Manna for Your Morning

Immediately they left their nets and followed Him [becoming His disciples, believing and trusting in Him and following His example]. — Mark 1:18 (AMP) Believe that Jesus is the Savior of the world. Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.   (Acts 2:21) Put your trust in His name. The name of Jesus is higher than any other name. Higher than any sickness or disease. His name is greater and carries more power than any mountain that stands before you. May we follow Jesus. His disciples trusted Him enough to leave their old ways behind. They chose to follow Jesus and pursue a more abundant life. What old ways are you willing to leave behind to follow Jesus? In John 12:36, Jesus said: “While you have the Light, believe and trust in the Light [have faith in it, hold on to it, rely on it], so that you may become sons of Light [being filled with Light as followers of God].”

“Look!” he answered, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.” — Daniel 3:25 (NKJV) Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego were cast bound into the midst of a fiery furnace that had been heated seven times hotter than normal, for not bowing down to a golden image. However,  when the king looked into the furnace, he saw four men loose and walking around in the fire. The flames had no power over them; when they came out, 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) When you are in the midst of a fiery furnace, know that Almighty God is with you. And He who is in you, is greater than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4) He will loosen the bonds of the enemy and protect you from the evil one. (2 Thessalonians 3:3) Trust God. He is able and willing to deliver you from your fiery trials.

Overhearing what was being said, Jesus said to the synagogue official, “Do not be afraid; only keep on believing [in Me and my power].” — Mark 5:36  (AMP) No matter how circumstances may appear at the moment, keep on believing God. His Presence is with us and His power is greater than anything that comes against us. For we 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) Let us seize and hold tightly the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is reliable and trustworthy and faithful [to His word]; (Hebrews 10:23 AMP).

Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. — Ephesians 4:29 (NASB) Ephesians 4:29 (AMP) clarifies unwholesome as foul, profane, worthless, and vulgar. Ephesians 4:29 (NLT) says: Don’t use foul or abusive language. Think of your words as containers. They hold the power of death or life (Proverbs 18:21). What are your containers full of? Are the words you speak full of death or life? Are they negative or positive? Do they hold the poisonous venom of jealousy and bitterness or the life-giving words of love and wisdom? Do the words that come out of your mouth promote fear or faith, division or unity? Are they hurtful or healing? Are your words angry and explosive or peace-inducing? Do they deflate others or lift them up? In order to be gracious in our speech, we need to put the Word of God in our containers by meditating on the Word day and night (Jo...

My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. — Psalm 121:2 (NKJV) Unless the LORD had helped me, I would soon have settled in the silence of the grave. — Psalm 94:17 (NLT) Our heavenly Father is not out to hurt you or harm you. He is not like the earthly Father who let your down, the friend that wasn't there for you, or the spouse that betrayed you. He is our Helper and He is faithful. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble. (Psalm 46:1) So we may boldly say: “The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6 NKJV) We experience more of a struggle when we try to do life our way and trust in our own strength. However, when we cast our cares on the LORD and rely on Him to fight our battles, we don’t get stressed out, nor grow weary, because His yoke is easy and His burden is light. (Matthew 11:30) Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grac...

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. — 1 Timothy 6:17 (NIV) Put your hope and trust in God. A relationship with the LORD is not about laws and regulations. It’s about an everlasting love and a more abundant life. He has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness. (2 Peter 1:3) He richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. (1 Timothy 6:17 NLT) God is not a hard taskmaster. He is a loving Father. His instructions are not to deprive us, but to protect us and keep us on the best pathway for our lives, one full of love, joy and peace. Hallelujah! I give thanks to God with everything I’ve got— Wherever good people gather, and in the congregation. God’s works are so great, worth A lifetime of study—endless enjoyment! Splendor and beauty mark his craft; His generosity never gives out. His miracles a...

You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. — 2 Timothy 2:3-4 (NKJV) No matter how difficult the battle, let us march on, as good soldiers of Jesus Christ! No looking back, only persevering and pressing on, continually advancing and taking ground for the Kingdom of God. All the challenges we encounter are part of the process to prepare us to fulfill the purpose and plan God has for our lives. If we don't give up, we will overcome and occupy our promised land. Let us invade the darkness with light. Invade hate and bitterness with His love and grace. The invaders charge. They climb barricades. Nothing stops them. Each soldier does what he’s told, so disciplined, so determined. They don’t get in each other’s way. Each one knows his job and does it. Undaunted and fearless, unswerving, unstoppable. (Joel 2:7-8 MSG) Be an invad...

The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and the One who rescues me; My God, my rock and strength in whom I trust and take refuge; My shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower—my stronghold.  — Psalm 18:2 (AMP) O taste and see that the LORD is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! (Psalm 34:8 NASB)  He has enclosed you behind and before, and laid His hand upon you. (Psalm 139:5) I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!” (Psalm 91:2 NASB) When criticized or accused, we feel a need to defend ourselves, but the LORD is the defense of our lives (Psalm 27:1). Take refuge in Him, for the battle belongs to the LORD. He will make your righteousness [your pursuit of right standing with God] like the light, and your judgment like [the shining of] the noonday [sun]. (Psalm 37:6 AMP) “May the LORD repay you for your kindness, and may your reward be full from the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take...

Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. — Ephesians 3:17 (NLT) First Corinthians 16:14 (NASB) instructs us to let all that we do be done in love. When we are rooted and grounded in the love of God, we produce the fruit of love. Drawing from the limitless supply of God's love within us, strengthens us and enables us to to serve one another in love. (Galatians 5:13) Being filled with God's love allows us to be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults... (Ephesians 4:2). So let your love abound still more and more (Philippians 1:9). For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love. (Hebrews 6:10)  It's with unfailing love that God draws us to Him. (Jeremiah 31:3)

Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. — Proverbs 4:7 (NKJV) Dear friend, take my advice; it will add years to your life. I’m writing out clear directions to Wisdom Way, I’m drawing a map to Righteous Road. I don’t want you ending up in blind alleys, or wasting time making wrong turns. Hold tight to good advice; don’t relax your grip. Guard it well—your life is at stake! Don’t take Wicked Bypass; don’t so much as set foot on that road. Stay clear of it; give it a wide berth. Make a detour and be on your way. (Proverbs 4:10-15 MSG) It’s a school of hard knocks for those who leave God’s path, a dead-end street for those who hate God’s rules. (Proverbs 15:10 MSG) Lady Wisdom says: “ You can find me on Righteous Road—that’s where I walk— at the intersection of Justice Avenue, handing out life to those who love me, filling their arms with life—armloads of life! ” (Proverbs 8:21 MSG)

John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light. — John 1:8 (NLT) In Jesus was life, and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines in the darkness… (John 1:4-5). There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. (John 1:6-7 NKJV) May we be like John, and tell others about the Light. For once we were full of darkness, but now we have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! (Ephesians 5:8 NLT) Let us be seen as bright lights [beacons shining out clearly] in the world [of darkness], (Philippians 2:15 AMP), so we can show others the way to Jesus, the Light of the world (John 8:12). Proclaim the praises of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light; (1 Peter 2:9).

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) If you have let the world draw you away from God, come running back to Him. Isaiah 55:7, in the Message Bible says: ...come back to our God, who is lavish with forgiveness. Continually come closer to our heavenly Father and let Him love you the way only He can. Nothing in this world can satisfy our souls, like our Abba Father. May the greatest hunger of our hearts be for more His Presence in our lives. As we first fellowship with the LORD, then we are able to flourish in our relationships with others. “Pay attention, come close now, listen carefully to my life-giving, life-nourishing words. I’m making a lasting covenant commitment with you, the same that I made with David: sure, solid, enduring love.” (Isaiah 55:3 MSG)

“Now listen! Today I am giving you a choice between life and death, between prosperity and disaster.” — Deuteronomy 30:15  (NLT) Every person on this planet has a choice to make. It's not a one time decision, but a choice we make moment by moment, with each word we speak and every action we take, to follow Christ or to go astray. While the enemy wants to steal, kill and destroy, Jesus came that we may have life and that we may have it more abundantly. (John 10:10). So choose life in order that both you and your descendants may live; (Deuteronomy 30:19). Jesus said, “ I tell you most solemnly that anyone who chooses a life of sin is trapped in a dead-end life and is, in fact, a slave. ” (John 8:34 MSG) Choose to walk on the narrow road that leads to everlasting life. (Matthew 7:14) You’re blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by God. You’re blessed when you follow his directions, doing your best to find him. That’s right—you don’t go off on yo...

“In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can’t get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God’s part.” — Matthew 6:14-15 (MSG) Never cut yourself off from God. As we pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17), we keep the channel of communication open and maintain that vital connection with our Mighty God. Our entire walk with Christ is based on our connection to Him. To know Him, we must connect with Him. Jesus is the vine, and we are the branches, without Him we can do nothing (John 15:5). What we have in this connection is a bond of love that can never be broken. It is an everlasting covenant, which is not like a contract which can be dissolved. With this connection, we have peace and confidence in knowing that He is always with us.

Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end. — John 13:1 (NKJV) Jesus got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him. (John 13:4-5) Jesus showed His love for his disciples by serving them. He washed their feet. The love He had for His disciples moved him to action. The love He has for us led Him to sacrifice His life on the cross. May we continuously walk in love and show others the full extent of our love. Love never comes to an end. (1 Corinthians 13:8 GW)

“And the LORD, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.” — Deuteronomy 31:8 (NKJV) Just as nothing can separate us from the love of God, nothing can separate us from His Presence. He promises to be with us forever. He is our guide and constant Companion as we journey through all seasons of life. He invites us to come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16). In His Presence we have perfect peace. His Presence makes our joy complete. In His Presence, we have everything we need. Passionately pursue His Presence and He will enable you to fulfill His plan and purpose for your life.

For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. — Romans 8:38-39 (NKJV) Be fully convinced that nothing, absolutely nothing can separate us from the love God has for us. He doesn't love us from afar. He loves us up close and personal. He knows everything about us and He still loves us. No matter what adverse circumstances come our way, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us enough to give His life to save us. With God on our side like this, how can we lose?

The LORD is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray. — Psalm 25:8 (NLT) Psalm 145:9  (NKJV) says, The LORD is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works. God shows no favoritism. (Acts 10:24 NLT) He is good to ALL. Circumstances may not always appear good, but remember that God is good and the plans He has for you are good. We may not be able to make sense of some things in our limited, human understanding. However, let us stay the course with Christ. He has a path for each person. Commit to closely following Him and take each step by faith. For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. (1 Peter 2:21 NLT)

He who has ears to hear, let him hear and heed My words. — Matthew 11:15 (AMP) God has given us ears to hear and eyes to see. (Proverb 20:12) In the course of a day, we are bombarded with so many voices. In order to hear God's voice we need to turn a deaf ear to the voices of the world and tune our ears to His still small voice. The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty. (Psalm 29:4) Let the voice of the LORD override all the other voices you allow to fill your head. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. (Proverbs 3:6 MSG) … for he is our God. We are the people he watches over, the flock under his care. If only you would listen to his voice today! (Psalm 95:7 NLT)

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. — Ezekiel 36:26 (NKJV) The New Living Translation says: “… I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. ” (Ezekiel 36:26b) Is your heart tender and responsive to God? If you have a stony heart, let the gentle hands of our heavenly Father remove it and replace it with a heart of flesh. The heart of stone is cold and hard, nothing can get into it and nothing can get out. It is prideful and stubborn (wants its own way). It holds on to grudges and offense. A stony heart does not know God and turns away from Him. The heart of flesh has the blood of Jesus running through it, constantly giving it newness of life. It is set on fire by the embers of His love. The heart of flesh is humble and willing to forgive. It is wise and seeks understanding. The heart of flesh is a believing heart. It knows God and believe...

We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. And he did rescue us from mortal danger, and he will rescue us again. We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to rescue us. — 2 Corinthians 1:8-10  (NLT) Learn to rely only on God. The One who brings the dead back to life, is able to bring you through the stormy seasons of your life. When you are crushed and overwhelmed, put your confidence in the Lord. He will rescue you from all your troubles.

I am the Good Shepherd, and I know [without any doubt those who are] My own and My own know Me [and have a deep, personal relationship with Me] — John 10:14 (AMP) Our heavenly Father desires for us to know Him. He says in the Word many times, “that they shall know that I am the LORD.” He is Yahweh! The LORD! The God of compassion and mercy! He is slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. (Exodus 34:6) He wants us to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is. (Ephesians 3:18) Know that He is a mighty God, who is able to make what seems impossible to us, possible when we trust and rely on Him. In Psalm 46:10 He says, “ Be still, and know that I am God. ”

And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. — Colossians 3:14 (NIV) Love is the language we are to speak. Love is the attire we are to put on each day. The Message Bible says: And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it. (Colossians 3:14) When someone cuts you off, or speaks with a negative attitude toward you, respond in love. Speak truth in love. Love is our basic all-purpose garment. Whatever our purpose, love is how we go about fulfilling it. Let each interaction we have with another person be marked by love.  We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. (1 John 4:16 NASB)

You, LORD, are my lamp; the LORD turns my darkness into light. With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall. — 2 Samuel 22:29-30 (NIV) As followers of Christ and ambassadors for the Kingdom of God, let us advance and take territory for His kingdom. As a good soldier of Jesus Christ, let us not draw back, but continually seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. We take ground for the Kingdom of God as we invade the darkness with His light and His love. We take ground for the Kingdom as we combat the forces of darkness with love, peace, and the Word of truth, that sets people free. “ Prepare your shields, and advance into battle! ” (Jeremiah 46:3 NLT) For the battle belongs to the LORD and He has given us the victory!

You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! — Psalm 139:16-17 (NLT) All your days were written in His book before you drew your first breath. Never think God has forgotten about you. His thoughts about you outnumber the grains of sand. He knows the exact number of hairs on your head. (Matthew 10:30) He knows where the enemy will set his traps, and He has already made a way of escape for you. Our mighty God has already prepared a way out of every challenge you will encounter. He knows the best route to get you to your desired destination. He will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; He will guide you with His loving eye upon you.

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) When circumstances are less than optimal, remember that God will work all things together for good in your life. May we hold onto His perfect peace, as we develop patience and perseverance. Working all things together for good is a process that takes T-I-M-E. Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace]. (James 1:3 AMP) We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. (Romans 5:3 NLT) Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful. (James 5:11 NKJV)

Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” — John 8:12 (NASB) You’re sons of Light, daughters of Day. We live under wide open skies and know where we stand. So let’s not sleepwalk through life like those others. Let’s keep our eyes open and be smart. People sleep at night and get drunk at night. But not us! Since we’re creatures of Day, let’s act like it. Walk out into the daylight sober, dressed up in faith, love, and the hope of salvation. (1 Thessalonians 5:5-8 MSG) If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. (1 John 1:7) Come. Let us walk, live and play in the light of the LORD!

…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) Instead of concentrating on our to-do list, let us cast all our cares upon our heavenly Father and draw near to Him. It's more important for us to remember our to-be list. God is love. If we want to be like Him, we are to be love. Whatever we do, may we do it in love. When people come at us the wrong way, may we continue to be love. His perfect love working in us produces joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and gentleness. Worry, on the other hand, produces anxiety, frustration, and fear. Our mighty God is able to handle all your concerns. Trust Him.