Manna for Your Morning

One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and started out. As they sailed across, Jesus settled down for a nap. But soon a fierce storm came down on the lake. The boat was filling with water, and they were in real danger. The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” — Luke 8:22-24a (NLT) I believe Jesus was able to sleep in the middle of the storm because He trusted the Father, and He knew He had power and authority over the storm. When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and the raging waves. Suddenly the storm stopped and all was calm. Then he asked them, “Where is your faith?”  (Luke 8:24b-25a) Let your faith be in Jesus, Immanuel (God with us). (Isaiah 7:14) Trust God and you too will have peace and calm in the middle of the storms. Be confident that you will sail through the storms and get to the destination God has promised to you.

But now, God’s Message,  the God who made you in the first place, Jacob, the One who got you started, Israel: “Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you. I’ve called your name. You’re mine. When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you. When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down. When you’re between a rock and a hard place, it won’t be a dead end— Because I am God, your personal God, the Holy of Israel, your Savior. — Isaiah 43:1-3 (MSG) When you feel like you're in over your head, remember God said, “ I’ll be there .” What more could we want or need? We have the great Creator of the universe, and all it contains, promising to be with us always, from beginning to end. He knit you together in the womb of your mother and He has all your days written in His book. (Psalm 139:16) When you are absent from the body, you will be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8) No matter what we go through, we have God, our Savior. Amen.

“I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.” — John 16:33 (CSB) In the Message Bible, Jesus said, “ I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world. ” (John 16:33) Even though we will experience suffering in this world, we can be unshakable and assured because in Jesus, we have a sure foundation. Because He has conquered the world, we can be courageous, and deeply at peace. 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)

God is good, a hiding place in tough times. He recognizes and welcomes anyone looking for help, no matter how desperate the trouble. — Nahum 1:7 (MSG) How kind the LORD is! How good he is! So merciful, this God of ours! (Psalm 116:5 NLT) O taste and see that the LORD is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! (Psalm 34:8 NASB) No matter what set of circumstances you are facing right now, remember that God is good all the time. He is higher than any mountain before you. And His love is deeper than any pit you may have fallen into. Seek refuge in Him. The LORD is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him. — Nahum 1:7 (NLT)

You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you. — John 15:16 (NASB) 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) Don't wander through life aimlessly, being distracted and taking detours. We have been chosen and appointed for a higher purpose. God has us on earth for such a time as this, to fulfill the plans He has for these times we are living right now. Stay focused. We are called according to His purpose. Don't let distractions carry you away from the great work our heavenly Father has for you. He chose you, and put you in the world to bear fruit, fruit that won’t spoil, fruit that will last through the fire of adversity and remain forever. Be a fruit bearer.

Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, take pleasure in Him]; again I will say, rejoice! — Philippians 4:4 (AMP) Make a daily decision to delight yourself in the Lord. Because we always have the LORD, our God, with us, we always have reason to rejoice. You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever. (Psalm 16:11 NASB) As we abide in the Presence of the LORD, we can experience fullness of joy. Today, choose JOY! Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! ( Philippians 4:4 MSG) So the ransomed of the LORD will return and come with joyful shouting to Zion, and everlasting joy will be on their heads. They will obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing will flee away. — Isaiah 51:11 (NASB)

Don’t be obsessed with getting more material things. Be relaxed with what you have. Since God assured us, “I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you,” — Hebrews 13:5 (MSG) Jesus is our blessed assurance. Material things will not last and only Jesus can truly satisfy. God will never fail you, nor abandon you. Even when He seems far away, know that He is right beside you. And when you can’t see Him working, you can be assured that He is working everything together for good to bring about His perfect plan and purpose for your life. 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)

Walking down the street, Jesus saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked, “Rabbi, who sinned: this man or his parents, causing him to be born blind?”  Jesus said, “You’re asking the wrong question. You’re looking for someone to blame. There is no such cause-effect here. Look instead for what God can do. — John 9:1-3 (MSG) When things don’t happen the way we think they should, we often look for someone to blame. Instead, let us look with great expectation for what God is going to do in that situation. Nothing is too difficult for our mighty God. With our words, we can either bless or curse (speak negatively of someone). Let us bless others with our words. The LORD merely spoke, and the heavens were created. He breathed the word, and all the stars were born. (Psalm 33:6 NLT) What are you giving birth to with your words?

“But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you.” — John 14:26 (CSB)  “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 In John 14:18 (NKJV) Jesus told His disciples, “ I will not leave you orphans …” He said, “ I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; ” (John 14:16 NASB) We have the Holy Spirit, our Helper and Counselor. He is always with us. Seek His help and counsel. He is the Spirit of truth (John 14:17) Rely on His wisdom. He is at work in every Believer to bring about the perfect will of God. Whatever we accomplish for the glory of God is not by might nor by power, but by His Spirit. (Zechariah 4:6)

Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!” And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Loose him, and let him go.” — John 11:43-44 (NKJV) After we have been transferred from the domain of darkness and death to the kingdom of light and life, we are to be loosed from the graveclothes and be clothed in garments that belong to the Kingdom of God. For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives. (Romans 6:4 NLT) He gives us beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that we may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified. (Isaiah 61:3) Put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. (Ephesians 4:24) Since God...

Now may God, the inspiration and fountain of hope, fill you to overflowing with uncontainable joy and perfect peace as you trust in him. And may the power of the Holy Spirit continually surround your life with his super-abundance until you radiate with hope! — Romans 15:13 (TPT) Our God is a fountain of hope. Let this hope burst forth within you, releasing a continual joy. Don’t give up in a time of trouble, but commune with God at all times. (Romans 12:12 TPT) 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) Do not let your heart envy sinners, but live in the fear of the LORD always. Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off. — Proverbs 23:17-18 (NASB)

My fellow believers, when it seems as though you are facing nothing but difficulties see it as an invaluable opportunity to experience the greatest joy that you can! For you know that when your faith is tested it stirs up power within you to endure all things. And then as your endurance grows even stronger it will release perfection into every part of your being until there is nothing missing and nothing lacking. — James 1:2-4 (TPT) Consider opposition an opportunity for great joy (James 1:2 NLT). Difficulties test our faith and stirs up power within us. Rely on the power of God within you to get you through the difficulties and onto your destiny. Don't let your dreams die when disaster strikes. God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. (Psalm 46:1 NLT) Nothing is too difficult for Him.

So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. — Galatians 6:9 (NLT) We have an upward call of God on our lives. And no human wisdom or understanding or plan can stand against the LORD. (Proverbs 21:30 NLT) Keep pressing forward. In Hebrews 10:38 God says “… if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him. ” Do not grow weary in well doing. Wait on the LORD and He will renew your strength. Yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary. — Isaiah 40:31 (NASB)

Praise the LORD! Let all that I am praise the LORD. I will praise the LORD as long as I live. I will sing praises to my God with my dying breath. — Psalm 146:1-2 (NLT) May we continually praise and give thanks to the LORD. He inhabits the praises of His people. When we whine and complain, it kills our joy and peace. When our mouths continually praise and give thanks to God, even in the midst of adverse circumstances, we strengthen our trust and reliance on God. We are able to keep our peace and joy, knowing that our mighty God is working everything together for good. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. — 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT) 

Jesus said to her, “I am the Resurrection and the Life. Whoever believes in (adheres to, trusts in, relies on) Me [as Savior] will live even if he dies;” — John 11:25 (AMP) In 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 The Message Bible says, Christ’s love has moved me to such extremes. His love has the first and last word in everything we do. Our firm decision is to work from this focused center: One man died for everyone. That puts everyone in the same boat. He included everyone in his death so that everyone could also be included in his life, a resurrection life, a far better life than people ever lived on their own . Our Savior is alive! And He has given us new life. Let go of the old, dead things and walk in newness of life. Life in Jesus is a much better life than the one you will live without HIm. Make a firm decision to follow Christ and let all you do be motivated by His love.

The word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time: “Get up! Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach the message that I tell you.” — Jonah 3:1-2 (CSB) The first time the word of the LORD came to Jonah, he attempted to flee to Tarshish, away from the LORD’s presence. However, there is no place we can go, to escape His Presence. (see Psalm 139:7-12) Sometimes, we may blow it, and go in the opposite direction from what God instructed us to do. But praise God, He gives us another chance to get it right. When Jonah delivered God’s message, the people of Nineveh believed God and He relented from the disaster He had threatened them with (Jonah 3:5, 10). As a result of Jonah's obedience, more than 120,000 people were saved (Jonah 4:11). What a revival! We never know how many people’s lives will be affected by our obedience. Let us heed the Word of the LORD, and give it top priority in our lives.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. — Hebrews 12:1 (NLT) In order to run our race with endurance, we have to strip off the things that weigh us down. Strip off resentment, bitterness and offense. Lay aside strife, fault-finding and verbal abuse. Make a clean break away from whining and complaining. Proverbs 4:25-27 (TPT) says: Set your gaze on the path before you. With fixed purpose, looking straight ahead, ignore life’s distractions. Watch where you’re going! Stick to the path of truth, and the road will be safe and smooth before you. Don’t allow yourself to be sidetracked for even a moment or take the detour that leads to darkness. I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondro...

Fear of the LORD is a life-giving fountain; it offers escape from the snares of death. — Proverbs 14:27 (NLT) Isaiah 12:3 (NASB) says we will joyously draw water from the springs of salvation. Draw from the fountain of life and drink deeply, for your cup overflows. May we give honor and respect to our great God. In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence. (Proverbs 14:26a NASB) And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. (Hebrews 10:19)  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)

In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. — John 1:1-4 (NLT) Jesus brings light to everyone. He receives everyone who comes to Him. If you open the door of your heart to Him, He enters. He comforts the brokenhearted (Isaiah 61:1). He brings Good News to the poor (Luke 4:18). He sets the captives free. In John 8:12, Jesus said, “ I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life. ” Let us live in His light. As we abide in His light, sadness is turned to joy and we experience everlasting peace. In Matthew 5:14, Jesus tells believers: “ You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden .” Don’t try to hide the light of the Lord within you. Let it shine! ...

Jesus said, “You’re tied down to the mundane; I’m in touch with what is beyond your horizons. You live in terms of what you see and touch. I’m living on other terms. I told you that you were missing God in all this. You’re at a dead end. If you won’t believe I am who I say I am, you’re at the dead end of sins. You’re missing God in your lives.” — John 8:23-24 (MSG) Jesus is from above. He is not of this world. 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) Instead of getting tangled up and tied down to things of this world, we are to abide in Christ, above worldly circumstances. Don't miss out, make God the number one priority in your life. 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)

Then he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel saying, ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of hosts. — Zechariah 4:6 (NASB) Whatever assignment God has for you today, let the power of His Holy Spirit work in you and through you, to accomplish His perfect will. “The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” (Deuteronomy 31:8 NASB) Be strong and courageous and go in the strength of the Lord, our God. God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us. — Ephesians 3:20 (MSG)

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. — 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NLT) Our heavenly Father is not only the source of our comfort. He is our Source. In Psalm 78:38 (AMP), He is the source of compassion and lovingkindness. He is the source of our peace and joy. Psalm 43:4 (NLT) says: “ There I will go to the altar of God, to God—the source of all my joy. I will praise you with my harp, O God, my God!”  He is also the source of our healing and wholeness. Malachi 4:2 says: “ The Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings .” When you are experiencing troubles of any kind, run to your Source. He has an unlimited supply of all that you need.

Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume that you know it all. — Proverbs 3:5-7 (MSG) We are so prone to want to do things our own way, but even Jesus said, “ Truly I tell you, the Son is not able to do anything on his own, but only what he sees the Father doing. ” (John 5:19 CSB) Listen for God’s voice in all you do and let His Word speak to your heart. For His ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts higher than our thoughts. (Isaiah 55:9) Reject any thoughts or words spoken to you that do not line up with the Word of God. The Word that goes forth from God's mouth will not return to Him void. It will accomplish what He desires. It will do the work He sent it to do. (Isaiah 55:11). Amen!

Then the woman left her water jar, went into town, and told the people, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” They left the town and made their way to him. — John 4:28-30 (CSB) We can listen to what others say about Jesus or we can make our way to Him and get to know Him for ourselves. Jesus desires a personal relationship with you. He knows about you, inside and out. Make it a priority to draw near to Him every day. The Message Bible says: A lot more people entrusted their lives to him when they heard what he had to say. They said to the woman, “We’re no longer taking this on your say-so. We’ve heard it for ourselves and know it for sure. He’s the Savior of the world!” (John 4:41-42) Know for sure, that Jesus gave His all to save you. He came that you may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows]. (John 10:10b AMP)

“I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live, love the LORD your God, obey him, and remain faithful to him. For he is your life, and he will prolong your days…” — Deuteronomy 30:19-20 (CSB)  Each and every day we are presented with choices that either bring life or bring death. When we speak words of life, we transmit hope, peace and love. When we speak negative, critical words or engage in gossip, we kill joy, hope, love, peace, etc., not only in ourselves but in those who hear our words. It’s not just the words we speak, but our thoughts and actions either give life and blessing or lead to cursing and death. Choose life each moment of the day. Our heavenly Father instructs us to choose life and live under His cloud of blessing. As children of God, that is where we not only survive, but thrive. Examine yourself and see if your choices lead to life ...

Those who think they can do it on their own end up obsessed with measuring their own moral muscle but never get around to exercising it in real life. Those who trust God’s action in them find that God’s Spirit is in them—living and breathing God! Obsession with self in these matters is a dead end; attention to God leads us out into the open, into a spacious, free life. — Romans 8:6 (MSG) May we live the spacious and free life that is a result of giving our attention to God. Instead of trying to do things our own way, let us focus on God, do His will, His way and in His perfect timing.  Focusing on the self is the opposite of focusing on God. Anyone completely absorbed in self ignores God, ends up thinking more about self than God. That person ignores who God is and what he is doing. And God isn’t pleased at being ignored.  (Romans 8:7-8 MSG) Letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. ...

And God is able to make all grace [every favor and earthly blessing] come in abundance to you, so that you may always [under all circumstances, regardless of the need] have complete sufficiency in everything [being completely self-sufficient in Him], and have an abundance for every good work and act of charity. — 2 Corinthians 9:8  (AMP) Our gracious God is able! When we set our hearts to do a good work, He will make a way. Believe God for big things: missionary trips, ministries, etc. Expand the tent of your mind. For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD gives grace and glory; No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly. (Psalm 84:11 NASB)

“Rain down, O heavens, from above, let the clouds pour down righteousness [all the blessings of God]; Let the earth open up, let salvation bear fruit, and righteousness spring up with it;  I, the LORD, have created it.” — Isaiah 45:8 (AMP) There is nothing we can do to earn salvation, we are saved by accepting Christ as our Savior. Just as the earth receives the rain that falls, we are to open our hearts and receive Christ, our King. When the rain waters the ground it causes growth and the bearing of fruit. When we receive Jesus in our hearts, and plant the Word of God (seed) on good soil, we will bloom in the Kingdom of God. And fruit will be produced in our lives. Be open to receive the Lord and all the wonderful blessings of God: salvation, love, joy, peace, righteousness, etc. “Open up, heavens, and rain. Clouds, pour out buckets of my goodness! Loosen up, earth, and bloom salvation; sprout right living. I, God, generate all this.” — Isaiah 45:8 (MSG)

And they worshiped Him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy [fully understanding that He lives and that He is the Son of God]; and they were continually in the temple blessing and praising God. — Luke 24:52-53 (AMP) The Message Bible says the disciples were bursting with joy! If you need some joy, spend time with Jesus, our risen Savior. When we understand Who He is and realize that in Him, we already have the victory, our hearts will be filled with joy. Instead of letting adverse circumstances get you down, keep worshiping the Lord and know that He will bring you out on the other side. Everything we go through in this life is temporary and Jesus has already overcome the world. Don’t let the enemy steal your joy, for the joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10).

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 Proverbs 5:8 (AMP) says to let your way [in life] be far from an immoral woman, and do not go near the door of her house [avoid even being near the places of temptation]. The Message Bible says: …absolutely stay out of her neighborhood. Let's walk with Lady Wisdom and stay away from the door that leads to temptation and wrongdoing. Do you hear Lady Wisdom calling? (Proverbs 8:1 MSG) Lady Wisdom will be your close friend, and Brother Knowledge your pleasant companion. (Proverbs 2:9 MSG) You’re blessed when you m...

...He said to Simon, “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.” Simon answered and said, “Master, we worked hard all night and caught nothing, but I will do as You say and let down the nets.” When they had done this, they enclosed a great quantity of fish, and their nets began to break; so they signaled to their partners in the other boat for them to come and help them. And they came and filled both of the boats, so that they began to sink. — Luke 5:4-7 (NASB) The call of Jesus to come to Him, is a continual call. He calls us into a deeper relationship with Him. Dive deeper into His Word, into Worship and His Presence. Why live a surface level life, when you can go deeper in God and experience bountiful blessings in your life? When we do what Jesus says, we will have boat-sinking blessings, more than enough to share with others. Launch out, away from the shallow waters, and into the deep with Jesus! Be like Simon Peter, James and John, when they had brought ...