Manna for Your Morning

And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. — Colossians 2:6-7 (NLT) Following Jesus is a choice we make each moment of the day. May we continually follow Him and let our roots grow deep into Him. Then our faith and trust in Him will grow, and our hearts and mouths will overflow with thankfulness for all He has done and is doing. “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve... As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15)

Love suffers long and is kind; — 1 Corinthians 13:4 (NKJV) God put these 3 words on my heart this morning: love suffers long. Then He added, do all things without complaining (Philippians 2:14). We do not like to suffer, but it’s a part of life. And we have the comfort of knowing that God will cause ALL things to work together for good. Like childbirth, we must go through the pain of delivery to enjoy holding a beautiful baby in our arms. How long must we suffer? As long as we need to. Labor times vary in duration. Tell yourself, “I will until!” Continue until what is in you has been birthed into reality. We live in a microwave, disposable society. We want everything quick and when something no longer works for us, we throw it away. Our God us above and beyond a crock pot, He is doing in us, a work of perfection, not to be rushed or taken lightly.

…strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.”  — Acts 14:22 (NKJV) In this world we will have tribulation, but be courageous and of good cheer, our Savior has overcome the world. May God strengthen your soul today. I encourage you to remain firm in your faith. Hardships come and hardships go, but the grace of God remains; grace to persevere, grace to continue, through whatever comes your way. Since God woke you up this morning, He has something more for you to do. Continue to pursue His plan, His purpose, His Way, to the end!

Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; — Colossians 4:2 (NKJV) Do not grow weary in prayer, but maintain a sincere and intense conviction that God hears you and He is faithful to answer. First Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to pray without ceasing. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much (James 5:16). Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16). Let prayer be your first course of action, not your last resort.

But You are holy, enthroned in the praises of Israel. — Psalm 22:3 (NKJV) Praise the LORD! For it is good to sing praises to our God; For it is pleasant, and praise is beautiful (Psalm 147:1). No matter what mayhem comes, continue to sing praises to the LORD Most High. His Presence inhabits the praises of His people. And in His Presence, the mountains before you will melt like wax (Psalm 97:5). Let everything that has breath praise the LORD!

Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. — Acts 11:22-23 (NKJV) I encourage you all, to continue with the Lord, each and every moment of your life. No matter what, stay solid in your commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ, with your whole heart. Be totally devoted to doing the will of our heavenly Father and fulfilling the mission He has given to you. Then when we see the grace and favor of God at work in our lives, it will make us glad!