Manna for Your Morning

To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: — Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NKJV) Seasons come and seasons go. Some are more challenging than others, but our heavenly Father is with us in each and every one. He comforts us and carries us through the difficult seasons. There are seeds of wisdom to be gleaned from each season, that will cause growth and fruitfulness. Each season has meaning and purpose. Take one day at a time, and keep your eyes on our Maker, He knows the plans He has for you, and they are good. This is the day the LORD has made let us rejoice in it, regardless of the season.

So here I am in the place of worship, eyes open, drinking in your strength and glory. In your generous love I am really living at last! My lips brim praises like fountains. I bless you every time I take a breath; My arms wave like banners of praise to you. — Psalm 63:2-4 (MSG) We really start to live, when we open our hearts to receive the generous love of God. His lovingkindness is better than life itself. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. Jesus came that we may have life, and that we may have it more abundantly. (John 10:10 NKJV) Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name!

How great is the goodness you have stored up for those who fear you. You lavish it on those who come to you for protection, blessing them before the watching world. You hide them in the shelter of your presence, safe from those who conspire against them. You shelter them in your presence, far from accusing tongues. — Psalm 31:19-20 (NLT) The earth is full of the goodness of the LORD. He fills the hungry soul with His goodness. (Psalm 107:9) Psalm 27:13 says, I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living. Surely His goodness and mercy shall follow you all the days of your life; and you will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever. (Psalm 23:6). Oh, give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! (Psalm 107:15)

“Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid nor dismayed before the king of Assyria, nor before all the multitude that is with him; for there are more with us than with him. With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God, to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people were strengthened by the words of Hezekiah king of Judah. — 2 Chronicles 32:7-8 (NKJV) No need to be discouraged or fearful, our mighty God is with us and the battle belongs to Him. With God on our side, who can stand against us? He always leads us in triumph in Christ… (2 Corinthians 2:14). Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. (Psalm 105:4 NIV) When we stand with Him, we win!

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” — John 14:26-27 (NKJV) Jesus, the Prince of Peace, says do not let your heart be troubled, nor afraid. We can stay in perfect peace because we have the greater One living in us. His great power working in us and through us, empowers us to overcome life’s obstacles and triumph over tragedy. His mighty power enables us to rise up when opposition threatens to take us down. Let His perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge. (John 14:27b AMP) We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not fro...

Beloved, let us [unselfishly] love and seek the best for one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves [others] is born of God and knows God [through personal experience]. The one who does not love has not become acquainted with God [does not and never did know Him], for God is love. [He is the originator of love, and it is an enduring attribute of His nature.] — 1 John 4:7-8 (AMP) Our walk with God is all about love. Loving Him and loving others. Love is an action word. God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him (1 John 4:9 NLT). May our hearts be open to receive the unconditional love our heavenly Father lavishes upon us. Abba Father loves and accepts us right where we are, let us also love people where they are and encourage them to move onward and forward. Just as God always sees the best in us, let us see the best in others. And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the ...

So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession. — James 1:16-18 (NLT) The Message Bible says, He brought us to life using the true Word, showing us off as the crown of all his creatures (James 1:18). The LORD has been mindful of you. He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world… (Ephesians 1:4). Every good thing and every perfect gift comes to us from our heavenly Father. He showers us with new mercies and compassions every morning. He blesses us with His peace, love and joy and most of all His Presence. Know that you are valued and treasured in our Father's eyes. Let His unfailing love draw you closer to Him.

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! Interlude — Psalm 46:1-3 (NLT) May our strength and peace come from having our trust and confidence anchored in the LORD. He is our stability. The world around us is in a constant state of change. If you hang your hope on this world’s system you will be tossed to and fro, in every direction. But our God remains the same. He is love. He is rich in mercy and grace. He is strong and mighty.  The LORD gives his people strength. The LORD blesses them with peace  (Psalm 29:11 NLT).

“I am the Vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him bears much fruit, for [otherwise] apart from Me [that is, cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing.” — John 15:5 (AMP) What good news! We don’t have to do it alone. Whatever you are trying to accomplish in this life, staying connected to Jesus is paramount (more important than anything else). Apart from Him, we can do nothing of lasting value. Our union with Him is vital to our lives and our health (spiritual, physical and mental health). But now that you’ve found you don’t have to listen to sin tell you what to do, and have discovered the delight of listening to God telling you, what a surprise! A whole, healed, put-together life right now, with more and more of life on the way! Work hard for sin your whole life and your pension is death. But God’s gift is real life, eternal life, delivered by Jesus, our Master. (Romans 6:22-23 MSG)

This is how we know we’re living steadily and deeply in him, and he in us: He’s given us life from his life, from his very own Spirit. Also, we’ve seen for ourselves and continue to state openly that the Father sent his Son as Savior of the world. Everyone who confesses that Jesus is God’s Son participates continuously in an intimate relationship with God. We know it so well, we’ve embraced it heart and soul, this love that comes from God. God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. — 1 John 4:13-16 (MSG) Embrace God’s unfailing and never ending love. Take up permanent residence in a life of love. God is mindful of us. May we be mindful of Him, in all His wonder, glory and beauty. Let us actively participate in a love relationship with our Creator and heavenly Father. Then we will be able to walk in love with everyone God brings our way. As He pours into us, let us pour into others. Surely your goodness and unfailing lov...

“But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.” — Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NLT) It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man (Psalm 118:8 NKJV). He will always be there when you need him. When the fiery furnace gets exceedingly hot, you will not be bothered. After you come through the situation,  the smell of fire will not be on you. When things appear to be drying up, you will not have a worry, because the LORD is your source. As long as we keep our hope and confidence in the LORD, we will not be disappointed. But I have trusted and relied on and been confident in Your lovingkindness and faithfulness; My heart shall rejoice and delight in Your salvation. (Psalm 13:5 AMP)

Remember, our Message is not about ourselves; we’re proclaiming Jesus Christ, the Master. All we are is messengers, errand runners from Jesus for you. It started when God said, “Light up the darkness!” and our lives filled up with light as we saw and understood God in the face of Christ, all bright and beautiful. — 2 Corinthians 4:5-6 (MSG) This mystery has been kept in the dark for a long time, but now it’s out in the open. God wanted everyone, not just Jews, to know this rich and glorious secret inside and out, regardless of their background, regardless of their religious standing. The mystery in a nutshell is just this: Christ is in you, so therefore you can look forward to sharing in God’s glory. It’s that simple (Colossians 1:26-27 MSG). Christ is the chief cornerstone and He lives in you. This gives you the hope and guarantee of sharing His glory.

Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker. For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand. Today, if you will hear His voice: — Psalm 95:6-7 (NKJV) Let us worship the LORD, our Maker, with our whole hearts. Give unto the LORD the glory due to His name; Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness (Psalm 29:2).  We worship God for who He is. We praise Him for all He has done to bring healing and wholeness in our lives, all He is doing and all that He will do. Our worship is to go beyond Sunday morning and into all of the days He has given to us. Worship involves a continual acknowledgement that we are His, and that He is with us and for us; that He is above all. May we worship God in everything that we do. “All the earth shall worship You And sing praises to You; They shall sing praises to Your name.” Selah (Psalm 66:4)

…and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. — Revelation 2:3 (NKJV) The dictionary says persevere means to continue in a course of action even in the face of difficulty or with little or no prospect of success. No matter how things may appear at this moment in time, we need to persevere. Let us always stand on God’s Word, persist in prayer and continually thank and praise God for victory and success in every area of our lives. Take the old prophets as your mentors. They put up with anything, went through everything, and never once quit, all the time honoring God. 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 5:10-11 MSG)

“Be still and know (recognize, understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth.” — Psalm 46:10 (NKJV) Quiet yourself before the LORD. Let the thoughts racing through your head come to a halt. Know that He is the great, “I AM.” God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1 NIV). Recognize that the LORD is glorious and strong (Psalm 96:7 NLT). Nothing is too difficult for Him. Understand that He is always present. Jesus reminds us in Matthew 28:20, “…and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, and He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way]. (Proverbs 3:6 AMP)

“O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.” — 2 Chronicles 20:12 (NKJV) When you face opposition, look to the LORD, the source of our help. In 2 Chronicles 20:17, the people of Judah and Jerusalem were told they would not need to fight in the battle, but to position themselves and they would see the salvation of the LORD. We too must position ourselves for battle. When they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushes against their enemies and their enemies were defeated. (2 Chronicles 20:22). When opposition comes, let us get in the proper position. Pray and sing praises to the LORD, for the victory He has prepared for us. Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. (2 Chronicles 20:15)

How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings. They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house, and You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures. — Psalm 36:7-8 (NKJV) The LORD has loved you with an everlasting love; He has drawn you with lovingkindness. (Jeremiah 31:3) His lovingkindness is better than life (Psalm 63:3) Make your refuge, in the shadow of His wings. Declare His lovingkindness in the morning, and His faithfulness every night. (Psalm 92:2). And my God will liberally supply (fill until full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19 AMP) You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. (Psalm 23:5 NLT)

For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power. — Colossians 2:9-10 (NKJV) Most people spend many years trying to fill the emptiness in us with things or people of this world. This is a fruitless effort. However, when we open our hearts to Jesus, we experience fullness of joy and complete peace. In Christ, we can have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows]. (John 10:10b AMP) You don’t need a telescope, a microscope, or a horoscope to realize the fullness of Christ, and the emptiness of the universe without him. When you come to him, that fullness comes together for you, too. His power extends over everything. (Colossians 2:9-10 MSG) May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Ephesians 3:19 (NLT)

One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in His temple. — Psalm 27:4 (NKJV) Love the LORD  your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind… (Luke 10:27). And be fully committed to Him for the eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. (2 Chronicles 16:9a NLT). It is good for us to draw near to God. (Psalm 73:28) When we draw near to God, He will draw near to us. (James 4:8)

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) Let us exercise wisdom and choose to speak words that build others up instead of tearing them down. With understanding, choose words that are helpful. The words of the godly encourage many…Proverbs 10:21a (NLT). The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (Proverbs 12:18 NIV). Our words can cut and injure others or our words can be like a soothing balm that heals. Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose. (Proverbs 18:21 MSG)

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) Have no doubt. The LORD is deeply concerned about you! His care is not just on the surface or superficial. His concern for us is deep and thorough, for all areas of our lives now and into eternity. While unexpected life events may take us by surprise, they don’t ever catch God off guard. He is fully aware and He has already made a way for you through each and every difficult situation. Every day of your life was recorded in His book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. (Psalm 139:16). Your current circumstances will work together for good as you love God with all your heart, mind and soul and continue to pursue the plan and purpose He has given to you.

For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. — Galatians 3:26 (NLT) To all who receive Christ, to those who believe in his name, He gave the right to become children of God. (John 1:12). We are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s family. (Ephesians 2:19). Being a child of God is not about religion, rules or rituals. It's all about relationship, a healthy, thriving relationship with our Maker. The Message Bible says, by faith in Christ you are in direct relationship with God. (Galatians 3:26 MSG). We are sons and daughters of the Most High God, and He is our Heavenly Father. Being a child of God is our highest calling, and the richest, most privileged relationship we can engage in. Our relationship is based on the unconditional love Abba, Father, has for us. Nothing can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:39). Let His powerful love permeate every area of your b...

Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.  — James 1:2-4 (MSG) Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal which is taking place to test you [that is, to test the quality of your faith], as though something strange or unusual were happening to you. (1 Peter 4:12 AMP). And don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let patience have its perfect work. Abraham and Sarah waited for many years for the fulfillment of God’s promise and in Genesis 21:2, Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him. God has is a set time for you too. When you are pressured by troubles on all sides, know that God is working for your good. While you patiently wait, be...

Thus the children of Israel were subdued at that time; and the children of Judah prevailed, because they relied on the LORD God of their fathers. — 2 Chronicles 13:18 (NKJV) To prevail means to prove more powerful than opposing forces; be victorious. In Matthew 16:18 (NLT) Jesus says, “ Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. ” We are the church and the powers of darkness will not prevail against us, when we rely on the Lord. Trust in the Lord [and rely on Him with unwavering confidence]. (Psalm 31:6b AMP) “They will fight against you, but they will not [ultimately] prevail over you, for I am with you [always] to protect you and deliver you,” says the LORD. (Jeremiah 1:19 AMP) 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]. (Psalm 84:12 AMP)

I want you woven into a tapestry of love, in touch with everything there is to know of God. Then you will have minds confident and at rest, focused on Christ, God’s great mystery. — Colossians 2:2 (MSG) When we know our God and are in touch with Him, our lives are woven together with threads of His amazing love. God is love. When Christ is the fabric of our hearts, we can be confident that we have already overcome the challenges we face because because He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4). We can rest our minds as we focus on Christ and the victory He has given to us. And those who know Your name [who have experienced Your precious mercy] will put their confident trust in You, for You, O LORD, have not abandoned those who seek You. (Psalm 9:10 (AMP)

Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? Yet not one of them has [ever] been forgotten in the presence of God. Indeed the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not be afraid; you are far more valuable than many sparrows. — Luke 12:6-8 (AMP) Don't believe the lies of the enemy. No matter how hopeless situations may appear, we are never forgotten by our heavenly Father. He knows everything there is to know about us and He still loves us  and sees the best in us. Psalm 139:17 (NLT) says, How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! No need to fear or be anxious because we are under His constant care and attention. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11)

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” — Matthew 11:28-29 (NLT) Are you tired? Maybe you're carrying a burden the LORD never intended for you to carry. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you (1 Peter 5:7 NLT). Just like any good parent, our heavenly Father doesn't want to see us struggle under the load of heavy burdens. Put whatever concerns you have, in God's more than capable hands. Pile your troubles on God’s shoulders— he’ll carry your load, he’ll help you out. He’ll never let good people topple into ruin. (Psalm 55:22 MSG) Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. (Psalm 68:19 NIV)

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) The best way to stay full of His Spirit and on fire for the LORD, is to keep a constant connection with Him throughout your day, through prayer, praising and the giving of thanks. Let the difficulties and challenges draw you closer to Him. Look to our great God in cheerful expectation of the deliverance He will bring about in your life. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous person is powerful and produces wonderful results. Be persistent and devoted to prayer, being alert and focused in your prayer life with an attitude of thanksgiving. (Colossians 4:2 AMP)

Just as rain and snow descend from the skies and don’t go back until they’ve watered the earth,  doing their work of making things grow and blossom, producing seed for farmers and food for the hungry, so will the words that come out of my mouth not come back empty-handed. They’ll do the work I sent them to do, they’ll complete the assignment I gave them. — Isaiah 55:10-11 (MSG) In 1 Kings 8:24, King Solomon says to the LORD, “You have kept what You promised Your servant David my father; You have both spoken with Your mouth and fulfilled it with Your hand, as it is this day.” God does not show favoritism (Acts 10:34). He does not lie and He does not change. He fulfills every Word He has spoken. You have need of patient endurance [to bear up under difficult circumstances without compromising], so that when you have carried out the will of God, you may receive and enjoy to the full what is promised. (Hebrews 10:36 AMP) Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering...

But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” — Matthew 4:4 (NKJV) When Jesus was tempted by the devil, He responded with the Word of God and overcame the devil. (Mathew 4:4,7 & 10). Satan makes war with believers (Revelation 12:17) and he is constantly prowling about seeking whom he may devour. He only comes to steal, kill, and to destroy. (John 10:10). When he throws fiery darts at you, use the Word of God to combat his lies. A good soldier never goes into battle without his weapons, but how often does the devil catch us in battle and not wielding our weapon? The Word of God is the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17), that allows us to triumph over our enemy. Speak the Word and continually hold up the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. (Ephesians 6:16)

God’s way is perfect. All the LORD’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection. — Psalm 18:30 (NLT) When circumstances appear contrary to what God has promised you, know that His way is perfect. God makes no mistakes and He has not forgotten about you. In every situation, we have His Presence. And in His Presence, we can walk in perfect peace, not moved by worldly events. He will keep in perfect peace all who trust in Him, all whose thoughts are fixed on Him! (Isaiah 26:3). In His Presence, we have His protection and the resources we need to fulfill His glorious purposes for us. His Presence enables us to persevere through all that life brings our way. His Presence with us, is His greatest gift. He will never leave us nor forsake us. He is our constant companion. Praise God for His wonderful Presence!