Manna for Your Morning

The LORD has appeared of old to me, saying: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.” — Jeremiah 31:3 (NKJV) The LORD is not a hard task master, and He is not sitting there waiting to beat you up every time you mess up. The devil is the one who condemns us. Our heavenly Father draws us to Himself with unfailing love and kindness. Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23). He forgives all your iniquities. He heals all your diseases. He redeems your life from destruction, and crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies. (Psalm 103:3-4) Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! (Psalm 103:1)

And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” — Luke 10:41-42 (NKJV) Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made, while her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what He said. (Luke 10:39-40) The Message Bible says: She sat before the Master, hanging on every word he said. Jesus said Mary chose the good part. The worries and distractions of the world, the deceitfulness of riches and superficial pleasures will choke the word of life right out of you. Don't let the cares and demands of this world sidetrack you away from what is really important, spending time with the Lord and listening to His Word. The Word of God will give you the guidance, wisdom and strength you need. A few moments alone with Jesus at the beginning of your day, will set you on the right course for the rest of your day.

“Rain down, O heavens, from above, let the clouds pour down righteousness [all the blessings of God]; Let the earth open up, let salvation bear fruit, and righteousness spring up with it; I, the LORD, have created it.” — Isaiah 45:8 (AMP) Just as the earth opens up to receive the rain that falls, may we open our hearts and be filled with the Holy Spirit of God. He pours out His Spirit upon all people. (Joel 2:28a NLT). Let the flow of His Spirit wash away those things in your life that need to be washed away. Permit Him to loosen up the hardened areas of your heart so that His seed within you will grow and blossom. Fall afresh on us, O Holy Spirit! “Open up, heavens, and rain. Clouds, pour out buckets of my goodness! Loosen up, earth, and bloom salvation; sprout right living. I, God, generate all this.” ( Isaiah 45:8 MSG)

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. — Psalm 32:8 (NIV) The LORD will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your bones; You shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. (Isaiah 58:11 NKJV). The loving eye of God is always watching over His children. When we go through dry places, He will satisfy our souls. As we follow His instruction and guidance, we will be fruitful like a a well-watered garden, and flouri sh like a spring of water that never runs dry. The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry. (Psalm 34:15 NKJV)

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) We may be rejected by man, but we are chosen and cherished by God. Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes (Ephesians 1:4 NLT). He chose us out of the world, brought us out of the domain of darkness and into the kingdom of His marvelous light. You are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God’s instruments to do his work and speak out for him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you—from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted. (1 Peter 2:9-10 MSG) I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy ...

You are right and you do right, God; your decisions are right on target. You rightly instruct us in how to live ever faithful to you. — Psalm 119:137-138 (MSG) Let the peace of Christ [the inner calm of one who walks daily with Him] be the controlling factor in your hearts [deciding and settling questions that arise]. To this peace indeed you were called as members in one body [of believers]. And be thankful [to God always]. (Colossians 3:15 AMP) When we are led by the Spirit of God who dwells within us, we will have the peace of God and we will hit the mark every time. 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. (Proverbs 3:5-7 MSG)

To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: — Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NKJV) Just as the caterpillar eventually sheds it’s old body and transforms into a beautiful butterfly, we experience different seasons and phases of life. As we go through different seasons, God is transforming us from glory to glory, to become more like Him. If you’re in a difficult season right now, know that this too shall come to pass and a new season is on it’s way. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.  (Psalm 118:1 NLT) His love endures throughout all seasons. Amen!

Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that’s where the action is. See things from his perspective.  — Colossians 3:1-2 (MSG) I look up to the mountains— does my help come from there? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth! (Psalm 121:1-2 NLT). Take your eyes off of earthly circumstances and put them on the LORD, our helper. When we see things from His perspective, our mountains will appear as molehills and the giants before us will dwarf in comparison to our great God. When we see things from His perspective we realize what seems impossible, is possible. With God all things are possible! My voice You shall hear in the morning, O LORD; In the morning I will direct it to You, and I will look up.  (Psalm 5:3 NKJV)

He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a little while”—for there were many [people who were continually] coming and going, and they could not even find time to eat. — Mark 6:31 (AMP) Have you ever been so busy you forgot to eat? If we forget to take in nutrition for our physical bodies, how often do we neglect to feed our spiritual beings with the Word of God? Jesus is the Living Word and He often withdrew from the crowds to spend time with the Father. Even God took a day of rest. Sometimes we have frantic, non-stop schedules and wonder why we have no peace. That's because Satan can use busyness as a tool to keep us drifting further away from God. Constantly being plugged into electronic devices will place demands on our time and energy 24 hours a day, if we let them.  May we maintain a proper balance between work, rest and play. Always take time to rest and spend quiet moments with God and in His Word. This is what the Sovereign LORD, the...

I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. — Ephesians 3:16 (NLT) When we open the door of our hearts and invite Him in, Christ lives in us, and His unlimited resources are available to us. We are empowered to do what God has called us to do and fight the good fight of faith. He gives us inner strength to stand on His Word, speak His Word and walk in victory. His Spirit dwelling in us completes those areas of our weaknesses. He fills in the gaps and brings about a fullness of joy, peace and love. It’s not about the skills and abilities we possess, but about the goodness and grace of God and His Spirit that is at work in us. When we go in the abundant strength and mighty power the LORD provides, we overcome and conquer all. No matter how big the mountain before us, our God is bigger.

“I’m telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. — Matthew 5:44-45 (MSG) A lawyer, asked Jesus a question, testing Him, and saying, “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” (Matthew 22:35-39 NKJV) Before we are able to love our spouse, our neighbors or our enemies we must love God. The love of God in our hearts gives us the ability to love others, the way our heavenly Father loves us. May the Lord make your lo...

I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living. — Psalm 27:13 (NASB) No matter how circumstances may appear at the moment, don’t lose heart. Be confident that you will see the goodness of the LORD, here in the land of the living. Instead of worrying about how the situation will be resolved or when it will come to an end, take comfort in knowing that God will work it all together for good. You may not know how and when, but you do know WHO . God has already made a way for you. Keep your eyes on Him and He will lead  you through. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7 NLT)

With the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah, that fateful dilemma is resolved. Those who enter into Christ’s being-here-for-us no longer have to live under a continuous, low-lying black cloud. A new power is in operation. The Spirit of life in Christ, like a strong wind, has magnificently cleared the air, freeing you from a fated lifetime of brutal tyranny at the hands of sin and death. — Romans 8:1-2 (MSG) Your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. (1 Corinthians 2:5 NKJV). Come out from under the dark cloud of sin and death and live free in the light of the Lord. The same power that raised Christ from the grave, is at work in those who believe. His power breaks bondages and destroys strongholds. It releases shackles and declares victory or sin and death. It triumphs over the trials and tribulations of this life. Turn from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that you may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who a...

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) We have to be believing God for something if we are going to have an experience of our faith. For this reason I am telling you, whatever things you ask for in prayer [in accordance with God’s will], believe [with confident trust] that you have received them, and they will be given to you (Mark 11:24 AMP). Believe God for healthy relationships, a godly spouse, the salvation of your children, friends and neighbors; believe to be debt free, etc. No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly. Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward (Hebrews 10:35).

Owe nothing to anyone except to love and seek the best for one another; for he who [unselfishly] loves his neighbor has fulfilled the [essence of the] law [relating to one’s fellowman]. — Romans 13:8 (AMP) Love is a verb, it calls us to action. Love suffers long. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (1 Corinthians 13:4, 7 NKJV). The love Jesus has for us caused Him to give His life. Let all that you do be done with love. (1 Corinthians 16:14 NKJV). Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. (John 15:13 NKJV)

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 our hearts are open to receive God’s love, He continually plants seeds of love within us. His compassions are new every morning. Out of God’s love for us, we grow love and compassion for others. His love, in our hearts, will outgrow any weeds and roots of bitterness, if we let it. If we don’t accept and embrace the love God lavishes on us, we will be barren and unfruitful when it comes to loving others. The fruit of the Spirit is love, etc. (Galatians 5:22). Be fruitful. Make love the constant harvest of your heart.

Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand. You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. — Psalm 73:23-24 (NKJV) The Message Bible says: “ You wisely and tenderly lead me, and then you bless me. ” (Psalm 73:24). God does not force us against our will. He is gentle and compassionate. He speaks to us and patiently waits for us to listen and follow His wise counsel. Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” Whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left (Isaiah 30:21). My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. (John 10:27). When we sync our steps with the LORD, we can walk in peace and confidence, knowing that He will never lead us astray.

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. — 1 Timothy 6:17 (NIV) His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, (2 Peter 1:3 NKJV). Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, (2 Corinthians 3:5). It is His mighty power at work in us and through us to bring about His perfect will on the earth. In Christ, we have everything we need. It has all been made available to us. Fullness of joy, complete peace, infinite wisdom, unconditional love, an abundant life, etc. Keep your hope in our heavenly Father.

But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.” — Isaiah 43:1 (NKJV) The LORD is our Maker and we are the people of His pasture. (Psalm 95:6-7) We are His and He calls us by name. God says: “When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down. When you’re between a rock and a hard place, it won’t be a dead end— because I am God, your personal God, The Holy of Israel, your Savior.” (Isaiah 43:2-3 MSG) He makes a way in the sea and a path through the mighty waters… (Isaiah 43:16 NKJV). No matter how bleak the situation may appear, our mighty God is making a way for you. He has not brought you this far to leave you now.

“For the LORD God is a sun and shield; The LORD bestows grace and favor and honor; No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts, How blessed and greatly favored is the man who trusts in You [believing in You, relying on You, and committing himself to You with confident hope and expectation].”  — P salm 84:11-12 (AMP) The Lord is not a hard man as His servant stated in the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:24). Jesus said, His yoke is easy and His burden is light (Matthew 11:30). Our heavenly Father wants to bless His children. No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly. Our cup will overflow with blessings (Psalm 23:5 NLT). God will not only meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19), He will provide more than enough so you can be a blessing to others. And when you delight yourself in the LORD, He shall give you the desires of your heart (Psalm 37:4). He who did not spare His o...

Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall. — Psalm 55:22 (NLT) The strength of the wicked will be shattered, but the LORD takes care of the godly (Psalm 37:17 NLT). Sometimes people doubt God’s ability or willingness to take care of them because of their disappointments with their earthly parents. However, our heavenly Father is not a man that He should lie. He promises in His Word that He will take care of us and He is faithful to keep His Word. Psalm 27:10 (NKJV) says, when my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take care of me. People may not be there when we need them but the LORD is always there for us. He is a loving Father who wants to take care of His children. See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! (1 John 3:1 (NIV)

We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. — 2 Corinthians 10:5 (MSG) The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; (John 10:10a). Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). Though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God… (2 Corinthians 10:3-4 NKJV) Use God’s mighty weapons to break through the barriers that hinder you from building a beautiful and strong bond with our heavenly Father and brothers and sisters in Christ; one of love, trust and faithfulness. We can bring every loose thought and emotion under subjection, as we renew our minds with His Word. Be a bond builder!

Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of your presence, LORD. They rejoice all day long in your wonderful reputation. They exult in your righteousness. — Psalm 89:15-16 (NLT) When we continually worship the LORD in our hearts and minds, we walk in the light of His Presence. Then we are able to rejoice all day because the LORD is good and He does good! (Psalm 119:68). The Message Bible says, Your vibrant beauty has gotten inside us— you’ve been so good to us! We’re walking on air! All we are and have we owe to God, Holy God of Israel, our King! (Psalm 89:18) By this I know that You favor and delight in me, because my enemy does not shout in triumph over me. As for me, You uphold me in my integrity, and You set me in Your presence forever. (Psalm 41:11-12 AMP) Amen and Hallelujah!

But they took their stand in the middle of the field. They defended it and struck the Philistines down, and the LORD brought about a great victory. — 1 Chronicles 11:14 (NIV) Whatever territory the LORD has given you: your home, your workplace, your neighborhood, etc. take a stand and watch the LORD bring about a great victory! Take your stand against the devil’s schemes. (Ephesian 6:11 NIV). Stand on the Word of God, in faith, c asting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ … (2 Corinthians 10:5 NKJV). Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today. Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. (1 Corinthians 16:13 NIV)

Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD their God. He is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them— he remains faithful forever. — Psalm 146:5-6 (NIV) He gives justice to the oppressed and food to the hungry. The LORD frees the prisoners. The LORD opens the eyes of the blind. The LORD lifts up those who are weighed down. The LORD loves the godly. The LORD protects the foreigners among us. He cares for the orphans and widows, but he frustrates the plans of the wicked. The LORD will reign forever. He will be your God, O Jerusalem, throughout the generations. (Psalm 146:7-10 NLT) No matter how circumstances may appear, remember that our sovereign God still reigns. Keep your hope in Him and you will not be disappointed. His plans and purpose will be accomplished. We don't know what the future holds but we can trust the One who does.

When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”  But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” — Luke 5:1-4-5 (NKJV) Maybe you have been working hard, day and night with nothing to show for it. Rest assured that when the Lord calls you to launch out in the deep and you follow His word and His timing, He will bring about the increase. When Simon did what Jesus told him to do, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. (Luke 5:6-7). Our heavenly Father is not just about provision, but overflow, more than enough. When we are obedient to His Word He will open the windows of heaven and pour out for us such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive ...

The LORD will give [unyielding and impenetrable] strength to His people; The LORD will bless His people with peace. — Psalm 29:11 (AMP) The LORD has armed His people with strength for the battle. (Psalm 18:39) With the strength that He gives we can withstand the storms, overcome obstacles and triumph over tragedy. When we fall, it's His strength that allows us to get back up again and go forward to walk in victory. Always remember, the LORD is the strength of your life. (Psalm 27:1) He blesses his people with peace. And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours]. (Philippians 4:7 AMP)

The LORD is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth. — Psalm 145:18 (NLT) The key to experiencing a successful, productive and prosperous life is to consistently walk closely with our heavenly Father. We were created for fellowship with Abba Father and His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Psalm 27:10 NLT says, even if my father and mother abandon me, the LORD will hold me close. Our hearts long for that fellowship and anything else we use as a substitute leaves us empty. When we wander away from Him, we are like sheep gone astray. We end up falling into ditches and dark places. We don’t have to go to any particular place to maintain a closer walk with Him, since our body is His temple. We maintain a close intimate relationship with Him by having a continual conversation as we go about our day and always giving thanks. We keep that connection with Him as we praise Him for all He is doing and worship Him for who He is.  Come close to God, and God will come...