Manna for Your Morning

For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. — 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11 (NLT) The life of believers is not about competition. We are all one in Christ and on the same team. May we never compare our lives or ourselves with another person. But continually encourage one another every day, as long as it is called “Today”... (See Hebrews 3:13 AMP). Instead of trying to tear each other down, let us build each other up. See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people. (1 Thessalonians 5:15 NLT)

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. — Hebrews 4:12 (NLT) Instead of focusing on the latest news, give your attention to the greatest news of all time, the Word of God. Joshua 1:8 (NKJV) says: This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. His word is a lamp to guide our feet and a light for our path. (See Psalms 119:105 NLT) So commit yourselves wholeheartedly to the commands of the LORD your God. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Write them on the ...

...God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),  — Ephesians 2:4-5 (NASB1995) See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God! (See 1 John 3:1 NASB1995) …may you, having been [deeply] rooted and [securely] grounded in love, be fully capable of comprehending with all the saints (God’s people) the width and length and height and depth of His love [fully experiencing that amazing, endless love];  (See Ephesians 3:17-18 AMP)  “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 eve...

After many days of seeing neither the sun nor the stars, and with the violent storm continuing to rage against us, all hope of ever getting through it alive was abandoned. — Acts 27:20 (TPT) Never abandon hope. Just as God rescued the Apostle Paul and those traveling with him, He will also rescue you from all your troubles. Quiet your heart in his presence and pray; keep hope alive as you long for God to come through for you. (Psalm 37:7a TPT) Here’s what I’ve learned through it all: Don’t give up; don’t be impatient; be entwined as one with the Lord. Be brave and courageous, and never lose hope. Yes, keep on waiting—for he will never disappoint you! (Psalm 27:14 TPT) The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until the full light of day. (Proverbs 4:18) This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. — Hebrews 6:19 (NLT)

I don’t expect to be embarrassed in the least. On the contrary, everything happening to me in this jail only serves to make Christ more accurately known, regardless of whether I live or die. They didn’t shut me up; they gave me a pulpit! Alive, I’m Christ’s messenger; dead, I’m his bounty. Life versus even more life! I can’t lose. — Philippians 1:20-21 (MSG) Your life is like a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. (See James 4:14) So be very careful how you live, not being like those with no understanding, but live honorably with true wisdom, for we are living in evil times. Take full advantage of every day as you spend your life for his purposes. (Ephesians 5:15-16 TPT) There is a message in the mess. Every problem gives you a pulpit to proclaim the goodness and grace of God. In Christ, we can't lose. He has already given us the victory. For to me, to live is Christ [He is my source of joy, my reason to live] and to die is gain [for I will be with Hi...

Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul? Why are you crying the blues? Fix my eyes on God—soon I’ll be praising again. He puts a smile on my face. He’s my God. — Psalm 42:11 (MSG) When we keep our eyes fixed on God, our hope in Him is alive and well. Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God, (Psalm 146:5 NKJV) We can smile at the future because we know, with His help, all things are possible. The hope of the righteous will be gladness, (Proverbs 10:28a). Sailors put out the anchor when they want to keep the boat in place. In stormy times, we have to let hope serve as our trustworthy anchor, sure and steadfast. Hope will hold us close to our Savior.  Let us be constantly rejoicing in hope because of our confidence in Christ, (Romans 12:12a AMP).

Then He took the child by the hand, and said to her, “Talitha, cumi,” which is translated, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” Immediately the girl arose and walked... — Mark 5:41-42 (NKJV) This little girl was dead and when Jesus said, “ Arise ,” she came back to life. We were once dead in our sin and Jesus said to us, “ Arise! ” He set us free and gave us new life! If you're discouraged, feeling down and defeated, Jesus says, arise! You are more than a conqueror. We were full of darkness, but now we have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! (Ephesians 5:8 ) He gives us beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. (Isaiah 60:1 NKJV)

...behold, a ruler came and worshiped Him, saying, “My daughter has just died, but come and lay Your hand on her and she will live.” — Matthew 9:18 (NKJV) When Jesus went in and took the ruler’s daughter by the hand, the girl arose. (Matthew 9:25)  When Jesus departed from there, two blind men followed Him, crying out and saying, “Son of David, have mercy on us!” Then He touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith let it be to you.” And their eyes were opened… (Matthew 9:27, 29-30) In Matthew 8:14-15, Jesus saw Peter’s mother-in-law lying sick with a fever. So He touched her hand, and the fever left her. And she arose and served them. A touch from Jesus makes dead things, come alive again. Those with blind eyes are able to see again, after a touch of His hand. His touch brings healing, strength and restoration. What or who in your life needs to be touched by Jesus? May we humble ourselves, worship the King, and acknowledge that we need to live with the touch of His ...

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) Keep your hope in God alive and active. When life is overwhelming, instead of giving up, give in to the power and strength of the Holy Spirit in you. Let your mind rest on the faithfulness of our heavenly Father. For He will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint. (Jeremiah 31:25) And those who know Your name [who have experienced Your precious mercy] will put their confident trust in You, For You, O LORD, have not abandoned those who seek You. (Psalm 9:10 AMP) Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. (Psalm 25:4-5 NIV)

“The LORD is my portion and my inheritance,” says my soul; “Therefore I have hope in Him and wait expectantly for Him.” — Lamentations 3:24 (AMP) As we trust and fully rely on the LORD, we keep our hope alive and vibrant. Trust [confidently] in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him. God is a refuge for us. Selah. (Psalm 62:8 AMP) Our hope in God will not lead to disappointment, because our mighty God is faithful and trustworthy. The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles (Psalm 34:17). It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. (Lamentations 3:24 NKJV)

“And now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in You.” — Psalm 39:7 (NKJV) Christ Jesus is our hope… (1 Timothy 1:1 NASB). Keep your hope in Him alive, and fresh! This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, is both sure and steadfast… (Hebrews 6:19 NKJV). Our hope is the anchor that will keep us from drifting when stormy winds blow. As we hang on to hope, it will keep us from being carried away by the currents of life circumstances and pressures. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor… (Hebrews 6:19 NLT). We can trust God to keep His promises because He is faithful. He will fulfill each and every one. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. ( Romans 5:5 NLT) Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off. (Proverbs 23:18 NASB)

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; — Ephesian 6:17 (NKJK) We are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12 NLT) Let us fight this spiritual war by using the sword of the Spirit, that is standing on God’s Word. For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12 NASB) Even Jesus overcame the devil's temptation by saying: “ It is written... ” (Matthew 4:4, 4:7, 4:10) May we follow His example.

If people can’t see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; but when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed. — Proverbs 29:18 (MSG) God has a purpose and a plan for every day that you are alive on the earth. Let there be no confusion, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. (James 1:6).  In Jeremiah 29:13 (NASB) the LORD says, “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” May we continually seek God and His will for our lives and attend to what He reveals. Our Pastor is teaching us to “find God in everything and take Him everywhere.”

The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. — Psalm 103:8 (NKJV) He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities. For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; (Psalm 103:10-11) The mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children’s children, (Psalm 103:17). But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), (Ephesians 2:4-5). 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)

Show me the right path, O LORD; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you. — Psalm 25:4-5 (NLT) Whatever you do, keep your hope in God alive! Those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31 NLT) As we wait upon Him, He will show us the right path and lead us with His truth, the Word. He fills our lives with good things and renews our youth like the eagle’s! (Psalm 103:5 NLT)

The women were terrified and bowed with their faces to the ground. Then the men asked, “Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? — Luke 24:5 (NLT) When the women went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus, in the tomb, they were greatly perplexed (Luke 24:3-4). Don’t be puzzled, and have no doubt, Jesus is no longer on the cross and His tomb has been empty. Jesus is Alive! He is our Advocate, who pleads our case before the Father. He is the One who is truly righteous. He conquered sin, death, and the grave. For over 2,000 years He has been actively engaged in the lives of His people, to bring about the Father’s will on the earth. Jesus overcame His enemies, for He is LORD of lords and KING of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.” (Revelation 17:14). Do you stand with Him today?

“And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions.” — Joel 2:28 (NKJV) Without a vision the people perish. In spite of the difficulties that arise, let us actively pursue the dreams God has placed inside of us. John 2:24-25 says, Jesus knew all men, and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man. Jesus knew everything about us and still gave His life to save us. Stop listening to the lies of the enemy and beating yourself up. God created you unique and extraordinary. You are of great value to Him. God calls us to come to a higher place in Him and His Spirit dwells in us to help us. The LORD has plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV). Keep your dreams alive!

...looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. — Hebrews 12:2 (NKJV) Jesus looked beyond the pain and suffering of the cross for the joy that was to come in fulfilling the Father's plan. No matter how hopeless the situation may appear at any given moment, do not lose heart. God has a plan for you that is good. Fix your eyes on Jesus and keep your hope in Him alive. This hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love (Romans 5:5 NLT).

…far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. — Ephesians 1:21 (NKJV) God raised Christ from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places (Ephesians 1:20). Praise God that we are in the One, who is far above all principality, power, might and dominion. Jesus is above every name that is named.  Christ rules! He is above every sickness, disease, lack, and any other mountain that stands before you. Put all your trust, confidence and hope in the Lord of lords and the King of kings. Call on the name of Jesus. When we keep Him at the center of our lives, the impossible becomes possible, the dead is made alive, the weak become strong, and defeat is turned into victory!

Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, — Luke 18:1 (NKJV) And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily…” Luke 18:7-8a (NKJV). But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:8-9 NIV). God is working for our good, something that is going to last forever. As you continue to pray, be encouraged and keep your hope alive.