Manna for Your Morning

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) When your heart is overwhelmed, cry out to the LORD for help. 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) He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved. (Psalm 62:6) Always remember that God is your rock, and the Most High God your Redeemer. (Psalm 78:35) He will make your feet like the feet of deer, and set you on your high places (Psalm 18:33). He will place you above any earthly circumstances. Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I!

It takes wisdom to build a house, and understanding to set it on a firm foundation; — Proverbs 24:3 (MSG) Exercise wisdom by seeking the face of God and keeping your ear open to hear His voice. For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding; (Proverbs 2:6 NKJV). By understanding and following the living Word of God, your life will be set on a firm foundation that will not be moved by heavy winds or floodwaters.  When the whirlwind passes by, the wicked is no more, but the righteous has an everlasting foundation.  (Proverbs 10:25 NKJV) …knowledge, and wisdom for your soul— Get that and your future’s secured, your hope is on solid rock. (Proverbs 24:14 MSG) …and in all your getting, get understanding. (Proverbs 4:7 NKJV).

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. — Revelation 3:20 (NKJV) May your ears be open to hear. Jesus is calling your name. If you hear His voice, open the door of your heart and let Him in and give Him full access. Don't just confine Him to a closet that only gets opened on Sunday morning. Welcome Him into every crevice, every area of your life. He will cleanse it with His blood and fill it with His amazing love. A deep sense of peace will settle over your heart, mind and soul. Is the door of your heart open to receive Him? Do you allow Him access to every room on a daily basis?

For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” — Zephaniah 3:17 (NLT) Our heavenly Father is much like the father of the prodigal son. He only wants the best for us. When the lost son came home, his father told his servants, “ Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found. ” And they began to be merry. (Luke 15:22-24 NKJV) God adores His children and enjoys spending time with us. He wants us to continually abide in Him. We call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” (Matthew 1:23) How do you respond to His gracious, generous love? Let us respond with grateful hearts, and thankful attitudes. Respond by loving Him and drawin...

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; — Ephesian 6:17 (NKJK) We are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12 NLT) Let us fight this spiritual war by using the sword of the Spirit, that is standing on God’s Word. For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12 NASB) Even Jesus overcame the devil's temptation by saying: “ It is written... ” (Matthew 4:4, 4:7, 4:10) May we follow His example.

So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, and struck the Philistine and killed him. But there was no sword in the hand of David. — 1 Samuel 17:50 (NKJV) Goliath, the Philistine had taunted the Israelites for forty days, morning and evening. (1 Samuel 17:16) And all the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him and were dreadfully afraid. (1 Samuel 17:24) But when David heard the words of Goliath, he said, “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” (1 Samuel 17:26) In 1 Samuel 17:50, David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, and struck the Philistine and killed him. The Israelites were intimidated by the size of Goliath, but David knew his God was bigger. Don’t be intimated or overwhelmed by the size of your problem, know that our God is bigger. Rely on Him and you will prevail.

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) The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? (Psalm 118:6) When the enemy comes in like a flood, The Spirit of the LORD will lift up a standard against him. (Isaiah 59:19b) With us is the LORD our God, to help us and to fight our battles. The battle belongs to the LORD and He has already won. Hallelujah and amen! Be strong and of good courage; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the LORD God is with you.

A cheerful disposition is good for your health; gloom and doom leave you bone-tired. — Proverbs 17:22 (MSG) The doom and gloom of constant negative news and bad reports leave you bone-tired. It drains your energy and crushes your spirit. Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweet and delightful to the soul and healing to the body. (Proverbs 16:24 AMP) Plug into the Word of God. His Word gives life. (Psalm 119:50) His Word promotes inner peace and harmony with others. When His Word is sent, it brings healing (Psalm 107:20)  His Word strengthens and revives. (Psalm 119:25, 28) Be intentional about continually hearing and speaking God's Word and a cheerful disposition is sure to follow. A happy heart is good medicine and a joyful mind causes healing... (Proverbs 17:22 AMP) Keep your heart happy with the Word of God!

David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God. — 1 Samuel 30:6 (NIV) When David and his men came to Ziklag, their enemies had invaded the city, attacked it and burned it with fire. (1 Samuel 30:1) And their wives, their sons, and their daughters had been taken captive. (Samuel 30:3) Then David and the people who were with him raised their voices and wept until they were too exhausted to weep [any longer]. (1 Samuel 30:4 AMP) But David found strength in the LORD. When the enemy invades your life and everything seems lost, find strength in the Lord of lords and the King of kings. When those who once walked with you, hurl bitter insults and accusations against you, find strength in our faithful God. During those times that cause you to weep until you can weep no more, rise up out of the ashes and find strength to continue on with our mighty S...

“I have spread out My hands all the day long to a rebellious and stubborn people, who walk in the way that is not good, [following] after their own thoughts and intentions, — Isaiah 65:2 (AMP) In Luke 15:11-32, Jesus tells a parable about a young son who demanded his inheritance. went to a far country and squandered his wealth in reckless and immoral living. After he spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. (Luke 15:14) When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, “At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger!” (Luke 15:17)   So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. (Luke 15:20 AMP) Our heavenly Father is full of love and compassion toward us. His arms are open and He is waiting for His lost children to come home. He longs...

You can’t find firm footing in a swamp, but life rooted in God stands firm. — Proverbs 12:3 (MSG) Why live in Camp Swampee, when you can dwell on the firm foundation? It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built. (Luke 6:48 NLT) Let us build our lives rooted in God. The Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you [setting you on a firm foundation] and will protect and guard you from the evil one. (2 Thessalonians 3:3 AMP) The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see. (Hebrews 11:1 MSG)

The first time I was brought before the judge, no one came with me. Everyone abandoned me. May it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength so that I might preach the Good News in its entirety for all the Gentiles to hear. And he rescued me from certain death. — 2 Timothy 4:16-17 (NLT) Just as the Lord was with the Apostle Paul, He is with you. All others may abandon you, but the Lord stands with you and gives you strength. He empowers you to do all that He has called you to do. The LORD hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. (Psalm 34:17 NLT) Amen.

  Wait for and confidently expect the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for and confidently expect the LORD. — Psalm 27:14 (AMP) Our culture has taught us to expect things to happen at the click of a button. As children of God, we are to wait patiently for God’s perfect timing. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God (Romans 8:14 NLT). Once instructed to go, we can go in peace and in His strength, knowing that His Presence is with us to guide us in the right direction at the right time. There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-3 NASB)

“I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me.” — John 5:30 (NKJV) Even Jesus said He could do nothing by Himself. Why do we try to operate outside of God’s will? John 15:5 says, Jesus is the vine, we are the branches. Without Jesus we can do nothing. When we abide in Him, we bear much fruit. Let us have the same attitude of Christ: not our will, but His be done. We accomplish this as we abide in Him, that means staying connected to Him, like vines are connected to the branch. As we surrender, submit, and sacrifice (not the most popular words in the world today), we will abide in Him. The first step in this ongoing process is surrender, give up, raise your hands and give God the praise. Second is submit, cooperate with and participate in God’s plan. Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. (James 4:7) Third, become a living sacrifice.  Theref...

Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. — James 4:8 (NLT) May we set our affections on the Lord and be totally devoted to Him. What the world has to offer is temporary and superficial. It is good for us to draw near to God (Psalm 73:8), for in Him we live and move and have our being, (Acts 17:28). Count on this: The wicked won’t get off scot-free, and God’s loyal people will triumph. (Proverbs 11:21 MSG) For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. (2 Chronicles 16:9a NKJV)

God is all strength for his people, ample refuge for his chosen leader; Save your people and bless your heritage. Care for them; carry them like a good shepherd. — Psalm 28:8-9 MSG My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “LORD, I am coming.” (Psalm 27:8 NLT) God tells us to come to Him, casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]. (1 Peter 5:7 AMP)

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End [the Eternal One].” — Revelation 22:13 (AMP) If you don’t come to Jesus, to whom shall you go? And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6b NASB) God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, (Philippians 2:9-10 NLT) Jesus is the Beginning and the End. He will be with you no matter what life brings your way. When your boat gets turned over in the middle of the storm, Jesus is your life preserver, and His love is the anchor that will hold you steady. If you have any mountains to climb or hurdles to jump, it's His power and strength that will bring you to the other side. When your house gets destroyed by fire, He is a re-builder of the walls and the strong foundation on which it can be built. Our Savi...

For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” — Isaiah 57:15 (NKJV) Psalm 10:17 (NASB) says the LORD hears the desire of the humble, He strengthens their heart, and inclines His ear to hear their voice. Isaiah 29:19 (NKJV) tells us, “The humble also shall increase their joy in the LORD…” James 4:6 (NKJV) says, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, (1 Peter 5:6 NKJV). Let us abide in His Presence, in the high and holy place. For we are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, (1 Peter 2:9)

When Elisha’s servant arose early and went out, there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots. And his servant said to him, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” (2 Kings 6:14-15) So he answered, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, and said, “LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” Then the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. — 2 Kings 6:16-17 (NKJV) When you wake up in the morning and it seems like the enemy has you surrounded, remember,  there are more on our side than on theirs! Greater is the One in us than he who is in the world. Do not fear, for He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. (Psalm 91:11) The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them. (Psalm 34:7) I pray the LORD open your eyes that you may see with eyes of faith...

Now Joseph had a dream, and he told it to his brothers; and they hated him even more. Then he dreamed still another dream and told it to his brothers, and said, “Look, I have dreamed another dream. And this time, the sun, the moon, and the eleven stars bowed down to me.” — Genesis 37:5, 9 (NKJV) I believe it was the power of Joseph’s dreams that helped him persevere through his problems. First, his brothers threw him in a pit, then sold him into slavery. But the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a successful man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. And his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD made all he did to prosper in his hand. (Genesis 39:2-3) Eventually Joseph found himself in prison, for doing the right thing. No matter what challenges he faced, I’m sure he lay awake at night remembering his dreams. Finally, he was placed in the palace and God put him in position to save His people from famine. In Genesis 41:41, Pharaoh set Joseph over al...

But as for me, I will look expectantly for the LORD and with confidence in Him I will keep watch; I will wait [with confident expectation] for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me. — Micah 7:7 (AMP) My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him. (Psalm 62:5) Our waiting upon the LORD is not a passive, lay there and do nothing kind of wait. It is an active, continually doing what God has called me to do on a daily basis, kind of wait. We are to prayerfully, keep watch to see what He will speak to us next. We are open to receive additional instruction and guidance. It is a patient wait, full of anticipation and expectation. While we wait, we are confident that no matter how circumstances may appear, God is working for our good. As Psalm 34:19 (AMP) says: Many hardships and perplexing circumstances confront the righteous, but the LORD rescues him from them all.

“I, even I, am He who comforts you. Who are you that you should be afraid of a man who will die, and of the son of a man who will be made like grass? And you forget the LORD your Maker, Who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth; — Isaiah 51:12-13a (NKJV) 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) When doubts fill your mind, His comfort will give you renewed hope and cheer. (Psalm 94:19 NLT) Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles… (2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NIV)

“Who among you fears the LORD? Who obeys the voice of His Servant? Who walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the LORD and rely upon his God.” — Isaiah 50:10 (NKJV) In times of darkness and confusion, put your trust in the name of the LORD. Our help is in the name of the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. (Psalm 124:8) David confronted his enemy, Goliath, in the name of the LORD of hosts (1 Samuel 17:45) and experienced a great victory for God’s people. Whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved (Joel 2:32). He gives light to those who sit in darkness. The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. (Proverbs 18:10 NKJV) God’s name is a place of protection. (Proverbs 18:10a MSG)  Let us trust in the mighty name of the LORD and rely upon our God. Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. (Psalm 20:7)

The centurion answered and said, “Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed.” — Matthew 8:8 (NKJV) Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.” And his servant was healed that same hour. — Matthew 8:13 (NKJV) Matthew 8:10 says: When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel! May we be like the centurion and take Jesus at His Word. In John 19:30, Jesus said, “ It is finished! ” The battle is already won. Jesus has done everything that needed to be done for us to live a victorious life. He has given us the authority here on earth. In John 16:33, Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” So don’t be surprised at the fiery ordeal which is...

So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn’t hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn’t gladly and freely do for us? — Romans 8:31-32 (MSG) No matter how difficult the battle you may be going through or how high the mountain before you, remember that our mighty God is on your side. As the Amplified Bible says: If God is for us, who can be [successful] against us? (Romans 8:31) “ No weapon that is formed against you will succeed; and every tongue that rises against you in judgment you will condemn. This [peace, righteousness, security, and triumph over opposition] is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from Me, ” says the LORD . (Isaiah 54:17 AMP) Amen.

If any of you lacks wisdom [to guide him through a decision or circumstance], he is to ask of [our benevolent] God, who gives to everyone generously and without rebuke or blame, and it will be given to him. — James 1:5 (AMP) Perplexed about the circumstances and situations of life? Let us seek wisdom from God. For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding; (Proverbs 2:6 (NKJV) Happy [blessed, considered fortunate, to be admired] is the man who finds [skillful and godly] wisdom, and the man who gains understanding and insight [learning from God’s word and life’s experiences], (Proverbs 3:13 AMP) Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. (Proverbs 4:7 NKJV) “ ...whoever listens to me (wisdom) will live without worry and will be free from the dread of disaster. ” — Proverbs 1:33 (GW)

“Do not tremble; do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim my purposes for you long ago? You are my witnesses—is there any other God? No! There is no other Rock—not one!” — Isaiah 44:8 (NLT) Jesus once asked the twelve disciples, “ Do you also want to go away? ” (John 6:67)   But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (John 6:68-69) There is no other Rock, except our mighty God. He is the solid Rock on whom you can stand. Seek the LORD while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near. (Isaiah 55:6 NKJV) Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. (1 Peter 5:7 NLT) And nothing is too difficult for Him.

“You are My witnesses,” says the LORD, “And My servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe Me, and understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, nor shall there be after Me. I, even I, am the LORD, and besides Me there is no savior.” — Isaiah 43:10-11 (NKJV) Who else has held the oceans in his hand? Who has measured off the heavens with his fingers? Who else knows the weight of the earth or has weighed the mountains and hills on a scale? (Isaiah 40:12 NLT) 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) But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6 NKJV) Our greatest pursuit in life is to know and believe (trust) the LORD— our heavenly Father, the Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ, our Savior. There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other n...

“Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them.” — Isaiah 42:9 (NKJV) Look forward to the new things the Lord will do in your life today. Dwelling on former things is a futile effort. What you choose to do today will affect your tomorrow, but there is nothing you can do today that will change the past. As long as the enemy can keep you looking back, he is paralyzing your future. Be aware, the Lord is doing something new. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it?  (Isaiah 43:19 NKJV)

‘Do not fear [anything], for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, be assured I will help you; I will certainly take hold of you with My righteous right hand [a hand of justice, of power, of victory, of salvation].’ — Isaiah 41:10 (AMP) No need to be distressed or discouraged. Strength and help are available. Our mighty God will give you the strength to overcome difficulties and triumph over trials and tribulations. King Jesus is the source of our strength and He has an endless supply. There is nothing to difficult for Him. Call upon His name and you can be assured you will receive help in your time of need.

“Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word, and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.” — Mark 4:18-19 (NKJV) Once you have heard the word, don’t let the worries and cares of the world choke it out of you. Psalm 119:165 says, great peace have those who love His law, and nothing causes them to stumble. The entrance of His words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple. (Psalm 119:130) The Word of God gives us life. (Psalm 119:93) His word is a lamp to guide your feet and a light for your path. (Psalm 119:105) Unlike the things of this world that are temporary, the word of our God stands forever. (Isaiah 40:8) Instead of being distracted with concerns about all the things you have to do and all the things you want to get, be like those who receive the word on good ground. “…they hear the word, accept it, and bear fruit: some thirtyfold...