Manna for Your Morning

She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word. But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me.” — Luke 10:39-40 NASB1995) This world offers many things that will distract us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith. (See Hebrews 12:2) Martha was worried and bothered about so many things, but Jesus told her: “...only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Don’t let your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. (See 2 Corinthians 11:3 NASB1995)

“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.” — Revelation 3:15-16 (NKJV) We can fool some of the people some of the time, but we can never pull a fast one on God. He knows everything we do. For the LORD searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought. (1 Chronicles 28:9b NIV). Serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind (1 Chronicles 28:9a). Lukewarmness comes when our desires are split. We want to walk in God's way and enjoy the benefits of living in His kingdom, but half of the time we take a detour and allow ourselves to get caught up in the world and it's ways. No one can serve two masters; (Matthew 6:24). Don’t leave a bad taste in the mouth of God. Let ALL you do and say give glory to His kingdom. Be on fire for God, consistently doing the right things with pure motives and a clear conscien...

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. — Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV) Believing that God exists is the first step in the right direction. He is the great I AM. He is in your past, present and future. And He will always be all that you ever need: Savior, Healer, Deliverer, Helper, Counselor, Friend, Comforter, Guide, Protector, etc. We must also believe that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. His eyes search the whole earth looking for those whose hearts are loyal (fully committed) to Him, that He might show Himself strong on their behalf (2 Chronicles 16:9). Diligent implies consistent, rigorous devotion and attention. Diligently, seek the LORD, not just in bad times or when its convenient, or when you “feel” like it.

Acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought. — 1 Chronicles 28:9 (NIV) In the parable of the lost son, the older brother was angry and wouldn’t go in to the celebration of the return of the prodigal son (Luke 15:28-30). Even though the older son stayed with his father and served him, while the younger son did his own thing, his heart was not with him. Likewise, we can be in church every week and still have a heart that is far from the heart of God. May we examine our hearts and make sure the affections of our hearts are in perfect alignment with the things that please our heavenly Father. Amen.

For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. — 2 Chronicles 16:9 (NKJV) A loyal heart has a consistent, deep devotion, that says, “I'm with you!” It is steadfast and immovable. When you are loyal to someone, you are willing to lay your life on the line for the other person. God is constantly looking for people whose hearts are totally committed to Him, so He can show Himself strong on their behalf. Let us serve Him with a loyal heart and with a mind that is willing to do it His way.

"And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever." 1 Chronicles 28:9 (NIV) Let us heed some of the final words of wisdom King David spoke to his son, Solomon. Acknowledge God, Creator of heaven and earth as the one true God. Everything belongs to Him. Then serve Him with wholehearted devotion and a willing mind. When the LORD opens your eyes each morning, let your first thought be to thank Him. May the first words on your lips be words of praise to Him. Set your mind and heart on God and let Him direct your actions.

“O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you in all of heaven above or on the earth below. You keep your covenant and show unfailing love to all who walk before you in wholehearted devotion.” 1 Kings 8:23 (NLT) There is no God in heaven above or on the earth below like the Lord, God of Israel. He keeps His covenant and fulfills His promises. Keep in step with the Lord, being devoted to Him with all your heart and His unfailing love will be your constant companion.