Manna for Your Morning

I have fought the good and worthy and noble fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith [firmly guarding the gospel against error]. — 2 Timothy 4:7 (AMP) Let us be like the Apostle Paul and keep fighting the good fight, until we finish the race. Keep the faith, no matter what the circumstance. Our mighty God is a God of restoration. He will restore what the locusts have eaten. Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. (1 Timothy 6:12 NASB) Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; (Philippians 2:12)

Now may the Lord of peace Himself grant you His peace at all times and in every way [that peace and spiritual well-being that comes to those who walk with Him, regardless of life’s circumstances]. The Lord be with you all. — 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (AMP) Jesus gave us His peace (John 14:27). Open your heart and mind to receive His gift of everlasting peace, a peace that surpasses human understanding. The enemy is a thief. Don’t let Him rob you of peace. As we walk closely to the Prince of Peace, we will have peace at all times, in every situation, and circumstance. Choose to trust God and believe His Word. It is the Good News. When I am afraid, I will put my trust and faith in You. In God, whose word I praise;  In God I have put my trust; I shall not fear… — Psalm 56:3-4 (AMP)

While they were talking about this, Jesus Himself [suddenly] stood among them and said to them, “Peace be to you.” — Luke 24:36 (AMP) “Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts?” (Luke 24:38) Jesus, the Prince of Peace, has given us peace. In John 14:27 (AMP) Jesus said: “Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]” How can we live in peace regardless of circumstances? Because we have His Presence. In Matthew 28:20 (NLT), Jesus said, “Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always , even to the end of the age.”

Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.] — John 14:27 (AMP) You cannot live in perfect peace, if you continually think about things that cause you to be anxious and fearful. However, the LORD will keep in perfect and constant peace, the one whose mind is focused on Him because they trust in Him. (Isaiah 26:3) …cast all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]. (1 Peter 5:7 AMP) As long as we abide in His peace, we will have courage and strength for every challenge that comes our way.

Know, too, that wisdom is good for your soul: if you find it, your reward will be a bright future and an enduring hope! — Proverbs 24:14 (VOICE) Why is it that when we don't know what to do, asking God seems to be the last resort? Let God and His Word be your first resource. If you are facing a situation that has you perplexed, heed the words of James 1:5, If any of you lacks wisdom [to guide him through a decision or circumstance], he is to ask of [our benevolent] God, who gives to everyone generously and without rebuke or blame, and it will be given to him. (AMP). Wisdom involves having the correct knowledge and understanding when and how to apply it.  Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth. (Proverbs 4:5 NKJV)

“Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God, above politics, above everything.” — Psalm 46:10 (MSG) Step out of the constant flurry of activity and close a door to all the noise of the world. Let us be still and recognize that Almighty God is GOD. Draw near to Him and get to know Him, His ways, His will and His Word. Understand that He is exalted above all. He is over every circumstance in your life. If all others forsake you, God stands by your side. He is with you and He enables you to persevere and conquer all.

Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off! — Acts 16:25-26 (NLT) I have often heard that life is not so much what happens to you, it's more about your response to what happens. Paul and Silas were dragged, had their clothes torn off, were beaten and thrown in prison. However, they didn’t let their circumstances get them down. They were praying and singing hymns to God. No matter what your circumstance, turn your attention to God, who holds the universe in His hands. Are there things in your life that need to be shaken? Do you have some doors that need to be opened? A little prayer and praise goes a long way. And it also has a profound impact on those around you, just as Paul and Silas effected the prisoners around them. How are you reacting to...

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. — Philippians 5:6 (NLT) In every situation and circumstance, pray and petition God. Continue to give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NIV). And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19, NKJV).

Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. — 1 Corinthians 13:7 (NLT) We are to love one another deeply, from the heart (1Peter 1:22, NIV). Sincere love never gives up on others. It always looks for and is ready to believe the best of every person. True love accepts people for who they are, and encourages them to do their best. Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, without growing weak (1 Corinthians 13:7, AMP). Let our love for others be strong, always hopeful and resilient!

I look behind me and you’re there,  then up ahead and you’re there, too—  your reassuring presence, coming and going..  — Psalm 139:5 (The Message) God goes before us and behind us. He places His hand of blessing on your head (Psalm 139:5, NLT). No matter what we go through, He is there with us, His reassuring Presence. If we dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there His hand shall lead us, and His right hand shall hold us (Psalm 139-9-10). Be encouraged and reassured, the LORD your God is with you and by His hand He will lead you through every situation and circumstance.

For since the beginning of the world  Men have not heard nor perceived by the ear,  Nor has the eye seen any God besides You,  Who acts for the one who waits for Him.  Isaiah 64:4 (NKJV) There has not been any god like our mighty God, since the beginning of the world. There is none like Him. He is always with us to see us through the thick and thin of life. When we jump up and do things our way, without seeking God and His will, we get what we get. And we don't always like the results. However, when we wait upon the LORD, we get God’s best and we are never disappointed. God already has the perfect plan to work out every circumstance of your life. He has already given us the victory! Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him (Psalm 37:7).