Manna for Your Morning

Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness...” — Genesis 1:26 (NASB) God is love (see 1 John 4:16) He is a God of peace. (see 1 Thessalonians 5:23) We are made in His image. Let us bear the character and nature of our Creator. We are called and chosen by God. And the One Who called us is faithful. Choose for yourselves today whom you will serve. (see Joshua 2:14-15)

But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also. — Matthew 6:33 (AMP) Instead of striving for a perfect set of circumstances or aiming to acquire material possessions, seek Jesus, the perfect One and He will take care of all that concerns you. Seek the One whom the winds and the sea obey (Matthew 8:27). Seek the One who causes the dead to live again (John 11:43-44). He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds [healing their pain and comforting their sorrow] (Psalm 147:3 AMP). Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face continually. (1 Chronicles 16:11 NASB)

And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. — Romans 5:3-4 (NKJV) We can glory in hardships and troubles when we see them as tools God can use to help us develop perseverance. They are also opportunities to learn and grow in wisdom. As we patiently endure adverse circumstances, in full expectation of seeing God work in our lives, we develop depth and strength of character and spiritual maturity. That enables us to do the right thing even when we feel “it's hard.” When we let God work in us and through us, our hope in Christ, is kept alive and active, and it will never disappoint. Amen.

Moreover [let us also be full of joy now!] let us exult and triumph in our troubles and rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that pressure and affliction and hardship produce patient and unswerving endurance. And endurance (fortitude) develops maturity of character (approved faith and tried integrity). And character [of this sort] produces [the habit of] joyful and confident hope of eternal salvation. — Romans 5:3-4 (AMP) As we endure the challenges of this life, we can be sure that our faith is being strengthened, patience is produced and our character is being develop and growing in maturity. And this kind of character creates a joyful and confident hope within us. This hope never disappoints or deludes because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts. (Romans 5:5) Because God loves us and is working all things together for good, we will not be disappointed!

These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. Therefore many of them believed, and also not a few of the Greeks, prominent women as well as men. — Acts 17:11-12 (NKJV) Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character (Acts 17:11, NIV). They listened eagerly to Apostle Paul’s message, then they searched the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. As a result, many of them believed. When we hear the Word of God preached, may we also search the Scriptures daily, so that we may believe and know the truth. For false christs and false prophets will rise and show signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect (Mark 13:22).

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. Romans 5:3-5 (NLT) Let us rejoice in spite of the things we suffer because the challenges we go through in this life teach us how to endure, they strengthen our character and produce hope. And our hope will not be disappointed because God loves us and He leads us to a triumphant victory. Love, Jackie