Manna for Your Morning

Since we are surrounded by so many examples of faith, we must get rid of everything that slows us down, especially sin that distracts us. We must run the race that lies ahead of us and never give up.  — Hebrews 12:1 (GW) Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. May we get rid of everything that slows us up and weighs us down. Focus on Jesus and allow nothing to distract you. Make it your only aim to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus gave you.

For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.    —   Proverbs 23:7 (NKJV) Where the mind of a person goes, he or she is sure to follow. If you want to change your life, you have to change the way you think. We are transformed by consistently renewing our minds according to the Word of God. As we think in line with the Bible about who we are and what we have in Christ, our actions will follow and our lives will rise to a whole new level!

It’s not that I’ve already reached the goal or have already completed the course. But I run to win that which Jesus Christ has already won for me. Brothers and sisters, I can’t consider myself a winner yet. This is what I do: I don’t look back, I lengthen my stride, and I run straight toward the goal to win the prize that God’s heavenly call offers in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12-14 (GW) Congratulations! You may have overcome many obstacles this year, but the important thing is that you persevered and made it through. Praise the Lord! As we look forward to the New Year, may we resolve to get rid of everything that slows us down, especially sin that distracts us. Let us run the race that lies ahead of us and never give up (Hebrews 12:1, GW). Run straight toward your goals, jump over any hurdles and keep your eyes on JESUS. Run to win! Complete the course!

Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11 (NIV) As we begin the countdown to 2012, the above passage of Scripture gives us some things to aim for in the coming year. First, we are instructed to rejoice. Let us be joyful. The joy of the Lord is our strength. Second, strive for full restoration, in every area of your life. Allow God's healing power to complete His perfect work in you. Next on the list is to encourage those in your life, daily. How good is a timely word! (Proverbs 15:23). The fourth thing is to abide in the peace, harmony and love of God. Amen.

That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are quite small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever! So we don’t look at the trouble we can see right now; rather, we look forward to what we have not yet seen. For the troubles we see will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NLT) Don't give up! The troubles you see right now will soon be over. Look beyond the difficulties and see the VICTORY the Lord has prepared for you. Look forward to that which has yet to be seen, because we have a great big God, and He's doing great big things!

There is surely a future hope for you,  and your hope will not be cut off. Proverbs 23:18 (NIV) No matter what disappointments and heartache you experienced in 2011, surely there is a future hope for YOU. The LORD has plans to prosper you and not to harm you (Jeremiah 29:11). Smile at the future, knowing that your hope will not be cut off. May He give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed (Psalm 20:4), in the new year!

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7 (NLT) Are you worried, anxious or allowing cares to weigh you down? Give them all to God. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” You do not have to be weighed down with cares. Cast them on the Lord because He cares for you. May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way (2 Thessalonians 3:16).

Then the glory of the LORD went up from the cherub, and paused over the threshold of the temple; and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was full of the brightness of the LORD’s glory. Ezekiel 10:4 (NKJV) Just as the glory of the LORD filled the temple in Jerusalem, He now dwells in us. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). Open the door and be filled with His light and His love. Glow brightly with the glory of the LORD!

For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11 (NKJV) Let’s not do Christmas today. May we BE Christmas, not just today, but each and every day God gives us breath. Be love . Be patient and kind . Let us be givers, like Jesus. Give forgiveness and grace . Embody the spirit of Christ. Always be filled with peace and joy . Merry Christmas!

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:  “Glory to God in the highest, a nd on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” Luke 2:13-14 (NKJV) When the angel announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds, a multitude of the heavenly host praised God. As we celebrate the birth of Christ the Lord, may we worship God with all of our hearts for this amazing act of love. He sent His Son to this earth to save us. Glory hallelujah! Let everyone who has breath praise the LORD!

And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.” Luke 2:9-10 (NKJV) When the angel went to the shepherds to announce the birth of Christ, they were greatly afraid. Today, we have nothing to fear. The birth of Christ the Lord, is Good News to everyone, and a cause for great joy. Jesus, our Savior, is a gift to ALL people, all over the world. Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved (Acts 2:21). And “ we can be saved only by the power of the one named Jesus and not by any other person ”(Acts 4:12). Amen. Praise the Lord!

“The reason I can still find hope is that I keep this one thing in mind:  the LORD’s mercy.  We were not completely wiped out. His compassion is never limited. It is new every morning. His faithfulness is great. Lamentations 3:21-23 (GW) When discouragement and depression come knocking at your door, still find HOPE. No matter how dismal circumstances may appear, hang onto hope. Remember the great mercy of the LORD, His unmerited kindness and favor. The LORD's mercies are trustworthy and true. They keep us from being completely wiped out. God is full of compassion and mercy and it never runs out. He delivers new compassions to our door step each and every morning. Great is His faithfulness!

So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 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 2:6-7 (NKJV) That first Christmas, when Christ was born, there was no room for them in the inn. Do you have room for the Lord in your heart today? Please, don't allow the cares of this world, the lure of wealth and desires for other things to inhabit your heart to the degree that you shut Jesus out. He loves you. Jesus came that we might have life, and that we might have it more abundantly (John 10:10). And we only experience that full, rich and satisfying life as we abide in the King of kings and the Lord of lords, Jesus the Christ. Give Him all the glory!

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.  Matthew 2:10-12 (NKJV) When the wise men came to Jesus, they they bowed down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented gifts to Him. The greatest treasure we can offer the Lord is our hearts. Open your whole heart to the Lord today. Worship the Lord today and every day, by letting Him reign in your heart. Let Him occupy every nook and cranny. Jesus Christ is the greatest gift of all. Let us rejoice with exceedingly great joy in His presence!

 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” Matthew 2:1-2 (NKJV) When the wise men set out to seek Jesus, they had to go on a journey. Even though they didn't get there in a day, they were determined to go and worship Jesus Christ, the King of kings. For months they stayed focused on their goal, despite any storms that may have come. And the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was (Luke 2:9). Today we can worship the Lord, right where we are. May we persistent in seeking to worship the Lord, in spirit and in truth. He is the Lord of lords! For unto us a Child is born. Unto us a Son is given; And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Princ...

“I made the earth, formed it, and set it in place. My name is the LORD. This is what the  LORD  says: Call to me, and I will answer you. I will tell you great and mysterious things that you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:2-3 (GW) If you are not sure you are doing the right things, and traveling on the right path in life, call upon the LORD. We don't have to try to figure things out on our own. God knows all things and He has given us the Holy Spirit to help us. Once we make the call, we have to LISTEN for His still small voice. For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding (Proverbs 2:6). Open your ears to hear the words of the LORD. Listen to the Holy Spirit within, as He leads you and guides you into all truth. Just a note from my personal experience: Don't look for a NEW word from God, if you haven't done the last thing He told you to do.

“I am the LORD God of all humanity. Nothing is too hard for me.” Jeremiah 32:27 (GW) Nothing is too hard for Almighty God! He brought life to Sarah's dead, barren womb and it produced living fruit. And Abraham became the father of many nations. Our heavenly Father has ways to turn situations around. He changes our darkness to light, our sadness to joy,  and desperation into hope. When the land was experiencing a drought, God used birds to bring food to the prophet, Elijah, twice a day, (1 Kings 17:2-6). Our heavenly Father is able to provide whatever we need, one way or another. Nothing is too difficult for Him!

I know the plans that I have for you, declares the LORD. They are plans for peace and not disaster, plans to give you a future filled with hope. Jeremiah 29:11 (GW) God knows the plans He has for you. Every day of your life was recorded in His book before one of them had taken place (Psalm 139:16). The plans God has for you are for peace. Jesus left His peace with us and said, “My peace I give you. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27). As we abide with our heavenly Father, our future is full of hope. This hope is an anchor for our souls. It holds us firm and secure. So, put your hope in God who is able to do exceedingly abundantly more than we can ask or even imagine (Ephesians 3:20) and your latter days will be far more glorious than the former.

“I am a God who is near.  I am also a God who is far away,” declares the LORD.  “No one can hide so that I can’t see him,” declares the LORD.  “I fill heaven and earth!” declares the LORD. Jeremiah 23:23-24 (GW) As a child, you may have enjoyed playing the game of  “ Hide & Seek , ”  but we don't want to try to hide from our heavenly Father, besides it is impossible. The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good (Proverbs 15:3). Choose to keep the LORD near, follow Him wherever He leads you. Be like Mary who sat at the feet of Jesus listening to what He said and learning from Him (Luke 10:39). The eyes of God are not on us to harm us. He keeps watch over us to protect us, rescue us, and guide us along on the right path. Give God some PRAISE!

Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed;  Save me, and I shall be saved,  For You are my praise. Jeremiah 17:14 (NKJV) In the LORD, we receive healing and salvation. When he heals us, we are truly healed. The LORD heals our emotional wounds, our physical bodies and our spiritual beings. Psalm 103:3 says, the LORD heals all our diseases. When He saves us, we are surely saved. First Peter 1:9 says, the end result of our faith in Jesus Christ that we receive is the salvation of our souls. May our souls rejoice in the LORD and delight in his salvation (Psalm 35:9). He is the One we praise. Hallelujah!