Manna for Your Morning

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.” — Hebrews 12:1-2 (NLT) “Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.” (Hebrews 10:23 NLT) Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. (Hebrews 10:36 NLT)

And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.” — Luke 9:23 (NASB1995) Jesus instructs us to take up our cross and follow Him. We each have our path to travel, with it's hurdles, mountains, and valleys. Despite the trials, troubles, and tribulations we go through, let us continue to follow Jesus every day, knowing that He has already overcome this world and given us the ultimate victory. Before He was crucified, Jesus prayed three times, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.” (See Matthew 26:39, 26:42, & 26:44) In John 6:38 (NASB1995),  Jesus said: “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.”  The cross is the where die to ourselves and live for the Most High and His Kingdom. We die to our wants and wishes and seek to do His will. When we put our eyes on the Kingdom of God first, He...

We count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful. — James 5:11 (NASB) The LORD blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning… (Job 42:12a NASB) Whatever you may be going through right now, know that your future in God is brighter and brighter. For the joy that was set before Him, Jesus endured the cross... (Hebrews 12:2). For I consider [from the standpoint of faith] that the sufferings of the present life are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is about to be revealed to us and in us! (Romans 8:18 AMP) Amen!

“I’ve wiped the slate of all your wrongdoings. There’s nothing left of your sins. Come back to me, come back. I’ve redeemed you.” — Isaiah 44:22 (MSG) Jesus endured the cross for us. He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, and by His scourging we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5) As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. (Psalm 103:12  NASB) Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. (Hebrews 12:2 MSG) Hallelujah! “ I have swept away your sins like a cloud. I have scattered your offenses like the morning mist. Oh, return to me, for I have paid the price to set you free. ”  — Isaiah 44:22 (NLT)

Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. — Philippians 2:5-8 (NASB) For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, (Philippians 2:9-10 NASB) Come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker. For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture and the sheep of His hand. (Psalm 95:6-7) Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you. (James 4:8,10)

But he took our suffering on him and felt our pain for us. We saw his suffering and thought God was punishing him.  But he was wounded for the wrong we did; he was crushed for the evil we did. The punishment, which made us well, was given to him, and we are healed because of his wounds. — Isaiah 53:4-5 (NCV) Jesus carried our pains. He was crushed for our sins and wrongdoing. He was pierced for our rebellion. Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing. (Galatians 3:13a NLT) There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. (Romans 8:1 NKJV) We have been rescued from sin and death. Let us walk according to the Spirit and live well and healed.

Just consider and meditate on Him who endured from sinners such bitter hostility against Himself [consider it all in comparison with your trials], so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. — Hebrews 12:3 (AMP) The best way not to lose heart in times of trouble, is to keep an eternal perspective. For the joy that was set before Him, Jesus endured the cross. So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18 MSG)

Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. — 1 Peter 4:12 (NLT) Don’t be caught off guard when troubles come your way. We have an enemy who has declared war on us (Revelation 12:17). He is a liar and only wants to steal, kill and destroy. (John 10:10a) However, the One in us is mightier than he who is in the world. Our God is greater! Troubles come and go, but our heavenly Father remains forever. The Message Bible says: The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever. (2 Corinthians 4:18) This light momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison... (2 Corinthians 4:17) Jesus endured the cross for the joy that was set before Him. (Hebrews 12:2) Let us keep an eternal perspective, in all circumstances.

“…this Jesus, following the deliberate and well-thought-out plan of God, was betrayed by men who took the law into their own hands, and was handed over to you. And you pinned him to a cross and killed him. But God untied the death ropes and raised him up. Death was no match for him. David said it all: I saw God before me for all time. Nothing can shake me; he’s right by my side. I’m glad from the inside out, ecstatic; I’ve pitched my tent in the land of hope. I know you’ll never dump me in Hades; I’ll never even smell the stench of death. You’ve got my feet on the life-path, with your face shining sun-joy all around.” — Acts 2:23-28 (MSG) Our Savior is raised up! The tomb is empty. Pitch your tent in the land of hope and walk on the life-path with Jesus. He is right by your side. … But now in a single victorious stroke of Life, all three—sin, guilt, death—are gone, the gift of our Master, Jesus Christ. Thank God! (1 Corinthians 15:56-57 MSG)

But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all Your works. — Psalm 73:28 (NASB) When Jesus gave His life on the cross, to redeem us, the veil of the temple was torn in two. We now have access to the throne room of our heavenly Father. Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment]. (Hebrews 4:16 AMP) The blood of Jesus has given us access and His Holy Spirit within  us is available to assist us every minute of the day. As you draw near to God, you will receive mercy, and find grace to help when you need it most. Why tackle life's challenges in your own strength, when you can have the supernatural help and power of Almighty God working on your behalf?

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...

Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ Hosanna in the highest!”And when He had come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, “Who is this?” — Matthew 21:9-10 (NKJV) Let us be moved by JESUS, the living Word that was in the beginning with God. (John 1:1) He is the resurrection and the life. (John 11:25) King of kings and Lord of lords! Be moved by His body, that was bruised and beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. (Isaiah 53:5) Be moved by the blood that trickled down the wooden cross; the blood that washes away our sins. (Matthew 26:28) Be moved by the statement Jesus made from the cross when He said, “ It is finished! ” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit. (John 19:30) In Him, we have already won the victory over sin and death. In Him, we have already overcome the world. Be moved by His tomb, that was found empty. He ...

And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. — Hebrews 12:1b-2 (NLT) Jesus endured the cross by focusing on His future. May we triumph over the challenges of today by keeping our eyes on Jesus and the glorious future we have in Him. Never lose sight of where you are headed.  For I consider [from the standpoint of faith] that the sufferings of the present life are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is about to be revealed to us and in us!  (Romans 8:18 AMP) Revelation 2:7 (AMP) says,  …To him who overcomes [the world through believing that Jesus is the Son of God], I will grant [the privilege] to eat [the fruit] from the tree of life, which is in the Paradise of God.’ Revelation 21:3-4 (NLT) goes on to say, I he...

…by giving himself completely at the Cross, actually dying for you, Christ brought you over to God’s side and put your lives together, whole and holy in his presence. You don’t walk away from a gift like that! You stay grounded and steady in that bond of trust, constantly tuned in to the Message, careful not to be distracted or diverted. — Colossians 1:22-23 (MSG) If you ever feel like your life is falling apart, know that in Christ, our lives come together perfectly. Just as we make sure we are on the right channel to view our favorite television show, let us stay tuned in to what our mighty God is doing in our midst. He is a great big God and He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, (Ephesians 3:20, NKJV).

The women were terrified and bowed with their faces to the ground. Then the men asked, “Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? — Luke 24:5 (NLT) When the women went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus, in the tomb, they were greatly perplexed (Luke 24:3-4). Don’t be puzzled, and have no doubt, Jesus is no longer on the cross and His tomb has been empty. Jesus is Alive! He is our Advocate, who pleads our case before the Father. He is the One who is truly righteous. He conquered sin, death, and the grave. For over 2,000 years He has been actively engaged in the lives of His people, to bring about the Father’s will on the earth. Jesus overcame His enemies, for He is LORD of lords and KING of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.” (Revelation 17:14). Do you stand with Him today?

And Jesus cried out with a loud voice, and breathed His last. — Mark 15:37 (NKJV)  From the time Jesus died on the cross to the third day when the empty tomb was discovered, was a very dark time for the followers of Christ. The disciples had hoped that He was going to redeem Israel (Luke 24:21), but at this point, their hope was dead. We too will experience some dark days, in between the time we receive the promise, until our hopes and dreams begin to manifest into reality. Heaven will appear to be silent and you may wonder if God is aware of your plight. But hold on, the third day is coming! Don't bury your dreams. Remember God's Word. He is faithful to fulfill every promise. Just as the grave could not contain Jesus, the enemy cannot stop the purpose and plans God has for you.

If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love [for others growing out of God’s love for me], then I have become only a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal [just an annoying distraction]. — 1 Corinthians 13:1 (AMP) If you say you love, but never show it, you are merely making a lot of noise. Jesus showed His love to us by stretching out His arms on the cross. How do you show love? May we love extravagantly. Lavish love on others that is rich and genuine. Love BIG and out of the box, in action and kind deeds, not just words.

...looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. — Hebrews 12:2 (NKJV) Jesus looked beyond the pain and suffering of the cross for the joy that was to come in fulfilling the Father's plan. No matter how hopeless the situation may appear at any given moment, do not lose heart. God has a plan for you that is good. Fix your eyes on Jesus and keep your hope in Him alive. 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 5:5 NLT).

And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick. — Matthew 14:14 (NKJV) The compassion of Jesus moved Him to take action. In compassion, Jesus gave sight to the blind, healed the sick and cleansed the lepers. Jesus made the deaf, able to hear and brought the dead back to life. Our Savior saw humanity dying in sin and moved with compassion, Jesus gave His life on the cross, and reconciled us back into an eternal fellowship with our heavenly Father. His compassions never fail. As children of God, let us be a people who are moved with compassion. May we add the light of life, to the darkness of this world, wherever we go.

“He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying, ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.’ ” — Luke 24:6-7 (NKJV) Day One : Christ gave His life on the cross to bear the sins of many; to set the captives free from the penalty of sin and death. There was pain. There was blood shed and there was sacrifice. Day Two : There was sorrow and grief. To the disciples of Jesus, all appeared hopeless, but Jesus was taking care of business, behind the scenes. Day Three : Jesus rose from the dead. The tomb was empty. He declared victory over death, and hell. He overcame the world. My beloved friends, let us patiently endure day one and day two of any trials and tribulations that come our way. For we know that the 3rd day is coming! God will deliver us from all our troubles. Jesus has given us the victory. Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, ...