Manna for Your Morning

“My fellow believers, when it seems as though you are facing nothing but difficulties, see it as an invaluable opportunity to experience the greatest joy that you can! For you know that when your faith is tested it stirs up in you the power of endurance. And then as your endurance grows even stronger, it will release perfection into every part of your being until there is nothing missing and nothing lacking.” — James (Jacob) 1:2-4 (TPT) Let us endure hardship, and run with endurance the race that is set before us. ...looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2 NASB1995) 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)

And Yahweh said, “I have surely seen the affliction of My people who are in Egypt, and I have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, for I know their sufferings.” — Exodus 3:7 (LSB) God spoke these words to Moses when the Israelites were enslaved. However, when you are in the midst of hardships and difficulties, know that our heavenly Father still sees the affliction of His people today. He knows every heartache and sees every tear that rolls down your face. If you call upon Him, He hears. Psalms 18:6 (LSB) says: In my distress I called upon Yahweh, and cried to my God for help; He heard my voice out of His temple, and my cry for help before Him came into His ears. Not only does He hear the righteous when they cry for help, He also delivers them out of all their troubles. (See Psalms 34:17) There is no obstacle too hard for our great God to handle. He is Jehovah-Nissi, the LORD our Banner of Victory. Thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ. (See 2 Corinthian...

You have allowed me to suffer much hardship, but you will restore me to life again and lift me up from the depths of the earth. You will restore me to even greater honor and comfort me once again. — Psalm 71:20-21 (NLT) Job lost all his children, his possessions, and experienced pain and suffering in his physical body, yet he continued to worship YAHWEH. In all of this he did not sin by blaming God. (See Job 1:22)  In Job 42:10, the LORD restored the fortunes of Job when he prayed for his friends, and the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before. (AMP)  In Joel 2:25 (NKJV) the LORD says: “So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the crawling locust, the consuming locust, and the chewing locust... He gives His people beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. (See Isaiah 61:3 NKJV) Psalm 23:3 (NASB1995) says, He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’...

And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. — Romans 5:3-4 (NKJV) 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) For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. (Romans 8:18 NASB1995) …if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it. (Romans 8:25 NASB1995) 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) Amen.

You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. — Genesis 50:20 (NLT) “For I hold you by your right hand— I, the LORD your God. And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.” (Isaiah 41:13 NLT) People may plan evil against you but God will use those same plans for your good. When you endure hardship, the great and glorious outcome, is that the lives of countless people may be preserved. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. — Psalm 23:4 (NLT)

Strengthen them with Your infinite power, according to Your glorious might, so that they will have everything they need to hold on and endure hardship patiently and joyfully. — Colossians 1:11 (VOICE) 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). Jesus told us in this world we would have trouble. (John 16:33).  However, He also says: “ I have triumphed over this corrupt world order. ” (John 16:33 VOICE). Therefore, endure hardship with patience and joy, absolutely convinced that we are victorious. The Lord will stand with you and strengthen you, as He did with the Apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 4:17. If we endure, we shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us. (2 Timothy 2:12 NKJV)

“Simon, stay on your toes. Satan has tried his best to separate all of you from me, like chaff from wheat. Simon, I’ve prayed for you in particular that you not give in or give out. When you have come through the time of testing, turn to your companions and give them a fresh start.” — Luke 22:31-32 (MSG) You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. (2 Timothy 2:3 NKJV) The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. (John 10:10) Satan wants to separate us from our God, the source of our strength, wisdom and power. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail. Keep fighting the good fight of faith. Finish the race. Keep the faith. Even if all abandon you, remember that the Lord Jesus stands by your side.

You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. — 2 Timothy 2:3-4 (NKJV) No matter how difficult the battle, let us march on, as good soldiers of Jesus Christ! No looking back, only persevering and pressing on, continually advancing and taking ground for the Kingdom of God. All the challenges we encounter are part of the process to prepare us to fulfill the purpose and plan God has for our lives. If we don't give up, we will overcome and occupy our promised land. Let us invade the darkness with light. Invade hate and bitterness with His love and grace. The invaders charge. They climb barricades. Nothing stops them. Each soldier does what he’s told, so disciplined, so determined. They don’t get in each other’s way. Each one knows his job and does it. Undaunted and fearless, unswerving, unstoppable. (Joel 2:7-8 MSG) Be an invad...

You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. — 2 Timothy 2:3 (NKJV) When all forsook the Apostle Paul, he says, “But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me,” (2 Timothy 4:17). In the midst of your hardships, know that the Lord stands with you and strengthens you too. With Him, all things are possible. His Spirit within us, enables us to fight the good fight, to finish the race, to keep the faith. (2 Timothy 4:7)

You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. — 2 Timothy 2:3-4 (NKJV) How do we endure hardship as a good soldier? We stay focused on the mission, while avoiding distractions and detours. No matter what contrary circumstances appear, we continue to stand on the Word. His Word says, no weapon formed against us shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17). Romans 8:37 tells us we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. And the word of our God stands forever (Isaiah 40:8). Amen!

Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. — Hebrews 10:36 (NLT) Let us patently endure hardship, trials and temptations. Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord (James 5:11). Job received double for his trouble. Hannah and Sarah went through a season of barrenness before they experienced the joy of giving birth. Joseph lived in the prison before he dwelt in the palace. David hid in caves before he sat on the throne, as king of Israel. We must put in the hard work and sweat to climb the mountain, before we can enjoy the view from the top. In the midst of setbacks, keep pushing forward; instead of going for what appears quick and easy, stick with God’s plan. Then you will receive ALL that He has promised!

“There is the sound of war in the camp.” — Exodus 32:17 (NIV) Wake up! We are in a war. Every day we are in the midst of a battle. In Revelation 12:17, the devil declared war with the woman and the rest of her offspring, those who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. Let us be good soldiers. Good soldiers stay focused on the mission of the Commanding Officer. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier (2 Timothy 2:4). Good soldiers do not quit in the middle of the battle. You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 2:3). Get your boots on the ground and stay engaged in the good fight of faith. The PRICE is the war that must be fought, but the PRIZE is the wedding to come (Revelation 21:1-4). March on good soldiers, with your eyes on the prize!