Manna for Your Morning

From one man, Adam, he made every man and woman and every race of humanity, and he spread us over all the earth. He sets the boundaries of people and nations, determining their appointed times in history. — Acts 17:26 (TPT) God wanted them to look for him and perhaps search all around for him and find him, though he is not far from any of us: ‘By his power we live and move and exist.’Some of your own poets have said: ‘For we are his children.’ — Acts 17:27-28  (NCV) As we come to the end of 2018, let us realize, we are here for such a time as this. God is the giver of life. His light lets us enjoy life. (Psalm 36:9 NCV) He ordained us to be here now, to fulfill His purpose on the earth. God wants us to seek after Him. He is not far, when we look for Him, we find Him. The Passion Translation says: It is through him that we live and function and have our identity; (Acts 17:28 TPT).  As we spend time with our heavenly Father, we discover, who we truly are and the call He ...

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 2:7 (NLT) May we be deeply rooted in Jesus and in God's love, so we can bear much fruit for His Kingdom. We can only be rooted as we abide in Him. We are empowered when we maintain a constant connection with the Lord. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Jesus. (John 15:4) I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. 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 3:16-17 (NLT)

Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. — Psalm 37:4-5  (NKJV) Proverbs 28:26 (NLT) says, those who trust their own insight are foolish, but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe. It is wise for us to commit our way to the LORD. As you make your plans for the new year, do not rely on your own insight or understanding. Commit your works to the LORD [submit and trust them to Him], and your plans will succeed [if you respond to His will and guidance]. (Proverbs 16:3 AMP) You can make many plans, but the LORD’s purpose will prevail. (Proverbs 19:21 NLT) Submit to His will and His way and you will experience the good plans He has in store for you. Amen.

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. — Matthew 11:28 (NKJV) Jesus calls all who are tired of laboring and all who have heavy loads to come to Him. He will give you rest. In the Message Bible, He says: “ I’ll show you how to take a real rest. ” When we spend time in His Presence, He refreshes our souls and renews the right spirit within us. He fills us with His peace and gives us strength to persevere. If you are empty, let Him fill your cup to overflowing. (Psalm 23:5 NCV) Take a real rest and rely on His help. Wherever you are, His hand shall lead you, and His right hand shall hold you. (Psalm 139:10 NKJV) So, don’t be afraid, for He is with you. Don’t be discouraged, for He is your God. He will strengthen you and help you. He will hold you up with His victorious right hand. (Isaiah 41:10 NLT)

Pile your troubles on God’s shoulders— he’ll carry your load, he’ll help you out. He’ll never let good people topple into ruin. — Psalm 55:22 (MSG) In 2 Corinthians 1:8-9 (NLT), the Apostle Paul tells us about the trouble they went through in the province of Asia. He says, “ we think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters… 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 .” If you are facing a difficult situation, stop relying on yourself and learn to rely ONLY on God. Cast 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 )

...but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. — Luke 2:10 (NLT) The birth of Jesus is good news that brings great joy to all people. Jesus didn’t come to save a select few. He came to save us all. The Lord is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). God desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:4) Jesus didn’t just save those who were around when He physically walked the earth. His righteousness is forever, and His salvation continues from generation to generation. (Isaiah 51:8) More good news is Jesus came that we may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].  (John 10:10b AMP). Jesus gave us the ultimate victory over this world, sin and death. We can live free and full. Full of His love, and His light. Let that bring you great joy today. God will show his mercy forever ...

Christmas is one word that embodies so many things. It conjures up different images and emotions for each one of us. Reflecting on what 3 words I would use to say what Christmas is all about. #1 CHRIST It all starts with the birth of Jesus, the long awaited Messiah. John 1:41 says, Andrew first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated, the Christ). May we find Christ in every moment of our day. Jesus said, “ I am with you always, even to the end of the age. ” — Matthew 28:20b (NKJV) #2 LOVE  Christmas exemplifies the love God has for us. What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it—we’re called children of God! That’s who we really are. — 1 John 3:1a  (MSG) When we understand we are children of a God who is love, we know how we ought to flow... in LOVE. #3 GIVE  The most perfect gift God gave to us was Himself, in the form of Jesus (God with us). Jesus continually gave of Himself, healin...

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. — Isaiah 9:6 (NASB) It doesn’t matter what you need, Jesus is the One you need to call. When you want someone to talk to, call on Jesus, the Wonderful Counselor. Before you phone a friend, talk to Him. He is your constant Companion and guide. When trouble strikes, He is our Mighty God. Jesus is bigger and greater than anything that stands before us. No matter what kind of relationship we have with our earthly parents, we can call on Jesus, the everlasting Father. Just as a loving father takes care of his children, Jesus is always with us. He watches over us and provides for our every need. We can also call on Jesus, the Prince of Peace. He gives us a peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). In the middle of the storm, we can abide in the perfect peace that He gives, k...

As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the sheepherders talked it over. “Let’s get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us.” They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. — Luke 2:15-16 (MSG) The shepherds wanted to see Jesus for themselves, and they ran to see Him, without delay. Then the shepherds went back to their sheep, praising God and thanking him for everything they had seen and heard. It had been just as the angel had told them. (Luke 2:20 NCV) May we hurry  to see our Savior, and spend time with Him, every day that our heavenly Father gives us breath. Once we encounter King Jesus, the Prince of Peace, we cannot help but praise God and thank Him for everything He has done.

The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, “The LORD is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!” — Lamentations 3:22-24 (NLT) No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. (Philippians 3:13-14) Today is a new day. Forget the shortcomings of yesterday and press on, continually looking forward with hope and purpose!

With the loving mercy of our God, a new day from heaven will dawn upon us. It will shine on those who live in darkness, in the shadow of death. It will guide us into the path of peace.” — Luke 1:78-79 (NCV) Unto the upright there arises light in the darkness; He is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous (Psalm 112:4 NKJV). Jesus is the light of the world (John 8:12). His marvelous light shines on those who live in darkness, and offers hope, peace, and freedom. As the Prince of Peace, He guides our feet into the way of everlasting peace and abundant life. Let us arise, and shine! For our light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.

“How kind the Lord is!” she exclaimed. “He has taken away my disgrace of having no children.”  — Luke 1:25 (NLT) Our heavenly Father takes away all our disgrace. The blood of Jesus Christ, His Son cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7). The LORD has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. (Psalm 103:12-13 NLT) “Fear not; you will no longer live in shame. Don’t be afraid; there is no more disgrace for you. (Isaiah 54:4a NLT) He will give you a crown of beauty for ashes, and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. Instead of shame and dishonor, you will enjoy a double share of honor. You will possess a double portion of prosperity in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours. (Isaiah 61:3,7) This is the kindness of our Lord! Let us praise God for His abundant lovingkindness.

“Let us praise the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to help his people and has given them freedom. He has given us a powerful Savior from the family of God’s servant David. — Luke 1:68-69 (NCV) Praise God that He helps His people! Psalm 54:4 (NLT) says, God is my helper. The Lord keeps me alive! Psalm 27:9 says, He has always been my helper. Not only does our help come from the Lord, but He has given us a powerful Savior. Jesus, our mighty Savior has gained the victory for us and set us free. No matter what fire storms you have gone through, the Lord helped you to rise up out of the ashes and live a new day, full of hope and promise.  So we can say with confidence, “The LORD is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6 NLT)

Then Mary said, “My soul praises the Lord; my heart rejoices in God my Savior…” — Luke 1:46-47 (NCV) Let us rejoice in God, our Savior. How often? Rejoice always! (1 Thessalonians 5:16 NKJV) In any and every circumstance we can rejoice that our God is a good God. He is loving and He is faithful. God will show his mercy forever and ever to those who worship and serve him. (Luke 1:50 NCV) Let all that I am praise the LORD; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s! — Psalm 103:1-5 (NLT)

“ You are blessed because you believed that what the Lord said to you would really happen. ” — Luke 1:45 (NCV) We are blessed when we believe what the Lord said. Without faith no one can please God. Anyone who comes to God must believe that he is real and that he rewards those who truly want to find him  (Hebrews 11:6 NCV). Let us believe His Word, because it's true and it stands forever. He said, in this world we would have trouble, but He also said no weapon formed against us would prosper (Isaiah 54:17). He said His plans for us are good (Jeremiah 29:11) and that His purpose would prevail (Proverbs 19:21). The LORD said, “do not fear for I am with you.” Nothing shall be impossible WITH God. Believe and be Blessed!

Listen! You will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of King David, his ancestor. He will rule over the people of Jacob forever, and his kingdom will never end.” — Luke 1:31-33 (NCV) Jesus is the Son of the Most High. As the song says, “He is the answer to what our hearts are searching for.” Jesus is higher than any mountain that stands before you. He is greater than any storm. Even the winds and the sea obey Him (Matthew 8:27). Jesus is King of Kings and Lord of lords. He is our only hope. Jesus is our strength, and He is our peace, in the midst of the storms. In John 16:33 (NLT) Jesus said: “ I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world .”

He must increase, but I must decrease. — John 3:30 (NKJV) John the Baptist was the one sent ahead of the Messiah to prepare the way for him. (John 3:28 NCV)  Before John the Baptist was conceived the angel of the Lord told his father, Zacharias that John will be a great man for the Lord. He will never drink wine or beer, and even from birth, he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, He will help many people of Israel return to the Lord their God. (Luke 1:13-16 NCV) We are here for such a time as this and we too can be great men and women for the Lord, as we live our lives being led by the Holy Spirit. We can help others turn to the Lord, by becoming less. May it be our daily goal to decrease, so He can increase, in our hearts and minds and on this earth.

And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, — Luke 24:52 (NKJV) After Jesus was parted from them and was carried up into heaven (Luke 24:51), the disciples worshiped Him and had great joy. The Message Bible says, they were bursting with joy. Glory to God! Are you lacking joy? Worship God. Take a bath and just soak in His Presence. In His presence is fullness of joy; In His right hand there are pleasures forever (Psalm 16:11b). We need our joy, for the joy of the LORD is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10). Amen!

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” — Matthew 2:1-2 (NKJV) Let us continually seek the Lord. Seek to do His will, His Way. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are His ways higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:9). His ways are higher than the ways of this world. Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker. (Psalm 95:6 NKJV) You can pass through his open gates with the password of praise. Come right into his presence with thanksgiving. Come bring your thank offering to him and affectionately bless his beautiful name! (Psalm 100:4 TPT) 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)

It was by faith that Moses left the land of Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger. He kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the one who is invisible. — Hebrews 11:27 (NLT) Moses was able to keep going because he kept his eyes on the One true God. Let us keep our eyes on the LORD. For ever since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through all His creation, the wonderful things that He has made (Romans 1:20) When we look at all God has done, we know that nothing we face is to difficult for Him to handle. He is the way maker. When we keep our eyes on Him, we too, will be able to keep right on going, in spite of the challenges and difficulties we encounter. So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. — 2 Corinthians 4:18 (NLT)

The Fear-of-God expands your life; a wicked life is a puny life. — Proverbs 10:27 (MSG) Let us respect and honor the Lord, with reverential fear and awe. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge. (Psalm 111:10 & Proverbs 1:7) Wisdom and knowledge will be the stability of your times... (Isaiah 33:6a) In the [reverent] fear of the Lord there is strong confidence… (Proverbs 14:26a AMP). God arms you with strength, and he makes your way perfect. He makes your feet like the feet of deer, and sets you on your high places. (Psalm 18:32-33) The [reverent] fear of the Lord [worshiping, obeying, serving, and trusting Him with awe-filled respect] prolongs one’s life, but the years of the wicked will be shortened . — Proverbs 10:27 (AMP)

The Lord answered her, “Martha, my beloved Martha. Why are you upset and troubled, pulled away by all these many distractions? Are they really that important? Mary has discovered the one thing most important by choosing to sit at my feet. She is undistracted, and I won’t take this privilege from her.” — Luke 10:41-42 (TPT) Luke 10:38 tells us that Martha welcomed Jesus into her home. She had good intentions by inviting Him in, but then she became totally distracted. Can you imagine how it would feel if you went to visit a friend and they had no time for conversation because they were too busy in the kitchen? May we always keep the main thing, the main thing: our relationship with Jesus. Choose to spend time with Him. Meditate in the Word day and night (Joshua 1:8). Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God (Hebrews 13:15). And in everything give thanks (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Instead of being pulled away by the concerns of this w...

And the LORD said to Satan, “From where do you come?” So Satan answered the LORD and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.” — Job 1:7 (NKJV) Why does the devil go to and fro on the earth? First Peter 5:8b tells us, he prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy (John 10:10a). 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). As 1 Peter 5:8a instructs,  be on the alert. Be cautious at all times. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. — Ephesians 6:11 (NASB)

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) With the flurry of activity that comes during the Christmas season, remember to draw near to God and abide in Him. When we draw near to God, He draws near to us. He is good and He does good. The LORD is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation. (Psalm 145:9) His nearness is our good. As long as we continually draw near to our Heavenly Father, we are good. And if we wander off...  The LORD is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray. (Psalm 25:8) But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign LORD my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do . — Psalm 73:28 (NLT)

Whatever you do [whatever your task may be], work from the soul [that is, put in your very best effort], as [something done] for the Lord and not for men, — Colossians 3:23 (AMP) In all that we do, let us not do the bare minimum just to get by. Work from the heart in whatever God has called you to do, giving it your very best. Remember, you are not doing it alone. The Holy Spirit dwells in you and enables you to fulfill the plans of purpose of our heavenly Father. Whatever we do, let's do it willingly and joyfully with the LORD, the source of our help, this brings glory to God's kingdom.

Oh come, let us sing to the LORD! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving;  Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.  For the LORD is the great God, a nd the great King above all gods. — Psalm 95:1-3 (NKJV) Let us worship God not just for what He has done, but for WHO He is: the great I AM, our Creator. Give unto the LORD the glory due to His name; Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. (Psalm 29:2 NKJV)  What a stack of blessing you have piled up for those who worship you, ready and waiting for all who run to you to escape an unkind world. You hide them safely away from the opposition. (Psalm 31:19-20 MSG) Now I’ll worship you passionately and bring to you my sacrifice of praise, drenched with thanksgiving! — Psalm 116:17 (TPT)

For it wasn’t that long ago that we behaved foolishly in our stubborn disobedience. We were easily led astray as slaves to worldly passions and pleasures. We wasted our lives in doing evil, and with hateful jealousy we hated others. — Titus 3:3 (TPT) Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life burgeons!  (2 Corinthians 5:17 MSG) Twenty-nine years ago, I became a new creation in Christ, the old things passed away and all things became new. No longer a prisoner of my past, but a child of God with a glorious future. Praise God for Jesus Christ, the giver of new life! When the extraordinary compassion of God our Savior and his overpowering love suddenly appeared in person, as the brightness of a dawning day, he came to save us. Not because of any virtuous deed that we have done but only because of his extravagant mercy. He saved us, resurrecting us through the washing of rebirth. We...

Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech. — Proverbs 4:24 (NLT) I believe any speech that does not line up with the Word of God is perverse. As citizens of God’s Kingdom, we are to speak the language of the Kingdom, which is God’s Word. His Word is full of power, strength and faith. Philippians 2:14 (NKJV) instructs us to do all things without complaining and disputing, When we grumble and complain it indicates doubt in our hearts about the goodness of our God. Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose. (Proverbs 18:21 MSG) Jesus said, “ What truly contaminates a person is not what he puts into his mouth but what comes out of his mouth. That’s what makes people defiled. ” (Matthew 15:11  TPT) So let us choose to speak words of life. Why whine and worry about what God is not doing, when we can worship and give thanks for all He has done and is doing?

In the day of my trouble I will call upon You,  for You will answer me. — Psalm 86:7 (NKJV) When we encounter trouble of any kind, we can call upon the LORD and He will answer us. After Peter had gotten out of the boat, he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him (Matthew 14:29-31) When we cry out to Jesus for help, we give Him in all His power and glory, access to intervene in our situation. I will answer your cry for help every time you pray, and you will find and feel my presence even in your time of pressure and trouble. I will be your glorious hero and give you a feast. — Psalm 91:15 (TPT)

In Luke 7:20 (TPT) John’s disciples asked Jesus, “ Are you the coming Messiah we’ve been expecting, or are we to continue to look for someone else? ” Isaiah 9:6 (NASB) says: For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace . JESUS is the ONE. He is the way, the truth, and the life.  No need to look to any other. The Son of Man is enthroned in the place of honor, power, and authority with Almighty God. (Luke 22:69 TPT). So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. — Hebrews 4:16 NLT

And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose. — Romans 8:28 (AMP) Whatever hardships we experience, we can know, without a doubt, that God will cause everything to work together for good to those who love God. The question is: Do we love God? True love for God means obeying his commands, and his commands don’t weigh us down as heavy burdens. (1 John 5:3 TPT) The second criteria for God to work everything together for good is to be called according to His plan and purpose. If we are doing what God called us to do,  we can be certain, ALL things will come together for good. So we are convinced that every detail of our lives is continually woven together to fit into God’s perfect plan of bringing good into our lives, for we are his lovers who have been called to fulfill his designed purpose. (Romans 8:28 T...