Manna for Your Morning

“Don’t be afraid,” Samuel reassured them. “You have certainly done wrong, but make sure now that you worship the LORD with all your heart, and don’t turn your back on him. Don’t go back to worshiping worthless idols that cannot help or rescue you—they are totally useless!” — 1 Samuel 12:20-21 (NLT) If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.  If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:8-9) As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. (Psalms 103:12 NKJV) Now worship Yahweh with all your heart. “...be sure to fear the LORD and faithfully serve him. Think of all the wonderful things he has done for you.” (1 Samuel 12:24 NLT)

Meanwhile, Peter followed him at a distance and came to the high priest’s courtyard. He went in and sat with the guards and waited to see how it would all end. — Matthew 26:58 (NLT) When Jesus was arrested, Peter followed Him at a distance. This separation was followed by Peter denying three times that he even knew Jesus, to the point of cursing and swearing (Matthew 26:74). If we follow Jesus at a distance, we allow room for doubt. Distractions will come and cause us to detour off the path of everlasting life. Let us faithfully, follow Jesus closely. Live in the light and enjoy intimate fellowship with Him. Don’t get sidetracked, and all will end well for you. Jesus is the way! Avoid evil and walk straight ahead. Don't go one step off the right way. (Proverbs 4:27 GNT)

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. — Romans 8:28 (NLT) What have I learned in 52 years of living? The most important lesson I have learned is that our great big God is indeed good all the time! And He does in fact cause everything to work together for good. All the things I stressed out about, came and went and yet I stand. He faithfully brought me through things I thought I would never make it through. Wherever you are in life, know that He will see you through the good and the bad, the fire and the flood. God’s plans for you are good. As you love God and continue to follow Him, His wonderful plans and purpose for your life will unfold. It may not always be pretty, but it will be powerful!

This is what the LORD says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.” — Isaiah 48:17 (NIV) Our heavenly Father created us and knit us together in our mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13). Most of us would sell ourselves short, but God knows whats best for us. And He reveals it to us, as we faithfully follow Him, step by step. All the days ordained for us were written in His book before one of them came to be (Psalm 139:16). So He already has our journey mapped out. Trust God to guide you along on the path of life, to good success and victory.

Jesus said to them, “Fill the waterpots with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. — John 2:7 (NKJV) Jesus told the servants at this wedding to fill the waterpots with water because they ran out of wine. The servants didn’t know what was happening, they simply followed the instructions of Jesus. Then Jesus said to them, “Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast.” (John 2:8). The Master of feast declared that it was not just wine, but good wine! As we faithfully fill our waterpots, cups, jars or containers, with the living water, Jesus will provide whatever we lack: peace, joy, love, strength, wisdom, etc. Let us fill our hearts and minds with the Living Word and our mouths with His praises and thanksgiving. He will fill in the gaps and our lives will be better and more fulfilled than ever. We may not always understand what is happening, but we know that He is working for our good.

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) May we know our great and mighty God. He strengthens you and helps you. He holds you up with His victorious right hand (Isaiah 41:10 NLT). He faithfully comes to our rescue, each and every time. Let us give thanks and continually sing His praises!

Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker. For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand (Psalm 95:6-7). Our heavenly Father faithfully keeps watch over us, like a shepherd caring for His sheep. He created us to be in fellowship with Him. Our lives are to be in a consistent, intimate exchange with the One who created us, the One who loves us so very much. Let us humbly bow down and acknowledge our Maker, the Most High God. Worship Him with a sincere heart, thankful for all that He is and grateful for all that He does.

Only fear the LORD, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you. — 1 Samuel 12:24 (NKJV) Fear the LORD only. With the LORD on your side, what can man do to you? Let us faithfully serve God with all our hearts. May we be like Jesus, focused on the Father’s business, not giving attention to what others think of us, but fulfilling the mission He has given to us. And always remember what great things the LORD has done for you!

Then they cry out to the LORD in their trouble, and He brings them out of their distresses. He calms the storm, so that its waves are still. Then they are glad because they are quiet; So He guides them to their desired haven. — Psalm 107:28-30 (NKJV) In the midst of any trouble call out to Almighty God. He always hears our, “LORD, help me!” prayers. As we journey through life, the storms will come, but praise God, He faithfully bring us through each and every one. Eventually, the raging waters that threatened to knock our boat over will be stilled. And the LORD will lead and guide us to our desired haven.

When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches. Because You have been my help, therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice. My soul follows close behind You; Your right hand upholds me. — Psalm 63:6-8 (NKJV) Think of the LORD and His goodness as you lie on your bed at night, because He faithfully brings you through each day. Abba Father awakens you in the morning and with His help you have the strength to get up. His fresh mercies and new compassions enable you to overcome challenges and fulfill all that He has called you to. Follow closely behind the LORD and His right hand will be your support.

For whoever would come near to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him [out]. — Hebrews 11:6b  (AMP) No matter what happens in this life, we must believe that God is the REWARDER of those who sincerely seek Him. God, richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment (1 Timothy 6:17, NIV). The LORD has plans for you that are good and not for disaster, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, thoughts of peace toward you and not evil (Jeremiah 29:11). And He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, (Ephesians 3:20). Diligently seek Him out, knowing that He cares and He will faithfully respond to those who seek Him.

You faithfully answer our prayers with awesome deeds, O God our savior. You are the hope of everyone on earth, even those who sail on distant seas . — Psalm 65:5 (NLT) The LORD is faithful and righteous. He hears your prayers, and listens to your cries. Keep your hope hooked on the Most High God. He will answer with awesome deeds and awe-inspiring acts. Amen!

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. — Psalm 139:23-24 (NLT) The LORD leads us beside quiet waters, He refreshes our souls. He guides us along the right paths for His name’s sake (Psalm 23:2-3). The LORD shows us the path of life (Psalm 16:11). Let us faithfully and humbly follow our heavenly Father and He will lead us into a future that is exceedingly abundantly above all that we dare ask or even imagine.

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. — Joshua 1:8 (NKJV) As we meditate on the Word, our mind is renovated. We clear out the old worldly thinking and align our minds to think the way God thinks. Then we are empowered to faithfully follow our heavenly Father's instruction. Only then will we experience the fullness of God's Presence, His power at work in our lives and the fulfillment of His wonderful promises. Only then will we make our way prosperous and have good success!

No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he'll never let you be pushed past your limit; he'll always be there to help you come through it. — 1 Corinthians 10:13 (The Message) God faithfully keeps His promises, and He will not allow more than you can bear. He will provide the strength you need to endure any trial, test or temptation. Remember, God is with you when you walk through the fire and through the stormy floodwaters. Our heavenly Father will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. Hallelujah!

The Lord’s power was with his followers, and a large number of people believed and turned to the Lord. — Acts 11:21 (GW) We seldom fail to plug in our cell phones, iPads, iPods, and other electronic devices, so their batteries can be recharged. Let us faithfully plug into God and His Word, so we can receive power and strength to do His will. May we daily plug into Jesus, who is our Source, and recharge our batteries to their full potential! Amen.