Manna for Your Morning

We can all draw close to him with the veil removed from our faces. And with no veil we all become like mirrors who brightly reflect the glory of the Lord Jesus. We are being transfigured into his very image as we move from one brighter level of glory to another. And this glorious transfiguration comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. — 2 Corinthians 3:18 (TPT) If you focus on yourself, you’ll only see the imperfections, the scars, the darkness. But if you forget about yourself and focus on the beauty of His radiance, then you will shine with His light. Don’t make the mistake of living a life focused on yourself. Forget yourself. Turn to Him. Dwell in the beauty of His Presence… and your life will become a reflection of His… (shared from The Book of Mysteries , Day 169) Exodus 34:29 (AMP) says, when Moses came down from Mount Sinai the skin of his face was shining [with a unique radiance] because he had been speaking with God. As we spend time with the LORD, we become more like ...

Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!” And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Loose him, and let him go.” — John 11:43-44 (NKJV) After we have been transferred from the domain of darkness and death to the kingdom of light and life, we are to be loosed from the graveclothes and be clothed in garments that belong to the Kingdom of God. For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives. (Romans 6:4 NLT) He gives us beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that we may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified. (Isaiah 61:3) Put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. (Ephesians 4:24) Since God...

“How kind the Lord is!” she exclaimed. “He has taken away my disgrace of having no children.”  — Luke 1:25 (NLT) Our heavenly Father takes away all our disgrace. The blood of Jesus Christ, His Son cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7). The LORD has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. (Psalm 103:12-13 NLT) “Fear not; you will no longer live in shame. Don’t be afraid; there is no more disgrace for you. (Isaiah 54:4a NLT) He will give you a crown of beauty for ashes, and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. Instead of shame and dishonor, you will enjoy a double share of honor. You will possess a double portion of prosperity in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours. (Isaiah 61:3,7) This is the kindness of our Lord! Let us praise God for His abundant lovingkindness.

Then He took the child by the hand, and said to her, “Talitha, cumi,” which is translated, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” Immediately the girl arose and walked... — Mark 5:41-42 (NKJV) This little girl was dead and when Jesus said, “ Arise ,” she came back to life. We were once dead in our sin and Jesus said to us, “ Arise! ” He set us free and gave us new life! If you're discouraged, feeling down and defeated, Jesus says, arise! You are more than a conqueror. We were full of darkness, but now we have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! (Ephesians 5:8 ) He gives us beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. (Isaiah 60:1 NKJV)

We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. — 2 Corinthians 4:7 (NLT) We can be broken and yet blessed. As we admit our weaknesses to God, He activates His strength in us. The beauty of our brokenness, is that it allows the light of the LORD to work in us and shine through us. Our cracks allow His love, mercy and grace to enter our hearts. The more broken we become the brighter His light can shine. Then when others look at us, they see the greatness and glory of God. The battles we experience, can actually make us better instead of bitter. When you are battered by troubles, let them produce God's best in you, and that is what will come out of you. But now, O Lord, You are our Father, we are the clay, and You our potter; and all of us are the work of Your hand. (Isaiah 64:8 NASB) My beloved, don’t appraise the masterpiece ...

Come back to the place of safety, all you prisoners who still have hope! I promise this very day that I will repay two blessings for each of your troubles. — Zechariah 9:12 (NLT) Wherever the enemy has held you captive, remember that Jesus came to set us free. God sent Him  to preach good news to the poor, heal the heartbroken, announce freedom to all captives, pardon all prisoners. (Isaiah 61:1 MSG). The Lord will comfort all who mourn. He gives us beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; (Isaiah 61:3) He will restore double for your trouble. Take refuge in the safety of our mighty God. We may be sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things. (2 Corinthians 6:10)

One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in His temple. — Psalm 27:4 (NKJV) Love the LORD  your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind… (Luke 10:27). And be fully committed to Him for the eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. (2 Chronicles 16:9a NLT). It is good for us to draw near to God. (Psalm 73:28) When we draw near to God, He will draw near to us. (James 4:8)

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light… — Ephesians 5:8 (NKJV) Praise God! He called us out of darkness into His marvelous light! (1 Peter 2:9b). No matter how dismal circumstances appear, no matter how much darkness exists in the world, His Light still shines brightly. Jesus is the light of the world. Whoever follows Him shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life. (John 8:12). As we let the beauty and grace of His light radiate through us, His light invades the darkness. Live in the Light of the Lord!

Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. — Psalm 73:23-24 (NLT) Each and every day God wakes us up, He has a purpose and  a plan for us to accomplish. Each day has a destiny, a desired end result and as we continually follow Him, He will get us there. May the words we speak today and whatever we do, touch the lives of others with the love of God. Make each stroke of the paintbrush you put on the canvas of today a reflection of the beauty and grace of our heavenly Father. Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass (Psalm 37:5 NKJV).

The Spirit lifted me up and brought me into the inner court; and behold, the glory of the LORD filled the temple. — Ezekiel 43:5 (NKJV) No matter where we are in life, God desires to lift us up to a higher place in Him. He wants to draw us into a deeper realm of intimacy and peace, and to another level of strength, and tenacity. His Spirit will lead us into another dimension of His amazing love and bountiful joy. Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart (Hebrews 10:22 NIV). One thing I have desired of the LORD, that will I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in His temple ( Psalm 27:4 NKJV ).

Blessed are the people who know the passwords of praise, who shout on parade in the bright presence of God. Delighted, they dance all day long; they know who you are, what you do—they can’t keep it quiet! Your vibrant beauty has gotten inside us— you’ve been so good to us! We’re walking on air! All we are and have we owe to God, Holy God of Israel, our King!  — Psalm 89:15-18 (MSG) May we know our great and mighty God. He strengthens you and helps you. He holds you up with His victorious right hand (Isaiah 41:10 NLT). He faithfully comes to our rescue, each and every time. Let us give thanks and continually sing His praises!

Blessed are the people who know the passwords of praise,  who shout on parade in the bright presence of God. Delighted, they dance all day long; they know who you are, what you do—they can’t keep it quiet! Your vibrant beauty has gotten inside us— you’ve been so good to us! We’re walking on air! All we are and have we owe to God, Holy God of Israel, our King! — Psalm 89:15-18 (MSG) Passwords give access. We enter His courts with praise (Psalm 100:4). Some passwords of praise: Everything that has breath! Make a joyful noise! Acknowledge Him! Worship Him! Just do it! Seven times a day and all day long praise the LORD because of His righteous decrees (Psalm 119:164 AMP). He is worthy to be praised!

And you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty. — Exodus 28:2 (NKJV) God’s glory and beauty dwells within us in the form of His Holy Spirit. We are to let the fullness of His glory and beauty shine through us as we clothe ourselves in holy garments. Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience (Colossians 3:12, NIV). Colossians 3:13 instructs us to bear with each other and forgive one another, as the Lord has forgiven us. That is a beautiful thing! And over all these virtues, we are to put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity (Colossians 3:14, NIV). As we continuously wear these attributes wherever we go, we are a reflection of God's glory and beauty. Amen!

What you say goes—it always has. “Beauty” and “Holy” mark your palace rule, God, to the very end of time.  — Psalm 93:5 (The Message) Perfect in beauty, God shines forth! “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!” (Revelation 4:8) Our Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel; He is called the God of the whole earth (Isaiah 54:5). Gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and seek Him in His temple (Psalm 27:4).  Worship the LORD in the beauty of His holiness! Just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do (1 Peter 1:15). For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight (Ephesians 1:4).

One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. Psalm 27:4 (NIV) May we abide in the house of the LORD all of our days. One day spent in God's house, this beautiful place of worship, beats thousands spent on Greek island beaches (Psalm 84:10, The Message). He hides us in His sanctuary and keeps us safe. In His Presence, there is fullness of joy and refreshment for our souls. Gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and delight yourself in His Presence.