Manna for Your Morning

For this is contained in Scripture: “Behold, I lay in Zion a choice stone, a precious corner stone, and he who believes in Him will not be disappointed.” This precious value, then, is for you who believe; but for those who disbelieve, “The stone which the builders rejected, this became the very corner stone,” — 1 Peter 2:6-7 (NASB1995) So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family. Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. We are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord. Through him you Gentiles are also being made part of this dwelling where God lives by his Spirit. (Ephesians 2:19-22 NLT) Our Heavenly Father is the Master architect of our lives and King Yeshua is the chief cornerstone. Let us build our lives in Him.

For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, — Romans 8:15-16 (NASB1995) We have not received a spirit of slavery, nor has God given us a spirit of fear. See what an incredible quality of love the Father has shown to us, that we would [be permitted to] be named and called and counted the children of God! And so we are! For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. (1 John 3:1 AMP) But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. (John 1:12-13 NASB1995) Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. (Ephesians 5:1 NKJV) Be kind and helpful to one another, tender-hearted [compassionate, understanding], forgiving on...

Understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Let everyone be quick to hear [be a careful, thoughtful listener], slow to speak [a speaker of carefully chosen words and], slow to anger [patient, reflective, forgiving]; — James 1:19 (AMP) We need to be slow to speak so we can choose our words carefully. How good and delightful is a word spoken at the right moment—how good it is! (See Proverbs 15:23 AMP) A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. (Proverbs 15:1 NLT) Let us speak encouraging, positive words of life. Proverbs 12:18 says, the tongue of the wise brings healing. Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. (Ephesians 4:29 NASB1995) Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.  — Colossians 4:6 (NASB1995)

…you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; — 1 Peter 2:9 (NKJV) We were formerly darkness, but now we are Light in the Lord. Let us walk as children of Light. (See Ephesians 5:8) God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all. (See 1 John 1:5) So do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness. Be imitators of God, as beloved children. (Ephesians 5:1) …let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. (Romans 13:12b)  And proclaim the wondrous acts of the One who called us out of inky darkness into shimmering light. (See 1 Peter 2:9 VOICE) Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” — John 8:12 (NASB1995)

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.” — Psalm 91:1-2 (NKJV) We are not to check-in and check-out of the LORD, like He is a temporary lodging facility. We are not to make weekly visitations. As believers and followers of the Lord Jesus, the Son of God, we are to continually abide under the shadow of Almighty God. He is our Hiding Place, in the midst of the storms of life. He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield... (Psalm 91:4 NKJV) Faith in His Word (truth) shall be your protective shield with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. (See Ephesians 6:16 AMP) Because we set our love upon the LORD Most High, He will deliver us; He will set us on high, because we have known His name. When we call upon Him, He will answer. The LORD will be with us in ...

You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. — Psalm 16:11 (NKJV) If you don’t know the path to take, the LORD is faithful. He will show you the path that leads to life and a more abundant life, full of righteousness, peace and joy. The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the LORD upholds him with His hand. (Psalm 37:23-24 NKJV) When Yahweh delights in how you live your life, he establishes your every step. (Psalm 37:23 TPT) Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you. — Psalm 37:5 (NLT)

Companions as we are in this work with you, we beg you, please don’t squander one bit of this marvelous life God has given us. God reminds us, I heard your call in the nick of time; The day you needed me, I was there to help. Well, now is the right time to listen, the day to be helped. — 2 Corinthians 6:1-2 (MSG) Today is the day of salvation. Seek the LORD while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near. (Isaiah 55:6  NASB) The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. (Psalm 145:18 NASB) But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. — John 4:23 (NLT)

Yet, O LORD, You are our Father; We are the clay, and You our Potter, and we all are the work of Your hand. — Isaiah 64:8 (AMP) May we be pliable in the hands of the Potter. We are not our own, for we were bought with a price (the precious blood of Jesus). (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you, but be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think. This will empower you to discern God’s will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in his eyes. (Romans 12:2 TPT) As we discern God’s will and flow with His Spirit, we will live beautiful and satisfying lives. Jesus came that we may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows]. (John 10:10b AMP)

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) For evildoers will be cut off, but those who wait for the LORD, they will inherit the land. — Psalm 37:9 (NASB) Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Trust in the LORD, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.  (Psalm 37:1-6 NKJV)

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) When Jesus first appeared to the disciples after His resurrection, He came and stood among them, and said, “ Peace to you. ” (John 20:19) His word over you today is peace. Let His peace be the controlling factor in your heart and in your mind. When circumstances don’t appear favorable, He speaks peace. In John 14:27, Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; ” Don’t let the enemy steal your peace. “ I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world. ” (John 16:33 MSG)

I cried out, “I am slipping!” but your unfailing love, O LORD, supported me. When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer. — Psalm 94:18-19 (NLT) The unfailing love of the LORD is our support. If God hadn’t been there for me, I never would have made it. The minute I said, “I’m slipping, I’m falling,” your love, God, took hold and held me fast. When I was upset and beside myself, you calmed me down and cheered me up  (Psalm 94:17-19 MSG). When you don’t know what to do, run to the LORD. He will calm you down and cheer you up. His mercies are new every morning.

Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. — 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT) The Apostle Paul was given a thorn in his flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment him and keep him from becoming proud (2 Corinthians 12:7). God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). When we admit we are poor, we can draw from the riches of His grace. When we admit our weaknesses to Him, His strength and power is available. When we surrender all and submit to God, He can do His best work in us and through us.

For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: In returning [to Me] and resting [in Me] you shall be saved; in quietness and in [trusting] confidence shall be your strength. — Isaiah 30:15  (AMP) There is an appropriate time for everything. There is a right time to shut up and another to speak up (Ecclesiastes 3:7 MSG). Instead of worrying and fretting and letting words escape from your mouth that don’t line up with the Word of God, just maintain a silent confidence in the LORD. Know without a shadow of doubt, that our God is able. His abundance will make up for your lack. His love and healing power will compensate for your brokenness. He is higher, greater and above anything we encounter on this earth. You can be strong by being quiet and by trusting Him (Isaiah 30:15 GW).

“Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the LORD, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land;  — Isaiah 1:18-19 (NKJV) Psalm 84:11 tells us that the LORD will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly. To know what the right thing to do is and not do it, is sin. Let us consistently do what is right, with a willing and obedient heart and we shall eat the good of the land.

Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. — Hebrews 12:14 (NIV) The Word of God instructs us many times, to be holy because the LORD, our God is holy. May we perfect holiness in our lives, out of reverence for God (2 Corinthians 7:1). James 4:17 gives us a simple definition of sin. If anyone, knows what is right but doesn’t do it, it is sin for them. Therefore, let us offer ourselves as slaves to righteousness which leads to holiness (Romans 6:19). “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” Imitate Him.

Love the LORD , all you godly ones! For the LORD protects those who are loyal to him, but he harshly punishes the arrogant. So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the LORD! Psalm 31:23-24 (NLT) Let us love the LORD, with all our hearts, minds, souls and strength! The LORD preserves the faithful. Keep your hope in the LORD. Don't be arrogant and try to do life without God. Be strong and courageous, as you fight the good fight of faith. Remember, the righteous are as bold as a lion (Proverbs 28:1).

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:33-34 (NKJ) When we seek God's kingdom and His righteousness as our first and most important priority, then all our other needs will be met. When God occupies 1st place in our hearts, we don't need to worry about tomorrow because our heavenly Father knows exactly what we need and He has already made a way. He is Jehovah-Jireh, our Provider. Amen.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king." Daniel 3:16-17 (NIV) Shadrach, Meschach and Abednego were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except the living God. They were thrown into the fiery furnace, but God saved them from the flames. The fire did not harm their bodies, nor was a hair singed. Their robes were not scorched, and the smell of fire was not on them. Let us worship the LORD our God alone and we will abide in the shelter of His protection and mighty power. Seek first the everlasting kingdom of God and everything else you need will be added unto you. Trust God to bring you through your fiery trials and you will not be disappointed. Amen. Love, Jackie

"I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out - plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for." Jeremiah 29:11 (The Message) Our awesome God has a wonderful plan for your life. No matter what has happened in your past, He can use it for good. He will never abandon you, but will take care of you through each and every trial. God has your life all planned out. When things happen in your life that you don't understand, just trust in His plan. He knows what He is doing. Love, Jackie