Manna for Your Morning

Then Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked, “Are you also going to leave?” Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God.” — John 6:67-69 (NLT) Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Jesus. (John 14:1) In the words of John the Baptist, Jesus must increase, but we must decrease. (See John 3:30) Let us keep Him at the center of our lives, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy 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) And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. — Hebrews 11:6 (NASB)

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. — Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV) We were created in Jesus, for good works. Many believers focus so hard on the work they are doing for Him, that it becomes a chore and they totally lose sight of the Savior. Hebrews 12:2 reminds us to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith. Stay focused on Jesus and let the Holy Spirit do the work in you and through you to bring about the Father’s perfect will. And always remember, whatever God has called you to do, it is a “GOOD” work. We can also be confident that whatever God has called us to, He has already given us the victory. Amen! No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. — Romans 8:37 (NLT)

I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD. — Psalm 27:13-14 (NASB) If you are in despair, chances are you have been focusing on the problem rather than His Presence, or fretting about your future. When we fix our eyes on Jesus, we know that we are more than conquerors. When we lift up our eyes to the hills— from whence comes our help, we are above the circumstances and not underneath. 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) Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah (Psalm 62:8 NKJV)

So if you’re serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that’s where the action is. See things from his perspective. — Colossians 3:1-2 (MSG) Keeping the right perspective in life, is so important. Instead of looking around at the circumstances, let us look up and stay focused on our great God, and all that He is doing in our lives. As we look to Him, with eyes of faith, He comes to our aid. As long as our eyes are fixed on the immediate earthly realities, we stay trapped by the limitations of our humanity. When we look to our heavenly Father, we open ourselves up to His faith filled world of unlimited possibilities. With God all things are possible. (Matthew 19:26) No matter what your current situation may be, never lose sight of the fact that God has a plan a...

“And which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? If you then are not able to do the least, why are you anxious for the rest?” — Luke 12:25-26 (NASB) When tempted to worry here are three things to remember. 1) God is with you. In the fiery furnace or in the flood, in stormy times and in times of trouble, His Presence is with you and He will bring you through. 2) The battle belongs to the LORD. Do not fret or be anxious. Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He will do it (Psalm 37:5). Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him (Psalm 37:7). 3) He has already won the victory. In John 19:30 when Jesus declared, “It is finished!” the victory was accomplished. In Him we are more than conquerors. Just as He overcame, we overcome!

The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand.   — Psalm 37:23-24 (NLT) Not only does the LORD holds us by the hand and direct our steps. He also delights in being involved in every detail of our lives. Take all your cares and concerns to our heavenly Father. We never have to feel like we are bothering God. He wants us to come to Him, with all our concerns, questions and fears, etc. His ear is always attentive to His children. And it tickles the heart of God when His children give Him thanks for working out the details of our lives.

My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. — Psalm 73:26 (NKJV) Do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day (2 Corinthians 4:16 NKJV).  God arms us with strenth. He empowers us by His Holy Spirit in us, to do all that He has called us to do. Go in the strength of the Lord GOD (Psalm 71:16a NKJV)! Go from strength to strength increasing in victorious power!

‘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.

But I will always have hope. I will praise you more and more.  My mouth will tell about your righteousness,  about your salvation all day long.  Even then, it is more than I can understand.  — Psalm 71:14-15 (GW) Keep your hope in the living God alive and be confident that He is faithful to fulfill every promise. The LORD is able and He is willing. Always have hope! Be joyful as you patiently wait, in hope. Let your mouth be filled with His praises all the day long.

“As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever. 1 Chronicles 28:9 (NKJ) These are some of the final words that King David speaks to his son, Solomon as he makes him king and they are words of wisdom to us as well. May we acknowledge our heavenly Father in all that we do and get to know Him well. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you (James 4:8). Let us serve Him with loyal hearts and willing minds, as we seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Cherish the Lord with all your heart, mind and soul.

When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever obeys the law is joyful. Proverbs 29:18 (NLT) Where there is no vision, the people perish (Proverbs 29:18, KJV). When we follow God's direction we lead joyful, successful lives. Going against God's ways, and running wild leads to misery and disaster.

"Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit," says the LORD Almighty. Zechariah 4:6 (NIV) It is not by human power that we accomplish anything of value, but by the Spirit of the LORD. The LORD gives us the strength to carry out His will on earth.  By His Spirit we are healed, helped and directed. By His Spirit we are set free from the bondage of the enemy. His Holy Spirit is our Counselor and comforter. Whatever battle we face belongs to the LORD and He gives us the victory. Hallelujah! Humble yourself under His mighty hand. Give your heart to the LORD and follow Him. Praise the LORD Almighty. Love, Jackie

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." Isaiah 43:2 (NIV) When you go through the stormy seas and flood waters, you are not alone. The Holy One of Israel will be with you. He who chose you and called you by name will not allow the flames of adversity to destroy you. His Presence is a mighty help in time of need. Just remember to keep your eyes on Him and keep walking. Pass right on through. Love, Jackie