Manna for Your Morning

But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. — Acts 20:24 (NKJV) Don’t be moved by the troubles that come your way. For our light and momentary afflictions won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! (2 Corinthians 4:17) Continue to fight the good fight, finish the race, and keep the faith. (2 Timothy 4:7) Let's not just finish the race, but let us cross the finish line with joy. The joy of the LORD is your strength. Never let the enemy steal your joy.

The burden of the word of the LORD to Israel by Malachi. — Malachi 1:1 (NKJV) Malachi was burdened with a word from the LORD that he had to release. The word “burden” has a heaviness to it, but it can also be a beautiful thing. In Matthew 11:30, Jesus said: “ For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. ” The burden Jesus gives us is light. However, manmade burdens are too much for us to bear. Matthew 23:4 says: For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. May we feel the weight (or the significance) of God’s Word more than anything the enemy brings our way. Let us put on the burden of the Word of the LORD, and release it to others. The Word says all things are possible with God. That is a much more easier burden to bear than one of discouragement and defeat. Every word of God proves true! (Proverbs 30:5a NLT)

“ Why do you spend your money on junk food, your hard-earned cash on cotton candy? Listen to me, listen well: Eat only the best, fill yourself with only the finest. 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 55:2-3 (MSG) Let us come close to the LORD and listen carefully to His life-giving, life-nourishing words. His Word brings healing and wholeness. It comforts, strengthens and encourages. His Word stands forever and lasts throughout all types of storms and battles. His Word gives us hope and preserves our lives. In His Word, our heavenly Father tells us of the sure, solid and enduring love, He has for us. May we feast on His Word.

So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. — Revelation 12:9 (NKJV) And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. — Revelation 12:17  (NKJV) Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, let us remember that we are in a war. As good soldiers of Jesus Christ, we need to stay engaged and focused on our purpose and mission. Don’t be deceived, distracted, draw back nor drift. Revelation 12:9 (AMP) says, the devil continually deceives and seduces the entire inhabited world. In order to walk in victory in this life, we must wield the weapon our heavenly Father provided for us: the Word of God. It is the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17). For the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword… (Hebre...

And 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 (NKJV) Jesus was able to sleep in the midst of the storm because He trusted the Father. Jesus is fully aware of all that concerns you. Know for a fact, that Jesus cares about you so much, He gave His life to save you. And God has not forgotten about you or your situation. You are continually on His mind and He constantly lavishes His love on you. He is so intimately involved with you, on a moment by moment basis, that the very hairs of your head are all numbered. (Luke 12:7a) When the winds of adversity arise in your life, know that God is working for your good. As the stormy waves hit, remember that nothing is too difficult for our wonder-working God.

“Come to me, all of you who are tired and have heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Accept my teachings and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit, and you will find rest for your lives. ” — Matthew 11:28-29 (NCV) If you are tired and heavily burdened, Jesus says, “Come!”  Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden ... (Psalm 68:19 NASB).    When we try to do things in our own might and power, we become weary. May we rest in His Presence. The LORD gives us the strength to do all that He has called us to do, by the power of His Holy Spirit within us. There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest... (Hebrews 4:9,11). For the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel has said this, “In returning [to Me] and rest you shall be saved, in quietness and confident trust is your strength.” (Isaiah 30:15a  AMP)

“Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.” — Matthew 6:34 (MSG) Each day is a gift. If we rewind to past disappointments or fast forward and fret about tomorrow, we are allowing the enemy to steal the joy of living this moment, in the Presence of the LORD. When we live in the past or jump into the future, we are distracted and disconnected from what God is doing right now. Instead press play and live! Give attention to what God is doing right now, and experience fullness of joy. Focus on His Presence and your heart and mind will be full of peace. He gives us our daily bread, strength for today. We have the promise of His Presence and with God on our side, nothing can stand against us.

“ How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him. ” — 1 Kings 18:21 (ESV) As long as we are torn between following the LORD or following the things of this world, we are limping, unable to walk and run as God intended. The Message Bible says: “How long are you going to sit on the fence?” Sitting on the fence is painful. Choose today, to follow the LORD. He formed your inward parts and knit you together in your mother's womb. (Psalm 139:13) He has all the days ordained for you written in His book (Psalm 139:16). Choose to follow the LORD our God, He is the One who goes with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:16) Follow the LORD, who demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and rescues them. — Psalm 34:7 (NASB) I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. In my desperation I prayed, and the LORD listened; he saved me from all my troubles. For the angel of the LORD is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him. (Psalm 34:4-7 NLT) Look to the LORD for help. For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways. (Psalm 91:11 NASB)

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words. — Proverbs 18:21 (AMP) Wisely choose the words you speak. The Amplified Bible reminds us that we bear the consequences of the words we speak. In Matthew 9:20-21, the woman who had suffered from a discharge of blood for twelve years came up behind Jesus and touched the fringe of his garment, for she said to herself , “If I only touch his garment, I will be made well.” She received her healing. What are you saying to yourself? In Luke 7:7, the centurion told Jesus, “I did not even consider myself worthy to come to You, but j ust say the word , and my servant will be healed.” In Luke 7:10, his servant was found in good health. Speak words of life, and lives will be changed. James 3:9-10 says, with our tongues we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both bl...

The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the LORD.  — Proverbs 21:31  (NASB) Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. (2 Chronicles 20:15 NKJV) “But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the LORD’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the LORD is with you!” (2 Chronicles 20:17 NLT) “With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God, to help us and to fight our battles.” (2 Chronicles 32:8 NKJV) Do not be discouraged because of the battles you face today. Know that the LORD is with you! Take your position: stand in faith, in Christ, and watch the LORD’s victory. 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) Prepare for the day of batt...

Jesus was going through all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness. Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd. — Matthew 9:35-36 (NASB) Jesus sees you today. And He is still moved with compassion for people. No need to be distressed or discouraged. Whatever troubles you, is in this world, and Jesus has overcome the world. (John 16:33) He is your stability in the storm. Jesus is the answer to any question and the solution to every problem. If you are sick, He is the physician. For those who are lost, Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6a). He is the Good Shepherd. Follow Him. He is able and willing to take care of all that concerns you.

Jesus’ disciples went with him as he left in a boat. Suddenly, a severe storm came across the sea. The waves were covering the boat. Yet, Jesus was sleeping. — Matthew 8:23-24 (GW) The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. (Matthew 8:25-26 NIV) The disciples were fearful because they were focusing on the conditions of the storm. Jesus was sleeping because He trusted the Father. If we are in the boat with Jesus, we too can have perfect peace when severe storms come our way, by trusting God. His Presence is our protection. Instead of looking at the winds and the waves (circumstances), keep your eyes on Jesus, the Champion who initiates and perfects our faith. (Hebrews 12:2 NLT)

Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off.   — Proverbs 23:18 (NASB) In God, we have a living hope! He is a God who brings dead things back to life. “…blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence.” (Jeremiah 17:7 NLT) He alone is our hope in the day of doom and disaster. (Jeremiah 17:17b) And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. (Romans 5:5 NLT) Hold onto hope and be confident that you will see the LORD’s goodness while you are here in the land of the living. (Psalm 27:13) The LORD always keeps his promises; he is gracious in all he does. (Psalm 145:13b NLT)

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only...” — James‬ ‭1:22‬ ‭(NKJV) ‬‬ After we hear the Word, may we apply it to what we do and who we are. In Matthew 7:24 (MSG), Jesus says, “These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on.“ When the Word of God is the foundation of our lives, what is built will withstand the storms of life. “”Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”” (Matthew‬ ‭...

So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and he’ll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet. — James 4:7-10  (MSG) Say “Yes!” to God. Resist the devil and he will flee. When we humble ourselves in the Presence of the LORD, He will lift us up in due time. May His perfect will be done in your life.

“Seek GOD while he’s here to be found, pray to him while he’s close at hand. Let the wicked abandon their way of life and the evil their way of thinking. Let them come back to GOD, who is merciful, come back to our God, who is lavish with forgiveness.” — Isaiah 55:6-7 (MSG) If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9) He removes our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. (Psalms 103:12) Instead beating yourself up over past mistakes, decide to seek the wisdom of God at this present moment. Seek our merciful God while He may be found. 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)

God, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I’m not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd’s crook makes me feel secure. — Psalm 23:1-4 (MSG) With Jesus by our side, we have all we need. As the good Shepherd, He is true to His Word and continually cares for His sheep. He provides for all our needs. He leads us along on the right path. No matter what valley you go through, just keep following Jesus. He is the way. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” (John 10:11 NKJV)

Heed the sound of my cry for help, my King and my God, for to You I pray. In the morning, O LORD, You will hear my voice; In the morning I will prepare [a prayer and a sacrifice] for You and watch and wait [for You to speak to my heart]. — Psalm 5:2-3 (AMP) Don’t rush into action prematurely, watch and wait for the Holy Spirit to impart wisdom and guidance from the throne room of God. Be still before the LORD; wait patiently for Him and entrust yourself to Him; (Psalm 37:7a AMP) Our heavenly Father will guide you along the right paths. Blessed be the Lord— day after day he carries us along. He’s our Savior, our God, oh yes! He’s God-for-us, he’s God-who-saves-us Lord God knows all death’s ins and outs. (Psalm 68:19-20 MSG)

Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. — 1 Peter 4:12 (NLT) Don’t be caught off guard when troubles come your way. We have an enemy who has declared war on us (Revelation 12:17). He is a liar and only wants to steal, kill and destroy. (John 10:10a) However, the One in us is mightier than he who is in the world. Our God is greater! Troubles come and go, but our heavenly Father remains forever. The Message Bible says: The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever. (2 Corinthians 4:18) This light momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison... (2 Corinthians 4:17) Jesus endured the cross for the joy that was set before Him. (Hebrews 12:2) Let us keep an eternal perspective, in all circumstances.

The one thing I ask of the LORD— the thing I seek most— is to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, delighting in the LORD’s perfections and meditating in his Temple. — Psalm 27:4 (NLT)   That’s the only quiet, secure place in a noisy world, the perfect getaway, far from the buzz of traffic. — Psalm 27:5 (MSG)  A single day in His courts is better than a thousand anywhere else! I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God than live the good life in the homes of the wicked. (Psalm 84:10)  May we delight ourselves in His perfect peace and flawless love. My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “LORD, I am coming.” (Psalm 27:8 NLT) I’m sure now I’ll see God’s goodness in the exuberant earth. Stay with God! Take heart. Don’t quit. I’ll say it again: Stay with God. (Psalm 27:13-14 MSG)

We’re free of it! All of us! Nothing between us and God, our faces shining with the brightness of his face. And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him. — 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 (MSG) Let there be nothing between you and God. Only our Creator knows us better than we know ourselves. He formed us in our mother's womb (Psalm 139:13) Open the door of your heart and let God enter those rooms that you have padlocked shut. Let His glory bring light to the dark areas. We become more and more like Him as we allow Him to enter the crevices of our hearts and perform His restoration project. He takes lives that have been seemingly reduced to rubble and transforms them into lives full of His beauty and glory, as we allow Him to work in us, and through us.

There is a wide-open door for a great work here, although many oppose me.   — 1 Corinthians 16:9 (NLT) We are here for such a time as this. If God woke you up this morning, He has something for you to do today. Each day is one step on the journey toward the wonderful plans He has for you. Let us begin each day by offering ourselves to our heavenly Father, as vessels to be occupied by His Holy Spirit. (Romans 12:1) Every day can be extraordinary, as we follow the leading of the Holy Spirit within us. He will open the doors that need to be opened, and the enemy cannot close them. Appreciate the beauty in each moment and make the most of every opportunity God gives you. I cry out to God Most High, to God who will fulfill his purpose for me. (Psalm 57:2 NLT) “I know that You can do all things, and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.” (Job 42:2 NASB)

Hosea put it well: I’ll call nobodies and make them somebodies; I’ll call the unloved and make them beloved. In the place where they yelled out, “You’re nobody!” they’re calling you “God’s living children.” — Romans 9:25-26 MSG Isaiah maintained this same emphasis: If each grain of sand on the seashore were numbered and the sum labeled “chosen of God,” They’d be numbers still, not names; salvation comes by personal selection. God doesn’t count us; he calls us by name. Arithmetic is not his focus. (Romans 9:27-28 MSG)  God personally selected us to be called His living children. 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) He calls each one of us by name and He leads us, like a shepherd leads his sheep. (See John 10:3) In addition, He called us for a purpose. Beloved brothers and sisters, He has a wonderful plan for our lives. Don’t let the enemy keep you from fulfilling your purpose and livi...

“I’m leaving you well and whole. That’s my parting gift to you. Peace. I don’t leave you the way you’re used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don’t be upset. Don’t be distraught.” — John 14:27 (MSG) As we live our lives in relationship with Jesus, He makes us well & whole. He gives sight to the blind and makes the lame walk again. The woman that had the issue of blood for 12 years, spent all she had on physicians and could not be healed by any. But one contact with Jesus and she was healed immediately. (Luke 8:43,47) No matter how many years, you have been dealing with your issue, Jesus can make you well and whole too. Abide in the peace Jesus gives. He will never abandon you. “I call to God; GOD will help me. At dusk, dawn, and noon I sigh deep sighs—he hears, he rescues. My life is well and whole, secure in the middle of danger Even while thousands are lined up against me. God hears it all, and from his judge’s bench puts them in their place…”  (Psalm 55:16-1...

“Be full of joy in the Lord always. I will say again, be full of joy.” — Philippians 4:4 (NCV) May we be like the Apostle Paul who said:  “...I have learned the secret of being happy at any time in everything that happens, when I have enough to eat and when I go hungry, when I have more than I need and when I do not have enough.” (Philippians 4:12 NCV) We will maintain our joy when we refuse to be moved by external circumstances. Draw your joy from the Holy Spirit who dwells inside of you. Continually delight yourself in the Presence of the LORD and have an attitude of gratitude for all that He has done for you. “Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.” (Philippians 4:13 MSG)

For the mountains may move and the hills disappear, but even then my faithful love for you will remain. My covenant of blessing will never be broken,” says the LORD, who has mercy on you. — Isaiah 54:10 (NLT) Nothing can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. The earth may quake but His unfailing love for you will not be shaken. And I am 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. (Romans 8:38 NLT) He will be with you in the fire, in the flood, and in the storm. My love won’t walk away from you, my covenant commitment of peace won’t fall apart.” The God who has compassion on you says so. (Isaiah 54:10 MSG)

Trust in the LORD forever, for in YAH, the LORD, is everlasting strength. — Isaiah 26:4 (NKJV) The Message Bibles says: Depend on God and keep at it because in the LORD God you have a sure thing. (Isaiah 26:4) If God has spoken it, we can trust Him to bring it to pass. There are no broken promises with Him. “ For I am a great King,” says the LORD of hosts, “And My name is to be feared among the nations. ” (Malachi 1:14b) Our King reigns, forever and ever! Mighty and great is He. And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; for You, LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You. (Psalm 9:10 NKJV)

“For My people have committed two evils: They have abandoned (rejected) Me, the fountain of living water, and they have carved out their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.” — Jeremiah 2:13  (AMP) When we try to do things our own way, apart from God, we are utilizing a broken cistern that cannot hold water. The result will be futile and empty. Let us receive the Living Water from our heavenly Father. Water brings life to things and causes them to grow. It washes and it cleanses. Open your heart and receive the living water of God. Jesus said, “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” (John 7:38 NKJV) “ If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water. ” (John 4:10  NKJV)

Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become restless and disturbed within me? Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence. — Psalm 42:5 (AMP) Keep your hope in God alive and active. When life is overwhelming, instead of giving up, give in to the power and strength of the Holy Spirit in you. Let your mind rest on the faithfulness of our heavenly Father. For He will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint. (Jeremiah 31:25) 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) Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. (Psalm 25:4-5 NIV)

I will climb up to my watchtower and stand at my guardpost. There I will wait to see what the LORD says and how he will answer my complaint. — Habakkuk 2:1 (NLT) Instead of getting anxious and fearful in response to a bad report from the enemy, look with eyes of faith to our heavenly Father. We can fully enjoy His Presence and remain in His peace, as we fully rely on the LORD. He will keep in perfect peace, all whose mind is stayed upon Him. So now, take your stand and see the great things which the LORD will do before your eyes. Because You have been my help, therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice. My soul follows close behind You; Your right hand upholds me. (Psalm 63:7-8 NKJV) We can rejoice knowing that with God on our side, nothing can stand against us.