Manna for Your Morning

Because of the extravagance of those revelations, and so I wouldn’t get a big head, I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations. Satan’s angel did his best to get me down; what he in fact did was push me to my knees. No danger then of walking around high and mighty! — 2 Corinthians 12:7 (MSG) The challenges we face will keep us in constant touch with our limitations, so that we may learn not to rely on ourselves but on our mighty God. When life tries to get you down, let it push you to your knees. The heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous man (believer) can accomplish much [when put into action and made effective by God—it is dynamic and can have tremendous power]. (James 5:15 AMP) Call to Him, and He will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know. (Jeremiah 33:3)

Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul? Why are you crying the blues? Fix my eyes on God—soon I’ll be praising again. He puts a smile on my face. He’s my God. — Psalm 42:11 (MSG) When we keep our eyes fixed on God, our hope in Him is alive and well. Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God, (Psalm 146:5 NKJV) We can smile at the future because we know, with His help, all things are possible. The hope of the righteous will be gladness, (Proverbs 10:28a). Sailors put out the anchor when they want to keep the boat in place. In stormy times, we have to let hope serve as our trustworthy anchor, sure and steadfast. Hope will hold us close to our Savior.  Let us be constantly rejoicing in hope because of our confidence in Christ, (Romans 12:12a AMP).

I will extol You, O LORD, for You have lifted me up, and have not let my enemies rejoice over me. — Psalm 30:1 (NASB) No matter how low life drags you down, our heavenly Father will reach down and lift you up. God call us to come up, closer to Him. Let us press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14 NASB) The path of life leads upward for the wise. (Proverbs 15:24a) From the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. (Psalm 61:2 NKJV)

Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul? Why are you crying the blues? Fix my eyes on God— soon I’ll be praising again. He puts a smile on my face. He’s my God. — Psalm 42:5 (MSG) When we feel depressed and overwhelmed, we have taken our eyes off of God and His promises and fixed them on our problems. However, the LORD’s delight is in those who fear him, those who put their hope in his unfailing love. (Psalm 147:11 NLT). Fix your eyes on God and He will lift you out of the pit of despair and set your feet on solid ground. The LORD is our helper. May your hope rest on His unfailing love.

So I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down. Why should the work cease while I leave it and go down to you?” — Nehemiah 6:3 (NKJV) The adversaries of the Israelites continually mocked, harassed and threatened Nehemiah, in an attempt to stop the work of God in their lives. Just as our enemy wants to pull you down and stop the work of God in your life. Don’t give place to the distractions. As you remain diligent to do the work God has given you, He will take care of all that concerns you. Whatever your God given assignment, whether big or small, it’s a great work. Arise and continue to build!

Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation. Give heed to the voice of my cry, my King and my God, for to You I will pray. My voice You shall hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning I will direct it to You, and I will look up. — Psalm 5:1-3 (NKJV) May the LORD not only hear your voice every morning, but throughout the day as well. Let praises, and thanksgiving, continually flow from your mouth. When life circumstances try to get you feeling down and dejected, look up to the LORD and call to Him for help. If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31)

So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. — 2 Corinthians 12:7b (NLT) The Message translation says, so I wouldn’t get a big head, I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations. Satan’s angel did his best to get me down; what he in fact did was push me to my knees. Are you being pricked? So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor (1 Peter 5:6, NLT). And remember what the Lord said: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness,” (2 Corinthians 12:9a, NKJV). His grace (favor, loving-kindness and mercy) is more than enough!