Manna for Your Morning

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.” — Luke 21:33 (NKJV) Don’t be shaken by temporary events or circumstances. They will come and they will also go. May we stand on the powerful Word of God, which will last forever. The Words Jesus spoke will never wear out. In Mark 10:27, Jesus said, “… with God all things are possible .” No matter how impossible the situation may seem, let us remember that ALL things are possible with God. Stay with God and keep standing in faith, no matter what. Believe God for the best. As Jesus hung on the cross, He said, “ It is finished! ” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit. (John 19:30) Jesus overcame the world. (John 16:33) He has already given us the victory. He made a way for us. God always leads us in triumph in Christ. (2 Corinthians 2:14) The Message Bible says: In the Messiah, in Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade. (2 Corinthians 2:14) Amen! And Hallelujah!

Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. — Psalm 23:4 (NLT) No matter what kind of situation you may be walking through, remember the LORD is your Shepherd. You can feel secure, because He is with you. Keep walking, taking each step by faith. His rod will protect you and His staff will guide you along on the right path. He will refresh your soul and give you new strength. 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)

And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” — Luke 22:41-42 (NKJV) Trust in and rely confidently on the LORD with all your heart and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. (Proverbs 3:5 AMP) “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) When we do things God’s way, we have no regrets. If we are tempted to do things our way, let us pray. In Luke 22:40, Jesus said, “ Pray that you may not enter into temptation .” Behold, for so shall the man be blessed and divinely favored who fears the LORD [and worships Him with obedience]. (Psalm 128:4 AMP)

“Simon, stay on your toes. Satan has tried his best to separate all of you from me, like chaff from wheat. Simon, I’ve prayed for you in particular that you not give in or give out. When you have come through the time of testing, turn to your companions and give them a fresh start.” — Luke 22:31-32 (MSG) You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. (2 Timothy 2:3 NKJV) The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. (John 10:10) Satan wants to separate us from our God, the source of our strength, wisdom and power. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail. Keep fighting the good fight of faith. Finish the race. Keep the faith. Even if all abandon you, remember that the Lord Jesus stands by your side.

“But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. — Luke 21:34 (NKJV) Don’t let the cares of this world distract you and choke the living Word out of you. The seeds that fell among the thorns represent those who hear the message, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares and riches and pleasures of this life. And so they never grow into maturity. (Luke 8:14 NLT) These people let the enemy steal the Word away from them and therefore, it does not bear any fruit in their lives. 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 2:4 NKJV) As good soldiers of Jesus Christ, let us stay mission-minded and bear much fruit for the Kingdom of God.

—that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in. And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you’ll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ’s love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God. — Ephesians 3:17-19 (MSG) We can only live full lives to the degree that we open the door of our heart and let Jesus dwell in us and work through us. As we let Him go in and clean out the cracks and crevices, His love will fill each chamber of our heart. His love is limitless. It knows no bounds. His love enters through the prison doors, and sets prisoners free. The love of Christ brings comfort to the sick, and the lonely. It seeps into the pieces of a broken heart and brings healing and wholeness. The extravagant dimension of Christ's love is that He stretched out His arms on the cross and gave His life to save u...

And He was teaching daily in the temple. But the chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people sought to destroy Him, and were unable to do anything; for all the people were very attentive to hear Him. — Luke 19:47-48 (NKJV) The Amplified Bible says: all the people stayed close to Him and were hanging on to every word Jesus said (Luke 19:48). In Luke 10:39-40, Mary sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word. But Martha was distracted with all her preparations. And Jesus said, “…Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:42) Once we know the truth, no one can take it away from us. Instead of being distracted, may we be very attentive to the Word of God, daily. Let us stay close to Him, and hang on to every Word Jesus taught. For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword… (Hebrews 4:12a NKJV) The Amplified Bible says, it is energizing, and effective. And the Message Bible says, it is like a surg...

As he entered a village there, ten men with leprosy stood at a distance, crying out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” He looked at them and said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed of their leprosy. One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting, “Praise God!” He fell to the ground at Jesus’ feet, thanking him for what he had done. This man was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine?” — Luke 17:12-17 (NLT) Let us be the one who always returns to Jesus and gives thanks for all He has done. Be the one who gives glory to God and continually shouts His praises. Luke 17:16 (MSG) says, the healed leper kneeled at Jesus’ feet, so grateful. He couldn’t thank him enough. May we have an attitude of gratitude for all God provides, and most of all for His Presence and His love.

For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the LORD, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. — Jeremiah 29:11 (AMP) Let us be thankful God woke us up this morning. I am so grateful that God has a plan and a purpose for each day of our lives. If there was an escape button to life, I believe many of us would have pushed the button by now, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better (Philippians 1:23). But after we have opened our hearts to Jesus, the heavenly Father leaves us here so we can show others the Way. We are to let the light of His love and grace shine through us and draw others to Jesus. So be thankful today and every day. Abba Father has not forgotten about you. He has an extraordinary purpose and a plan for your life and He is going to work everything together for good. Amen. Alive, I’m Christ’s messenger; dead, I’m his bounty. Life versus even more life! I can’t lose.  (Philipp...

And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. — Colossians 2:6-7 (NLT) Following Jesus is a choice we make each moment of the day. May we continually follow Him and let our roots grow deep into Him. Then our faith and trust in Him will grow, and our hearts and mouths will overflow with thankfulness for all He has done and is doing. “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve... As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15)

Though the cherry trees don’t blossom and the strawberries don’t ripen, though the apples are worm-eaten and the wheat fields stunted, though the sheep pens are sheepless and the cattle barns empty, I’m singing joyful praise to God. I’m turning cartwheels of joy to my Savior God. Counting on God’s Rule to prevail, I take heart and gain strength. I run like a deer. I feel like I’m king of the mountain! — Habakkuk 3:17-19 (MSG) No matter how external circumstances appear, trust in the LORD. Choose to rejoice in the LORD and count on God’s Rule to prevail in your life. He is the God of more than enough. The Lord God is my strength [my source of courage, my invincible army]; Habakkuk 3:19a (AMP)

“ The LORD your God is in your midst, a victorious warrior. He will exult over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy. ” — Zephaniah 3:17 (NASB) When we open our hearts to Christ, we have the Spirit of a warrior dwelling inside of us, and not only that a victorious One. He will give you strength to keep up the good fight of faith. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. (Zephaniah 3:17b NLT) Open you heart to Jesus, today.

When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away! — Luke 15:6-7 (NLT) If you are lost today, let the Holy Spirit, be your GPS to guide you back home to Abba  Father, who loves you and has His arms open wide to draw you close to Him. “...I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:10  NASB)

For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. — Romans 14:17 (NLT) When we do what is right, pursue peace with all people, and maintain our joy, we are living a Kingdom life. Let us depart from evil, and do good and we will dwell forevermore. (Psalm 37:27 NKJV) Psalm 106:3 says, blessed are those who keep justice, and he who does righteousness at all times! He who sows righteousness will have a sure reward. (Proverbs 11:18) Those who dwell in His Kingdom work at living in peace with everyone (Hebrews 12:14 NLT). It doesn’t say it’s going to be easy. It is going to require some work. And the 3rd key to living a kingdom life is to rejoice always and delight in your faith; (1 Thessalonians 5:16 AMP) May we abide in the kingdom of God. His Way is much better and way more beneficial than the ways of this world.

Then He said to him, “A certain man gave a great supper and invited many, and sent his servant at supper time to say to those who were invited, ‘Come, for all things are now ready.’ But they all with one accord began to make excuses… ” — Luke 14:16-18a (NKJV) Everyday Jesus calls us into the throne room of God. He invites us to come to Him, to come up to a higher level, to come out of the dominion of darkness and into His marvelous light. He calls us to join Him out in the deep waters. When Jesus calls us to come, let us not make excuses. Instead, let us choose to walk with Christ daily and follow Him closely, not at a distance. May we be like the early disciples, who forsook all and followed Jesus. He is the answer to every need you have. He is the way, the truth and the life. (John 14:6)

The LORD is my Shepherd [to feed, to guide and to shield me], I shall not want. He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still and quiet waters. He refreshes and restores my soul (life); He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. — Psalm 23:1-3 (AMP) Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. (Psalm 23:4 NLT) No matter how dark the valley we go through, we never have to fear because the LORD is near. And the power of His perfect love casts out all fear.

Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, — Psalm 103:1-3 (NKJV) Whenever we’re sick and in bed, God becomes our nurse, nurses us back to health. (Psalm 41:3 MSG)  Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all. (Psalm 34:19) We may have many hardships and afflictions, but praise the LORD, He will deliver us each and every time.

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) When we get caught up in fear and worry, we are allowing the enemy to steal our peace. We can experience peace in the midst of chaos because in Christ, we have a constant companion, His Presence, dwelling inside of us. We have the Spirit of a conquering King. Keep your eyes on Jesus, be led by the Holy Spirit and you can be confident that He will see you through. Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all. — 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NLT)

He who gives attention to the word will find good, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD. — Proverbs 16:20 (NASB) For good success in life, let us give attention to the Word of God, in what we believe, what we speak, and what we do. His word revives us and gives us life. It is our comfort in affliction (Psalm 119:50)  Rejoice at His word as one who finds great treasure. (Psalm 119:162) This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you  shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. ( Joshua 1:8  NKJV )

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you [who are willing to learn] with My eye upon you. — Psalm 32:8 (AMP) Let us keep our ears open to hear the voice of our heavenly Father and have open minds that are willing to learn. Never let the noise of your storm drown out the voice of the LORD. He is always speaking to those who listen. “This is God’s Message, the God who made earth, made it livable and lasting, known everywhere as God: ‘Call to me and I will answer you. I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.’ (Jeremiah 33:2-3 MSG)

I waited patiently for the LORD to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the LORD. — Psalm 40:1-3 (NLT) The LORD is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray. (Psalm 25:8 NLT) Just reflecting on the goodness of God and so grateful He called me out of darkness into His marvelous light. (1 Peter 2:9b) He reached down and lifted me out of the pit of despair and destruction. If you are in a pit today, He is calling out to you. His hand is extended toward you. Grab a hold of our heavenly Father and get out of that pit. Amen.

We’ve been surrounded and battered by troubles, but we’re not demoralized; we’re not sure what to do, but we know that God knows what to do; we’ve been spiritually terrorized, but God hasn’t left our side; we’ve been thrown down, but we haven’t broken. — 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (MSG) No matter what you are going through right now, know that God is right by your side. Even when we don’t know what to do, we can be certain that God knows. Be led by His Spirit and He will guide you along the best pathway for your life, to fulfill the plans and purpose He has for you. I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. — Jeremiah 29:11 (MSG)

Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul? Why are you crying the blues? Fix my eyes on God—soon I’ll be praising again. He puts a smile on my face. He’s my God. — Psalm 42:11 (MSG) When we keep our eyes fixed on God, our hope in Him is alive and well. Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God, (Psalm 146:5 NKJV) We can smile at the future because we know, with His help, all things are possible. The hope of the righteous will be gladness, (Proverbs 10:28a). Sailors put out the anchor when they want to keep the boat in place. In stormy times, we have to let hope serve as our trustworthy anchor, sure and steadfast. Hope will hold us close to our Savior.  Let us be constantly rejoicing in hope because of our confidence in Christ, (Romans 12:12a AMP).

When His disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” But He turned and rebuked them, and said, “You do not know what kind of spirit you are of;” — Luke 9:54-55 (NASB) When the Samaritans did not receive Jesus, James and John were ready to call down fire from heaven to burn them up, but Jesus rebuked  them and said, they did not know what kind of spirit they were made of. As followers of Christ, and children of God, may we know our new nature. It is the nature of our enemy to steal, kill and destroy. As new creations in Christ, our nature is one of life, love, grace and peace. For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them. (Luke 9:56 NKJV) His purpose is to give us a rich and satisfying life. (John 10:10b NLT)

Walk straight—live well and be saved; a devious life is a doomed life. — Proverbs 28:18 (MSG) In order to live well, we need to walk in the way of wisdom. Wisdom will add years to your life. You are the one who will profit if you have wisdom, and if you reject it, you are the one who will suffer. (Proverbs 9:11-12  GNT) To be wise you must first have reverence for the LORD. If you know the Holy One, you have understanding. (Proverbs 9:10 GNT) The [reverent] fear of the LORD [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome] is the beginning and the preeminent part of wisdom [its starting point and its essence], (Proverbs 9:10a AMP) Let us wisely choose to trust and follow the LORD.

  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. — Psalm 46:1-2 (NLT) Our God is a mighty God and a well-proven help in times of trouble. The Message Bible says, “ We stand fearless at the cliff-edge of doom, courageous in seastorm and earthquake …” (Psalm 46:2) No matter how dismal external circumstances may appear, be courageous and keep the faith. God says, “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.” (Psalm 50:15) He is always ready to help.

As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? — Psalm 42:1-2 (NKJV) Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker. For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture … (Psalm 95:6-7a) Let us prioritize being in His Presence. As we spend time in His Presence, our awareness of His greatness is awakened. We realize He is able to conquer every situation that confronts us. Let us worship King Jesus. In His Presence, we encounter His love, His peace, and His grace. In His Presence, we are filled to overflowing with unspeakable joy. As we thirst for Him, our souls will be satisfied. Come, and appear before Him today.

Thereafter, Hagar used another name to refer to the LORD, who had spoken to her. She said, “You are the God who sees me.” She also said, “Have I truly seen the One who sees me?” — Genesis 16:13 (NLT) Our heavenly Father sees us. We can take comfort in the fact that His eye is upon us. The Amplified Bible says, He sees us with understanding and compassion (Genesis 16:13). The LORD watches over us because He cares for us. He guides us and strengthens us as we go. Thank God that He never leaves our side. O LORD, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, LORD. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your streng...

“ If you work the words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who dug deep and laid the foundation of his house on bedrock. When the river burst its banks and crashed against the house, nothing could shake it; it was built to last. But if you just use my words in Bible studies and don’t work them into your life, you are like a dumb carpenter who built a house but skipped the foundation. When the swollen river came crashing in, it collapsed like a house of cards. It was a total loss. ” — Luke 6:48-49 (MSG) In Luke 6:47 (MSG), Jesus said: “ These words I speak to you are not mere additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundation words, words to build a life on. ” Let us build our lives on Jesus, the Living Word, the strong foundation. When we build on Jesus, the solid Rock what is built will last forever.

Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let’s not let it slip through our fingers. We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. — Hebrews 4:14-15 (MSG) This world is full of mass distractions, that will draw us away from God and cause us to wander. So, let us purposefully, press on to know the LORD. (Hosea 6:3a) Let us become personally acquainted with Him and continually grow in our understanding of His greatness and faithfulness. We have an open invitation to draw near. Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment]. (Hebrews 4:16 AMP)