Manna for Your Morning

And Nehemiah continued, “Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength!” — Nehemiah 8:10 (NLT) This is the day which the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalms 118:24 NASB1995) For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Romans 14:17 NLT) Yahweh has made this day and He knows the plans and thoughts that He has for you, plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. (See Jeremiah 29:11 AMP) We can rejoice because Yahweh is a God of forgiveness. He is gracious and merciful, slow to become angry, and rich in unfailing love. He will not leave you nor forsake you. Glory in His holy name; Let the hearts of those who seek and require the LORD [as their most es...

And Nehemiah continued, “Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength!” — Nehemiah 8:10 (NLT) Let’s look at what preceded this proclamation of joy and celebration. First, all the people assembled with a unified purpose at the square, while Ezra read aloud to everyone who could understand, from early morning until noon. All the people listened closely to the Book of the Law. And they clearly explained the meaning of what was being read, helping the people understand each passage. (See Nehemiah 8:1-2, 8 NLT) Second, Nehemiah 8:6 says they also praised and worshiped the LORD. May we read and listen closely to the Word of God, with understanding. It reveals His faithfulness and the deep and unfailing love Yahweh continually lavishes upon us. Let us also praise and worship the God Most High, our Maker a...

And Nehemiah continued, “Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our LORD. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength!” — Nehemiah 8:10 (NLT) This is the day which the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24 NASB) In His Presence we have strength and peace. Draw near to God. Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; Let those who love Your salvation say continually, “ The LORD be magnified! ” (Psalm 40:16 NASB) You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever. — Psalm 16:11 (NASB)

“ So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. ” — Luke 15:20 (NLT) The prodigal son, demanded his share of his father’s estate, journeyed to a distant country and squandered his estate with loose living. (Luke 15:12-13). After he spent everything, he experienced hunger and hard times. Yet, no one gave him anything. But he came to his senses, and decided to return home as a hired servant. (Luke 15:14-19) The father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet; and bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.’ And they began to celebrate. (Luke 15:22-24) Our heavenly Father is filled with love and compassion. And His arms are open wide to embrace us and hold u...

Three times I pleaded with the Lord to relieve me of this. But he answered me, “My grace is always more than enough for you, and my power finds its full expression through your weakness.” So I will celebrate my weaknesses, for when I’m weak I sense more deeply the mighty power of Christ living in me. — 2 Corinthians 12:8-9 (TPT) The Apostle Paul says, “ I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations. Satan’s angel did his best to get me down; what he in fact did was push me to my knees. ” (2 Corinthians 12:7 MSG) If you have something that feels like a thorn in your flesh, let it draw you into a deeper dependence on God. His power finds its full expression through our weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:10 (TPT), says our weakness becomes a portal to God’s power. 2 Corinthians 12:10 (MSG) goes on to say: …I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ’s strength moving in on my weakness. Now I take limitations ...

And not only this, but [with joy] let us exult in our sufferings and rejoice in our hardships, knowing that hardship (distress, pressure, trouble) produces patient endurance; — Romans 5:3 (AMP) The Voice translation says, “ We also celebrate in seasons of suffering because we know that when we suffer we develop endurance ” (Romans 5:3). How can we celebrate in seasons of suffering? Because 1) It's momentary. It will pass, seasons come and seasons go. 2) God is with us, and 3) He has given us the ultimate victory. May we strive to press on to maturity and to finish the race before us with joy, like the Apostle Paul. And don’t grumble, whine or complain about current circumstances, because we are citizens of a Kingdom that is unshakable. Don’t run from tests and hardships, brothers and sisters. As difficult as they are, you will ultimately find joy in them; if you embrace them, your faith will blossom under pressure and teach you true patience as you endure. — James 1:2-...

Christmas is one word that embodies so many things. It conjures up different images and emotions for each one of us. Reflecting on what 3 words I would use to say what Christmas is all about. #1 CHRIST It all starts with the birth of Jesus, the long awaited Messiah. John 1:41 says, Andrew first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated, the Christ). May we find Christ in every moment of our day. Jesus said, “ I am with you always, even to the end of the age. ” — Matthew 28:20b (NKJV) #2 LOVE  Christmas exemplifies the love God has for us. What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it—we’re called children of God! That’s who we really are. — 1 John 3:1a  (MSG) When we understand we are children of a God who is love, we know how we ought to flow... in LOVE. #3 GIVE  The most perfect gift God gave to us was Himself, in the form of Jesus (God with us). Jesus continually gave of Himself, healin...

So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. — Luke 15:20 (NLT) The prodigal son demanded his inheritance and then journeyed away from home and wasted everything he had with loose living. When he came to himself and returned home. His father welcomed him with open arms, and told his servants, “We must celebrate...” This parable is just a glimpse of the kind of love our heavenly Father has for His children. God's love transcends all of our bad decisions and prideful attitudes. His love never gives up on us. The love of the Father is always calling us to come closer to Him. Let us release the things of this world. Return to Him in our minds, hearts and actions, and receive the unconditional love of Abba Father.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. — James 1:17 (NKJV) As we search for a good bargain and the perfect gift for those special people in our lives, let us remember that Jesus, our Savior, is the most perfect gift one could ever receive. Our heavenly Father gave His only Son as a free gift. Salvation is free for us, there is nothing we can do to earn it, yet it cost Jesus everything. What good gift can we bring to Jesus, as we celebrate His birthday? I think the best gift we have to offer is our hearts, laid on His altar, to be molded and shaped by His hands. To be healed and made whole. To be filled with His love, His joy, and His light.

And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. — Luke 10:41 (NKJV) This time of year so many people run around feeling like Martha, worried and troubled about many things. Let us prioritize our list of tasks and give more weight to the important things. And the most important thing is to keep the main thing, the main thing, that is to celebrate the birth of Christ, our Lord and Savior. He is Immanuel: “God with us.” The Eternal One. The Prince of Peace and the living Word. Don't let the worries and cares of this world and the distractions of this season, with its worldly pleasures and man-made traditions creep in and choke the word of life right out of you. Set your attention and your affections on Jesus, the King of kings and the Lord of lords! And touching others with His love, joy and peace.

And I’m going to keep that celebration going because I know how it’s going to turn out. Through your faithful prayers and the generous response of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, everything he wants to do in and through me will be done. I can hardly wait to continue on my course. I don’t expect to be embarrassed in the least. — Philippians 1:19-20 (MSG) Let us continually celebrate the victory Jesus gained for us on the cross and in the empty tomb. He paid the debt for our sins and reunited us with the Father. Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ... (2 Corinthians 2:14).  For to me, to live is Christ [He is my source of joy, my reason to live] and to die is gain [for I will be with Him in eternity]. (Philippians 1:21 AMP) The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. For those who lived in a land of deep shadows— light! sunbursts of light! You repopulated the nation, you expanded its joy. Oh, they’re so glad in your presence! Festival joy! T...

“Be still and know (recognize, understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth.” — Psalm 46:10 (AMP) Are you going to get caught up in the busyness of “doing” Christmas (process) or be still and know our great God (purpose)? In the midst of all the decorating, baking and party-going, may we take time out to be still and exalt God. Thank our heavenly Father for sending His only Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Recognize and celebrate all He has done for us. It’s in the stillness that we are able to hear His voice. When we are still, and give our attention to Him, we can clearly see the answers we seek. In the stillness, we are captivated by His love! Delight yourself in His Presence.

God, the one and only— I’ll wait as long as he says. Everything I hope for comes from him, so why not? He’s solid rock under my feet, breathing room for my soul, an impregnable castle: I’m set for life. — Psalm 62:5-6 (MSG) God is solid rock beneath our feet, a firm foundation. He sets our souls free from bondages and strongholds. In Him, we can breathe in life and we are free to run and dance. We are free to worship Him and celebrate all the wonderful things He does in our lives, each and every day. Glory Hallelujah!

“The LORD your God is with you the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”  — Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV) The LORD is with you, no matter what. He is mighty to save all who call on His name. With His love, He will calm all your fears and celebrate over you with shouts of joy. Praise the LORD!

...and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, — Revelation 1:5 (NIV) Today as we celebrate our Nation’s independence and remember those who have sacrificed, shed their blood and given their lives for our freedom as a country, let us celebrate Jesus, the most important freedom-fighter of all. He was the ultimate sacrifice. By His precious blood He set us free from sin and death and gave us the wonderful gift of eternal life. He proclaimed good news to the poor and freedom for those in bondage. Praise the Lord! Have a Happy Independence Day!

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:  “Glory to God in the highest, a nd on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” Luke 2:13-14 (NKJV) When the angel announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds, a multitude of the heavenly host praised God. As we celebrate the birth of Christ the Lord, may we worship God with all of our hearts for this amazing act of love. He sent His Son to this earth to save us. Glory hallelujah! Let everyone who has breath praise the LORD!

This is the day which the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24 (NAS) God woke you up this morning and gave you the strength to get out of bed. That gives you something to rejoice about. Be glad and rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! The joy of the LORD is your strength. Celebrate God all day, every day (Philippians 4:4, The Message). Amen.

And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. Luke 15:20 (NLT) This lost son had taken his inheritance, moved to a distant country and wasted all his money in wild living. After his money ran out, a great famine swept over the land, and he began to starve, but no one gave him anything. When he came to his senses, he returned home. While he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. The father had the best clothes put on him and they had a feast and celebrated. If you have wandered away from our heavenly Father, return home. He will not condemn you. Abba Father is waiting for you with a heavy heart and open arms.

Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Philippians 4:4-5 (The Message) Celebrate God. He is so good and there is no end to the love and compassion He showers on us. We have so much to rejoice about in the LORD. He withholds no good thing from those who do what is right (Psalm 84:11). The LORD shows us the path to true life; He fills us with joy in His presence and eternal pleasures are at His right hand (Psalm 16:11). He constantly watches over us and catches us when we fall. Where would we be without Him?

Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end. ” Luke 1:30-33 (NKJ) Tomorrow before all the gifts are opened and the meals eaten, let us remember the One whose birth we celebrate, the One whose kingdom will never end. Think about the sacrifice Jesus made in leaving heaven to be born on earth. He came to save us. Rejoice because of Jesus, the greatest gift of all. In Him we have life more abundantly and for all eternity. Praise the Lord! Have a MERRY CHRISTMAS! With Love, Jackie