Manna for Your Morning

…but He has said to me, “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.” — 2 Corinthians 12:9 (AMP) While the thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy, Jesus came that we may have life, and that we may have it more abundantly. (John 10:10). His lovingkindness and mercy is more than enough and always available for every situation or circumstance. The Lord is so full of unfailing love for all who ask for his help. (Psalm 86:5b NLT) For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You. (Psalm 86:5 NKJV)

“For the mountains may move and the hills disappear, but even then my faithful love for you will remain. My covenant of blessing will never be broken,” says the LORD, who has mercy on you. — Isaiah 54:10 (NLT) Your world may be falling apart, but His unfailing love will remain. Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (Romans 8:35 NLT). No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. (Romans 8:37 NLT). 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 MSG)

And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely. — Revelation 22:17 (NKJV) Just as Adam and Eve did in the garden of eden, we often try to hide from God. However, we have an open invitation. Jesus always beckons us to come to Him. Let us remove the clutter from our lives and tear down the walls that keep us from drawing closer to our heavenly Father. May we come to Jesus with our hearts open wide and let the continual flow of His love flood our hearts and change our lives. Jesus said, “ All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out. ” (John 6:37 NKJV)

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. — Romans 12:2 (NKJV) We often focus on changing our behavior, but real transformation starts on the inside. What we allow our minds to dwell on and what we let seep into our hearts determines our behavior. It's when we renew our mind by meditating on the Word of God and spend time with our heavenly Father, allowing His love to penetrate our hearts, that our thoughts, attitudes and behavior will change. Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. (Ephesians 4:22-24 NLT)

But it came to pass on the seventh day that they rose early, about the dawning of the day, and marched around the city seven times in the same manner. On that day only they marched around the city seven times. And the seventh time it happened, when the priests blew the trumpets, that Joshua said to the people: “Shout, for the LORD has given you the city! — Joshua 6:15-16 (NKJV) So the people shouted when the priests blew the trumpets. And it happened when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat. Then the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city. (Joshua 6:20). I believe, when we execute the marching orders the LORD has given us and we give that victory shout, we too will see the walls of our adversaries come down. See the walls of sickness, lack and fear fall down. Invade the city with the grace, love and peace of the LORD.  Shout to God with the voice of tri...

Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! — Habakkuk 3:17-18 (NLT) Habakkuk is saying that no matter how bad his outer circumstances appeared, he was not going to allow them to stop him from praising God. When your situation looks hopeless, do not fret, and have no worries, continue to rejoice in the God of our salvation. Surely, no situation is too difficult for the LORD to handle. With our great God all things our possible.

This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike “What’s next, Papa?” God’s Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children. — Romans 8:15-16 (MSG) When are a chosen generation, chosen and called by God to be an active member of His family. When we walk with God we can expect one great adventure after another, as we go from glory to glory. We have a mission and a purpose to fulfill, as we make the most of the gifts and talents He has given to us. Put your hand in His, and be fully expectant for the adventurous journey God has for you today!

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. — John 14:6 (NKJV) Yesterday morning I drove to work through the fog, and there were times when I could only see the road right in front of me. But I focused on the spot where the headlights hit the road, and I made it to my destination safely. As we journey through life, we will not always see the way ahead of us, but we can keep our eyes on Jesus. He is The Way, and the light of the world. When we continually follow Him, He will get us to our desired destination successfully. Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

Understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Let everyone be quick to hear [be a careful, thoughtful listener], slow to speak [a speaker of carefully chosen words and], slow to anger [patient, reflective, forgiving]; — James 1:19 (AMP) Be quick to hear. Take the time to listen and get understanding. And when you do speak, do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen (Ephesians 4:29 NIV). The tongue of the wise promotes health. (Proverbs 12:18b NKJV). May we choose our words carefully. Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose. (Proverbs 18:21 MSG)

“Never! Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for the child she has borne? But even if that were possible, I would not forget you! See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands. — Isaiah 49:15-16a (NLT) Whenever we go through difficult situations, the lie of the enemy is that we are all alone. Don’t believe his lies for one minute. Our heavenly Father never forgets about you. You are always on His mind. Psalm 40:5 (NKJV) says, Many, O LORD my God, are Your wonderful works which You have done; And Your thoughts toward us cannot be recounted to You in order; If I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered. He knows when you sit down and when you rise up [your entire life, everything you do]; He understands your thought from afar. (Psalm 139:2a AMP). He goes before you and follows you. He places his hand of blessing on your head. (Psalm 139:5 NLT)

What a gift life is to those who stay the course! You’ve heard, of course, of Job’s staying power, and you know how God brought it all together for him at the end. That’s because God cares, cares right down to the last detail. — James 5:11 (MSG) As we exercise patience and perseverance, God will work it all together for good. Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord (James 5:11a NKJV). The Lord restored Job’s losses when he prayed for his friends. Indeed the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before (Job 42:10 NKJV). The Lord is very compassionate and merciful. (James 5:11b NKJV). May He restore unto you, double for all your troubles.

…that you may love the LORD your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days; — Deuteronomy 30:20a (NKJV) The New Living Bible says, this is the key to your life: …loving the LORD your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. The Amplified says, He is your life [your good life, your abundant life, your fulfillment]. May we cling to the LORD and let nothing come in between us and Him. Just as iron is drawn to a magnet, may we stick with God. But as for me, how good it is to be near God! (Psalm 73:28a NLT)

This message was kept secret for centuries and generations past, but now it has been revealed to God’s people. For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory. — Colossians 1:26-27 (NLT) When we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, He lives in us. We have the fullness of His glory residing in us. The same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead is in us (Ephesians 1:19-20) and surely, it can raise us up out of the challenging circumstances we face. This power enables us to triumph over the troubles of this world. This exceedingly great power helps us to stand strong when the storms of life hit. Because Christ lives in us, we are able to walk in the wisdom, peace and perfect love of God. As we let go and let God, we will be victorious in all He has called us to do. We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may b...

This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. — Hebrews 6:19 (NLT) Yesterday, my husband and I had the privilege of pinning my daughter's anchors on her, at the Chief Petty Officer's Pinning Ceremony. I learned that the anchor conveys a strength of character, and a more direct purpose. They said the anchors could take a beating. They are durable, but they can also be buffed up and will shine brightly. Sailors look for the Chief in times of stress, times of fear, times of uncertainty and times of loneliness, to guide them, —to bring them home safely. As believers, our hope in Christ is our anchor. It is where we are to look, at all times. Jesus will keep us from drifting off course. He will keep us steady in stormy times. And He will always draw us to the Father, our true home. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us (Hebrews ...

Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don’t quit in hard times; pray all the harder. — Romans 12:11-12 (MSG) Just as our vehicles need gas or electric power to keep running, we need to keep ourselves fueled by the power of God’s Holy Spirit who dwells inside of us. When we rely on His Presence in us, we are able to draw from the vast resources He has made available to help us in our time of need. Continually seek His wisdom, guidance, and strength. Let us be cheerful as we look to our heavenly Father with expectancy and hearts aflame with hope.

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. — Psalm 143:8 (NIV) Entrust your life to our heavenly Father. He has searched you, and He knows you (Psalm 139:1). He loves you and pours out new mercies on you every morning. With God on your side who can stand against you? Nothing is too difficult for our great God! The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the LORD. When you keep your trust in confidence in the LORD, you will not be disappointed. God’s way is perfect. All the LORD’s promises prove true. He is a shield to all who trust in Him. (Psalm 18:30)

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) First of all, know that God is deeply concerned about you. Be glad and rejoice in His unfailing love, for He has seen your troubles, and He cares about the anguish of your soul (Psalm 31:7). Secondly, understand that He has a plan for you that is good. While things may not look good at the moment, remember that what you see today is only one page in the book of your life. Eventually you will begin a new chapter and overall, your life is one amazing, fantastic story. Just as the pit and the prison were part of Joseph’s story, he eventually made it to the palace and was in a position to save the Israelites from destruction. Thank God for the wonderful plans He has for you. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts ...

Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume that you know it all. — Proverbs 3:5-7 (MSG) God will keep us on track to fulfilling the wonderful plans He has for us. He didn’t just save us to sit and warm the pew of a church. Like the children of Israel, He brought us out to take us to a better place, and for us to bring others along too. Believers are to be a active participants and follow God wherever He leads us, through the prompting of His Holy Spirit within us. Listen for His voice today and follow His instruction.  

This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: “Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength. But you would have none of it.” — Isaiah 30:15 (NLT) Sometimes we wrestle with God for the steering wheel of our lives. We want to be in the driver’s seat and God wants us to rest in the passenger seat and enjoy the companionship of His presence as we journey together. At other times we want to put our feet on the accelerator and speed up the process, instead of patiently waiting and trusting God’s timing. Your strength will come from settling down in complete dependence on Him… (Isaiah 30:15b MSG). Let us return to the LORD, rest in Him and rely on Him, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill every promise and provide for every need.

I will lift up my eyes to the hills— from whence comes my help? My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. — Psalm 121:1-2 (NKJV) Lift up your eyes. Look to the LORD, our Helper. Every tool of the enemy is designed to get us to take our eyes off the LORD. He uses fear, discouragement, condemnation and shame to draw our attention away from the God who loves us, forgives us and empowers us to do all things. Keep your eyes on the LORD and rely on Him, in all situations. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces (Psalm 34:5 NLT).

Starting from scratch, he made the entire human race and made the earth hospitable, with plenty of time and space for living so we could seek after God, and not just grope around in the dark but actually find him. He doesn’t play hide-and-seek with us. He’s not remote; he’s near. — Acts 17:26-27 (MSG) Don’t just settle for knowing about God. Instead of groping around in the dark, actually take the time to draw near to Him and develop an intimate relationship with Him, the Creator of the heavenly lights. There is nothing on your "To Do" list that is more important than spending time with the One who deeply and completely loves you. For in Him we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:28). The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth (Psalm 145:18). It is good for us to draw near to God (Psalm 73:28). He allows nothing to separate us from His unfailing love.

The Master said, “Martha, dear Martha, you’re fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing. One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it—it’s the main course, and won’t be taken from her.” — Luke 10:42 (MSG) Don’t get so worked up about the events of this world. The worries and distractions of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and will cause you to become unfruitful. (Matthew 13:22). May we be like Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. (Luke 10:39). Why consume an unhealthy snack, when you can feast on a full course that will sustain you and give you strength? Choose Jesus, the main course! He is the bread of life. (John 6:48).

Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah — Psalm 62:8 (NKJV) If we want to enjoy the peace of God every minute of the day, we have to walk along the path of fully trusting God, no matter what may come. Don’t let your mind get carried away on the train of worry, anxiety and doubt. “Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.” (Matthew 6:34 MSG) As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him. (Psalm 18:30)

Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest. — Hebrews 3:1 (NIV) If we want to rise up to another level of living and being, we have to elevate our thoughts. There is no other name higher than the name of Jesus. Let us fix our thoughts on Him. The New Living Translation says to think carefully about this Jesus. The Amplified Bible instructs us to thoughtfully and attentively consider Him. As we fix our thoughts on Jesus, we will be more likely to follow Him. As we give attention to Him, we will become more like Him. So, my dear Christian friends, companions in following this call to the heights, take a good hard look at Jesus. He’s the centerpiece of everything we believe, faithful in everything God gave him to do. (Hebrews 3:1-2 MSG)

Now devote your heart and soul to seeking the LORD your God … — 1 Chronicles 22:19 (NIV) Seek the LORD while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near. — Isaiah 55:6 (NKJV) The bling-bling of this world are distractions, designed to get your attention and steal your affections. In the eternal scheme, they have no real value, they are temporary and shallow. All they will ever do is leave you wanting more. There will always be something bigger, better and faster. When we seek the LORD first and foremost, we truly experience a deep and lasting satisfaction. His Spirit dwelling in us reaches every crevice, enlightens the dark places and fills the emptiness. And those who seek the LORD shall not lack any good thing. (Psalm 34:10). Amen!

He must increase, but I must decrease. — John 3:30 (NKJV) Jesus is on the increase when we allow His love to flow into our hearts and wash away the root of bitterness and offense. Jesus increases when we say good-bye to discouragement, anxiety and worry and open the door to His joy and peace, while holding onto faith and hope. Jesus increases in us, when we let go of pride, and clothe ourselves in humility. As we exercise patience, compassion and kindness, we allow Jesus to increase in us. When our love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things (1 Corinthians 13:7), we make room for Jesus to work in our lives and in the lives of others. May we decrease, and let Jesus occupy!

Let us not grow weary or become discouraged in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap, if we do not give in. — Galatians 6:9 (AMP) Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you (1 Peter 4:12 NIV). These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world (1 Peter 1:7 NLT). We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne (Hebrews 12:2 NLT).

The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? — Psalm 27:1 (NKJV) God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). Delight yourself in the love of God. His perfect love casts out fear. The LORD is the refuge and fortress of our lives. Whom shall we dread? “He came to give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” (Luke 1:79) Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we will remember and trust in the name of the LORD our God. (Psalm 20:7 AMP)

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. — James 1:17 (NKJV) All that God has made available to us is a good gift: love, peace, joy, strength, etc. Our very lives, are a gift from our heavenly Father. It's His breath in our lungs. One of the greatest gifts He gives is the honor of dwelling in His Presence and having His Spirit living inside of us. This empowers us to be who He created us to be and to do what He has called us to do. Let His gifts unfold in your life. The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23b). God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8 NLT).  So, my very dear friends, don’t get thrown off course. Every desirable and beneficial gift comes out of heaven… (James 1:16-17 MSG)

Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. — Psalm 100:3-4 (NKJV) Although people knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. (Romans 1:21) Having unthankful hearts that could not glorify God led to hearts that were darkened. Let us give thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:20). Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:57 NKJV)