Manna for Your Morning

Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God. The other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly, a violent earthquake shook the foundations of the jail. All the doors immediately flew open, and all the prisoners’ chains came loose. — Acts 16:25-26 (GW) As a result of the prayer and praises of Paul and Silas, and the signs and wonders that followed, the jailer and his entire family became believers and were baptized that night. When you experience trials and hardships, continue to pray and praise God. Instead of looking at your circumstances, keep your eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).

John answered, “People can’t receive anything unless it has been given to them from heaven. You are witnesses that I said, ‘I’m not the Messiah, but I’ve been sent ahead of him.’ He must increase in importance, while I must decrease in importance.” — John 3:27-28, 30 (GW) The disciples of John the Baptist complained to him that everyone was going to Jesus to be baptized. John realized he was not competing with Jesus. He realized it was not about him, but about doing the will of God. John said, “This is the assigned moment for him to move into the center, while I slip off to the sidelines.” (John 3:30, The Message). May we, like John, stay humble, submit to God and be true to the mission He has given each one of us. Let us follow God’s will for our lives as His Holy Spirit leads and guides. Amen.