Manna for Your Morning

“Not that I have already obtained it [this goal of being Christlike] or have already been made perfect, but I actively press on so that I may take hold of that [perfection] for which Christ Jesus took hold of me and made me His own.” — Philippians 3:12 (AMP) “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14 NKJV) Actively press on, no turning back.

One of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, glorifying and praising and honoring God with a loud voice; and he lay face downward at Jesus’ feet, thanking Him [over and over]. He was a Samaritan. — Luke 17:15-16 (AMP) As Jesus entered a village there were ten men with leprosy, crying out, “ Jesus, Master, have mercy on us! ” (See Luke 17:12-13 NLT) He healed all ten, but only one returned to Jesus to give thanks. Be the one who gives glory to God for all that He has done. As you reflect on all that has happened this year, remember to give glory to God. He has shown Himself faithful over and over again. Whatever you faced this year, He was faithful to bring you through it. You are still here. God has good plans and a wonderful purpose for you to fulfill. Kneel at the feet of Jesus, full of gratitude. Glorify God with a loud voice. We cannot thank Him enough, for all the wonderful blessings He has bestowed upon us moment by moment, day after day, and month after month.

Overcome every form of evil as a victorious soldier of Jesus the Anointed One. For every soldier called to active duty must divorce himself from the distractions of this world so that he may fully satisfy the one who chose him. — 2 Timothy 3-4 (TPT) Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8 AMP) Don’t get entangled in the cares of this world, nor fall for the distractions of the enemy. Instead, concentrate on carrying out orders, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No matter what happens, keep your eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith (See Hebrews 12:2 NLT) and press on toward the glorious destination He has for you!

but 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 [by erasing the stain of sin, keeping us cleansed from sin in all its forms and manifestations]. — 1 John 1:7 (AMP) As followers of Jesus, the Messiah, we can enjoy continual companionship with the LORD, as we live our lives in the Light, being open, honest, and transparent. Let us walk through each day in alignment with the principles of our Heavenly Father, in our speech and with our actions. Christ is the faithful Friend who sticks closer than a brother. In fact, there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. (John 15:13 NLT) Jesus gave His life for us. In John 15:14, He said, “ You are my friends if you do what I command .”

So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you. — 1 Peter 4:19 (NLT) Trust your life to God, our Creator. He will never fail you. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. (Romans 8:28 NLT) 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)

“Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. For behold, darkness will cover the earth and deep darkness the peoples; But the LORD will rise upon you and His glory will appear upon you.” — Isaiah 60:1-2 (NASB) For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:6 NLT) When we open our hearts and let His light shine in, He brings healing, and wholeness. Lives are touched and transformed. The light of His love comforts and strengthens. His light shining in our hearts, will keep us on fire for Jesus and ignite the hearts of those around us, with hope, love, peace and joy. The enemy wants to beat you down, but we are to cast all of our cares on the LORD and continue to move forward and upward. “Rise up in splendor and be radiant, for your light has dawned, and Yahweh’s glory now streams from you!” — Isaiah 60:1 (T...

Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. — 1 John 4:7-8 (NLT) My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. (Proverbs 3:1 NLT) This is His commandment, that we believe [with personal faith and confident trust] in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and [that we unselfishly] love and seek the best for one another, just as He commanded us. (1 John 3:23 AMP) May the love of God continually pour from your heart to others, for God’s love never fails. Everyone who loves is fathered by God and experiences an intimate knowledge of him. (1 John 4:7b TPT) And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment. — 1 Philippians 1:9 (NASB)

He is the divine portrait, the true likeness of the invisible God, and the firstborn heir of all creation. He is the Head of his body, which is the church. And since he is the beginning and the firstborn heir in resurrection, he is the most exalted One, holding first place in everything. — Colossians 1:15, 18 (TPT) Christ is to occupy first place in everything. Today, as we celebrate the birth of JESUS, may He be at the forefront of all our festivities. Instead of focusing on the material gifts that will not last, may it be His everlasting Presence that we hold near and dear in our hearts. May the eternal and ever-flowing love of Jesus consume us all, not only today, but throughout the year. Let us be mindful of Jesus and all that He has done to rescue, redeem, and restore humanity.

So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “ Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. — Luke 2:15-16 (NKJV) When the angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds and announced the good news to them “that the Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!” They made their way to Jesus with haste. May we make it an urgent priority to make our way to JESUS everyday. Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest .” — Matthew 11:28 (NLT)

And Mary said, “My soul magnifies and exalts the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.” — Luke 1:46-47 (AMP) When Mary believed and received the word spoken to her from the Lord, she rejoiced and exalted the Lord. After the shepherds found their way to Jesus, Luke 2:20 (NASB 1995) says: The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them. The mark of a heart that has believed and received the Messiah is an ecstatic praising of all that He has done. When we have a personal encounter with Jesus, our Savior, we can’t help but give glory to God and rejoice in the Lord. Oh come, let us sing to the LORD! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. (Psalm 95:1 NKJV) Give unto the LORD the glory due to His name; Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. (Psalm 29:2 NKJV)

It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to the Most High. It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning, your faithfulness in the evening, accompanied by a ten-stringed instrument, a harp, and the melody of a lyre. — Psalm 92:1-3 (NLT) Let us declare the unfailing love of the LORD, in the morning and tell of His faithfulness in the evening. For You, O LORD, have made me glad by what You have done, I will sing for joy at the works of Your hands. How great are Your works, O LORD! Your thoughts are very deep. (Psalm 92:4-5 NASB1995) Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips will praise You. So I will bless You as long as I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name. (Psalm 63:3-4 NASB1995)

This is why it is so crucial that we be all the more engaged and attentive to the truths that we have heard so that we do not drift off course. — Hebrews 2:1 (TPT) It is crucial that we be more engaged and attentive to the truth. The Amplified Bible says: We must pay much closer attention than ever to the things that we have heard, so that we do not [in any way] drift away from truth. (Hebrews 2:1) When you know the truth, it will set you free. (See John 8:32) …Christ, as the Son, is in charge of God’s entire house. And now we are part of his house if we continue courageously to hold firmly to our bold confidence and our victorious hope. (Hebrews 3:6 NLT/TPT) Don't let the waves of this world cause you to drift away from the truth. Our hope in Christ is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls that leads us into God’s inner sanctuary. (See Hebrews 6:19 NLT) Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters. that there not be in any one of you a wicked, unbelieving heart [which refus...

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) When we cling to something, we hold onto it tightly and remain very close to it. Nothing can get in between us and what we cling to. Let us cling to our faith by leaning completely on God with absolute trust and confidence in His guidance. (See 1 Timothy 1:19 AMP) We are not to lean on our own understanding but on God, whose ways and thoughts are higher than ours. As we cling to Him, His strong right hand will hold us securely. (See Psalm 63:8 NLT) ... in your hearts set Christ apart [as holy—acknowledging Him, giving Him first place in your lives] as Lord.   — 1 Peter 3:15a (AMP)

And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. — Luke 2:7 (NKJV) Is your heart so full of other things, that there is no room for Jesus? If you are more concerned about tending to man-made traditions and completing a list of tasks, than spending time devoted to the King of kings and Lord of lords, I implore you, to de-clutter your life. And it starts in your heart. Proverbs 4:23 (AMP) instructs us to watch over our heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life. If our hearts are full of mess (busyness, unforgiveness, bitterness, pride, etc.), then the message of the Messiah will not get through. His love, grace and mercy have no room to flow through us. Let go of anything that is not of God and let Him occupy the throne of your heart today and every day.  

Every gift God freely gives us is good and perfect, streaming down from the Father of lights, who shines from the heavens with no hidden shadow or darkness and is never subject to change. — James 1:17 (TPT) Nothing in this world can compare to the good and perfect gifts we receive from our Heavenly Father. His gifts last forever, and they never fade or fail. Let us remember the wonderful gifts He has freely given us. God lavished His love on us before He laid the foundation of the world (see Ephesians 1:4). God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) (Ephesians 2:4-5 NLT) Our Heavenly Father has given us everlasting peace which surpasses all understanding (see John 14:27 & Philippians 4:7). And may we always treasure the One good and perfect gift: JESUS, our Savior! He is Immanuel (God with us), eternal King of king...

For we who worship by the Spirit of God are the ones who are truly circumcised. We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us. We put no confidence in human effort, — Philippians 3:3 (NLT) Rely on Christ and put no confidence in human flesh or effort. For we who are born-again have been reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, set apart for His purpose… and place no confidence in what we have or who we are in the flesh. (See Philippians 3:3 AMP) May we be enriched in the reality of knowing Jesus Christ and embrace Him as Lord and Savior in all of His greatness. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him. (Philippians 3:8-9a NLT)

But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ. — Ephesians 2:13 (NLT) At one time we were living apart from Christ. We lived in this world without God and without hope. (See Ephesians 2:12 NLT). But, Praise God, we who were once so very far away from God have been brought near by the blood of Christ. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. (Hebrews 4:16) But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign LORD my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do. — Psalm 73:28 (NLT)

Listen to my testimony: I cried to God in my distress and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears! Gaze upon him, join your life with his, and joy will come. Your faces will glisten with glory. You’ll never wear that shame-face again. — Psalm 34:4-5 (TPT) Glisten with glory as you keep our gaze fixed upon the LORD. Don’t depend on a person, don’t look to the government. CHRIST is our only hope. Live in union with Him. Seek more of his strength! Seek more of him! Let’s always be seeking the light of his face. (Psalm 105:4 TPT) And we all, with unveiled face, continually seeing as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are progressively being transformed into His image from [one degree of] glory to [even more] glory, which comes from the Lord, [who is] the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:18 AMP) We look away from the natural realm and we focus our attention and expectation onto Jesus who birthed faith within us and who leads us forward into faith’s perfection. His example is this: Becaus...

Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” — Luke 1:26-28 (NKJV) Dear brothers and sisters, we are blessed and highly favored because the Presence of the Lord is with us too. Whatever you’re going through today, remember: the Lord is with  YOU ! In times of adversity and affliction, He is there and working for your good. Psalm 139:7-10 (TPT) says, Where could I go from your Spirit? Where could I run and hide from your face? If I go up to heaven, you’re there! If I go down to the realm of the dead, you’re there too! If I fly with wings into the shining dawn, you’re there! If I fly into the radiant sunset, you’re there waiting! Wherever I go, your hand will guide me; your strength will empower me. “ Have I ...

And then, after your brief suffering, the God of all loving grace, who has called you to share in his eternal glory in Christ, will personally and powerfully restore you and make you stronger than ever. Yes, he will set you firmly in place and build you up.  — 1 Peter 5:10 (TPT) Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. (1 Peter 4:12 NLT) After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace will Himself complete, support, strengthen, and establish you. To Him be dominion (power, authority, sovereignty) forever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 5:11 AMP) For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! 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 Corinthi...

Live a cheerful life, without complaining or division among yourselves. For then you will be seen as innocent, faultless, and pure children of God, even though you live in the midst of a brutal and perverse culture. For you will appear among them as shining lights in the universe, holding out the words of eternal life.  — Philippians 2:14-16a (TPT) As believers, and ambassadors to the Kingdom of God, we are to let His light shine through us, at all times, —the light of His love and grace, the light of His peace and joy. We have been transferred from the domain of darkness into the marvelous light of the Lord. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. (John 1:5) For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! (Ephesians 5:8 NLT) Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that lea...

The nations are in chaos, and their kingdoms crumble! God’s voice thunders, and the earth melts! The LORD of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. Interlude — Psalm 46:6-7 (NLT) No matter how chaotic current world events may be, keep your eyes on Jesus and stand on the Word of God. Cast down any anxious or fearful thoughts that don’t align to the Word. God is with us, so who can stand against us? (See Romans 8:31) Take courage and do all that our Heavenly Father is calling you to do. Continue to fight the good fight of faith. Let no raging storms erode your faith in Christ, the King of kings and the Lord of lords. 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. (Psalm 46:1 TPT) We stand fearless at the cliff-edge of doom, courageous in seastorm and earthquake, before the rush and roar of oceans, the tremors that shift mountains. Jacob-wrestling ...

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) Be transformed and progressively changed, as you mature spiritually, by renewing your mind with the Word of God. The most beautiful and satisfying life we can live, is the one designed by our Creator. He knows the good plans He has for us. And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. (Romans 12:1 NLT)

Long ago the LORD said to Israel: “I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.” — Jeremiah 31:3 (NLT) Our heavenly Father draws all men to Himself with unfailing love. Open your heart and receive His extravagant love today. Let it fill the chambers and the crevices of your heart. There are no limits on the everlasting love of God. Wherever you are today, His love reaches out to you. Come as you are. His love covers and it protects. His love is like a healing balm and soothing salve. Let it seep into each and every fiber of your being. Live with the confidence that there is nothing in the universe with the power to separate us from God’s love. Be 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. There is no power above us or beneath us—no power that could ever be found in the univer...

Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. — Romans 4:20-21 (NLT) Live fully convinced that God exists, and that He is a faithful Father. No matter how circumstances appear, keep believing that God is able to do whatever He promises, and continually grow stronger in your faith. This brings glory to God. Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1 NASB) Be confident that what God has spoken, He will fulfill.

Then Elijah stood in front of them and said, “How much longer will you waver, hobbling between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him! But if Baal is God, then follow him!” But the people were completely silent. — 1 Kings 18:21 (NLT) The LORD has set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore CHOOSE LIFE, that both you and your descendants may live. Love the LORD your God, obey His voice, and cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days. (See Deuteronomy 30:19-20  NKJV) May we exercise our free will and turn away from idols to serve the living and true God. …humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7 NLT) Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts. — 1 John 5:21 (NLT)

The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. I called on the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies. — Psalm 18:2-3 (NLT) Abide in God and call upon His name. He is our place of safety. God’s way is perfect. All the LORD’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection. For who is God except the LORD? Who but our God is a solid rock? (Psalm 18:30-31 NLT) He reached down from heaven and rescued me; he drew me out of deep waters. (Psalm 18:16 NLT) The LORD lives! Praise to my Rock! May the God of my salvation be exalted! — Psalm 18:46 (NLT)

Now Christ lives his life in you! And even though your body may be dead because of the effects of sin, his life-giving Spirit imparts life to you because you are fully accepted by God. Yes, God raised Jesus to life! And since God’s Spirit of Resurrection lives in you, he will also raise your dying body to life by the same Spirit that breathes life into you! — Romans 8:10-11 (TPT) Jesus does not turn away anyone who comes to Him. His arms are open wide to receive all who call upon His name. So grateful for that day, 32 years ago, when I became aware of how much I needed Jesus and opened the door of my heart to Him. He accepted me just the way I was and began a beautiful restoration and transformation process. Welcome Him in today. And you did not receive the “spirit of religious duty,” leading you back into the fear of never being good enough. But you have received the “Spirit of full acceptance,” enfolding you into the family of God. And you will never feel orphaned, for as he rises u...

Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. — 1 Corinthians 16:13 (NLT) Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. (1 Peter 5:8-9a NLT) We stand firm in the faith by believing God and His Son, Christ Jesus. He reigns! Second Corinthians 1:24 (NLT) says: …it is by your own faith that you stand firm. You have to believe in your heart and mind for yourself. Have faith in Jesus. Know that He has already overcome the world and gained the victory for you. For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ. — Hebrews 3:14 (NLT)

But one of the twenty-four elders said to me, “Stop weeping! Look, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the heir to David’s throne, has won the victory. He is worthy to open the scroll and its seven seals.” — Revelation 5:5 (NLT) Jesus has won the victory! Honor and majesty surround him; strength and beauty fill his sanctuary. (Psalm 86:6 NLT) At the name of Jesus every knee will bow. (See Philippians 2:10 NASB) ...thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. (2 Corinthians 2:14 NASB)  That’s why we live with such good cheer. You won’t see us drooping our heads or dragging our feet! Cramped conditions here don’t get us down. They only remind us of the spacious living conditions ahead. It’s what we trust in but don’t yet see that keeps us going. Do you suppose a few ruts in the road or rocks in the path are going to stop us? When the time comes, we’ll be plenty ready to exchange exile for hom...

And the Spirit of the LORD will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. He will delight in obeying the LORD. He will not judge by appearance nor make a decision based on hearsay. He will give justice to the poor and make fair decisions for the exploited. The earth will shake at the force of his word, and one breath from his mouth will destroy the wicked. He will wear righteousness like a belt and truth like an undergarment. — Isaiah 11:2-5 (NLT) As Believers, may we follow the example of Christ Jesus, King of kings and Lord of lords. Be filled with the Spirit and walk in the Spirit of extraordinary wisdom, understanding, counsel and might. Have a reverential fear of the LORD and delight in obeying Him. Do not judge by appearance nor make decisions based on rumors or hearsay. Make fair decisions. And wear (walk in) righteousness and truth everyday. Amen.

Though the fig tree does not blossom and there is no fruit on the vines, though the yield of the olive fails and the fields produce no food, though the flock is cut off from the fold and there are no cattle in the stalls, yet I will [choose to] rejoice in the LORD; I will [choose to] shout in exultation in the [victorious] God of my salvation! — Habakkuk 3:17-18 (AMP) No matter how dismal circumstances appear, choose to rejoice in the LORD. This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24 NLT)