Manna for Your Morning

“God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.” — Ephesians 2:8 (NLT) Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. (Ephesians 2:1 NLT) All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else. (Ephesians 2:3 NLT) In those days you were living apart from Christ. You lived in this world without God and without hope. (See Ephesians 2:12) But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) (Ephesians 2:4-5 NLT) But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ.” (Ephesians 2:13 NLT) Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now...

God placed all things under Messiah’s feet and appointed Him as head over all things for His community — — Ephesians 1:22 (TLV) ...[in His love] God chose us in Christ [actually selected us for Himself as His own] before the foundation of the world, so that we would be holy [that is, consecrated, set apart for Him, purpose-driven] and blameless in His sight… (See Ephesians 1:4 AMP) …we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. (Romans 12:5 NKJV) We have been chosen and called by God, with a purpose and good plans. We are complete in Him who is the head of all principality and power. (See Colossians 2:10 NKJV) Let us be led by Christ, the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. (See Ephesians 5:23) So I, the prisoner for the Lord, appeal to you to live a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called [that is, to live a life that exhibits godly character, moral courage, personal integrity, and mature behavior—a life that...

For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. — Colossians 1:13-14 (NASB1995) God has rescued us from the domain of darkness. We are now citizens in the Kingdom of Christ. See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ. (Colossians 2:8 NASB1995) And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. (Colossians 2:6 NLT) Let us walk in a manner worthy of the Lord [displaying admirable character, moral courage, and personal integrity], to [fully] please Him in all things… (See Colossians 1:10 AMP) “And I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to Me,” says the Lord Almighty.  — 2 Corinthians 6:18 (NASB1995)

Jesus asked them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The [very] Stone which the builders rejected and threw away, has become the Chief Cornerstone; This is the LORD’s doing, and it is marvelous and wonderful in our eyes’? — Matthew 21:42 (AMP) “Therefore thus says the Lord God, “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a tested stone, a costly cornerstone for the foundation, firmly placed. He who believes in it will not be disturbed.” (Isaiah 28:16 NASB1995) In Christ, we have a firm foundation. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 3:11NLT) So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, (Ephesians 2:19-20 NASB1995) He who believes in Him, trusts in Him, and relies on Him will never be disappointed. This precious value, then, is for you who b...

Listen to my testimony: I cried to God in my distress and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears! Gaze upon him, join your life with his, and joy will come. Your faces will glisten with glory. You’ll never wear that shame-face again. — Psalm 34:4-5 (TPT) Glisten with glory as you keep our gaze fixed upon the LORD. Don’t depend on a person, don’t look to the government. CHRIST is our only hope. Live in union with Him. Seek more of his strength! Seek more of him! Let’s always be seeking the light of his face. (Psalm 105:4 TPT) And we all, with unveiled face, continually seeing as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are progressively being transformed into His image from [one degree of] glory to [even more] glory, which comes from the Lord, [who is] the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:18 AMP) We look away from the natural realm and we focus our attention and expectation onto Jesus who birthed faith within us and who leads us forward into faith’s perfection. His example is this: Becaus...

At my first trial no one supported me [as an advocate] or stood with me, but they all deserted me. May it not be counted against them [by God]. But the Lord stood by me and strengthened and empowered me… — 2 Timothy 4:16-17 (AMP) When all others desert you, know that the Lord stands by you. He will strengthen and empower you to do His will and complete the ministry He has given to you. I encourage you to fight the good fight, finish the course, and keep the faith. (See 2 Timothy 4:7) Be a good soldier of Jesus the Anointed One.  For You bless the righteous person, LORD, You surround him with favor as with a shield. — Psalm 5:12 (NASB)

You’ve gone into my future to prepare the way, and in kindness you follow behind me to spare me from the harm of my past. With your hand of love upon my life, you impart a blessing to me. — Psalm 139:5 (TPT) Our heavenly Father formed us in our mother’s womb and brought us into this world. When our days on this earth are done, He will be the One who welcomes us into a glorious eternity. And each day in between, He will be by our side, as we journey through life. We have the blessing of His Presence and His hand of love, gently leads us along the pathway that leads to life and life more abundantly. His hand of love is our protection and our peace. Wherever I go, your hand will guide me; your strength will empower me. It’s impossible to disappear from you or to ask the darkness to hide me, for your presence is everywhere, bringing light into my night. — Psalm 139:10-11 (TPT)

He must increase, but I must decrease. — John 3:30 (NKJV) John the Baptist was the one sent ahead of the Messiah to prepare the way for him. (John 3:28 NCV)  Before John the Baptist was conceived the angel of the Lord told his father, Zacharias that John will be a great man for the Lord. He will never drink wine or beer, and even from birth, he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, He will help many people of Israel return to the Lord their God. (Luke 1:13-16 NCV) We are here for such a time as this and we too can be great men and women for the Lord, as we live our lives being led by the Holy Spirit. We can help others turn to the Lord, by becoming less. May it be our daily goal to decrease, so He can increase, in our hearts and minds and on this earth.

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” — Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG) Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. Jesus is a gentleman. He does not force Himself on anyone. He simply invites us to come to Him. He invites us to walk and work with Him, side-by-side. Engage with Him, and learn from Him. But first He says, “get away and take a real rest.” When we unplug from all the daily demands and turn a deaf ear to the voices of this world, we can truly rest. As we keep company with Jesus, we can learn from the Master, how to live freely and lightly. The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my stre...

And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people. — Matthew 4:23 (NKJV) Jesus never changes. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8). He is still Healer. And one of the things I love about Him, is that He meets us where we are. The woman with the issue of blood, purposed in her heart that she had to push through the crowd and grab a hold of His garment to receive her healing. (Luke 8:40-42). The man that was lowered through the roof on a cot was helpless and hopeless and had to rely on the faith of his friends, but Jesus still healed him. (Mark 2:4-5). The centurion knew that all Jesus had to do was speak a word and his servant would be healed. (Matthew 8:8). Jesus wants you to live a healthy and abundant life, —healed and whole, body, soul and spirit. Exercise the level of faith you have and our loving, compassionate Savior and Heal...

But the LORD watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love. — Psalm 33:18 (NLT) It’s hard for many to understand the magnitude of God’s love because somebody we knew once told us they loved us, then turned around and hurt us with betrayal, lies, etc. The LORD doesn’t love the way flawed humanity loves. His ways are higher and His love is perfect. He forms a covenant that He is faithful to uphold. His love is always and forever. When our heavenly Father says He will never leave us, He means it. Even though we may stray away from Him, like the father of the prodigal son, He is always on the look out for us to come home. When we turn to Him, He runs to us with arms wide open, to embrace us and hold us close to Him. God gives His all for love. He gave His Son because He loved us and desired to fellowship with us now and forever. He only wants the best for us. We can rely on God’s unfailing love.

He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, — Luke 2:5-6 (NIV) When Joseph and Mary went to register in Bethlehem, the time came for her to give birth. In the course of going about your daily tasks, the time will come for you to give birth to the promises God has spoken to you. It's time for the fulfillment of the dreams and desires He has placed in your heart. First, we must go through the labor pains (another word for work). Let us persevere this phase and keep pressing onward and forward, regardless of any challenges.

Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren.  — Luke 1:36 (NKJV) What area of your life has the enemy called barren? Don’t listen to the lies of the enemy. Our God is a turn around God; He turns situations, circumstances and conditions around. Where there is darkness, He brings light. Where there is sickness and disease, the Sun of Righteousness arises with healing in His wings (Malachi 4:2). Where there is death, He brings resurrection power. Your story is not over yet. Keep believing God for your miracle! For with God nothing is ever impossible and no word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment (Luke 1:37, AMP).

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.  — Psalm 143:8 (NIV) Because of the LORD's great love for us, we are not consumed. His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; (Lamentations 3:22-23). We can trust our heavenly Father to show us the way we should go, because His love for us goes on and on. Every morning, His compassions begin afresh. May we lift our souls up to Him and open wide the door of our hearts to His Presence.

“I am a God who is near.  I am also a God who is far away,” declares the LORD.  “No one can hide so that I can’t see him,” declares the LORD.  “I fill heaven and earth!” declares the LORD. Jeremiah 23:23-24 (GW) As a child, you may have enjoyed playing the game of  “ Hide & Seek , ”  but we don't want to try to hide from our heavenly Father, besides it is impossible. The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good (Proverbs 15:3). Choose to keep the LORD near, follow Him wherever He leads you. Be like Mary who sat at the feet of Jesus listening to what He said and learning from Him (Luke 10:39). The eyes of God are not on us to harm us. He keeps watch over us to protect us, rescue us, and guide us along on the right path. Give God some PRAISE!

“Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!” Nehemiah 8:10 (NLT) Feeling weak and worn out? Count your blessings and praise the Lord. You will find strength as you rejoice in the Lord. May God anoint you with the oil of gladness and never let your cup go dry.

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:57-58 (NIV) May we stand firm in our faith, knowing that in Jesus Christ, we have the victory. Do not be moved by the trials that come your way. Instead, speak to your mountain and tell it to move. Love & Peace to you, Jackie