Manna for Your Morning

…there are three things that remain: faith, hope, and love—yet love surpasses them all. So above all else, let love be the beautiful prize for which you run. — 1 Corinthians 13:13 (TPT) Pursue love… (1 Corinthians 14:1a NASB) Let love be your highest goal! (1 Corinthians 14:1a NLT) The Message Bible says without love, we are bankrupt. Love is large and incredibly patient. Love is gentle and consistently kind to all. (1 Corinthians 13:4a TPT) Love is not rude, is not self-seeking, is not irritable, and does not keep a record of wrongs. (1 Corinthians 13:5 CSB) Love is not easily irritated or quick to take offense. (1 Corinthians 13:5b TPT) Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. (1 Corinthians 13:7 NLT) Love never fails [it never fades nor ends]. (1 Corinthians 13:8a AMP) I think we can all raise the bar when it comes to living a life of love. The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love. (1 John 4:8 NASB)...

From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been a refuge for me, a tower of strength against the enemy. Let me dwell in Your tent forever; Let me take refuge in the shelter of Your wings. Selah. — Psalm 61:2-4 (NASB) When we are overwhelmed by life’s challenges, let us be led to the Rock. His ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. (Isaiah 55:9) No one is holy like the LORD! There is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God. (1 Samuel 2:2 NLT) For the Lord our God, in our midst, is a great and awesome God. If God is for us, who can ever be against us? (Romans 8:31) As for me, I trust [confidently] in You and Your greatness, O LORD; I said, “You are my God.” (Psalm 31:14 AMP) “…guide me into your glory, where I am safe and sheltered. Lord, you are a paradise of protection to me.” — Psalm 61:2b-3a (TPT)

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. — Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV) Don’t allow your faith to be shipwrecked. Fix your hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all people. This hope [this confident assurance] we have as an anchor of the soul [it cannot slip and it cannot break down under whatever pressure bears upon it]—a safe and steadfast hope that enters within the veil [of the heavenly temple, that most Holy Place in which the very presence of God dwells], (Hebrews 6:19 AMP). Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked. — 1 Timothy 1:19 (NLT)

Humble yourselves [with an attitude of repentance and insignificance] in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you [He will lift you up, He will give you purpose]. — James 4:10 (AMP) Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. (Proverbs 16:18 NKJV) Yet He gives His grace [His undeserved favor] to the humble [those who give up self-importance]. (Proverbs 3:34b AMP) In Matthew 11:29 (NASB), Jesus instructs us to learn from Him, for He is gentle and humble in heart. He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death (Philippians 2:8 NKJV). Ephesians 4:2 (NLT) says: Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Though the LORD is great, he cares for the humble, but he keeps his distance from the proud. — Psalm 138:6 (NLT)

“I am the Vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him bears much fruit, for [otherwise] apart from Me [that is, cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing. — John 15:5 (AMP) A branch that is cut off from the vine, withers and eventually dies. So our union with Jesus is vital, that means absolutely necessary or important; essential. We should not attempt to do anything on our own, because apart from Him we can do nothing. In Him we live and move and exist (Acts 17:28). Invite Him into every area of your life. Ask for His help and continually seek to do His will. He is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6). When we abide in Him, we bear much fruit. May our daily prayer be:  “Father, not My will, but Yours be done.” Seek more of his strength! Seek more of him! Let’s always be seeking the light of his face. — Psalm 105:4 (TPT)

This is the day which the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it. — Psalm 118:24 (NASB) Brothers and sisters, as I said, I know I have not arrived; but there’s one thing I am doing: I’m leaving my old life behind, putting everything on the line for this mission. I am sprinting toward the only goal that counts: to cross the line, to win the prize, and to hear God’s call to resurrection life found exclusively in Jesus the Anointed. (Philippians 3:13-14 VOICE) May we look unto Jesus and keep our ears attuned to the still small voice of God, as He leads us and guides us through this day. Stay mission minded, because God has a good plan and a purpose for you to fulfill.

Don’t be anxious about things; instead, pray. Pray about everything. He longs to hear your requests, so talk to God about your needs and be thankful for what has come. — Philippians 4:6 (VOICE) Do not be anxious or worried about anything. Instead, talk to God about your concerns, and thank Him for all He has done. 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)

So now I live with the confidence that there is nothing in the universe with the power to separate us from God’s love. I’m convinced that his love will triumph over death, life’s troubles, fallen angels, or dark rulers in the heavens. There is nothing in our present or future circumstances that can weaken his love. — Romans 8:38 (TPT) Our heavenly Father is faithful. His love triumphs over any challenge that comes our way. Though a host encamp against me, my heart will not fear; Though war arise against me, in spite of this I shall be confident (Psalm 27:3 NASB). There is no power above us or beneath us—no power that could ever be found in the universe that can distance us from God’s passionate love, which is lavished upon us through our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One! (Romans 8:39 TPT) Trust [rely on and have confidence] in the LORD and do good; Dwell in the land and feed [securely] on His faithfulness. — Psalm 37:3 (AMP)

Yet, O LORD, You are our Father; We are the clay, and You our Potter, and we all are the work of Your hand. — Isaiah 64:8 (AMP) May we be pliable in the hands of the Potter. We are not our own, for we were bought with a price (the precious blood of Jesus). (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you, but be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think. This will empower you to discern God’s will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in his eyes. (Romans 12:2 TPT) As we discern God’s will and flow with His Spirit, we will live beautiful and satisfying lives. Jesus came that we may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows]. (John 10:10b AMP)

LORD, you light my lamp; my God illuminates my darkness. With you I can attack a barricade, and with my God I can leap over a wall. — Psalm 18:28-29 (CSB) For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. God has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9). Live as children of light— (Ephesians 5:8 CSB) …if we [really] walk in the Light [that is, live each and every day in conformity with the precepts of God], as He Himself is in the Light, we have [true, unbroken] fellowship with one another [He with us, and we with Him], and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin… — 1 John 1:7 (AMP)

“ But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit. ” — Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NLT) When we trust the LORD, He is our hope and our confidence. No matter what kind of storm comes, He give us the strength to persevere and overcome. As we stay planted in the house of the LORD and continually abide in His Presence, we will never stop producing fruit. Your strength will come from settling down in complete dependence on God. Lord Yahweh, the Holy One of Israel, says: “Come back to me! By returning and resting in me you will be saved. In quietness and trust you will be made strong. But you refused.” — Isaiah 30:15 (TPT)

God chose us to be in a relationship with Him even before He laid out plans for this world; He wanted us to live holy lives characterized by love, free from sin, and blameless before Him. — Ephesians 1:4 (VOICE) With promises like this to pull us on, dear friends, let’s make a clean break with everything that defiles or distracts us, both within and without. Let’s make our entire lives fit and holy temples for the worship of God. (2 Corinthians 7:1 MSG) Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are.  (1 Corinthians 3:16-17 NASB) Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. (Romans 12:1 NASB) Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not s...

“ But you asked God for help and he gave you the victory. God is always on the alert, constantly on the lookout for people who are totally committed to him. You were foolish to go for human help when you could have had God’s help… ” — 2 Chronicles 16:8-9a (MSG) Be totally committed to the LORD at all times. 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) Rely on the LORD, to show you the way and give you the strength to overcome every challenge and persevere through the storms. It is better to put your faith in the Eternal for your security than to trust in people. (Psalm 118:8 VOICE) O LORD of hosts, How blessed is the man who trusts in You! — Psalm 84:12 (NASB)

In Philippians 1:18-19 (MSG) , the Apostle Paul says, “…I’ve decided that I really don’t care about their motives, whether mixed, bad, or indifferent. Every time one of them opens his mouth, Christ is proclaimed, so I just cheer them on! And I’m going to keep that celebration going because I know how it’s going to turn out. Through your faithful prayers and the generous response of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, everything he wants to do in and through me will be done. I can hardly wait to continue on my course.” What a great attitude and perspective. No matter how circumstances may appear right now, keep the celebration going, because you belong to Christ Jesus and we win. Despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. (Romans 8:37 NLT) Be led by His Spirit, and everything God wants to do in you and through you will be done. Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to C...

Then she called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, “You are God Who Sees”; for she said, “Have I not even here [in the wilderness] remained alive after seeing Him [who sees me with understanding and compassion]?” — Genesis 16:13-14 (AMP) Our heavenly Father is El Roi, the God Who sees. There is no need to try and hide. He knows all of our thoughts and feelings and He sees us with understanding and compassion. He holds us by the hand and watches over us for good and not for harm. O taste and see that the LORD is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! — Psalm 34:8 (NASB)

The LORD is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. — Psalm 28:7 (NLT) When you are good and tired of trying to do things in your own strength, draw from the well of the LORD. He is the source of our strength. Trust in Him with unwavering confidence for our help comes from Him. God strengthens the weary and gives vitality to those worn down by age and care (Isaiah 40:29 (VOICE). The LORD is our shield. When we abide in the shadow of His wings, we are protected from the flaming arrows of the evil one. Let us seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face continually [longing to be in His presence]. (1 Chronicles 16:11 AMP) Finally, brothers and sisters, draw your strength and might from God.  — Ephesians 6:10 (VOICE)

Cast your burden on the LORD [release it] and He will sustain and uphold you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken (slip, fall, fail). — Psalm 55:22 (AMP) The Amplified Bible includes something in this verse that is very important for us to remember. Once we cast our cares on the LORD, we need to RELEASE them. Let them go and trust God to handle it. As we continually cast our cares on the LORD, let us daily commit our ways to Him. Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He will do it. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light and your judgment as the noonday. — Psalm 37:5-6 (NASB)

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. — Psalm 103:1-2 (NLT) Bless the LORD,… Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases; Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion; Who satisfies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle. (Psalm 103:3-5 NASB) The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness. (Psalm 103:8 NASB) For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear and worship Him [with awe-filled respect and deepest reverence]. (Psalm 103:11 AMP) I will praise the LORD at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. — Psalm 34:1 (NLT)

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) Ecclesiastes 3:1 (MSG) says, “There’s an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on the earth…” Instead of cluttering up today with worry about tomorrow or regrets of the past, listen for God’s voice and follow His guidance for today. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6:34b) “ I have told you these things so that you will be whole and at peace. In this world, you will be plagued with times of trouble, but you need not fear; I have triumphed over this corrupt world order. ” — John 16:33 (VOICE)

“ However, I have this against you: you have abandoned your first love. ” — Revelation 2:4 (VOICE) Never abandon your first love. May your love grow deeper and deeper for the One who will never leave us nor forsake us. Keep Jesus as the first priority in your life, for He cares about you and watches over you very carefully. Let us continually draw near to Him and we will receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Fix your eyes on Jesus, and do not allow the things of this world to distract you and draw your affections away from our Savior, the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end (Revelation 1:8). He is King of kings and Lord of lords!

All around us we observe a pregnant creation. The difficult times of pain throughout the world are simply birth pangs. But it’s not only around us; it’s within us. The Spirit of God is arousing us within. We’re also feeling the birth pangs. These sterile and barren bodies of ours are yearning for full deliverance. That is why waiting does not diminish us, any more than waiting diminishes a pregnant mother. We are enlarged in the waiting. We, of course, don’t see what is enlarging us. But the longer we wait, the larger we become, and the more joyful our expectancy. — Romans 8:22-25 (MSG) We are enlarged in the waiting. Be aroused by the Spirit of God. Wait for the LORD and keep His way… (Psalm 37:34a). As we wait let us grow in patience, love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Just as a pregnant woman waits with joyful expectation, the birth of her baby, let us wait with joyful expectation as God fulfills every single one of His precious pr...

When the whirlwind passes, the wicked is no more, but the righteous has an everlasting foundation. — Proverbs 10:25 (NASB) No matter how strong the wind or how hard the shaking, the righteous have an everlasting foundation, Jesus Christ. Build your life on the Rock, and who is a rock, except our God. (Psalm 18:31) In Proverbs 10:25, The Message Bible says “ When the storm is over, there’s nothing left of the wicked; good people, firm on their rock foundation, aren’t even fazed .” Don’t be fazed by the storms of life. Trust God and stand on His Word. When all the dust settles, you will still be standing. Proverbs 10:6a (NASB) says, “ Blessings are on the head of the righteous …” Proverbs 10:9a (NASB) goes on to say: He who walks in integrity walks securely … Our God is great and awesome, more powerful than any storm. He is also a loving Father and He always takes care of His children. Amen!

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. — Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV) We were created in Jesus, for good works. Many believers focus so hard on the work they are doing for Him, that it becomes a chore and they totally lose sight of the Savior. Hebrews 12:2 reminds us to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith. Stay focused on Jesus and let the Holy Spirit do the work in you and through you to bring about the Father’s perfect will. And always remember, whatever God has called you to do, it is a “GOOD” work. We can also be confident that whatever God has called us to, He has already given us the victory. Amen! No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. — Romans 8:37 (NLT)

Do not slack in your faithfulness and hard work. Let your spirit be on fire, bubbling up and boiling over, as you serve the Lord. Do not forget to rejoice, for hope is always just around the corner. Hold up through the hard times that are coming, and devote yourselves to prayer.  — Romans 12:11-12 (VOICE) Revelation 3:15-16 (NLT) says, “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!” May we be hot with passion for God and His Kingdom. Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don’t quit in hard times; pray all the harder . — Romans 12:11-12 (MSG)

We are confident that God is able to orchestrate everything to work toward something good and beautiful when we love Him and accept His invitation to live according to His plan. — Romans 8:28 (VOICE) We humans keep brainstorming options and plans, but God’s purpose prevails. (Proverbs 19:21 MSG) The sooner we understand that His ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts higher than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:9), the sooner we will accept His invitation to live according to His plan. Only then will we live our best life and enjoy the more abundant life Jesus came to give us. Life is not always going to be pretty, but Ecclesiastes 3:11a (NLT) says: Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time . Give Him time.

I say to myself, “The LORD is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!” The LORD is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him. So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the LORD. — Lamentations 3:24-26 (NLT) Live in deep dependence on our heavenly Father, continually looking up to Him from Whom our help comes. Those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. The LORD is good to those who wait [confidently] for Him, to those who seek Him [on the authority of God’s word].  (Lamentations 3:25 AMP) God proves to be good to the man who passionately waits, to the woman who diligently seeks. It’s a good thing to quietly hope, quietly hope for help from God. It’s a good thing when you’re young to stick it out through the hard times. — Lamentations 3:25-27 (MSG)

And not only this, but [with joy] let us exult in our sufferings and rejoice in our hardships, knowing that hardship (distress, pressure, trouble) produces patient endurance; — Romans 5:3 (AMP) The Voice translation says, “ We also celebrate in seasons of suffering because we know that when we suffer we develop endurance ” (Romans 5:3). How can we celebrate in seasons of suffering? Because 1) It's momentary. It will pass, seasons come and seasons go. 2) God is with us, and 3) He has given us the ultimate victory. May we strive to press on to maturity and to finish the race before us with joy, like the Apostle Paul. And don’t grumble, whine or complain about current circumstances, because we are citizens of a Kingdom that is unshakable. Don’t run from tests and hardships, brothers and sisters. As difficult as they are, you will ultimately find joy in them; if you embrace them, your faith will blossom under pressure and teach you true patience as you endure. — James 1:2-...

But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.  — Galatians 5:22-23 (MSG) Let us be led by the Spirit of God, so we can reflect His goodness and bring glory to His Kingdom. Instead of trying to bend the Word to fit our lives, may we surrender our hearts to Him and bend our lives to align with the Word of God.

“For I the LORD your God keep hold of your right hand; [I am the Lord], Who says to you, ‘Do not fear, I will help you.’ — Isaiah 41:13 (AMP) We do not have to fear because God is with us. He has a firm grip on us and He’s not letting go. He is with us and He will help us. We can always rely and depend on His help. For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways. (Psalm 91:11 NASB) Praise God that we get to journey through life with Him by our side. How happy are those who have learned how to praise You; those who journey through life by the light of Your face. Every hour of the day, they rejoice at the sound of Your name. They are lifted up and encouraged by Your righteousness.  — Psalm 89:15-16 (VOICE)

Your strong love, O True God, is precious. All people run for shelter under the shadow of Your wings. In Your house, they eat and are full at Your table. They drink from the river of Your overflowing kindness. You have the fountain of life that quenches our thirst. Your light has opened our eyes and awakened our souls. — Psalm 36:7-9 (VOICE) Let His strong love awaken your soul, and follow His light as He shows you the way. Come to God with an open heart and He will fill it to overflowing. We drink our fill with the abundance of His house; He allows us to freely drink from the river of His delights. There is no lack in His house. We may come with dry, empty cups, but once we drink of His Living Water our souls are satisfied. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. — Psalm 23:5-6 (...

Come, let’s shout praises to God, raise the roof for the Rock who saved us! Let’s march into his presence singing praises, lifting the rafters with our hymns! — Psalm 95:1-2 (MSG) Zephaniah 3:17 (NASB)  says: “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.” Just as He rejoices over us, let us rejoice and take pleasure in His Presence. “See, God has come to save me. I will trust in him and not be afraid. The LORD God is my strength and my song; he has given me victory.” Isaiah 12:2 (NLT) Most of all, friends, always rejoice in the Lord! I never tire of saying it: Rejoice! Keep your gentle nature so that all people will know what it looks like to walk in His footsteps. The Lord is ever present with us. — Philippians 4:4-5 (VOICE)