Manna for Your Morning

For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope and overflow with confidence in His promises. — Romans 15:4 (AMP) Psalms 119:114 (NLT) says, His word is our source of hope. May we search the Holy Scriptures daily and be encouraged and filled with hope, knowing that Yahweh fulfills every promise He has made. “So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary.” (Hebrews 6:18-19 NLT) I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. — Roman...

Now after John was put in jail, Yeshua came into the Galilee, proclaiming the Good News of God. “Now is the fullness of time,” He said, “and the kingdom of God is near! Turn away from your sins, and believe in the Good News!” — Mark 1:14-15 (TLV) “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God [with faith and humility] like a child will not enter it at all.” (Luke 18:17 AMP) “For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 14:17 NLT) Citizens of the Kingdom of God, practice righteousness (doing right in regard to God and man), and are full of peace and joy, abiding in and being led by the Holy Spirit. “We comfort and encourage you and challenge you to adopt a lifestyle worthy of God, who invites you into his kingdom and glory.” (See 1 Thessalonians 2:12 TPT) “Blessed [spiritually prosperous, happy, to be admired] are you who are poor [in spirit, those...

And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you]. — Romans 12:2 (AMP) Instead of conforming to this world, present your bodies to God as a living sacrifice, holy, and acceptable to Him. (See Romans 12:1) Renew your mind with the Holy Scriptures, and your thoughts will come into alignment with His Word and His ways. Instead of following the world, be led by the Spirit of God.

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) 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) For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. (Romans 8:18 NASB1995) …if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it. (Romans 8:25 NASB1995) And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose. (Romans 8:28 AMP) Amen.

Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you, but be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think. This will empower you to discern God’s will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in his eyes. — Romans 12:2 (TPT) Be transformed and progressively changed, as you mature spiritually, by renewing your mind with the Word of God. The most beautiful and satisfying life we can live, is the one designed by our Creator. He knows the good plans He has for us. And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. (Romans 12:1 NLT)

And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose. — Romans 8:28 (AMP) Second Timothy 1:9 says, God saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was granted to us in Christ Jesus. We have been called. The question is, will we accept His invitation to live according to His plan? If we love God and consistently answer His call, we can rejoice and have great confidence that God will work everything together for good. His plans for us are good and not for disaster, to give us a future and a hope. (See Jeremiah 29:11) ...thanks be to God, who gives us the victory [as conquerors] through our Lord Jesus Christ.  — 1 Corinthians 15:57 (AMP)

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; — 1 Peter 2:9 (NASB) Not only have we been called out of darkness. We have been called into His marvelous light, into holiness and purity. We have been called into His everlasting peace and inexplicable joy. We have been called into His amazing grace and mercy. We have been called into God’s family and we have received a glorious inheritance. We have been called into His purpose and good plan for our lives. May we proclaim the wondrous acts of the One who called us. Amen.

The Lord answered her, “Martha, my beloved Martha. Why are you upset and troubled, pulled away by all these many distractions? Are they really that important? Mary has discovered the one thing most important by choosing to sit at my feet. She is undistracted, and I won’t take this privilege from her.” — Luke 10:41-42 (TPT) Luke 10:38 tells us that Martha welcomed Jesus into her home. She had good intentions by inviting Him in, but then she became totally distracted. Can you imagine how it would feel if you went to visit a friend and they had no time for conversation because they were too busy in the kitchen? May we always keep the main thing, the main thing: our relationship with Jesus. Choose to spend time with Him. Meditate in the Word day and night (Joshua 1:8). Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God (Hebrews 13:15). And in everything give thanks (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Instead of being pulled away by the concerns of this w...

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?

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. — Isaiah 9:6 (NASB) When you need someone to talk to, call out to the Wonderful Counselor. He is intimately acquainted with all our ways. We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. (Hebrews 4:15 MSG) In the midst of turmoil, call upon the Prince of Peace. Jesus said, “ Peace I leave with you; My 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 fearful. ” (John 14:27 NASB) When you are feeling weak and weary, call on Jesus, our Mighty God. He is the strength of our lives. 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...

“Be still and know (recognize, understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth.” — Psalm 46:10 (AMP) Are you going to get caught up in the busyness of “doing” Christmas (process) or be still and know our great God (purpose)? In the midst of all the decorating, baking and party-going, may we take time out to be still and exalt God. Thank our heavenly Father for sending His only Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Recognize and celebrate all He has done for us. It’s in the stillness that we are able to hear His voice. When we are still, and give our attention to Him, we can clearly see the answers we seek. In the stillness, we are captivated by His love! Delight yourself in His Presence.

Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me. — Psalm 139:7-10 (NKJV) When we have done or said something contrary to the nature and character of God, we often try to hide, like Adam did in the Garden of Eden. But no matter where we go, our heavenly Father is there. Even the darkness does not hide us from Him (Psalm 139-11-12). What is helpful for us to remember is that He is not there to beat us up, but to pick us up and guide us back onto the path of life and into fellowship with Him. Instead of running away, return to Him and be restored.

“A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.” — Luke 2:32 (NKJV) Jesus is the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world (John 1:9). Light reveals things and Jesus revealed the love God has for all people, and nothing can separate us from His great love. Matthew 4:16a (AMP) says, the people who sat (dwelt enveloped) in darkness have seen a great Light. Don't sit under that dark cloud of depression, doubt or hopelessness. Come into the Light, bask in His love, and enjoy the abundant life He came to give us. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; — Daniel 1:8 (NKJV) As children of God we have to purpose in our hearts that we will not defile ourselves with the things and/or ways of the world. May we make a dedicated decision to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, dedicated to God and pleasing to Him (Romans 12:1). As the Message Bible says: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering.

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,  and all these things shall be added to you." Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)   There are so many good causes that we can give our time to, so many important things to get done, but God says, seek Me first ! We all want the good things to be added to us, but we have to ask ourselves, "Am I seeking FIRST the kingdom of God and His righteousness? When we open our eyes in the morning, let us begin by talking to our heavenly Father, seeking His will and His way. Ask Him how He wants you to start your day. Keep God on 1st in your heart.

For your unfailing love is higher than the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens. May your glory shine over all the earth. Psalm 108:4-5 (NLT) God's unfailing love reaches you wherever you are. If you're down in a deep, dark valley, His relentless love will help you up. If you're on the mountaintop, His eternal love met you there. When you may think no one cares, our heavenly Father proves you wrong. May His majestic glory shine upon you today and always.

Faith means being sure of the things we hope for and knowing that something is real even if we do not see it. Hebrews 11:1 (NCV) What are you hoping for? Keep your hope alive by standing on the promises of God and being sure of His power. If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all (Isaiah 7:9). God is able to do exceedingly more than all you are hoping for. Love, Jackie

Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Romans 11:22 (NIV) God showed us kindness by grafting us into His family. We are to continue in His kindness by embracing those we would like to shun away from and associating with people of low position. We are to bless those who persecute us and not seek revenge (Romans 12). Let us live at peace with everyone, and always show brotherly kindness. Love, Jackie