Manna for Your Morning

Jesus taught his disciples, saying, “Listen to me. Never let anxiety enter your hearts. Never worry about any of your needs, such as food or clothing. For your life is infinitely more than just food or the clothing you wear.” — Luke 12:22-23 (TPT) I repeat it: “Don’t let worry enter your life. Live above the anxious cares about your personal needs. People everywhere seem to worry about making a living, but your heavenly Father knows your every need and will take care of you. Each and every day he will supply your needs as you seek his kingdom passionately, above all else.” (Luke 12:29-31 TPT) The fiery darts of the enemy are meant to distract you. Keep seeking the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. — 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV) When Jesus gave His life on the cross, to pay the debt for our sins, He restored us into fellowship with our heavenly Father. Where there was once separation, the blood of Christ brought us near to the Father of compassion. He is there to comfort us whenever we encounter troubles of any kind. He keeps track of all your sorrows. He has collected all your tears in His bottle. He has recorded each one in His book. (Psalm 56:8, NLT). When anxious thoughts multiply within you, His comforts will delight you. (Psalm 94:19). Amen.

Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. — 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 (NLT) All serious athletes, train hard and consistently. Let us run our race with perseverance, keeping our eyes on the prize, not allowing the hurdles of life to be a stumbling block. 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). 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… (Hebrews 12:1-2, AMP)

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. — Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) We are God’s masterpiece. Within our earthen vessels lie great treasure. Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life burgeons! (2 Corinthians 5:17 MSG). Every day is a new day for us to pursue all God created us to be. We have the potential in us, to do great things. He created us  extraordinary, not average. While our outside is perishing, inside we are in a process of continual renewal. Don’t settle for average, be EXTRAORDINARY! Release the gifts and talents that lie dormant in you and be the blessing to this world that God created you to be. Make your dreams, your reality and let them live!

So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit. — John 19:30 (NKJV) When Jesus said, “It is finished!” it was a done deal. As Jesus bowed His head on that cross, all things were accomplished —our healing, our victory. Through His sacrifice we received everything we will ever need. What freedom we can experience when we really understand that it is already done. With this realization, we can stay in His perfect peace and fullness of joy. All of our days are already written in God's book. Instead of victims we are victors, more than conquerors. We just have to walk in the steps Jesus already mapped out for us. Everything else that happens in this life is just a sideshow distraction to get us off the path God has for us. Distractions are tools the enemy uses to get us to wander off the path and wonder if God’s Word is true. God made it simple, we complicate it. Don't let the enemy come in cause confusion. Inst...

One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and started out. As they sailed across, Jesus settled down for a nap. But soon a fierce storm came down on the lake. The boat was filling with water, and they were in real danger. The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and the raging waves. Suddenly the storm stopped and all was calm. — Luke 8:22-24 (NLT) If a fierce storm arose after you set sail to pursue what God put in your heart to do, it probably felt like Jesus was asleep in your boat. In spite of the winds of adversity and violent waves, rest assured, Jesus is not asleep. Have no anxiety or fear. In the midst of the storm, you can live in His perfect peace. As long as you are on board with Jesus, our life preserver, you will reach your desired destination, and your plans will succeed.

But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience. — Luke 8:15 (NKJV) The bearing of fruit comes with patience. Once we receive the seed, the Word of God, on the good soil of our hearts, we need to develop patience as we wait for the fruit to appear. Just as the farmer waits [expectantly] for the precious harvest from the land, being patient about it, until it receives the early and late rains. (James 5:7 AMP) God’s Word will bear fruit in your life, whether it's the early or late rains, or both. His Word does not return to Him void. Keep watering the seed by speaking words of life over it and protect it from the enemy who wants nothing more than to steal the Word that has been sown in your heart. “But the seed in the good earth—these are the good-hearts who seize the Word and hold on no matter what, sticking with it until there’s a harvest.” (Luke 8:15 MSG) Stick with it! No matter...

Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”  — John 11:40 (NIV) Don’t ever stop believing in God and all of the wonderful promises He has spoken to you. No challenge that stands before you today is too big for our great and mighty God. Keep believing and you will see the fulfillment of every promise. He delivers us from all our troubles. Praise the LORD! “‘“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.”’ — Numbers 6:24-26 (NIV)

Commit your works to the LORD [submit and trust them to Him], And your plans will succeed [if you respond to His will and guidance]. — Proverbs 16:3 (AMP) It is wise to seek God’s will in all that we do. He guides us along on the path of life and will ensure we reach the desired destination. He knows what our future holds and He always prepares us for what is to come. If you stay attuned to His voice, Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, “This is the way you should go,” whether to the right or to the left. (Isaiah 30:21 NLT). Respond according to His guidance and your plans will succeed.

For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority. — Colossians 2:9-10 (NLT) In Christ, we have everything we need. When we come to Him anxious and fearful, He gives us true peace, strength and courage. When we are emotionally wiped out, He refreshes our souls. When we come to Him broken, He heals us and fills in the gaps. When we come to Him empty, He fills us with joy, hope and a more abundant life. The Message Bible says: You don’t need a telescope, a microscope, or a horoscope to realize the fullness of Christ, and the emptiness of the universe without him. Colossians 2:9-10 (MSG)

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 2:15-18 (NKJV) Just as the shepherds went in haste to see Jesus, let us have a sense of urgency, not only to see Jesus, but to know Him personally. May we have a richer and deeper experience of His love and grace, each and every day.  And let’s introduce others to our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6 NIV). The LORD anointed Him to bring good news to the poor. He was sent to comfort the brokenhearted and to announce freedom to all captives, and pardon all prisoners. (Isaiah 61:1). Hallelujah! Enjoy your day as you celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

“Glory to God in the highest [heaven], and on earth peace among men with whom He is well-pleased.” — Luke 2:14 (AMP) In a world that is full of chaos and disaster, the only peace we find is in our amazing love relationship with the King of kings and the Lord of lords. Let the peace of Christ [the inner calm of one who walks daily with Him] be the controlling factor in your hearts [deciding and settling questions that arise]. To this peace indeed you were called as members in one body [of believers]. And be thankful [to God always]. (Colossians 3:15 AMP)

Honor God with everything you own; give him the first and the best. Your barns will burst, your wine vats will brim over. — Proverbs 3:9 (MSG) As we honor God by giving back to Him  and to others, He pours back into our lives in abundance so that we have more than enough. As Pastor Jeff Osborne taught on Sunday, there are givers, takers and matchers. Takers are only out for what they can get from others. Their mantra is “what have you done for me lately?” Matchers limit their giving to the extent that they receive from others. Givers, freely and cheerfully give. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son (John 3:16a (NKJV). God gives us all things that pertain to life and godliness. His love knows no bounds; it is limitless. Freely we have received, let us freely give!

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. — Luke 2:19 (NIV) Mary pondered the words that were prophesied about her Son. When we ponder something we continually think about it. The thought just keeps grabbing our attention, until it gets deep into our heart. Some of us ponder the negative things others have spoken to us. Others ponder people and why they said or did something to us. Let all of that go. If it didn’t kill you, it made you stronger and better. Let us treasure all the awesome words our heavenly Father has spoken to us through His wonderful Word. Ponder all the promises He has spoken to you and know that He is a Promise Keeper. Not one of all the LORD’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled. (Joshua 21:45 NIV). Just as He did for Israel, He will do for you. Ponder that!

“Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.” — Luke 1:45 (NKJV) Just as the angel told Mary, you are blessed [spiritually fortunate and favored by God] when you believe that the Lord will do what He said. For the word of God will never fail. (Luke 1:37 NLT) Live in faith, being confident that what you hope for will actually happen, at the appointed time. “ I know that You can do everything, and that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You. ” (Job 42:2 NKJV)

And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You, LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You. — Psalm 9:10 (NKJV) We can put our trust in the LORD. He does not abandon those who seek Him. It is in the dark moments of our lives that the light of His glory shines the brightest. It is in our weakness that His power and strength are displayed. Keep your trust in God, and He will continually guide you along on the path of life. In Isaiah 41:10 (NLT) the LORD says, 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. God has your back.

They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. — Matthew 2:11a (NLT) The initial response the wise men had when they entered the presence of Jesus was to bow down and worship Him. Bowing down is an act of surrender and submission. It’s an acknowledgement of His lordship over our lives. Bowing down is an indication of a humble heart. It says not my will but Your’s be done. As wise men and women, may we bow down and worship Jesus, the Lord of lords and King of kings, every day God gives us breath. He is called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last. He is worthy of all praise and honor! Alleluia!

“Come!” say the Spirit and the Bride. Whoever hears, echo, “Come!” Is anyone thirsty? Come! All who will, come and drink, drink freely of the Water of Life! — Revelation 22:17 (MSG) Jesus continually says, “Come!” And His Bride, the church, is to echo the call to the world. There are no pre-onditions, no additional requirements. Just Come. Come be washed with the water of His Word. Come stand under the flow of His grace and mercy. Come bask in the light of His unfailing love. Immerse yourself in the springs of His healing waters. If you hunger and thirst for righteousness, you shall be filled (Matthew 5:6). 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). He will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.” ( Jeremiah 31:25 NIV). Answer His call today and COME !

“I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.” — Revelation 22:16 (NKJV) …we have even greater confidence in the message proclaimed by the prophets. You must pay close attention to what they wrote, for their words are like a lamp shining in a dark place—until the Day dawns, and Christ the Morning Star shines in your hearts. (2 Peter 1:19 NLT). Jesus is the Bright and Morning Star. He brings light to dark situations and dark places. In His glorious light there is hope, joy, peace and freedom. Let the light of His love shine in your heart. Let it permeate every fiber and illuminate those around you. Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. (Isaiah 60:1 NKJV)

For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.  — Romans 5:17 (NKJV) In Christ we have an abundance of grace and mercy. Because of all that Jesus Christ did for us, we can reign in life. Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come your way. Every war has its battles. In order to be victorious, there has to be a battle. But the battle is not ours, it belongs to the LORD.  Whatever the enemy has stolen from you, pursue, overtake and recover all! In Christ, we are to be the head, not the tail. We shall be above only and not beneath, as we walk with Him. (Deuteronomy 28:13). I love the way The Message Bible says it: Imagine the breathtaking recovery life makes, sovereign life, in those who grasp with both hands this wildly extravagant life-gift, this grand setting-everything-right, that the one man Jesus C...