Manna for Your Morning

“Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” — Luke 13:24 (NKJV) “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. (Matthew 7:13-14 NKJV) “When once the Master of the house has risen up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open for us,’ and He will answer and say to you, ‘I do not know you, where you are from,’ then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets.’ But He will say, ‘I tell you I do not know you, where you are from. Depart from Me, all you workers of iniquity.’” (Luke 13:25-27 NKJV) In the way of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death. — Proverbs 12:28 (NKJV)

Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. — Proverbs 16:18 (AMP) It's hard to fall when we are kneeling before God, with a humble heart. When pride comes [boiling up with an arrogant attitude of self-importance], then come dishonor and shame, but with the humble [the teachable who have been chiseled by trial and who have learned to walk humbly with God] there is wisdom and soundness of mind. (Proverbs 11:2 AMP) The LORD gives His grace [His undeserved favor] to the humble [those who give up self-importance]. (See Proverbs 3:34 AMP) The humble He guides in justice, and the humble He teaches His way. (Psalms 25:9 NKJV) Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, (1 Peter 5:6 NKJV) Humble yourselves [with an attitude of repentance and insignificance] in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you [He will lift you up, He will give you purpose]. — James 4:10 (AMP)

“For yet in a very little while, He who is coming will come, and will not delay. But My righteous one shall live by faith; And if he shrinks back, My soul has no pleasure in him.” But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul. — Hebrews 10:37-39 (NASB1995) Hebrews 11:6 says: without faith it is impossible to please God. Do not doubt or waver in unbelief concerning the promise of God, but grow strong in faith, and give glory to God. (like Abraham in Romans 4:20) Let us walk by faith, not by sight [living our lives in a manner consistent with our confident belief in God’s promises]— (See 2 Corinthians 5:7 AMP)  If we [claim to] live by the [Holy] Spirit, we must also walk by the Spirit [with personal integrity, godly character, and moral courage—our conduct empowered by the Holy Spirit]. (Galatians 5:25 AMP) As believers, the Holy Spirit dwells in us and empowers us to overcome temptation and to do all that God ...

“On an appointed day Herod, having put on his royal apparel, took his seat on the rostrum and began delivering an address to them. The people kept crying out, “The voice of a god and not of a man!” And immediately an angel of the Lord struck him because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and died.” — Acts 12:21-23 (NASB1995) Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall. (Proverbs 16:18) The Lord struck Herod down because he did not give God the glory and instead permitted himself to be worshiped. (See Acts 12:23 AMP) “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (See James 4:6 NASB1995) Let us clothe ourselves with humility, and always give God the glory. He is so worthy to receive all praise, honor and glory. In His hand is the life of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind. (See Job 12:10) In Him we live and move and have our being. (See Acts 17:28) Yahweh has generously given us all of the gifts, talents and resources ...

Seek the LORD, all who are humble, and follow his commands. Seek to do what is right and to live humbly. Perhaps even yet the LORD will protect you— protect you from his anger on that day of destruction. — Zephaniah 2:3 (NLT) May we purposefully and passionately pursue to know the LORD and be known by Him. “His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him—though he is not far from any one of us. For in him we live and move and exist. As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’” (Acts 17:27-28 NLT) To know Him is to love Him and trust Him. And as we get to know Him we are to become more like Him: loving, kind, generous and gracious. Second Corinthians 3:18 (AMP) says: 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. “I will leave in your...

Be gracious to me, O God, be gracious and merciful to me, for my soul finds shelter and safety in You, and in the shadow of Your wings I will take refuge and be confidently secure until destruction passes by. — Psalm 57:1 (AMP) Find safety and shelter in Almighty God, He is Elohim, the all-powerful One. When the righteous cry [for help], the LORD hears and rescues them from all their distress and troubles. (Psalm 34:17 AMP) Many hardships and perplexing circumstances confront the righteous, but the LORD rescues him from them all. (Psalm 34:19 AMP) I cry out to God Most High, to God who will fulfill his purpose for me. (Psalm 57:2 NLT)

You will not be afraid of the terror by night, or of the arrow that flies by day; Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, or of the destruction that lays waste at noon. A thousand may fall at your side and ten thousand at your right hand, but it shall not approach you. — Psalm 91:5-7 (NASB) There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear… (1 John 4:18) and the love our heavenly Father has for us perfect and unfailing. He will cover you and completely protect you with His pinions, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and a wall. (Psalm 91:4 AMP) For you have made the LORD, my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place. No evil will befall you, nor will any plague come near your tent. For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways. (Psalm 91:9-11 NASB)

We humans keep brainstorming options and plans, but God’s purpose prevails. — Proverbs 19:21 (MSG) Before every person lies a road that seems to be right, but the end of that road is death and destruction. (Proverbs 14:12 VOICE) When we are in the driver’s seat, we are sure to end up on a dead-end road or going over a cliff. God allows us the free will to do things our way but realize that there are always consequences to that. In addition, when we choose to do things our way, it’s not God’s best for us. Some people think the word submission is a bad thing, but we are all submitting to something. Are you submitting to your flesh, to this world, or to God, our Maker? It is a good thing when we are submitting to the right authority. Submit your life to our heavenly Father, and to the authority of His Word. May we follow Him all the days of our lives. He knows the best way for us to go so that we arrive at the glorious destination of His master design. The steps of a [good and ri...

Humble yourselves [with an attitude of repentance and insignificance] in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you [He will lift you up, He will give you purpose]. — James 4:10 (AMP) Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. (Proverbs 16:18 NKJV) Yet He gives His grace [His undeserved favor] to the humble [those who give up self-importance]. (Proverbs 3:34b AMP) In Matthew 11:29 (NASB), Jesus instructs us to learn from Him, for He is gentle and humble in heart. He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death (Philippians 2:8 NKJV). Ephesians 4:2 (NLT) says: Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Though the LORD is great, he cares for the humble, but he keeps his distance from the proud. — Psalm 138:6 (NLT)

We all have wandered off, like shepherdless sheep, scattered by our aimless striving and endless pursuits; The Eternal One laid on him, this silent sufferer, the sins of us all. — Isaiah 53:6 (VOICE) Proverbs 14:12 (VOICE) says, Before every person lies a road that seems to be right, but the end of that road is death and destruction. Be led by the Holy Spirit and He will show you the path that leads to life and life more abundantly. While our endless pursuits will leave us empty and exhausted abiding in Him, we will experience fullness of life, peace and joy. My counsel is this: Live freely, animated and motivated by God’s Spirit. Then you won’t feed the compulsions of selfishness. — Galatians 5:16 (MSG)

“If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.” — Isaiah 7:9 (NIV) When their enemies came to make war against the people of Jerusalem, God sent His prophet to King Ahaz. Isaiah said to him, “Be careful, keep calm and don’t be afraid. Do not lose heart…” (Isaiah 7:4) This is what the Sovereign LORD says: “ It will not take place, it will not happen …” (Isaiah 7:7). When the enemy threatens destruction, be careful about the words you speak, keep calm and don’t let fear grip you. Remember that the lies and threats of the enemy cannot prevail over you. God has given us authority on the earth. Stand firm in your faith. Believe that God is able to deliver you. Believe that He is willing. Believe that He will do exactly as He has said. God cannot lie. (Titus 1:2)

Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you! I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer. You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy. — Psalm 63:3-5 (NLT) The LORD redeems your life from destruction, and crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies (Psalm 103:4). Cherish His love as more valuable than the air you breathe. When we draw our last breath on this earth, it’s His face we will see for all eternity. Praise Him as long as you live. Seek Him early in the morning and throughout the day. The psalmist says, “O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You;” (Psalm 63:1a NKJV). Call upon Him in the night, as  Psalm 63:6 (NKJV) says: “When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches.” Declare His lovingkindness in the morning, and His faithfulness every night! (Psalm 92:2 NKJV)

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) First of all, know that God is deeply concerned about you. Be glad and rejoice in His unfailing love, for He has seen your troubles, and He cares about the anguish of your soul (Psalm 31:7). Secondly, understand that He has a plan for you that is good. While things may not look good at the moment, remember that what you see today is only one page in the book of your life. Eventually you will begin a new chapter and overall, your life is one amazing, fantastic story. Just as the pit and the prison were part of Joseph’s story, he eventually made it to the palace and was in a position to save the Israelites from destruction. Thank God for the wonderful plans He has for you. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts ...

In light of all this… I want you to get out there and walk—better yet, run!—on the road God called you to travel. I don’t want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don’t want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere. — Ephesians 4:1 (MSG) The moment a train is derailed, it is headed for destruction. It has to progress steadily, on the tracks, and allow the tracks to guide it, in order to reach the intended destination. Similarly, once we step off the track of what God has for us, we are headed for a wreck. When we stay in continual communion with the LORD, He will be our guide and support, enabling us to run strong and long, with purpose and determination. Then we will see promises fulfilled and dreams materialized. As we stay on track with God, we will be sure to reach our desired destination. Good wants the best for you, don’t settle for less.

Indeed it was for my own peace that I had great bitterness; but You have lovingly delivered my soul from the pit of corruption, for You have cast all my sins behind Your back. — Isaiah 38:17 (NKJV) It is because of His great love for us that our heavenly Father delivered our souls from the pit of corruption, emptiness and ultimate destruction. When we were falling deeper and deeper into the pit of darkness and despair, it was the hand of the LORD that reached in and pulled us out. No matter how far you fall, you can always call on His name and He will hear you. Oh what an amazing love God has lavished on us!

Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. — Proverbs 16:3 (NIV) There is a way that seems right in man's eyes, but it leads to failure, destruction and even death. When we take our eyes off of Jesus in an attempt to do what He has called us to do, our own way, we can easily deceive ourselves or fall prey to a myriad of distractions and pitfalls. As we closely follow the LORD and walk in His ways, He will direct our steps and establish our plans.

He has saved me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling. And so I walk in the LORD’s presence as I live here on earth! — Psalm 116:8-9 (NLT) Praise our God, beloved children of the Most High! Let the sound of His praise be heard all over the land. He redeemed our lives from the pit of destruction and kept our feet from slipping. If we fall He is there to catch us. The tears we have sown shall bring in a bountiful harvest of joy. Let us walk in the life-giving light of the LORD’s presence, every moment He gives us here on earth.

Stay on the path that the LORD your God has commanded you to follow. Then you will live long and prosperous lives in the land you are about to enter and occupy. — Deuteronomy 5:33 (NLT) Yesterday, on a hike, I was reminded of the importance of staying on the path. For us to stray off the path would have meant time spent wandering in the wilderness or we could have fell off the cliff to our own destruction. Much the same results we get when we stray off the path of life God has placed before each one of us. Proverbs 23:19 (NIV) instructs us to set our hearts on the right path. The Amplified version says, direct your mind in the way [of the Lord]. As long as we seek His will in all we do, He will show us which path to take (Proverbs 3:6, NLT). He does not fail to guide us along on our path. On our hike, we encountered muddy puddles, big rocks and steep hills. His path may lead us through some adverse winds and floodwaters but He will always make a way for us, through it all. (Isaiah...

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, — 2 Corinthians 10:4 (NKJV) It is a spiritual war we are fighting, not a war with flesh and blood. God has given us powerful weapons for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:4, AMP). With these weapons, we are able to cast down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5, NKJV). Fight the good fight of faith and remember: No weapon formed against you shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17)!

Why do you boast in evil, O mighty man? The goodness of God endures continually.  — Psalm 52:1 (NKJV) The LORD, the LORD God, is merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth (Exodus 34:6). He forgives all your iniquities, heals all your diseases, redeems your life from destruction, and crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies (Psalm 103:3-4). The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy (Psalm 103:8). Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for great is His goodness toward us!