heals the broken-hearted and proclaims liberty to those held captive.

The LORD will accomplish that which concerns me; Your [unwavering] lovingkindness, O LORD, endures forever— Do not abandon the works of Your own hands. — Psalm 138:8 (AMP) God never abandons us. Even when you walk through the darkest valley, do not be afraid, for He is close beside you. (Psalm 23:4). No weapon formed against you shall prosper. In spite of the concerns you have today, keep making progress step-by-step, each step in faith, knowing that you can do all things [which He has called you to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers you to fulfill His purpose… (Philippians 4:13).

Is anything too hard for the LORD? — Genesis 18:14a (NKJV) The LORD spoke and created the heavens and the earth and all the living creatures in it (Genesis 1). He led His people in the wilderness for forty years and fed them bread from heaven (Psalm 78:24). The LORD kept Daniel safe in a den of lions (Daniel 6:22). He opened the barren wombs of Sarah (Genesis 21:2) and Hannah (1 Samuel 1:20). God does not show favoritism… (Acts 10:34). Whatever circumstances you face today, know that nothing is too difficult for the LORD. He is our provider and safe refuge. He restores relationships. Our God is able to bring that which is dead back to life. Never lose hope. With God all things are possible. (Matthew 19:26).