Manna for Your Morning

The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This was the LORD’s doing; It is marvelous in our eyes. — Psalm 118:22-23 (NKJV) For this is contained in Scripture: “Behold, I lay in Zion a choice stone, a precious corner stone, and he who believes in Him will not be disappointed.” — 1 Peter 2:6 (NASB) Therefore, this is what the Sovereign LORD says: “Look! I am placing a foundation stone in Jerusalem, a firm and tested stone. It is a precious cornerstone that is safe to build on. Whoever believes need never be shaken. (Isaiah 28:16 NLT) May we believe and build our lives on Jesus. Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 2:4-5 NKJV) So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy p...

“When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I’ll listen. “When you come looking for me, you’ll find me. “Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed.” God’s Decree. — Jeremiah 29:12-13 (MSG) It's no game of “hide and seek” with our heavenly Father. When we search for Him with all our heart, we will find Him. When we pray to Him, we can be sure that He is listening. Psalm 34:15 (NKJV) says,  “ The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry. ”  When we desire His Presence more than anything, we will not be disappointed.

Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. — Jeremiah 29:12-13 (NASB) The LORD will be found by a heart that is genuinely seeking Him. In Jeremiah 29:14 (MSG), He says, “Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed.” May our ears be open to hear His still small voice beckoning us to come to Him. As Jesus said in John 10:27 (NKJV), “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” When we fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, we can run with endurance the race God has set before us, knowing that we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength.

The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in and puts his confidence in the LORD will be exalted and safe. — Proverbs 29:25  (AMP) Giving more weight to what people say or think about us, than we give to the Word of God, is a snare: a trap or a pitfall. The Message Bibles says, “The fear of human opinion disables; trusting in God protects you from that.” (Proverbs 29:25 ) As long as we are more concerned with what people say, than what God says, we will be disabled from fulfilling God’s purpose and plan for our lives. Close your ear to the opinion of people and keep your ear open to the voice of God. His Word will build you up and strengthen you. Trust Him and keep your confidence in Him always. For this is contained in Scripture: “Behold, I lay in Zion a choice stone, a precious corner stone, and he who believes in Him will not be disappointed.” (1 Peter 2:6 NASB)

You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. — Jeremiah 29:13 (NASB) In Genesis 3:8, Adam and Eve tried to hide themselves from the presence of the LORD God. At times, we may try to hide from God, but praise the LORD, our heavenly Father never hides from us! When we wholeheartedly seek Him, He promises that we will find Him. The Amplified Bible says, “ Then [with a deep longing] you will seek Me and require Me [as a vital necessity] and [you will] find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. ” (Jeremiah 29:13) May we require Him as a vital necessity, and never stray away. Let the deep longing of your heart be for His Presence. The Message Bible says, “ When you come looking for me, you’ll find me. Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed. ” (Jeremiah 29:13)

We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. — 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (NLT) When troubles are pressing in on you from all sides, don't become discouraged, disappointed, or fearful. We may get knocked down, but we will get up again. Regardless of the external circumstances, God is with us and He has a plan. So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. (Galatians 6:9 NLT) For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. (2 Corinthians 4:17 NIV)

Trust in the LORD and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. —P salm 37:3 (NLT) If we think God is like every other man or woman we have dealt with, who disappointed us and deserted us, that hinders our ability to trust God. We cannot compare our perfect God with flawed humanity. How can we have difficulty trusting the One who has a proven track record? God is always there. He is faithful. Our heavenly Father will never abandon you. He is there to help you, every step of the way. Every word He has spoken comes to pass, because His Word does not return to Him void. If we doubt God's love for us, that will also block our ability to trust Him. See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! (1 John 3:1 NIV) Open the door of your heart and receive His amazing, unfailing love, then set your mind to totally and completely trust in the LORD, no matter what circumstances look like.

The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You, LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You. — Psalm 9:9-10 (NKJV) The LORD is a safe sanctuary, in times of trouble. Keep your trust in Him and you will not be disappointed. Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him (Psalm 2:12). Abide in Him, at all times, whether good or bad. The LORD is a strong tower and a mighty fortress. He will not abandon those who seek Him.

Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him. — Job 13:15 (NKJV) Job says, even if God were to kill him, he would still trust God. Trust transcends circumstances and our desire to understand everything that goes on in our lives. No matter what comes our way, let us continue to keep our trust firmly planted in God, knowing that He will work all things together for good. Confidently rely on our faithful God, and you will not be disappointed!

Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV) Do not be discouraged or disappointed, for the LORD, our God is with you. He will strengthen you and support you with His victorious right hand. Our help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth (Psalm 121:2). The battle belongs to the LORD. Our heavenly Father will help you. With the LORD on your side, who can stand against you? Thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ (2 Corinthians 2:14)!