Manna for Your Morning

Delilah lulled Samson to sleep with his head in her lap, and then she called in a man to shave off the seven locks of his hair. In this way she began to bring him down, and his strength left him. — Judges 16:19 (NLT) In Judges 16:20, Samson didn’t even realize the LORD had left him. As children of God we need to be awake and aware. If we allow the things of this world to lull us to sleep we will find ourselves in a spiritual stupor and we will be powerless when the enemy comes to bring us down. May we be completely devoted to God, treasure His Word (our sword) in our hearts and speak it out of our mouths. But make sure that you don’t get so absorbed and exhausted in taking care of all your day-by-day obligations that you lose track of the time and doze off, oblivious to God. The night is about over, dawn is about to break. Be up and awake to what God is doing! (Romans 13:11-12 MSG) Get out of bed and get dressed! Don’t loiter and linger, waiting until the very last minute. Dres...

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. — 1 Peter 5:8 (NIV) How do we escape the hidden traps of the enemy? By being aware and alert to his wicked schemes. We must also know God’s Word and rely on His great wisdom and mighty power in every area of our lives. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil (Ephesians 6:11 NKJV). This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels (Ephesians 6:12 MSG).

As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; — Luke 24:15 (NIV) Jesus joined two of the disciples, while they were talking and walking to another village. As we go from place to place, in the course of our day, Jesus comes and walks alongside us too. He is with you as you sit in your vehicle, stuck in traffic. May we always be aware and sensitive to His Presence as we walk, talk and do whatever it is that consumes our waking life. He is our constant Companion and guide. As we abide in His Presence, His grace empowers us to do all that we are called to do. As Philippians 4:13 says, we can do all things through Christ, who gives us strength! Amen.

When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, “Surely the LORD is in this place, and I was not aware of it.” — Genesis 28:11-16 (NIV) May we always be fully aware of the presence of the LORD, our God. In His presence, the rejected are accepted, chosen and cherished. He turns our mourning into dancing. He puts off sackcloth and clothes us with gladness (Psalm 30:11). In His presence, darkness and fear are exchanged for light and love. He hides us in the secret place of His presence from the plots of man (Psalm 31:20 NKJV). Whatever challenges you face today, remember, the LORD is in that place with you. And with Him, we receive the power and strength to live a victorious life.