Manna for Your Morning

The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can [mere] man do to me? The LORD is on my side, He is among those who help me; Therefore I will look [in triumph] on those who hate me. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. — Psalm 118:6-8 (AMP) “If it had not been the LORD who was on our side when men rose up against us, then they would have [quickly] swallowed us alive…” (Psalm 124:2-3a AMP) Yahweh has not brought you this far to leave you now. Stay in the safety of His pasture. He makes me whole again, steering me off worn, hard paths to roads where truth and righteousness echo His name. Even in the unending shadows of death’s darkness, I am not overcome by fear. Because You are with me in those dark moments, near with Your protection and guidance, I am comforted. — Psalm 23:3-4 (VOICE)

Why would you ever complain, O Jacob, or, whine, Israel, saying, “God has lost track of me. He doesn’t care what happens to me”? Don’t you know anything? Haven’t you been listening? God doesn’t come and go. God lasts. — Isaiah 40:27 (MSG) Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. (Isaiah 20:28 NLT) When you go through deep waters, He will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For He is the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. (See Isaiah 43:2-3 NLT) Instead of whining and complaining, trust God and know that He is with you and nothing is too difficult for our great God.

Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. — (Psalm 37:7 NLT) So the LORD must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the LORD is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for his help. (Isaiah 30:18 NLT)  Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you. (Psalm 37:5 NLT) 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]. (Psalm 37:23 AMP) Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD! — Psalm 27:14 (ESV)

Blessed be the name of the LORD From this time forth and forevermore! From the rising of the sun to its going down the LORD’s name is to be praised. The LORD is high above all nations, His glory above the heavens. — Psalm 113:2-4 (NKJV) No one can compare with the LORD our God, who is enthroned on high. He stoops to look down on heaven and on earth. He lifts the poor from the dust and the needy from the garbage dump. (Psalm 113:6-7 NLT) He is high above any circumstance you face. He is above every difficulty, all disease, over any work of the enemy, etc. “ The LORD lives! Blessed be my Rock! Let God be exalted, the Rock of my salvation! ” (2 Samuel 22:47 NKJV) Yours, O LORD, is the greatness, the power and the glory, the victory and the majesty; For all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours; Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and You are exalted as head over all. (1 Chronicles 29:11 NKJV) For You, LORD, are most high above all the earth; You are exalted far above all gods. (Psalm 97:9 NK...

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the whole earth. He never becomes faint or weary; there is no limit to his understanding. — Isaiah 40:28 (CSB) Have you ever been misunderstood? Well, no matter what you have done, or what you are going through, the LORD understands. Psalm 139:2 (CSB) says, He even understands our thoughts from far away. He is intimately acquainted with all of our ways. Even before we speak a word, He knows it all. (See Psalm 139:3-4) Still, our awesome God is full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth. (See Psalm 86:15 NKJV) He will give you beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. (See Isaiah 61:3) He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. (Isaiah 40:29 NIV) Great is our [majestic and mighty] Lord and abundant in strength; His understanding is inexhaustible [infinite, boundless]. — Psalm 147:5 (AMP...

“ Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! ” — Psalm 46:10 (NKJV) The Passion Translation says to “ surrender your anxiety. Be still and realize that He is God. ” As we keep our mind stayed on the LORD, there is no room for anxious thoughts and we experience His perfect peace. (See Isaiah 26:3) Our great God is good. Almighty God, our Creator is full of grace and mercy. He is all- bountiful, all-knowing and all-powerful. He is eternal, with us always and forever. He is kind and compassionate. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16 NKJV) “ Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God, above politics, above everything. ” — Psalm 46:10 (MSG)

Because you are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you; your strong right hand holds me securely. — Psalms 63:7-8 (NLT) The LORD is always with you. He continually helps us. Our Heavenly Father holds us steady and secure. Set the LORD continually before you; because He is at your right hand, you will not be shaken. (See Psalm 16:8 NASB) 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. And true patience brought on by endurance will equip you to complete the long journey and cross the finish line—mature, complete, and wanting nothing. (James 1:2-4 VOICE) Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face continually [longing to be in His presence]. — 1 Chronicles 16:11 (AMP)

“ And which of you by worrying can add one hour to his life’s span? So if you are not even able to do a very little thing [such as that], why are you worried about the rest? ” — Luke 12:25-26 (AMP) When tempted to worry, turn your mind to God Most High and maintain a continual connection to Him. 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. (See Romans 8:28 AMP) Instead of listening to the lies of the enemy, choose to trust God no matter what. God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. (Psalm 46:1 NLT)

But the Lord replied to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered and anxious about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part [that which is to her advantage], which will not be taken away from her.” — Luke 10:41-42 (AMP) There are many voices in the world today. Listening to the wrong voices can have us running around doing many things, even some good things, but they may not be the right things at the right time. Paying attention to the wrong voices can detour us away from God's will and cause us to fall in a ditch. It is to our advantage and well-being to always listen to the voice of the Lord. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. (See John 14:6) Luke 10:39 (AMP) says: Mary seated herself at the Lord’s feet and was continually listening to His teaching. May we be like Mary and take time to sit at the feet of Jesus and listen to His voice. May we have ears to hear the still small voice of the Holy Spirit within us leading,...

Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. — Romans 6:13 (NLT) Our generous and gracious God sacrificed His only Son and has given us His Holy Spirit, as our Helper and Comforter. Let your heart therefore be loyal to the LORD our God, to walk in His statutes and keep His commandments… (See 1 Kings 8:61 NKJV) For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. (See 2 Chronicles 16:9 NKJV) Caleb and Joshua entered the promised land because they wholehearted followed the LORD. (See Numbers 32:12) Joshua 24:14 says, to fear the LORD and serve Him wholeheartedly. May we commit ourselves wholeheartedly to the LORD and His Word. Those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That i...

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. — 1 John 3:1 (NIV) God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34 KJV). He accepts anyone who receives Jesus. For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:26 NLT) John 1:12 (AMP) says: But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the right [the authority, the privilege] to become children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name—  What an awesome privilege and honor to be called children of the living God! He created us in His image. Don’t let the world tell you who you are. We know that we are children of God and that the world around us is under the control of the evil one. (1 John 5:19 NLT) Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God (Matthew 3:8 NLT) When you walk away from the mi...

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) Let us praise the name of God and magnify Him with thanksgiving. We may not be where we want to be in life, but thank God we are not where we used to be. It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to the Most High. (Psalm 92:1 NLT) …for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’ (Acts 17:28 NKJV) Out of a  grateful heart will flow continual thanksgiving to our great and awesome God. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. — 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT)

Against all odds, when it looked hopeless, Abraham believed the promise and expected God to fulfill it. He took God at his word, and as a result he became the father of many nations. God’s declaration over him came to pass: “Your descendants will be so many that they will be impossible to count!” — Romans 4:18 (TPT) No matter how hopeless the situation may appear, keep believing God. Believe in His goodness and His unfailing love for you. Take God at His Word. He has it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. (See Jeremiah 29:11 MSG) Nothing is too difficult for our great God. Abraham never stopped believing God’s promise, for he was made strong in his faith to father a child. And because he was mighty in faith and convinced that God had all the power needed to fulfill his promises, Abraham glorified God!” (See Romans 4:20-21 TPT) Never stop believing God and standing on His Word. For He has magnified His word above all His...

I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken. — Psalm 62:1-2 (NLT) In John 16:33 (TPT), Jesus said: “And everything I’ve taught you is so that the peace which is in me will be in you and will give you great confidence as you rest in me. For in this unbelieving world you will experience trouble and sorrows, but you must be courageous, for I have conquered the world!” He forewarned us that in this world, we will have many trials and tribulation. Yet even in the midst of all these things, we are more than conquerors and gain an overwhelming victory through Him who loved us so much that He died for us. (See Romans 8:37) O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge. Interlude — Psalm 62:8 (NLT)

“ Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. ” — Matthew 5:14-16 (MSG) We are here to be light. It’s in the darkest hour that His light can shine the brightest. Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.  (Philippians 2:14-15 NLT) May we reflect the Light of God within us wherever we go.

Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God. — Psalm 42:11 (NASB1995) We get overwhelmed and discouraged when we try to carry and fix our problems and/or the troubles of this world. Give all your anxieties, worries and concerns to God. What is a boulder on our backs is a pebble in His hand. Psalm 68:19 says: Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden , the God who is our salvation. Selah. (NASB1995) Do not lean on your own understanding. Instead, trust in the LORD with all your heart. (See Proverbs 3:5) For His ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts higher than our thoughts. (See Isaiah 55:9) We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. — 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (NLT)

But I am trusting you, O LORD, saying, “You are my God!” My future is in your hands. — Psalm 31:14-15a (NLT) With all that is going on in the world today, we have to choose again and again to confidently trust our mighty God, knowing that He will work it all together for good. He has plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. (See Jeremiah 29:11) So let us humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God and give Him all our worries and cares because He cares about us. At the right time he will lift you up in honor. (See 1 Peter 5:6-7)

So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority. — Colossians 2:10 (NLT) Walk in continual union with Christ. This union we have with Him is vital for our spiritual, mental and emotional well-being. In John 15:5, Jesus said, “… apart from me you can do nothing .” In this union with our Savior, love is completed and perfected with us (See 1 John 4:17 AMP) We can draw our strength from Him and be empowered through our union with Him. (See Ephesians 6:10 AMP) In His Presence, we have fullness of joy. (See Psalm 16:11) For all of you who were baptized into Christ [into a spiritual union with the Christ, the Anointed] have clothed yourselves with Christ [that is, you have taken on His characteristics and values]. (Galatians 3:27 AMP) 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], (Colossians 2:6 AMP)

I look up to the hills, but where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. He will not let you be defeated. He who guards you never sleeps. The LORD will guard you as you come and go, both now and forever. — Psalm 121:1-3, 8 (NCV) Put your hope in the Maker of heaven and earth. Surely, nothing is too difficult for the One who made all things, and Creator of every person. So our hope is in the LORD. He is our help, our shield to protect us. We rejoice in him, because we trust his holy name. LORD, show your love to us as we put our hope in you. (Psalm 33:20-22 NCV) Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become restless and disturbed within me? Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall again praise Him 
for the help of His presence. — Psalm 42:5 (AMP)

But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines brighter and brighter until the full day. — Proverbs 4:18 (NASB) Praise God, that our paths grow brighter and brighter, and we go from one level of glory to another! No matter how dark your situation seems right now, remember that the light of dawn is approaching. The fog will lift and everything will become crystal clear. Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning. (See Psalm 30:5 NLT) In the midst of adverse circumstances, rely on the Light of His Presence. Light arises in the darkness for the upright; they are generous, compassionate, and righteous. (See Psalm 112:4) Amen.

The king said, “Is there not yet anyone of the house of Saul to whom I may show the kindness of God?” And Ziba said to the king, “There is still a son of Jonathan who is crippled in both feet.” — 2 Samuel 9:3 (NASB1995) Mephibosheth was hiding out in Lo-debar but he was brought to King David. David said to him, “Do not fear, for I will surely show kindness to you for the sake of your father Jonathan, and will restore to you all the land of your grandfather Saul; and you shall eat at my table regularly.” So Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, for he ate at the king’s table regularly. (See 2 Samuel 9:7,13 NASB1995) We too have a King who wants to show us the kindness of God. He wants to restore us. Don’t try to hide from God, when we have been invited to dine daily with the King of kings and the Lord of lords. Accept the invitation and let Him in. Behold, I stand at the door [of the church] and continually knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him ...

God has looked down from heaven upon the children of men to see if there is anyone who understands, who seeks after God [who requires Him, who longs for Him as essential to life]. — Psalm 53:2 (AMP) People can be so concerned with their outer appearance, “ But I, the LORD, search all hearts and examine secret motives .” (See Jeremiah 17:10 NLT) We can fool people, but never God, our Creator. He knows us better than we know ourselves. In Matthew 23:28, Jesus said: “ Outwardly you look like righteous people, but inwardly your hearts are filled with hypocrisy and lawlessness .” Our heavenly Father is more concerned about our inner condition, than our superficial, external image. Today and every day, make a dedicated decision to be wholeheartedly devoted to the LORD. He is absolutely essential. The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. — 2 Chronicles 16:9a (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) Once we were dead because of our disobedience and our many sins. We lived in this world without God and without hope. (See Ephesians 2:1,12 NLT) But 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 gave us life and brought us near to Him. Therefore, let us approach the throne of our gracious God so that we may receive mercy for our failures and find His amazing grace to help us when we need it most. (See Hebrews 4:16) He is our only hope.

The LORD leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all who keep his covenant and obey his demands. — Psalm 25:10 (NLT) Instead of trying to convince the LORD to do things our way, and on our timetable, we are to live in tune with His Holy Spirit and follow His lead. He leads us with lovingkindness and faithfulness. In love, He continually cares for us. In faithfulness, He fulfills all His wonderful promises. The LORD is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray. He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them his way. (Psalm 25:8-9 NLT) He guides us along right paths and it brings honor to His name. (See Psalm 23:3b NLT) He leads and guides, our part is to follow and obey. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; — Psalm 23:2-3a (NKJV)

“ Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
 I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. …And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.’ ” — Isaiah 41:10,13 (NLT) Whatever  comes your way today, know that the great “ I AM ” is here to help you. And Immanuel, “God with Us,” has already obtained the victory for us, so don’t give up and don’t give in. Keep standing on the Word of God, our strong foundation, and you will not be shaken. With our great God, all things are possible. “Yes, this is our God, our great God forever. He will lead us onward until the end, through all time, beyond death, and into eternity!” (Psalms 48:14 TPT)

That Sunday evening the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them! “Peace be with you,” he said. — John 20:19 (NLT) We are not to fear man, instead, we are to fear the LORD our God, and Him alone. Deuteronomy 10:20 (AMP) says: You shall fear [and worship] the LORD your God [with awe-filled reverence and profound respect]. For the LORD your God is the supreme God of the heavens above and the earth below. (Joshua 2:11b NLT) Jesus is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). He gave us His peace and He will never take it away. In John 14:27, Jesus says His peace is a gift. Like any gift that is given, it must also be received. Therefore, receive His peace today and don't let the enemy steal it away from you. May the everlasting peace of God rule in your heart and in your mind, at all times. “I leave the gift of peace with you—my peace. Not the kind of fragile peace given by the world, but my perfe...

Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. — Philippians 4:6-7 (MSG) Keep Christ at the center of your life. Treasure Jesus in the very core of your being. Center your mind on Him, and He will illuminate each and every area. His light will shine brightly and reveal all you need to know, when you need to know. He will show you the way to go. Proverbs 4:18 (NASB1995) says: the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines brighter and brighter until the full day. Many in the crowd spread their garments on the road ahead of him, and others spread leafy branches they had cut in the fields. Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting, “Praise ...

…stripping off every unnecessary weight and the sin which so easily and cleverly entangles us, let us run with endurance and active persistence the race that is set before us, [looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith … — Hebrews 12:1-2 (AMP) Don’t focus on the shortcomings of the government or the value of your stock portfolio. Stop examining the imperfections of those around you. Instead fix your eyes upon Jesus, and start running. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way. (See Hebrews 12:2 MSG)  Just as Jesus endured the cross, we will have to endure some things, but keep your focus on Jesus, the One who has already gained the victory for us. Yet I am so thankful to God, who always marches us to victory under the banner of the Anointed One; — 2 Corinthians 2:14a (VOICE)

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) Let us listen very carefully and pay much closer attention to the truth we have heard so that we do not, in any way, drift away from the truth and suffer shipwreck in regard to our faith. Now in these final days, God has spoken to us through his Son, Jesus, the Living Word. (See Hebrews 1:1, John 1:1,14 NLT) Be actively engaged in listening to the Word of God and actually doing what He says. Listen, my son, and be wise, and direct your heart in the way [of the LORD]. (Proverbs 23:19 AMP) When we direct our heart toward the LORD, He will guide us along on the correct course, and bring us safely to our glorious destination. 

… God is your confidence in times of crisis, keeping your heart at rest in every situation. — Proverbs 3:26 (TPT) Look to the LORD for help and keep your trust in Him at all times. Then your heart will stay at rest in any and all circumstances. Elohim is our strong refuge and security. So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! (Hebrews 10:35 NLT) But as for me, I will look expectantly for the LORD and with confidence in Him I will keep watch; I will wait [with confident expectation] for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me. (Micah 7:7 AMP) My heart is confident in you, O God; no wonder I can sing your praises with all my heart! — Psalm 108:1 (NLT)

This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. — Hebrews 4:15 (NLT) Do not be defeated by your weaknesses. Submit to Christ and let His mighty power be shown through you. Three times the Apostle Paul pleaded with the Lord to remove a thorn in his flesh. But he answered… “ My grace is always more than enough for you, and my power finds its full expression through your weakness .” So I will celebrate my weaknesses, for when I’m weak I sense more deeply the mighty power of Christ living in me.” (See 2 Corinthians 12:7-9 TPT) And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. (See Romans 8:26 NLT) … for when I am weak [in human strength], then I am strong [truly able, truly powerful, truly drawing from God’s strength]. — 2 Corinthians 12:10b (AMP)