Manna for Your Morning

On the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar, the edict commanded by the king was to be carried out. On this day the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, but now the tables were turned and the Jews got the upper hand over those who hated them. — Esther 9:1 (NIV) Haman, an enemy of the Jews, sought to destroy them, but in the end, he was hung on the gallows he had set for Mordeci, one of the Jews. The king gave the Jews permission to avenge themselves on their enemies and God gave them victory. Esther 8:17 actually says, many of the people of the land became Jews, because fear of the Jews fell upon them. You may face a situation that threatens to destroy you, but God can turn the tables around on that situation and put you in a position of power, authority and victory. When others seek to harm you, do not be dismayed. Look to God for help. He can turn the situation around and use it for good, in your life and in the lives of others.

The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned.” — Matthew 4:16 (NKJV) Just reflecting this morning on how grateful I am that God brought me out of the darkness and into His marvelous light. For He has rescued us and has drawn us to Himself from the dominion of darkness, and has transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, (Colossians 1:13 AMP) What a privilege for us that God took us out of the domain of darkness, brought us into His Kingdom and adopted us into His family, to enjoy fellowship with Him and our wonderful Savior, Jesus. You groped your way through that murk once, but no longer. You’re out in the open now. The bright light of Christ makes your way plain. So no more stumbling around. Get on with it!  (Ephesians 5:8 MSG) Live as children of light, free and loved! Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darknes...

“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” — Isaiah 55:9 (NKJV) Matthew 6:10 reads: Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Before Jesus endured the cross, He prayed, saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done .” (Luke 22:42) That Friday before the resurrection, the situation did not look too good, but resurrection day came and Jesus sat down at the right hand of the throne of God, full of glory and majesty. God has a master plan and everything He does, is glorious, spectacular, and awe-inspiring. Instead of trying to force our own way, may we trust in the LORD with all our hearts, and lean not on our own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5) When things do not appear the way we think they should, let us know in our minds (be confident) and believe in our hearts (be joyful) that God’s plan is good and what He has purp...

Then she called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, “You are God Who Sees”; for she said, “Have I not even here [in the wilderness] remained alive after seeing Him [who sees me with understanding and compassion]?” — Genesis 16:13 (AMP) Hagar fled from the presence of Sarai because of her harsh treatment, but Genesis 16:7 says, the angel of the LORD found her by a spring of water in the wilderness. He encouraged her to go back and God let her know that He has heard her affliction. (Genesis 16:9,11) You may feel like you are wandering in the wilderness. Your situation may not be all that you want it to be right now, but know that God sees you. He is intimately acquainted with all your ways. He sees you with understanding and compassion. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16 NASB)

No need to panic over alarms or surprises, or predictions that doomsday’s just around the corner, because God will be right there with you; he’ll keep you safe and sound. — Proverbs 3:25-26 (MSG) Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, were bound and cast into a fiery furnace that was seven times hotter than usual. (Daniel 3:19-21). But the Son of God was with them in the midst of the fire and they were loosed (Daniel 3:25). When they came out of the fire, they saw these men on whose bodies the fire had no power; the hair of their head was not singed nor were their garments affected, and the smell of fire was not on them. (Daniel 3:27) Though we will have trouble in this world, we are to let the peace of God rule in our minds and hearts. Things may get a little hot for us, but God is with us and He will keep us safe and sound. And Jesus, our Savior, has set us free from any bondages of the enemy and given us the victory! Hallelujah and Amen!

You who sit down in the High God’s presence,     spend the night in Shaddai’s shadow, Say this: “God, you’re my refuge.     I trust in you and I’m safe!” That’s right—he rescues you from hidden traps,     shields you from deadly hazards. His huge outstretched arms protect you—     under them you’re perfectly safe;     his arms fend off all harm. — Psalm 91:1-4 (MSG) Just like the father’s arms of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-24), our heavenly Father’s arms are outstretched toward us. No matter where you have been, He wants you to come to home, to come to Him, in His presence and under His protection. Keep me as the apple of Your eye; Hide me under the shadow of Your wings… ( Psalm 17:8 NKJV)

The LORD is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. — Psalm 28:7 (NLT) The LORD gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. (Isaiah 40:29). He is a shield to all who trust in Him (Psalm 18:30). He is our helper. Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face continually. (Psalm 105:4 NASB) Let seeking the LORD and following after Him be a lifelong pursuit. For the LORD God is a sun and shield; The LORD will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly. (Psalm 84:11 NKJV)

  …casting 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) Where your mind goes, you follow. If you entertain anxious thoughts, then you will be tense and full of anxiety. If you keep your mind stayed on the LORD, He will keep you in perfect peace. (Isaiah 26:3). When our thoughts do not line up with the Word of God, we need to cast them down and bring them into alignment with the Word. Let us refuse to conform to the pattern of this world, and be transformed by renewing our minds with God’s Word. (Romans 12:2 NIV). Joshua 1:8 says, this Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on...

I look behind me and you’re there, then up ahead and you’re there, too— your reassuring presence, coming and going. This is too much, too wonderful— I can’t take it all in! — Psalm 139:5-6 (MSG) Never think for one minute that our heavenly Father has forgotten about you. Instead, let His presence reassure you and give you strength. Nothing we face in this life is too difficult for Him. In His Presence, there is wonder-working power to triumph over the schemes of the enemy. His mighty presence with us, gives us the overwhelming victory!  The eternal God is your refuge, and his everlasting arms are under you. He drives out the enemy before you…   (Deuteronomy 33:27 NLT)

“I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.” — John 10:14-15 (NKJV) Jesus is the good shepherd. He gave His life for us. A hireling, he who is not the shepherd… will abandon the sheep when he sees the wolf coming; and the wolf attacks the sheep and scatters them. The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. (John 10:12-13.) But Jesus gathers us to Himself. When trouble comes, He is by our side. He lifts us up out of the ditches and pitfalls of life and carries us close to Him. He lets us rest in green meadows; he leads us beside peaceful streams. He renews our strength. He guides us along right paths, bringing honor to his name. (Psalm 23:2-3 NLT) With the Lord as our shepherd, we have all that we need.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. — Ephesians 6:10-11 (NIV) In order to stand up to everything the devil throws our way, we must clothe ourselves in the full armor of God, and use our weapon (the Word). Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. (Ephesians 6:14-18 NLT) Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:57 NKJV)

In Mark 10:15-16 (AMP) , Jesus said, “ I assure you and most solemnly say to you, whoever does not receive and welcome the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.” And He took the children [one by one] in His arms and blessed them [with kind, encouraging words], placing His hands on them. Children naturally trust their parents. They want to go wherever mom and dad go. Let us receive the kingdom of our heavenly Father confidently trusting in Him. God is good. Jesus wants to take you in His arms and bless you. The kingdom of God is about righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Romans 14:17) Receive it. But as for me, I am like a green olive tree in the house of God; I trust [confidently] in the lovingkindness of God forever and ever. (Psalm 52:8 AMP) We can always trust in God’s unfailing love.

Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. — Romans 8:34 (NIV) Jesus is like a big brother, who takes up for his brothers and sisters. When the enemy tries to condemn us, Jesus speaks grace and mercy over us. He covers us with His blood, which washes our sins away. What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31 NIV) No matter what you are going through today, you are more than a conqueror through him who loves you so much. Be absolutely convinced that nothing shall separate you from God’s love.

And I’m going to keep that celebration going because I know how it’s going to turn out. Through your faithful prayers and the generous response of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, everything he wants to do in and through me will be done. I can hardly wait to continue on my course. I don’t expect to be embarrassed in the least. — Philippians 1:19-20 (MSG) Let us continually celebrate the victory Jesus gained for us on the cross and in the empty tomb. He paid the debt for our sins and reunited us with the Father. Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ... (2 Corinthians 2:14).  For to me, to live is Christ [He is my source of joy, my reason to live] and to die is gain [for I will be with Him in eternity]. (Philippians 1:21 AMP) The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. For those who lived in a land of deep shadows— light! sunbursts of light! You repopulated the nation, you expanded its joy. Oh, they’re so glad in your presence! Festival joy! T...

Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb (Matthew 28:1 NLT).  After seeing the empty tomb and speaking with the angel, the women ran quickly from the tomb. They were very frightened but also filled with great joy, and they rushed to give the disciples the angel’s message, that Jesus was risen from the dead. And as they went, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they ran to him, grasped his feet, and worshiped him. — Matthew 28:6, 8-9 (NLT) Like Mary and Mary, let us diligently seek the Lord Jesus. Be filled with great joy knowing that as you seek Him, Jesus will meet you right where you are. May we bow down and worship the King of kings and the Lord of lord, Jesus, our risen Savior!

Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ Hosanna in the highest!”And when He had come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, “Who is this?” — Matthew 21:9-10 (NKJV) Let us be moved by JESUS, the living Word that was in the beginning with God. (John 1:1) He is the resurrection and the life. (John 11:25) King of kings and Lord of lords! Be moved by His body, that was bruised and beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. (Isaiah 53:5) Be moved by the blood that trickled down the wooden cross; the blood that washes away our sins. (Matthew 26:28) Be moved by the statement Jesus made from the cross when He said, “ It is finished! ” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit. (John 19:30) In Him, we have already won the victory over sin and death. In Him, we have already overcome the world. Be moved by His tomb, that was found empty. He ...

And when Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, a woman came to Him having an alabaster flask of very costly fragrant oil, and she poured it on His head as He sat at the table. But when His disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste?” — Matthew 26:6-8 (NKJV)  Let us be careful how we choose to perceive people and situations. Misperceptions can lead us astray. What others perceived as waste, Jesus identified as a good work. In Matthew 26:10, Jesus said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a good work for Me.” Don't let others trouble you when you are engaged in a good work. What we do that serves to influence the world for Jesus and the kingdom of God is never a waste. So be faithful and give whatever talents and resources you have to the Lord, knowing He will use it for good.

When You said, “Seek My face [in prayer, require My presence as your greatest need],” my heart said to You, “Your face, O LORD, I will seek...” — Psalm 27:8 (AMP) The Presence of the LORD is our greatest need. With God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26). In Philippians 4:13 the Message Bible states: “Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.” For good success and victory in this life, His presence is a vital necessity. Then [with a deep longing] you will seek Me and require Me [as a vital necessity] and [you will] find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:13 AMP) Jeremiah 29:13-14 (MSG) says, “When you come looking for me, you’ll find me. “Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed.” We will not be disappointed when we desire God’s presence in our lives, more than anything else. And Jesus promises,  “ …and lo, I am ...

Remember me, my God, for good, according to all that I have done for this people. — Nehemiah 5:19 (NKJV) Like Nehemiah, may we be remembered for the good we have done for people. “ Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults—unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don’t condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you’ll find life a lot easier. Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity. ” (Luke 6:37-38 MSG) Jesus gave His life. Follow in His footsteps. Let us generously give what has so freely been given to us: the light, life, and love of God.

And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 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 12:1b-2 (NLT) Jesus endured the cross by focusing on His future. May we triumph over the challenges of today by keeping our eyes on Jesus and the glorious future we have in Him. Never lose sight of where you are headed.  For I consider [from the standpoint of faith] that the sufferings of the present life are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is about to be revealed to us and in us!  (Romans 8:18 AMP) Revelation 2:7 (AMP) says,  …To him who overcomes [the world through believing that Jesus is the Son of God], I will grant [the privilege] to eat [the fruit] from the tree of life, which is in the Paradise of God.’ Revelation 21:3-4 (NLT) goes on to say, I he...

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! — Philippians 4:4 (NASB) This is the day which the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:24 NASB). For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! (2 Corinthians 4:17 NLT)  “Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)

“…Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” — Matthew 11:29-30 (MSG) When Jesus invites us to come to Him and put His yoke on, it's an invitation to be connected to Him. When two oxen are yoked together, they work side by side. Jesus wants us to walk and work alongside of Him. He wants us to watch how He lives and learn from Him, for He is gentle and humble in heart. (Matthew 11:30 NIV). He says, when we keep company with him, we will learn to live freely (not in bondage), and lightly, not worried and under the weight of heavy burdens.

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) Never let the hardships experienced in this life, separate you from the love of Christ. Like the Apostle Paul, let us be convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39 NLT). Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors and gain an overwhelming victory through Him who loved us [so much that He died for us]. (Romans 8:37 AMP)

Then the people of the land tried to discourage the people of Judah. They troubled them in building, and hired counselors against them to frustrate their purpose ... — Ezra 4:4-6 (NKJV) When the people of Judah, returned from captivity to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem, their adversaries came. First they acted like they wanted to help them, then they proceeded to continually discourage and harass them (for years). When we seek to fulfill the call of God in our lives, we can expect opposition, those who want to tear down what we are building. There will be those who come to frustrate the work of God, but greater is He who is in us and with us. Let us be relentless, persistent and determined as we carry out our God-given assignments. Keep building! Complete the work. Keep the faith.

This is the kind of life you’ve been invited into, the kind of life Christ lived. He suffered everything that came his way so you would know that it could be done, and also know how to do it, step-by-step. He never did one thing wrong, Not once said anything amiss. They called him every name in the book and he said nothing back. He suffered in silence, content to let God set things right.  — 1 Peter 2:21-23 (MSG) When others do us wrong, our inclination is defend ourselves or strike back, instead may we be content to let God set things right in our lives. May we love God and put our time and attention into fulfilling the purpose to which He has called us.  And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28 NASB)

I want to report to you, friends, that my imprisonment here has had the opposite of its intended effect. Instead of being squelched, the Message has actually prospered. — Philippians 1:12 (MSG) The Apostle Paul was imprisoned in an attempt to hinder the preaching of God’s message but it actually served to advance the gospel. The enemy will try to imprison us with whatever bad thing that happened to us, but that too can have the opposite of it’s intended effect. In Philippians 1:20 (MSG) Paul says, “They didn’t shut me up; they gave me a pulpit!” Let us utilize the things we go through to declare God’s mighty power and faithfulness. May our lives proclaim His praises and help the Message continue to prosper. We overcome and conquer the enemy because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of our testimony. (Revelation 12:11 AMP) Amen.

Everything that goes into a life of pleasing God has been miraculously given to us by getting to know, personally and intimately, the One who invited us to God. The best invitation we ever received! We were also given absolutely terrific promises to pass on to you—your tickets to participation in the life of God after you turned your back on a world corrupted by lust. — 2 Peter 1:3-4 (MSG) Jesus says, “Come!” It is the best invitation because it's an open invitation. Jesus continually invites us to come to Him. There are no requirements before we come, we come as we are. It is the best invitation because “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13 NKJV) He is no respecter of persons. (Acts 10:34 KJV) It is the best invitation because once we accept it, God gives us everything we need for living a godly life and a more abundant life. His ticket is an invitation to participate in the glorious life of God.

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) 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 NKJV). The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold (Psalm 18:2 NKJV). Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him! (Psalm 34:8 NKJV) Stamped on our currency is the statement: “ In God We Trust ”. As we spend our money, let it be a reminder that when you invest your trust in the LORD, your receive great dividends. His bank account is never overdrawn.  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)

Teach me your way, LORD, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever. For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths, from the realm of the dead. — Psalm 86:11-13 (NIV) Great is God's Love! He crowns us with lovingkindness and tender mercies. (Psalm 103:4) Because of His lovingkindness and truth, we are preserved. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1 NKJV). The LORD hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles.(Psalm 34:17 NLT). Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, for in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to You. (Psalm 143:8)

And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ — Matthew 22:39 (NKJV) I think the often forgotten part of this Scripture, is that we are to love ourselves. We need to love ourselves, before we can understand how to love our neighbor. Not a pompous, puffed up, prideful love, but acknowledging that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NASB) God loves us and wants His Holy Spirit to work through us, to bring about His will on the earth. We are very valuable to Him. His only Son gave His life for us. Let us take care of our bodies, physically and spiritually; taking in the right nourishment, getting the proper amount of rest, exercising and renewing our minds with His Word. This brings glory to God and has a positive impact for His kingdom. If you really fulfill the royal law according ...