Manna for Your Morning

“If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving.” — Matthew 6:30-31 (MSG) God has given us so much, His Son, His Spirit, His peace, etc. How do you respond to God’s giving? Let us always give thanks for the many blessings our heavenly Father continually pours out on us, too numerous to count. I believe, a genuine heart, full of gratitude and appreciation for all He has done and is doing, is an awesome way to respond to our great God. In Matthew 10:8, Jesus says, “ Freely you have received, freely give. ” Another response to God’s giving is to become like Him and generously give to others. We are blessed to be a blessing!

‘I will go before you and make the crooked places straight; I will break in pieces the gates of bronze and cut the bars of iron. I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that I, the LORD, Who call you by your name, Am the God of Israel.’  — Isaiah 45:2-3 (NKJV) May the LORD go before you and make the crooked places straight. May He break whatever confines you, whatever is trying to hold you back. As we go through the dark places, we discover the true treasures of life in the secret places of our hearts: love and appreciation for God and others, a peace that surpasses understanding and an indescribable joy, because we know our heavenly Father and we are known and loved by Him. We know that He is with us, and He is able to bring us through all of our troubles. Amen.

I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify Him with thanksgiving. — Psalm 69:30 (NKJV) Proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all God's wondrous works (Psalm 26:7)! When we give thanks to the LORD, He is magnified in our lives. The mountains that stand before us shrink in His Presence and our LORD emerges into the foreground of our lives. Let us GIVE THANKS everyday, with an attitude of gratitude! Show grateful appreciation for all He has done in your life. He didn’t have to... but praise God, He did. Amen!

“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.” — Matthew 7:12 (NLT) Jesus consolidated all the laws into one Golden Rule that is easily understood by all: treat others the way you want to be treated. This is God's way! If you want others to be kind and generous to you, take the initiative and be kind and generous to all. Cheerfully, lend a helping hand to those in need. If you want others to show their appreciation for what you do, show them some appreciation. If you want others to speak well of you, speak positive, praiseworthy words about them. If you want others to show you unconditional love and forgive your mistakes, do likewise. Amen!

I’ve learned to be content in whatever situation I’m in. I know how to live in poverty or prosperity. No matter what the situation, I’ve learned the secret of how to live when I’m full or when I’m hungry, when I have too much or when I have too little. I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:11-13 (GW) Learn the secret of how to be content in your inner being regardless of the external circumstances. This will lead to a peaceful attitude of appreciation and thankfulness to our heavenly Father for all that He provides. Whatever we have and wherever we are, we can make it through anything as long as we abide in Christ and follow Him wherever He leads.

When I remember You on my bed,  I meditate on You in the night watches. Because You have been my help, Therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice. My soul follows close behind You; Your right hand upholds me. Psalm 63:6-8 (NKJ) May we meditate on the LORD through the night. Spend some time reflecting on His goodness and expressing your grateful appreciation. He is your help and has faithfully brought you through another day. Closely follow the LORD. Cling to Him as if your very life depended on it. It does!

I remember the days of old. I ponder all your great works and think about what you have done. I lift my hands to you in prayer. I thirst for you as parched land thirsts for rain. Psalm 143:5-6 (NLT) Ponder all the wonderful works of the LORD. He commands the sun and fills the sky with clouds. He sends rain to the earth and makes grass grow. He gives food to cattle and to the little birds (Psalm 147:7-8). Think about all the great works the LORD as done in your life. Offer up a prayer of thanksgiving with a heart full of appreciation for God's active involvement in our lives.