Manna for Your Morning

…casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]. — 1 Peter 5:7 (AMP) I like this verse in the Amplified Bible, because it says “ once and for all ”. That means once we cast our cares, we need to leave them in the “something for God to do” box and not pull them out again. This morning, as I was casting all my cares on the Lord, He reminded me that we are to wait on Him, instead of picking up our concerns again. Isaiah 40:31 (NASB) says, 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. May we come out from under the circumstances, and continue to soar high, letting the power of His love be the wind beneath our wings, that carries us from glory to glory. Amen!

“ For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His… ” — 2 Chronicles 16:9a (NASB) The eyes of the LORD search for sincere hearts, not physical appearances, or lofty titles. When our hearts are fully committed to the LORD, we can rely on Him to strengthen us. We can do all things [which He has called us to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers us. (Philippians 4:13) Realize, it's through Him. You too, be patient; strengthen your hearts [keep them energized and firmly committed to God], because the coming of the Lord is near. (James 5:8 AMP) God is always on the alert, constantly on the lookout for people who are totally committed to him. — 2 Chronicles 16:9a (MSG)

  As an example, brethren, of suffering and patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. We count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful. — James 5:10-11 (NASB) When it comes to suffering, let us remember Job and how God brought it all together for him at the end. Also, consider Jesus, … who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God . (Hebrews 12:2 NASB) Our Heavenly Father is faithful to fulfill every promise and He will cause everything to work together for good in our lives. In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. All power to him forever! Amen . — 1 Peter 5:10-11 (NL...

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) The Amplified Bible says: Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in [union with] Him [reflecting His character in the things you do and say—living lives that lead others away from sin], having been deeply rooted [in Him] and now being continually built up in Him and [becoming increasingly more] established in your faith, just as you were taught, and overflowing in it with gratitude. (Colossians 2:6-7) Let us be deeply rooted in Jesus, the everlasting Rock, and bear much fruit for the Kingdom of God. …and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ. — 1 Corinthians 10:4 (NKJV)

You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. — Psalm 139:16 (NLT) Every moment of our lives matter because God took the time to record each day and lay our lives out moment by moment. He intentionally made all the delicate, inner parts of our bodies and knit us together in our mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13). He did this with purpose and His plan for our lives is good. Though our journey will take us through all kinds of seasons, we have a glorious destiny awaiting us. May we seek His will, as we plan our days and our lives. The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of His heart from generation to generation.  (Psalm 33:11 NASB) Let us submit to the authority of God’s Word and be led by His Holy Spirit, in word and action, because every moment of life He gives us matter.

Now set your heart and your soul to seek (inquire of, require as your vital necessity) the LORD your God. — 1 Chronicles 22:19a  (AMP) Hallelujah! I give thanks to God with everything I’ve got— Wherever good people gather, and in the congregation. God’s works are so great, worth a lifetime of study—endless enjoyment! Splendor and beauty mark his craft; His generosity never gives out. (Psalm 111:1-3 MSG) The LORD is full of grace and mercy. He is a God of love and compassion. The happiness we seek is found in Him. Psalm 16:11 says: “In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.” We have the peace we long for, when we fix our thoughts upon Him. (Isaiah 26:3 NLT) May we keep our minds and lives clear of clutter, so we can worship the LORD with all our heart, mind, soul and strength. Wholehearted devotion, with no distractions or detours. Amen.

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) Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. How can we draw near to God? We are drawing closer to God when our first thoughts, after we awaken, are of Him and His goodness, for giving us another day. We draw near to God when the deepest desire of our hearts is for more of His Presence living in us, occupying every crevice. We draw near to Him, when we acknowledge that we can do nothing without Him. We come closer to our heavenly Father when we worship Him, with humble hearts and attitudes of gratitude, grateful for even the air He gives us to breathe. We draw near to God when we realize that He is the only One who can fulfill us, the only One who can mend the broken pieces of our lives. He is the One who completes us. No matter where we are, in our walk with God, He is always calling us to come closer.

“In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.” — John 16:33 (MSG) Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows, but First Peter 5:7 (AMP) says to 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]. The LORD hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. (Psalm 34:17 NLT) Amen. Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden, the God who is our salvation. Selah. — Psalm 68:19 (NASB)

Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ ... — Ephesians 5:1-2a (NLT) Instead of copying the ways of this world, may we imitate the ways of our heavenly Father. The Message Bible says, “Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn’t love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that.” (Ephesians 5:1-2) The Amplified Bible tells us to walk continually in love [that is, value one another—practice empathy and compassion, unselfishly seeking the best for others]… (Ephesians 5:2). Amen!

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, — James 1:2 (NASB) Instead of looking for perfect circumstances, look to the perfect One, Jesus. He said, “ Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart (be of good cheer), because I have overcome the world. ” (John 16:33) Instead of focusing on the problem, take comfort in His Presence and stand on His promises. Romans 8:28 (NASB) says, God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. — James 1:2-4 (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) Oh, love the LORD, all you His saints! For the LORD preserves the faithful, and fully repays the proud person. Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the LORD. (Psalm 31:23-24 NKJV) Hope in the LORD continually and praise Him more and more (Psalm 71:14) Your hope will not be cut off. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. (Hebrews 6:19a NLT)  It will keep you from being tossed to and fro by the storms of life. And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you. (Psalm 39:7 NLT)  I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. — Romans 15:13  (NLT)

Exercise daily in God—no spiritual flabbiness, please! Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever. — 1 Timothy 4:7b (MSG) “What God wants to do is not just to make you happy. He wants to make you holy.” (Francis Chan) The good news is that we have already been given everything we need to live a godly life. Everything that goes into a life of pleasing God has been miraculously given to us by getting to know, personally and intimately, the One who invited us to God. (2 Peter 1:3 MSG) Let us exercise discipline and self-control for the purpose of godliness. First Timothy 4:8 (NKJV) says, godliness is profitable for all things. Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:  — Hebrews 12:14 (NKJV)

Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker. — Psalm 95:6 (NKJV) “Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.” (Revelation 4:11 NASB) Continually come to the LORD, in humble adoration. Stand in awe of our great and mighty God. Bow down and worship Him, for Who He is, not what He can do for you. Worship flows from a heart that burns with the desire for more of Him. “ Who will not fear you, Lord, and glorify your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous deeds have been revealed. ” — Revelation 15:4 (NLT)

Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you. — Psalm 143:8 (NLT) Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23 NKJV) Praise God, that His mercies and compassions begin afresh each and every morning. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning. (Psalm 30:5 NLT) At the beginning of each new day, give yourself to the One who woke you up. It’s His breath in our lungs. We may make our plans, but the Lord directs our steps. Seek His guidance and He will show you the way in which you should walk.

Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends. — Proverbs 17:9 (NLT) Help love to flourish in your heart and in the lives of those around you. Love prospers when we forgive the failures of others, and don't highlight their faults. The Message Bible says, love doesn’t keep score of the sins of others. (2 Corinthians 13:5) “Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history.” (Isaiah 43:18 MSG) Philippians 3:13, says to forget those things which are behind and look forward to what lies ahead. Let us imitate our Heavenly Father. He forgives all our sins.. (Psalm 103:3) As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. — Psalm 103:12 (NKJV)

“O our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this great multitude who are coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on You.” All Judah was standing before the LORD, with their infants, their wives and their children. — 2 Chronicles 20:12-13 (NASB) When you don’t know what to do, run to the throne room of your Heavenly Father. Call upon His name at all times. When the righteous cry [for help], the LORD hears and rescues them from all their distress and troubles. (Psalm 34:17 AMP) When you don’t know what to do stand on His Word. Deuteronomy 20:1 says, “When you go out to battle against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and people more numerous than you, do not be afraid of them; for the Lord your God is with you…” Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. (2 Chronicles 20:15) And He has given us the victory. No weapon formed against you shall prosper… (Isaiah 54:17a)

Jesus answered them, “Do you finally believe? In fact, you’re about to make a run for it—saving your own skins and abandoning me. But I’m not abandoned. The Father is with me. 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 16:31-33 (MSG) When others abandon you, remember the Presence of God is with you. In His Presence, you have the power, peace and grace to do all He has called you to do. Even in the midst of difficulties and challenges, you will be unshakable and deeply at peace as you trust in Jesus.

Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you. — Romans 12:2 (MSG) Instead of copying the ways of this world, let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. May we fix our attention on God and renew our minds, with His Word. This will elevate our thoughts, because His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. As our minds are renewed, we will be able to recognize His perfect will and respond to it, with a sense of urgency. Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts.  — Proverbs 4:23 (GNT)

Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” — John 8:12 (NASB) For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (Ephesians 5:8) When we follow Christ and live in the light, we no longer have to stumble around in darkness, doubt and confusion. We have the Word of God, illuminating truth and wisdom. As children of light,  we no longer have to be tossed to and fro by the waves of adversity,  but we are stable and confident to stand strong. As we continually follow Jesus, we have the Light of life within us, to lead and guide us along, through each season of life. The life of the godly is full of light and joy, but the light of the wicked will be snuffed out. — Proverbs 13:9 NLT)

And blessed [spiritually fortunate and favored by God] is she who believed and confidently trusted that there would be a fulfillment of the things that were spoken to her [by the angel sent] from the Lord.” — Luke 1:45 (AMP) Who do you believe, the lies of the enemy or our Heavenly Father? The fruit of believing the enemy’s lies is anxiety, fear, and worry. When we believe God’s Word, it increases our faith, gives us strength and keeps us in peace. Faith is staying in agreement with what God says, not with our circumstances! (From You Version Bible Study by Gary Kesee) Proverbs 12:25 (NLT) says, “ Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up. ” God’s Word is the most encouraging Word of all and it stands the test of time. Let us believe God will fulfill all that He has said. And continue to speak the Word of God, no matter what our circumstances look like. Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have no...

…all the stages of my life were spread out before you, the days of my life all prepared before I’d even lived one day. — Psalm 139:16 (MSG) God prepared all of our days and recorded them in His book, before we were even born. Each day is a gift from God, and is packaged with purpose and promise. The book of our lives, has many chapters and we go through many stages in life, but we have at least 3 things that are stable and constant. We have the Presence of God, His love for us and His Word. I am so thankful for the 55 years He has allowed me to live on this earth. No matter how old or how young you are, we can ALL praise God that our lives get better and better, as we allow His light to shine brighter and brighter in us and through us. Each one of us can see and reflect the glory of the Lord, as we are progressively being transformed into His image from one degree of glory to even more glory. Amen! Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts...

When the whirlwind passes by, the wicked is no more, but the righteous has an everlasting foundation. — Proverbs 10:25 (NKJV) In Jesus we have a sure foundation. We don’t have to fear when the storms come because the godly have an everlasting foundation. Jesus is our firm foundation, and we will not be moved. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 3:11) In Luke 6:47-48 (NKJV), Jesus said: “ Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock. ” Build on the Rock!

Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. — Philippians 2:8-11 (NASB) J.E.S.U.S. What a beautiful name! Jesus is Lord of lords and King of kings (Revelation 17:14). His name is above every other name. His name is greater than anxiety, worry and fear. The name of Jesus is over all sickness and disease. The name of Jesus is greater than the rulers and principalities of darkness. Demons tremble at His name. Call on the name of Jesus, our Savior! His name is full of life, peace, and power. His name contains healing, hope and love. Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, t...

Remember, our Message is not about ourselves; we’re proclaiming Jesus Christ, the Master. All we are is messengers, errand runners from Jesus for you. It started when God said, “Light up the darkness!” and our lives filled up with light as we saw and understood God in the face of Christ, all bright and beautiful. — 2 Corinthians 4:5-6 (MSG) Submit to the work of the Holy Spirit within you and your life will be filled with His light. Let us proclaim His praises. For we were once darkness, but now we are light in the Lord. (Ephesians 5:8) We are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that we may proclaim the praises of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light; (1 Peter 2:9)

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) As it was in the days of Zerubbabel , so it is today. His Spirit is still at work in and through His people. We fulfill the purpose and plan God has for us, by His Spirit. It is not in our own power or might. As we rely on and draw our strength from the Spirit of God who dwells within us, the mountains before us will become molehills, and the stormy waves will become calm. 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) Be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18), and be led by His Spirit, in all that you do. “ Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not...

Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. — 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT) 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 4:7-9 MSG) In the midst of troubles and trials, admit your weakness and rely on the power of Christ to work through you. God already knows how to handle every challenge that confronts you, and He has not left your side. Amen.

But as for me, I am like a green olive tree in the house of God; I trust in the lovingkindness of God forever and ever. — Psalm 52:8 (NASB) Trust confidently in the generous love of God. The eternal God is your refuge, and his everlasting arms are under you. He drives out the enemy before you; (Deuteronomy 33:27a NLT) We can always trust in God’s unfailing love, because it will never run out on us. 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. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.  — Romans 8:38-39 (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) Keep your eyes on Jesus, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever and not the ever changing circumstances. God has a plan for your life and it is a good plan. 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. (Proverbs 3:5-6 MSG) For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. — Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)

At my first trial no one supported me [as an advocate] or stood with me, but they all deserted me. May it not be counted against them [by God]. But the Lord stood by me and strengthened and empowered me, so that through me the [gospel] message might be fully proclaimed, and that all the Gentiles might hear it; and I was rescued from the mouth of the lion. — 2 Timothy 4:16-17 (AMP) Everyone else may abandon you, but the Lord stands by your side. He empowers us to complete the assignment given to us. Jesus is our Advocate. He is a very present help in trouble. Rely on Him and you will be rescued! God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. — Psalm 46:1 (NASB)

So follow the steps of the good, and stay on the paths of the righteous. — Proverbs 2:20 (NLT) There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. (Proverbs 14:12) The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; Jesus came that we may have life, and have it abundantly. (John 10:10) You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Psalm 16:11) In John 21:19, Jesus said to Peter, “Follow Me.” Let us do likewise. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. Amen.

The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This was the LORD’s doing; It is marvelous in our eyes. — Psalm 118:22-23 (NKJV) For this is contained in Scripture: “Behold, I lay in Zion a choice stone, a precious corner stone, and he who believes in Him will not be disappointed.” — 1 Peter 2:6 (NASB) Therefore, this is what the Sovereign LORD says: “Look! I am placing a foundation stone in Jerusalem, a firm and tested stone. It is a precious cornerstone that is safe to build on. Whoever believes need never be shaken. (Isaiah 28:16 NLT) May we believe and build our lives on Jesus. Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 2:4-5 NKJV) So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy p...