Manna for Your Morning

“I know that false teachers, like vicious wolves, will come in among you after I leave, not sparing the flock. Even some men from your own group will rise up and distort the truth in order to draw a following.” — Acts 20:29-30 (NLT) In Matthew 24:11 (NKJV), Jesus said, “…many false prophets will rise up and deceive many.” The Apostle Paul said, “But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 11:3 NASB1995) Do not be deceived and drawn away from the truth. Follow Yeshua and the Holy Scriptures.  “Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves.”  — Matthew 7:15 (NLT)

But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” — Luke 9:62 (NKJV) In Luke 17:32, Yeshua said: “Remember Lot’s wife.” In Genesis 19:17, Lot was warned by one of the angels who took his family out of Sodom, “Escape for your life! Do not look behind you…” But his wife, from behind him, looked back, and she became a pillar of salt. (See Genesis 19:26) Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude… (Philippians 3:13-15 NASB1995) No looking back. Yahweh is calling us to a higher level and a deeper walk.

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) Find encouragement in the Holy Scriptures. God’s Word stands forever. He watches over His Word, and it does not return to Him void. He is faithful to fulfill every word He has spoken. Here a just a few encouraging Scriptures:   God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1 NASB1995) This assures us that no matter what we go through, our great God is with us. In Isaiah 43:2 (NLT), He says: “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” He makes a way for each one of us. I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD i...

Jesus said to her, “I am the Resurrection and the Life. Whoever believes in (adheres to, trusts in, relies on) Me [as Savior] will live even if he dies;”  — John 11:25 (AMP) Believe, trust in and rely on the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! (See John 1:29) For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.” (Romans 10:12-13 NKJV) “for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and lived again, that He might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.” (Romans 14:8-9 NASB1995) Believe and receive Yeshua, as your Lord and Savior and follow Him all the days of your life. All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with gre...

The nations are in chaos, and their kingdoms crumble! God’s voice thunders, and the earth melts! The LORD of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. Interlude — Psalm 46:6-7 (NLT) No matter how chaotic current world events may be, keep your eyes on Jesus and stand on the Word of God. Cast down any anxious or fearful thoughts that don’t align to the Word. God is with us, so who can stand against us? (See Romans 8:31) Take courage and do all that our Heavenly Father is calling you to do. Continue to fight the good fight of faith. Let no raging storms erode your faith in Christ, the King of kings and the Lord of lords. God, you’re such a safe and powerful place to find refuge! You’re a proven help in time of trouble— more than enough and always available whenever I need you. (Psalm 46:1 TPT) We stand fearless at the cliff-edge of doom, courageous in seastorm and earthquake, before the rush and roar of oceans, the tremors that shift mountains. Jacob-wrestling ...

But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News. The Good News has been preached all over the world, and I, Paul, have been appointed as God’s servant to proclaim it. — Colossians 1:23 (NLT) Beloved brothers and sisters, I urge you to continue in the faith, firmly established and steadfast. Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked. (1 Timothy 1:19 NLT) Let faith and hope be a strong and trustworthy anchor for your souls.  We have this certain hope like a strong, unbreakable anchor holding our souls to God himself. Our anchor of hope is fastened to the mercy seat which sits in the heavenly realm beyond the sacred threshold, — Hebrews 6:19 (TPT)

How great is the goodness you have stored up for those who fear you. You lavish it on those who come to you for protection, blessing them before the watching world. You hide them in the shelter of your presence, safe from those who conspire against them. You shelter them in your presence, far from accusing tongues. — Psalm 31:19-20 (NLT) Trust in the LORD. Be glad and rejoice in His unfailing love, for He has seen your troubles, and He cares about the anguish of your soul. He has not handed you over to your enemies but has set you in a safe place. (Psalm 31:6-8) He is our rock and our fortress; for His name’s sake He will lead us and guide us. (Psalm 31:3) Follow Him.

The Fear-of-God expands your life; a wicked life is a puny life. — Proverbs 10:27 (MSG) Let us respect and honor the Lord, with reverential fear and awe. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge. (Psalm 111:10 & Proverbs 1:7) Wisdom and knowledge will be the stability of your times... (Isaiah 33:6a) In the [reverent] fear of the Lord there is strong confidence… (Proverbs 14:26a AMP). God arms you with strength, and he makes your way perfect. He makes your feet like the feet of deer, and sets you on your high places. (Psalm 18:32-33) The [reverent] fear of the Lord [worshiping, obeying, serving, and trusting Him with awe-filled respect] prolongs one’s life, but the years of the wicked will be shortened . — Proverbs 10:27 (AMP)

And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. — Luke 10:41 (NKJV) This time of year so many people run around feeling like Martha, worried and troubled about many things. Let us prioritize our list of tasks and give more weight to the important things. And the most important thing is to keep the main thing, the main thing, that is to celebrate the birth of Christ, our Lord and Savior. He is Immanuel: “God with us.” The Eternal One. The Prince of Peace and the living Word. Don't let the worries and cares of this world and the distractions of this season, with its worldly pleasures and man-made traditions creep in and choke the word of life right out of you. Set your attention and your affections on Jesus, the King of kings and the Lord of lords! And touching others with His love, joy and peace.

Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.” — Matthew 2:1-2 (NLT) After Jesus was born, the wise men saw His star, left their homeland, and made the journey to worship Him. He became a priority in their lives. No matter where we live, may our eyes be open to see the Light of the Lord and follow Him. As wise men and women, may we seek Him first in all that we do, and leave everything that concerns us in His mighty capable hands.

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  — Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV) If you need peace, you need more of God’s Presence. Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Draw near to Him and experience His deep and abiding peace. His peace ranks above earthly circumstances. That means that His peace cannot be moved by any of the events that take place on this earth. Jesus gave us peace as His parting gift. “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27 NKJV). Instead of focusing on problems, focus your attention on His Presence and He will keep you in perfect peace.

After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. — 1 Peter 5:10 (NASB) Job 3:26 says, “I am not at ease, nor am I quiet; I have no rest, for trouble comes.” In order to keep our hope alive, let us not focus on the fact that trouble comes, or even that it is here. Instead, zoom in on the fact that it also goes. (This too shall pass.) The Word says, the suffering is for a  “ little while …” After the suffering, we know God will perfect, strengthen and establish us. The Amplified version says, He will complete us and make us what we ought to be. Take comfort in knowing that God will use everything that happens in our lives to fulfill His awesome purpose and plan. Everything that happens is part of the process. Amen!

“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” — Matthew 1:23 (NKJV) No matter what we go through in this life, our comfort is that God is with us. He promises never to cut us off from His Presence. He hides those who trust in Him in the secret place of His presence from the plots of man (Psalm 31:20). When you are going forward on the path the LORD has for you, “Go in peace. The presence of the LORD be with you on your way,” (Judges 18:6). When the enemy tries to steal your joy, remember: In His presence alone, is fullness of joy! (Psalm 16:11)

LORD, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief.  — Psalm 143:1 (NIV) Because He is faithful and righteous, our heavenly Father comes to our relief. Even when our backs are turned toward Him, our God remains faithful. For He is the LORD, He does not change (Malachi 3:6). He delivers the righteous out of all their troubles. In Psalm 50:15 God says, “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.”

“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. Before you were born, I set you apart for my holy purpose.  I appointed you to be a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5 (GW) Just like the LORD knew the prophet Jeremiah before he was born, He knew you. God saw your unformed body; all the days ordained for you were written in His book before one of them came to be (Psalm 139:16, NIV).  Every moment of your life was laid out before a single day had passed. We have been called according to His purpose. And God works in us to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose (Philippians 2:13, NIV). Submit to, and follow the leading of His Holy Spirit who dwells within you and He will lead you and help you fulfill God's perfect plan and purpose for you.

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. A hired hand will run when he sees a wolf coming. He will abandon the sheep because they don’t belong to him and he isn’t their shepherd. And so the wolf attacks them and scatters the flock. John 10:11-12 (NLT) Jesus is the Good Shepherd who sacrificed His life to save the sheep. He does not abandon us when we are in danger. We have nothing to fear, because He is with us. He guides us along the right paths and leads us beside peaceful streams. Amen.

God has said, "I will never leave you; I will never abandon you." — Deuteronomy 31:6 So we can be sure when we say, "I will not be afraid, because the Lord is my helper. People can't do anything to me." — Psalm 118:6 Hebrews 13:5-6 (NCV) We know that God never abandons us. His Presence provides peace in every storm. He safely navigates us through the dark and cloudy days. Because we have the Lord's help, we shall not fear. He can nullify the schemes of those who plot against us. During tempestuous times, remember the Lord, your God is with you and He will never fail you. Love, Jackie

My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power. 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 (NIV) Let our faith not rest on what we think we know, but on the power of God, the power that divided the Red Sea, and raised Jesus from the dead, the power that gives sight to blind eyes and heals the sick. Instead of believing what you see (your current circumstances), put your faith in what you do not see, God's power working in your life. Amen. Love, Jackie