Manna for Your Morning

“ You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. ” — Matthew 5:14-16 (NASB) ...because, although you were once the personification of darkness, you are now light in the Lord. So act like children of the light. For the fruit of the light is all that is good, right, and true. Make it your aim to learn what pleases our Lord. (Ephesians 5:8-10 VOICE) Be that illuminating light. Let your light shine everywhere you go, and light up the darkness that is in the world. 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)

 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 3:14 (NLT) Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, (Philippians 3:13 NASB) Stop longing for things of the past and reach forward. We have an upward call of God in Christ Jesus. A call to go higher and deeper. Let us press on to maturity (Hebrews 6:1). Hosea 6:3 says, let us press on to know the LORD. I will press on—moving steadfastly forward along Your path. I will not look back. I will not stumble. — Psalm 17:5 (VOICE)

Trust in the Lord completely, and do not rely on your own opinions. With all your heart rely on him to guide you, and he will lead you in every decision you make. — Proverbs 3:5 (TPT) The Word of the LORD stands forever. Trust God completely. He is faithful to fulfill every word He has spoken. The word which goes out of His mouth will not return to Him void, without accomplishing what He desires, and without succeeding in the matter for which He sent it. (See Isaiah 55:11). For thus the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, has said, “In repentance and rest you will be saved, in quietness and trust is your strength.” (Isaiah 30:15a NASB) O LORD of hosts, how blessed and greatly favored is the man who trusts in You [believing in You, relying on You, and committing himself to You with confident hope and expectation].  — Psalm 84:12 (AMP)

“ 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. ” — 2 Chronicles 20:12 (NASB) When you don’t know what to do, look to the Lord for His direction. He will guide you along the right path. His power finds its full expression through our weakness. (See 2 Corinthians 12:9 TPT) Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. (See Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT) With God all things are possible. (Matthew 19:26)

O LORD, You are my God; I will exalt You, I will praise and give thanks to Your name; for You have done miraculous things, plans formed long, long ago, [fulfilled] with perfect faithfulness. — Isaiah 25:1 (AMP) Blessed be the name of the LORD! His faithfulness is perfect and His love never fails. Bow down and worship Elohim, the all-powerful Creator of the universe and all it contains. Yet, He is mindful of us. He is adorned in holiness, glory and majesty. He is Adonai, the Master and Lord of our lives. We belong to Him. He is our Maker, the One Who formed us in our mother’s womb. He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. Praise the LORD! Praise, O servants of the LORD, Praise the name of the LORD. Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and forever. From the rising of the sun to its setting the name of the LORD is to be praised. — Psalm 113:1-3 (NASB)

“What strength do I have left, that I should wait [and hope]? And what is ahead of me, that I should be patient and endure?” — Job 6:11 (AMP) When despair comes knocking on your door, don’t answer. Keep your hope and faith in God and in His wonderful Word. …those who wait for the LORD [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] will gain new strength and renew their power; They will lift up their wings [and rise up close to God] like eagles [rising toward the sun]; They will run and not become weary, They will walk and not grow tired. (Isaiah 40:31 AMP) Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD. — Psalm 27:14 (NLT)

This is the day which the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it. — Psalm 118:24 (NASB) So then, my soul, why would you be depressed? Why would you sink into despair? Just keep hoping and waiting on God, your Savior. For no matter what, I will still sing with praise, for living before his face is my saving grace! (Psalm 42:5 TPT) Look around you: Winter is over;  the winter rains are over, gone! Spring flowers are in blossom all over. The whole world’s a choir—and singing! (Song of Solomon 2:11-12 MSG) Sing out with songs of thanksgiving to the Lord! Let’s sing our praises with melodies overflowing! (Psalm 147:7 TPT)

‘For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the LORD, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’ — Jeremiah 29:11 (AMP) No matter what your current circumstances may be, the LORD has plans for you that are good and not for disaster. God will causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines brighter and brighter until the full day. (Proverbs 4:18 NASB) You can be confident that you will see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living. (Psalm 27:13) Your future is bright and filled with a living hope that will never fade away. — Proverbs 23:18 (TPT)

When the servant of the man of God got up early the next morning and went outside, there were troops, horses, and chariots everywhere. “Oh, sir, what will we do now?” the young man cried to Elisha. “Don’t be afraid!” Elisha told him. “For there are more on our side than on theirs!” Then Elisha prayed, “O LORD, open his eyes and let him see!” The LORD opened the young man’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire. — 2 Kings 6:15-17 (NLT) Do not fear, for there are more with us than with the devil. The LORD will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways. (Psalm 91:11) May your eyes be open to see every situation through eyes of faith. You have surrounded me on every side, behind me and before me, and You have placed Your hand gently on my shoulder. — Psalm 139:5 (VOICE)

“ Refuse to worry about tomorrow, but deal with each challenge that comes your way, one day at a time. Tomorrow will take care of itself. ” — Matthew 6:34 (TPT) Pour out all your worries and stress upon him and leave them there, for he always tenderly cares for you. Instead of worry, worship our great and mighty God. Be well balanced and always alert, because your enemy, the devil, roams around incessantly, like a roaring lion looking for its prey to devour. Take a decisive stand against him and resist his every attack with strong, vigorous faith. For you know that your believing brothers and sisters around the world are experiencing the same kinds of troubles you endure. (1 Peter 5:7-9 TPT)

The steps of a [good and righteous] man are directed and established by the LORD, and He delights in his way [and blesses his path]. When he falls, he will not be hurled down, because the LORD is the One who holds his hand and sustains him. — Psalm 37:23-24 (AMP) You’ve gone into my future to prepare the way, and in kindness you follow behind me to spare me from the harm of my past. With your hand of love upon my life, you impart a blessing to me. This is just too wonderful, deep, and incomprehensible! Your understanding of me brings me wonder and strength. (Psalm 139:5-6 TPT) Find strength in the One Who holds your hand and sustains you. He has placed His hand of blessing on your head. ‘May the LORD bless you and protect you. May the LORD smile on you and be gracious to you. May the LORD show you his favor and give you his peace.’ — Numbers 6:24-26 (NLT)

The angel of the LORD appeared to him and said to him, “The LORD is with you, O valiant warrior.” Then Gideon said to him, “O my lord, if the LORD is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all His miracles which our fathers told us about…” — Judges 6:12-13a (NASB) God never said His people would not go through things. In John 16:33, Jesus warned that in the world we would have many trials and sorrows. The promise is that He is with us always. He is our constant Companion and Comforter. The Lord makes a way for us, through the storms of life. He gives us strength to persevere to the end. Take courage, Jesus has overcome the world. Continue in prayer and praise to our heavenly Father. Keep your trust and hope in the Lord. The  “ why? ”  of our circumstances is not as important as the  “ WHO ” In God, we have all we need to overcome.

God, you’re such a safe and powerful place to find refuge! You’re a proven help in time of trouble— more than enough and always available whenever I need you. So we will never fear even if every structure of support were to crumble away. We will not fear even when the earth quakes and shakes, moving mountains and casting them into the sea. — Psalm 46:1-2 (TPT) ‘Do not yield to fear, for I am always near. Never turn your gaze from me, for I am your faithful God. I will infuse you with my strength and help you in every situation. I will hold you firmly with my victorious right hand.’ (Isaiah 41:10 TPT) We need God every moment of every day. Look to Him always. God is your helper and the sustainer of your soul. (Psalm 54:4) He will accomplish what concerns you. His lovingkindness is everlasting. (See Psalm 138:8)

Now God has us where he wants us, with all the time in this world and the next to shower grace and kindness upon us in Christ Jesus. Saving is all his idea, and all his work. All we do is trust him enough to let him do it. It’s God’s gift from start to finish! — Ephesians 2:7-8 (MSG) God does both the making and saving. He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join him in the work he does, the good work he has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing. (Ephesians 2:10 MSG) Since God woke you up this morning, He has a good work for you to join Him in today. He is calling you to a higher level. So, my dear Christian friends, companions in following this call to the heights, take a good hard look at Jesus. He’s the centerpiece of everything we believe, faithful in everything God gave him to do. (Hebrews 3:1-2a  MSG) Let us follow in the footsteps of Jesus, and be faithful in everything the Father has given us to do.

“ So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. ” — Luke 15:20 (NLT) The prodigal son, demanded his share of his father’s estate, journeyed to a distant country and squandered his estate with loose living. (Luke 15:12-13). After he spent everything, he experienced hunger and hard times. Yet, no one gave him anything. But he came to his senses, and decided to return home as a hired servant. (Luke 15:14-19) The father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet; and bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.’ And they began to celebrate. (Luke 15:22-24) Our heavenly Father is filled with love and compassion. And His arms are open wide to embrace us and hold u...

Don’t be obsessed with money but live content with what you have, for you always have God’s presence. For hasn’t he promised you, “I will never leave you alone, never! And I will not loosen my grip on your life!” So we can say with great confidence: “I know the Lord is for me and I will never be afraid of what people may do to me!” — Hebrews 13:5-6 (TPT) God is for you. And with Him on your side, who can stand against you? (See Romans 8:31) What can come against you? “No weapon that is formed against you will prosper; and every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their vindication is from Me,” declares the LORD. (Isaiah 54:17 NASB)

Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name. For the LORD is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting and His faithfulness to all generations. — Psalm 100:4-5 (NASB) It is good to give thanks to the LORD, and to sing praises to the Most High. It is good to proclaim His unfailing love in the morning, and His faithfulness in the evening, (Psalm 92:1-2). Enter His gates and come into His courts. 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) …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)

Wishing to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas for them, and after having Jesus scourged, he handed Him over to be crucified. — Mark 15:15 (NASB) Pilate wanted to satisfy the crowd. Instead of trying to please people, may we seek to please our Creator. For He is our Maker and we are the people of His pasture. He created us with a plan and purpose. Let us stay on the path He set before us. He will guide you along the best pathway for your life. He will advise you and watch over you. (Psalm 32:8) Yahweh will always guide you where to go and what to do. He will fill you with refreshment even when you are in a dry, difficult place. He will continually restore strength to you, so you will flourish like a well-watered garden and like an ever-flowing, trustworthy spring of blessing. (Isaiah 58:11 TPT)

The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said…” — Matthew 28:5-6 (NASB) In Luke 24:5, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living One among the dead? He is not here, but He has risen.” Don’t seek the living One among the dead. Jesus is the Resurrection and Life  (John 11:25). Jesus is Immanuel, God with us! Christ is our risen Savior, King of kings and Lord of lords. His tomb is empty and He is seated on the throne. For the joy set before Him, Jesus endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2) God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.  — 1 John 4:9-10 (NLT)

““For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts.” — Isaiah 55:8-9 NASB Our thoughts are like the railroad tracks and our ways are like the train. Our thoughts will lay the path for the actions we take. Continually renew your mind with the Word of God. And elevate your thoughts. For as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he... — Proverbs 23:7 (KJV)

But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities;  The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, and by His scourging we are healed. — Isaiah 53:5 (NASB) JESUS has borne our griefs, and He has carried our sorrows and pains. (Isiah 53:4) He was beaten and bruised so we could be whole. And by His stripes we are healed. It was His love for us that held Him to the cross. He gave His all to save us. Like wayward sheep, we have all wandered astray. Each of us has turned from God’s paths and chosen our own way; even so, Yahweh laid the guilt of our every sin upon him. (Isaiah 53:6 TPT) JESUS is the Way back to the Father. Isaiah 53:1 asks: “ Who has believed our report?” Believe today. JESUS invites all people to come to the Father through Him, and be made whole.

There will be violent earthquakes, and in various places famines and [deadly and devastating] pestilences (plagues, epidemics); and there will be terrible sights and great signs from heaven. — Luke 21:11 (AMP) “But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence.” (Jeremiah 17:7 NLT) Have faith in Him in all circumstances, dear people. Open up your heart to Him; the True God shelters us in His arms. [pause] (Psalm 62:8 VOICE) …He is a shield to those who trust and take refuge in Him. (Proverbs 30:5b AMP)

If God hadn’t been there for me, I never would have made it. The minute I said, “I’m slipping, I’m falling,” your love, God, took hold and held me fast. When I was upset and beside myself, you calmed me down and cheered me up. — Psalm 94:17-19 (MSG) For the Lord will never walk away from his cherished ones, nor would he forsake his chosen ones who belong to him. (Psalm 94:14 TPT) When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer. (Psalm 94:19 NLT) …the Lord is my fortress; my God is the mighty rock where I hide. (Psalm 94:22 NLT) He is there for you.

Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines;  even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! The Sovereign LORD is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights. — Habakkuk 3:17-19 (NLT) In the worst moments of our lives, we can still worship our Heavenly Father and rejoice in His Presence. In all of our struggles and times of suffering, the most High God is our greatest comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles... (2 Corinthians 1:4) Amen.

I have fought the good and worthy and noble fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith [firmly guarding the gospel against error]. — 2 Timothy 4:7 (AMP) Let us be like the Apostle Paul and keep fighting the good fight, until we finish the race. Keep the faith, no matter what the circumstance. Our mighty God is a God of restoration. He will restore what the locusts have eaten. Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. (1 Timothy 6:12 NASB) Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; (Philippians 2:12)

Sing praise to the LORD, you His godly ones, and give thanks to His holy name. For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime; Weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning. — Psalm 30:4-5 (NASB) I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. (Psalm 34:1 NASB) You have turned my mourning into dancing for me; You have taken off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my soul may sing praise to You and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever. (Psalm 30:11-12 AMP)

Now may the Lord of peace Himself grant you His peace at all times and in every way [that peace and spiritual well-being that comes to those who walk with Him, regardless of life’s circumstances]. The Lord be with you all. — 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (AMP) Jesus gave us His peace (John 14:27). Open your heart and mind to receive His gift of everlasting peace, a peace that surpasses human understanding. The enemy is a thief. Don’t let Him rob you of peace. As we walk closely to the Prince of Peace, we will have peace at all times, in every situation, and circumstance. Choose to trust God and believe His Word. It is the Good News. When I am afraid, I will put my trust and faith in You. In God, whose word I praise;  In God I have put my trust; I shall not fear… — Psalm 56:3-4 (AMP)

Be gracious to me, O God, be gracious and merciful to me, for my soul finds shelter and safety in You, and in the shadow of Your wings I will take refuge and be confidently secure until destruction passes by. — Psalm 57:1 (AMP) Find safety and shelter in Almighty God, He is Elohim, the all-powerful One. When the righteous cry [for help], the LORD hears and rescues them from all their distress and troubles. (Psalm 34:17 AMP) Many hardships and perplexing circumstances confront the righteous, but the LORD rescues him from them all. (Psalm 34:19 AMP) I cry out to God Most High, to God who will fulfill his purpose for me. (Psalm 57:2 NLT)

We don’t yet see things clearly. We’re squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won’t be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We’ll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us! — 1 Corinthians 13:12 (MSG) We don't completely understand a book, until we have read the last chapter. What we see now is partial and incomplete. But one day we will know everything completely. Then we will know fully just as we also have been fully known by our heavenly Father. What we can do now, is continue to praise the Lord Most High. Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault. All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen. (Jude 24-25 NLT)

Make your ear attentive to wisdom, incline your heart to understanding; — Proverbs 2:2 (NASB) Proverbs 1:20 says, Wisdom shouts in the street. There are many voices clogging the air waves, but let us incline our ears to listen to Wisdom.   “…he who listens to wisdom shall live securely and will be at ease from the dread of evil.” (Proverbs 1:33) For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. (Proverbs 2:6 NASB) He becomes your personal bodyguard as you follow his ways, protecting and guarding you as you choose what is right. (Proverbs 2:8 TPT) …the one who always listens to wisdom will live undisturbed in a heavenly peace. Free from fear, confident and courageous, you will rest unafraid and sheltered from the storms of life. — Proverbs 1:33 (TPT)