Manna for Your Morning

LORD, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing. You guard all that is mine. — Psalm 16:5 (NLT) My cup overflows with blessings. — Psalm 23:5 (NLT) When we choose God first and only and realize He is all we need, our cups overflow with blessings. Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. (1 Timothy 6:6-7 NKJV) Companions as we are in this work with you, we beg you, please don’t squander one bit of this marvelous life God has given us. (2 Corinthians 6:1 MSG) But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. (1 Timothy 6:11 NKJV) Let us count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus our Lord... and count them but rubbish so that we may gain Christ (Philippians 3:8)

“Simon, stay on your toes. Satan has tried his best to separate all of you from me, like chaff from wheat. Simon, I’ve prayed for you in particular that you not give in or give out. When you have come through the time of testing, turn to your companions and give them a fresh start.” — Luke 22:31-32 (MSG) You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. (2 Timothy 2:3 NKJV) The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. (John 10:10) Satan wants to separate us from our God, the source of our strength, wisdom and power. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail. Keep fighting the good fight of faith. Finish the race. Keep the faith. Even if all abandon you, remember that the Lord Jesus stands by your side.

So, my dear Christian friends, companions in following this call to the heights, take a good hard look at Jesus. He’s the centerpiece of everything we believe, faithful in everything God gave him to do. — Hebrews 3:1 (MSG) Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest. (Hebrews 3:1 NIV). Give your focused attention to Jesus, the source of our help. He has overcome the world. God always leads us in triumph in Christ (2 Corinthians 2:14). Follow His call to the heights. He is the centerpiece of everything. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. (Psalm 34:5 NLT)

Companions as we are in this work with you, we beg you, please don’t squander one bit of this marvelous life God has given us. God reminds us, I heard your call in the nick of time; the day you needed me, I was there to help. — 2 Corinthians 6:1-2 (MSG) Well, now is the right time to listen, the day to be helped. Don’t put it off; don’t frustrate God’s work by showing up late, throwing a question mark over everything we’re doing. Our work as God’s servants gets validated—or not—in the details. People are watching us as we stay at our post, alertly, unswervingly . . . in hard times, tough times, bad times; when we’re beaten up, jailed, and mobbed; working hard, working late, working without eating; with pure heart, clear head, steady hand; in gentleness, holiness, and honest love; when we’re telling the truth, and when God’s showing his power; when we’re doing our best setting things right; when we’re praised, and when we’re blamed; slandered, and honored; true to our word, though ...

So, my dear Christian friends, companions in following this call to the heights, take a good hard look at Jesus. He’s the centerpiece of everything we believe, faithful in everything God gave him to do. — Hebrews 3:1-2 (MSG) Jesus is the centerpiece of all we believe. When everything in our lives revolve around Him, we will thrive, and maintain a proper balance in every area of our lives: spiritual, mental, physical, and our relationships. We will experience difficulties, but when the mountain appears before us, we have to look beyond the mountain and cast our eyes upon Jesus: wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace. He is bigger than any challenge before us. He calls us higher, above the circumstances of this life. When we look high enough, all we can see is Jesus, in plain sight. Take a good hard look at Him, not just a soft momentary glance, but a long hard stare, until mesmerized by His glory. He will cause you to triumph over all your troubles.