Manna for Your Morning

When David and his men came to the town, it was burned, and their wives and their sons and their daughters had been taken captive. Then David and the people who were with him raised their voices and wept until they were too exhausted to weep [any longer]. Further, David was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him, for all of them were embittered, each man for his sons and daughters. But David felt strengthened and encouraged in the LORD his God. — 1 Samuel 30:3-4, 6 (AMP) So David inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I pursue this troop? Shall I overtake them?” And He answered him, “Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them and without fail recover all.” (1 Samuel 30:8 NKJV) When we are dealing with traumatic circumstances, we may weep, but let us also find strength and encourage ourselves in Yahweh, our great and mighty GOD. Then seek His will for what actions we are to take. Knowing that we can do all things [which He has called us to do] through Him who strength...

How happy are those who have learned how to praise You; those who journey through life by the light of Your face. Every hour of the day, they rejoice at the sound of Your name. They are lifted up and encouraged by Your righteousness. — Psalm 89:15-16 (VOICE) Bless the LORD at all times. Let His praise continually be in your mouth. Blessed are the people who know the passwords of praise, who shout on parade in the bright presence of God. Delighted, they dance all day long; they know who you are, what you do—they can’t keep it quiet! Your vibrant beauty has gotten inside us— you’ve been so good to us! We’re walking on air! All we are and have we owe to God, Holy God of Israel, our King! (Psalm 89:15-18 MSG) Amen!

When he got there and witnessed for himself God’s marvelous grace, he was enthused and overjoyed. He encouraged the believers to remain faithful and cling to the Lord with passionate hearts. — Acts 11:23 (TPT) Like Barnabas, may you too, see God’s marvelous grace at work, in the midst of your life. I encourage you to remain faithful and continually cling to the Lord. Fight the good fight, finish the race, and remain faithful. (2 Timothy 4:7 NLT) When we let truth be our guiding light, we will choose the right course of action and stay on the path that leads to everlasting life. Truth’s shining light guides me in my choices and decisions; the revelation of your word makes my pathway clear. — Psalm 119:105 (TPT)

How happy are those who have learned how to praise You; those who journey through life by the light of Your face. Every hour of the day, they rejoice at the sound of Your name. They are lifted up and encouraged by Your righteousness. — Psalm 89:15-16 (VOICE) Instead of pondering over problems, put your eyes on our great God and praise Him. Praise Him for all He has done, is doing and will do. He is so worthy of all our praise. Our heavenly Father has given us His unfailing love, everlasting peace, and uncontainable joy,  we just need to open our hearts and receive it. And not let the enemy steal it. Amen! Worship the Most High God for Who He is, Creator of all. Let thoughts of His goodness and faithfulness fill your mind. Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship … (Psalm 89:15a NLT).

Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. — 1 Peter 4:12 (NLT) In John 16:33, Jesus reminds us that we will have many trials and sorrows, here on earth. But He also encouraged us to be of good cheer and take courage, because He has overcome the world. When faced with situations that seem impossible, rely on God to be your Champion. With God all things are possible. (Matthew 19:26). He empowers us to live above the circumstances, in His perfect peace. As we continually put our trust in our heavenly Father, He will show Himself strong on our behalf.  For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone. (Psalm 91:11-12 NKJV)

He may have a great army, but they are merely men. We have the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles for us!” Hezekiah’s words greatly encouraged the people. — 2 Chronicles 32:8 (NLT) When the enemy attacks, do not be afraid or discouraged, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. Nothing is too difficult for our great God. Stand strong in the LORD and on His Word. How blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] are all those who take refuge in Him! (Psalm 2:12b)

David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God. — 1 Samuel 30:6 (NIV) When David and his men returned to the city of Ziklag, it was burned with fire; and their wives, their sons, and their daughters had been taken captive. After they wept until they could weep no more, David found strength in the LORD. When all seems lost, may we find strength in the LORD our God. Be encouraged in His Word, which stands forever, through all kinds of weather! After David inquired of the LORD, he pursued his enemies and recovered everything the Amalekites had taken, including his two wives. (1 Samuel 30:8, 18). When we follow God’s direction, we too can overcome our enemies and recover all that the enemy has taken. And loved ones held captive by the enemy will be set free.

…strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.”   — A cts 14:22 (NKJV) Paul and Barnabas encouraged the believers to continue in the faith, and they also warned believers that we will go through many (not a few) tribulations. The word “through” indicates forward movement, a step-by-step progression, a victorious outcome. No matter what adverse circumstances arise, don’t stop and He will see you through. You overcome because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4) “I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.” John 16:33 (MSG)

When the church at Jerusalem heard what had happened, they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw this evidence of God’s blessing, he was filled with joy, and he encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord . — Acts 11:22-23 (NLT) When the church in Jerusalem, heard that a large number of Gentiles had believed and turned to the Lord, they sent Barnabas to encourage them. Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. And many people were brought to the Lord (Acts 11:24 NLT). We too should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. (Romans 15:2 NLT). So let’s agree to use all our energy in getting along with each other. Help others with encouraging words; don’t drag them down by finding fault (Romans 14:19 MSG). Don't be part of the demolition, tear down crew. Instead encourage and build each other up. Amen.

Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, — Luke 18:1 (NKJV) And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily…” Luke 18:7-8a (NKJV). But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:8-9 NIV). God is working for our good, something that is going to last forever. As you continue to pray, be encouraged and keep your hope alive.

…as the Scripture says, What eye has not seen and ear has not heard and has not entered into the heart of man, [all that] God has prepared (made and keeps ready) for those who love Him [who hold Him in affectionate reverence, promptly obeying Him and gratefully recognizing the benefits He has bestowed]. — 1 Corinthians 2:9 (AMP) Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits (Psalm 103:2). We have so much to thank God for. He redeems our lives from destruction. He heals all our diseases and forgives all our iniquities. (Psalm 103:3-4). He woke us up this morning and sustains us with His breath of life. Today and everyday, we can also gratefully recognize our Moms. Thank God for the woman who gave birth to you, and for all the women who served as “Mother” in your life. Happy Mother's Day to all the women who have loved, supported and encouraged others.

I felt encouraged because the gracious hand of the LORD my God was on me. And I gathered some of the leaders of Israel to return with me to Jerusalem. — Ezra 7:28 (NLT) Ezra was moved to action because of the encouragement He received from the hand of the LORD. Let us be encouraged as the gracious hand of the LORD our God is also upon us. He surrounds us on all sides. (Psalm 125:2). God’s Holy Spirit resides in us and enables us to live the life He has designed for us, so we can fulfill His purpose upon the earth. Be strengthened and courageous to engage in the work He has called you to. The LORD will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength (Isaiah 58:11 NLT).

David was greatly distressed, for the men spoke of stoning him because the souls of them all were bitterly grieved, each man for his sons and daughters. But David encouraged and strengthened himself in the Lord his God. — 1 Samuel 30:6 (AMP) After David and the people who were with him wept until they could weep no more, David encouraged and strengthened himself in the Lord his God. Then David and his men pursued their enemies and overtook them. They recovered all that the Amalekites had carried away, and nothing of theirs was lacking, (1 Samuel 30:18,19). There may be situations that cause you to be distressed and weep, but find strength and encourage yourself in the Lord. Don't let the enemy steal anything from you. Recover all!

I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go into the house of the LORD.” — Psalm 122:1 (NKJV) As little children, our parents often had to tell us to get in the house. As adults we ought to realize it is still very important for us to get in the house, the House of the LORD, that is. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching (Hebrews 10:25, NIV). As the Apostle Paul says in Romans, I long to see you, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith. When we gather together with other believers, you will be encouraged in your faith, and someone will be encouraged by yours (Romans 1:12).

Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. — Acts 11:22-23 (NKJV) I encourage you all, to continue with the Lord, each and every moment of your life. No matter what, stay solid in your commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ, with your whole heart. Be totally devoted to doing the will of our heavenly Father and fulfilling the mission He has given to you. Then when we see the grace and favor of God at work in our lives, it will make us glad!

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. — Hebrews 12:1 (NLT) Endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 2:3). Indeed we count them blessed who endure (James 5:11). Someone is always watching, your children, co-workers, etc. We don't know who may be encouraged as they see our faith and perseverance. De-clutter your life and run the race that lies before you. Never give up!

I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify Him with thanksgiving. This also shall please the LORD better than an ox or bull, which has horns and hooves. The humble shall see this and be glad; and you who seek God, your hearts shall live.  — Psalm 69:30-32 (NKJV) The very essence of our lives is to sing the praises of our God and honor Him with thanksgiving. A humble heart giving glory to God, pleases Him more than anything we could give as a sacrifice. May your heart be encouraged and strengthened as you trust in and rely on God.

I look behind me and you’re there,  then up ahead and you’re there, too—  your reassuring presence, coming and going..  — Psalm 139:5 (The Message) God goes before us and behind us. He places His hand of blessing on your head (Psalm 139:5, NLT). No matter what we go through, He is there with us, His reassuring Presence. If we dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there His hand shall lead us, and His right hand shall hold us (Psalm 139-9-10). Be encouraged and reassured, the LORD your God is with you and by His hand He will lead you through every situation and circumstance.

David was greatly distressed, for the men spoke of stoning him because the souls of them all were bitterly grieved, each man for his sons and daughters. But David encouraged and strengthened himself in the Lord his God. — 1 Samuel 30:6 (AMP) When David and his men returned home from battle, their city was burned with fire, and their wives and children had been taken captive. David and his men wept, until they could weep no more (1 Samuel 30:4). When we are greatly distressed or bitterly grieved over our losses, we need to encourage and strengthen ourselves in the Lord our God. He renews our strength and encourages our hearts.

The quarrel was becoming violent, and the officer was afraid that they would tear Paul to pieces. So the officer ordered his soldiers to drag Paul back to the barracks. The Lord stood near Paul the next night and said to him, “Don’t lose your courage! You’ve told the truth about me in Jerusalem. Now you must tell the truth about me in Rome.”  — Acts 23:10-11 (GW) Whatever challenges come your way, be encouraged, knowing that the Lord stands near you. In Isaiah 43:2, He says, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”