Manna for Your Morning

See what an incredible quality of love the Father has shown to us, that we would [be permitted to] be named and called and counted the children of God! And so we are! — 1 John 3:1a (AMP) See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! (1 John 3:1a NIV) God’s love is extravagant; it's over the top. God’s love is extraordinary; it goes above and beyond the ordinary. We can count on God’s love because it will never run out on us. Such hope [in God’s promises] never disappoints us, because God’s love has been abundantly poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us (Romans 5:5 AMP). The Message Bible says, we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit! (Romans 5:5) When we fall short, the love of God goes the distance and them some. When your heart longs to be loved, God’s love is the only love that will satisfy; ...

War broke out in Heaven. Michael and his Angels fought the Dragon. The Dragon and his Angels fought back, but were no match for Michael. They were cleared out of Heaven, not a sign of them left. The great Dragon—ancient Serpent, the one called Devil and Satan, the one who led the whole earth astray—thrown out, and all his Angels thrown out with him, thrown down to earth. — Revelation 12:7-9 (MSG) 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 NIV) Don’t be led astray. Submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. (James 4:7-8)

On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” — Mark 4:35 (NKJV) After Jesus got in the boat with the disciples a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” (Mark 4:37-38) Storms will come and go in our lives, but through it all, you can be certain that Jesus cares for you. In the midst of your storm, it may seem like Jesus is asleep, but know that He will bring you successfully, to the other side of all your troubles, to a place of triumph. He is faithful to bring you to the desired destination the Father has for you. Let us persevere through the storms, and He will keep us in perfect peace and get us in the right position to fulfill a greater and glorious purpose.

We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. — 2 Corinthians 1:8-9 (NIV) When you are experiencing troubles of any kind or feeling greatly pressured, it's an opportunity to put your trust in God. Cast all your cares on Him and rely on Him to show you the way out or through. The Message Bible says: As it turned out, it was the best thing that could have happened. Instead of trusting in our own strength or wits to get out of it, we were forced to trust God totally—not a bad idea since he’s the God who raises the dead! And he did it, rescued us from certain doom. And he’ll do it again, rescuing us as many times as we need rescuing. (2 Corinthians 1:9-10 MSG)

My people will live in safety, quietly at home. They will be at rest. Even if the forest should be destroyed and the city torn down, the LORD will greatly bless his people. Wherever they plant seed, bountiful crops will spring up. Their cattle and donkeys will graze freely. — Isaiah 32:18-20 (NLT) It is the heart of our Heavenly Father to bless His people and the work of their hands. He is not a hard man, as the man who received one talent in Matthew 25:24, believed Him to be. For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. (Psalm 91:3-4) Even when you walk through the darkest valley, do not be afraid, for He is close beside you. His rod and staff protect and comfort you. (Psalm 23:4) Surely His goodness and unfailing love will pursue you all the days of your life, and you will live in the house of the LORD forever. (Psalm 23:6) ...

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) So the LORD must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the LORD is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for his help. (Isaiah 30:18 NLT) For I hold you by your right hand— I, the LORD your God. And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you. (Isaiah 41:13 NLT) Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, “This is the way you should go,” whether to the right or to the left. (Isaiah 30:21 NLT) Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD. (Psalm 27:14 NLT)

Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD. There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off. — Proverbs 23:18 (NIV) In the same way, wisdom is sweet to your soul. If you find it, you will have a bright future, and your hopes will not be cut short. (Proverbs 24:14 NLT) To walk in wisdom, is to honor the LORD and put Him first in all that we do. It is wise to let His Word be the guiding principle of our lives. As we walk in wisdom, our hope will not be cut off because the LORD has plans for us that are good and not for disaster, to give us a future and a hope. Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. (Hebrews 10:36 NLT)

And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force. — Matthew 11:12 (NKJV) I often wondered about these violent people who take the kingdom by force. I’m sure one of them was the woman in Mark 5:25-30, who suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding. This woman has always intrigued me, more than the other people Jesus healed. She didn’t wait for her friends to carry her to Jesus on a cot. She didn’t lay by the pool waiting for an angel to stir up the water. Jesus didn’t find her laying in bed or hiding in a barn. No. She actively pursued her Healer, the great Physician. She believed the word she had heard about Jesus, and her belief compelled her to take action. She said to herself, “If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed.” This woman had spent everything she had on doctors and her condition only grew worse. The people who take the kingdom by force, probably gave everything to the world, at one ti...

They said to me, “The remnant there in the province who survived the captivity are in great distress and reproach; the wall of Jerusalem is broken down and its [fortified] gates have been burned (destroyed) by fire.” — Nehemiah 1:3 (AMP) There are times when we feel like we have nothing left; emotionally and physically, we are wiped out. Many have lost all material goods, as a result of a natural disaster (fire, flood, etc.) But we are all survivors. We have survived the attacks of the enemy and we still have the breath of life. When the walls of our lives are broken down, let us look to the Master builder. He is a God of restoration. God will provide your every need and give you strength to get through the restoration process. You may feel helpless, but never lose hope. Rise up out of the rubble and begin to build. Trust that with God's help, what you build, will be bigger, better and stronger. whether it's a relationship, a home, or a business.

The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in and puts his confidence in the LORD will be exalted and safe. — Proverbs 29:25 (AMP) When you put your trust in people, you will surely be disappointed. However, when you totally trust in the LORD, He will not let you down. Come to Him with a humble and grateful heart, in complete confidence and full of expectation that He is all you need. There is no need you have that is too big for Him to handle. Jesus came that we may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:10b) In His Presence there is no lack. He will fulfill your thirst and satisfy your hunger. Trust Him with all of your heart. They cried out to You and were delivered; They trusted in You and were not disappointed or ashamed. (Psalm 22:5 AMP)

“ Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has visited and redeemed his people. He has sent us a mighty Savior from the royal line of his servant David, ” — Luke 1:67-79 (NLT) We have a mighty Savior in Jesus. He has already made a way for us to  live extraordinary, victorious lives. We have been rescued from our enemies so we can serve God without fear, in holiness and righteousness for as long as we live. (Luke 1:74-75 NLT)  The Message Bible says: …we can worship him without a care in the world, made holy before him as long as we live (Luke 1:74) Let us give unto the Lord the glory due to His name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. (Psalm 29:2 NKJV)

“I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.” — John 17:20-21 (NLT) Jesus prayed for all believers, that we would be one, just as He and the Father are one. As brothers and sisters in Christ we are to stand united. Not comparing or competing, but all being about the Father’s business, and walking in love with one another. In John 17:22-23 (NLT), Jesus continued in prayer: “ I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. ” If you ever prayed for an unbeliever to know Jesus, it all begins with followers of Christ coming together in perfect unity. Amen.

But when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be troubled; for such things must happen, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows. — Mark 13:7-8 (NKJV) How are we to endure such turbulent times? We do this by looking away from all that will distract us and focusing our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.  Because of the joy set before Him, He endured the cross, disregarded its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2) The Message Bible says: “Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever.” May we never lose sight of the good and wonderful plan God has for each one of us.

“Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?” — Luke 12:27-28 (NLT) “And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.” (Luke 12:29-30 NLT)

I will extol You, O LORD, for You have lifted me up, and have not let my enemies rejoice over me. — Psalm 30:1 (NASB) No matter how low life drags you down, our heavenly Father will reach down and lift you up. God call us to come up, closer to Him. Let us press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14 NASB) The path of life leads upward for the wise. (Proverbs 15:24a) From the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. (Psalm 61:2 NKJV)

So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and His glory from the rising of the sun; When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD will lift up a standard against him. — Isaiah 59:19 (NKJV) When the enemy comes in like a flood, don’t focus on the flood. Look to Jesus, whom the wind and the sea obey. (Mark 4:39-41) Call on the name of the LORD.  Who but God goes up to heaven and comes back down? Who holds the wind in his fists? Who wraps up the oceans in his cloak? Who has created the whole wide world? What is his name—and his son’s name? Tell me if you know! (Proverbs 30:4 NLT) What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31 NKJV) Amen!

We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. — 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (NLT) When troubles are pressing in on you from all sides, don't become discouraged, disappointed, or fearful. We may get knocked down, but we will get up again. Regardless of the external circumstances, God is with us and He has a plan. So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. (Galatians 6:9 NLT) For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. (2 Corinthians 4:17 NIV)

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider that I have made it my own yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the [heavenly] prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. — Philippians 3:13-14 (AMP) One of the enemy’s tricks is to keep us looking back. It's a distraction that puts us in a holding pattern. We will never attain all that God has for us, if we don’t press on and reach forward. Five times the Apostle Paul received thirty-nine lashes. Three times he was beaten with rods, once he was stoned, three times he was shipwrecked… He had been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from his countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; he had been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. (2...

Though the fig tree does not blossom and there is no fruit on the vines, though the yield of the olive fails and the fields produce no food, though the flock is cut off from the fold and there are no cattle in the stalls, yet I will [choose to] rejoice in the LORD; I will [choose to] shout in exultation in the [victorious] God of my salvation! — Habakkuk 3:17-18 (AMP) No matter what the current situation may be, let us choose to rejoice in the LORD, because He is with us and He has given us the victory. In Isaiah 43:2-3, He says, “ When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior… ” (NLT) “ See, God has come to save me. I will trust in him and not be afraid. The LORD God is my strength and my song; he has given me victory. ” (Isaiah 12:2 NLT)

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) No matter what set of circumstances arise, remember, our God is a very present help in times of trouble. In the midst of catastrophe, He is the one constant. He is a faithful and well-proven help at all times. The LORD hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. (Psalm 34:17 NLT) Be confident that when you call upon Him, He will answer. (Psalm 91:15) Amen.

The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine. — Isaiah 9:2 (NLT) On your darkest day, cast your eyes on our Savior and Champion, Christ Jesus. No need to walk around in darkness and gloom, when we have Jesus. He is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). Like a lighthouse, He will guide you along in the storm and lead you to a safe harbor. Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” (John 8:12 NLT) “ I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes and trusts in Me [as Savior—all those who anchor their hope in Me and rely on the truth of My message] will not continue to live in darkness. ”  (John 12:46 AMP)  Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. (Isaiah 60:1 NKJV)

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) Proverbs 25:17 (NLT) says, “Don’t visit your neighbors too often, or you will wear out your welcome.” We may wear out our welcome with people, but never with our Lord and Savior. Jesus always invites us to come to Him. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus invites all who are weary and burdened to come to Him. In Mark 10:14, He told the disciples, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.” In John 7:37, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink.” So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. (Hebrews 4:16 NLT)

“If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.” — Isaiah 7:9 (NIV) When their enemies came to make war against the people of Jerusalem, God sent His prophet to King Ahaz. Isaiah said to him, “Be careful, keep calm and don’t be afraid. Do not lose heart…” (Isaiah 7:4) This is what the Sovereign LORD says: “ It will not take place, it will not happen …” (Isaiah 7:7). When the enemy threatens destruction, be careful about the words you speak, keep calm and don’t let fear grip you. Remember that the lies and threats of the enemy cannot prevail over you. God has given us authority on the earth. Stand firm in your faith. Believe that God is able to deliver you. Believe that He is willing. Believe that He will do exactly as He has said. God cannot lie. (Titus 1:2)

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) God loves us with an everlasting love. What great love the Father has lavished on us! His love never fails, nor falls short. In love, He created us, and continually cares for us. His love is not based on our performance. He loves us because that is who He is. God is love (1 John 4:8). He draws us closer to Him with lovingkindness. He sacrificed His only Son to restore us back into relationship with Him. How precious is your unfailing love, O God! All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of your wings. (Psalm 36:7 NLT) Open your heart to receive His love and walk in it every moment of the day. Surely goodness and mercy and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell forever [throughout all my days] in the house and in the presence of the LORD. (Psalm 23:6 AMP)

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) Be anxious for nothing. Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous. Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD. Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes. (Psalm 112:4, 6-8 NIV)

By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. — 2 Peter 1:3-4a (NLT) God has given us great and precious promises, and He is faithful to fulfill each one. Let us walk by faith, not by sight [living our lives in a manner consistent with our confident belief in God’s promises]— (2 Corinthians 5:7 AMP)  For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. (2 Corinthians 1:20 NKJV) No matter how the situation may appear today, be confident that God will work it all together for good.

…the righteous are bold as a lion. — Proverbs 28:1(NKJV) The righteous don't draw back when the enemy shows up because God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7 NLT) He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4) So when the fiery darts of the enemy come your way, hold up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. (Ephesians 6:16 AMP) Like the believers in Philippians 1:14, let us be confident and speak the word more boldly, without fear. The word of God is the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17), which is our only offensive weapon.

From the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been a shelter for me, a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings. Selah — Psalm 61:2-4 (NKJV) 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) For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are His ways higher than our ways, and His thoughts than our thoughts. (Isaiah 55:9) Our help comes from the LORD, the rock who is higher than I. He is higher than the circumstances we face today. He is higher than the doctor’s report. He is above any schemes of the enemy. Look up and call upon the LORD, our helper. 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)

“ Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. ”  — John 15:13-14 (NKJV) Jesus showed Himself a faithful friend when He gave His life to set us free and bring us into eternal fellowship with the Father. When you need a friend, Jesus is always there. He is a constant companion, and will never abandon you. He is compassionate and continually cares for you. Take whatever concerns you have to Him. Jesus is a [true, loving] friend who [is reliable and] sticks closer than a brother. (Proverbs 18:24b AMP). He is a loyal friend who loves at all times. (Proverbs 17:17a NKJV) Let us show ourselves friendly to God, by doing whatever He commands: loving Him with all of our hearts and souls, and by loving our neighbors as we love ourselves. (Matthew 22:37, 39) Amen.

So Jesus said to the twelve [disciples], “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Simon Peter answered, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You [alone] have the words of eternal life [you are our only hope].” — John 6:67-68 (AMP) As we depend upon Him, we live a peaceful life. When we daily walk with Him, we can have a joyful life. As we follow Him, and abide in His Word, we will live a victorious life. We were created to live and move and have our being in Him. (Acts 17:28) He leads us along the path of life. To whom shall we go? “ We have believed and confidently trusted, and [even more] we have come to know [by personal observation and experience] that You are the Holy One of God [the Christ, the Son of the living God]. ” (John 6:69 AMP)