Manna for Your Morning

And Nehemiah continued, “Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength!” — Nehemiah 8:10 (NLT) When are we to be full of joy? First Thessalonians 5:16 (NLT)  tells us to ALWAYS be joyful. Consider every day God gives you as a sacred day to celebrate. It is a gift from above, coming down from the Father of lights. James 1:2-3 (NASB1995) says: Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.  So, do not be grieved, for the joy of Yahweh is your strength. He will turn your mourning into joyful dancing. He will take away your clothes of mourning and clothe you with joy, that you might sing praises to Him and not be silent. O LORD my God, let us give thanks to You forever! (See Psalms 30:11-12 NLT)

“Keep trusting in the Lord and do what is right in his eyes. Fix your heart on the promises of God, and you will dwell in the land, feasting on his faithfulness. Find your delight and true pleasure in Yahweh, and he will give you what you desire the most.” — Psalms 37:3-4 (TPT) Believe the promises of God with all your heart. “For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for his glory.” (2 Corinthians 1:20 NLT) He will show you the path of life; In His presence is fullness of joy; At His right hand are pleasures forevermore. (See Psalms 16:11 NKJV) Seek and deeply long for the LORD and His strength [His power, His might]; Seek and deeply long for His face and His presence continually. (Psalms 105:4 AMP) Great is His faithfulness!

“Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord GOD, “ that I will send a famine on the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD. They shall wander from sea to sea, and from north to east; They shall run to and fro, seeking the word of the LORD, but shall not find it.” — Amos 8:11-12 (NKJV) Feast on the Word of God daily, while it is near you, in your mouth and in your heart. (See Roman 10:8). Treasure His Word in your heart, that you may not sin against Him. (See Psalms 119:11) The Word of God is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. (See Psalms 119:105) The Holy Scriptures show us the way to go. How sweet are Your words to my taste! Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth! (Psalms 119:103 NASB1995) I rise early, before the sun is up; I cry out for help and put my hope in your words. I rejoice in your word like one who discovers a great treasure. (Psalms 119:147 & 162  NLT)

And Nehemiah continued, “Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our LORD. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength!” — Nehemiah 8:10 (NLT) This is the day which the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24 NASB) In His Presence we have strength and peace. Draw near to God. Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; Let those who love Your salvation say continually, “ The LORD be magnified! ” (Psalm 40:16 NASB) You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever. — Psalm 16:11 (NASB)

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.  — Revelation 3:20 (NKJV) First, we need to have our ears open to hear His voice. Then, we can respond by opening the door of our hearts. How? By opening our mouths and asking Jesus to come in. By having the attitude, that He is welcome to stay, and enter each room. Let His marvelous light flood the dark crevices of your heart. Once He comes in, then let us take the time to dine with Him. May we feast on His Presence. Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good. (Psalm 34:8a) He has a banquet already prepared for us. Instead of fear and anxiety, there is a platter of perfect peace. There are bowls of joy. In exchange for bitterness and unforgiveness, there is sweet compassion, and amazing grace. Instead of resentment, we have contentment in His Presence, as we dine with the King of kings.

Jesus followed up. “Yes. For there was once a man who threw a great dinner party and invited many. When it was time for dinner, he sent out his servant to the invited guests, saying, ‘Come on in; the food’s on the table.’ “Then they all began to beg off, one after another making excuses… — Luke 14:16-18 (MSG) In Luke 14:21-23 (NLT), the servant is sent out a second time. He went into the streets and alleys of the town and invited the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame. There was still room for more, so the servant was told to go out into the country lanes and behind the hedges and urge anyone he could find to come, so that his master's house would be full. Whether you are on the city streets or the country roads, the invitation goes out to you today. Jesus says to “Come!” Daily, we are invited to open the door of our hearts to Jesus. He wants to come in and dine with each one of us. (Revelation 3:20) Everyday, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and our heavenly Father have a fe...

The Master said, “Martha, dear Martha, you’re fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing. One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it—it’s the main course, and won’t be taken from her.” — Luke 10:42 (MSG) Don’t get so worked up about the events of this world. The worries and distractions of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and will cause you to become unfruitful. (Matthew 13:22). May we be like Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. (Luke 10:39). Why consume an unhealthy snack, when you can feast on a full course that will sustain you and give you strength? Choose Jesus, the main course! He is the bread of life. (John 6:48).

God—you’re my God! I can’t get enough of you! I’ve worked up such hunger and thirst for God, traveling across dry and weary deserts. — Psalm 63:1 (MSG) Don’t attend church services out of routine or obligation. Let’s come to the LORD, hungry and thirsty for more of Him. Matthew 5:6 says, “ You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat. ” (MSG). As you journey across dry places and through weary deserts, He is with you. The LORD will satisfy your soul and completely fill your cup. He prepares a feast for you in the presence of your enemies. He honors you by anointing your head with oil. Your cup overflows with blessings. (Psalm 23:5)

Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, And let your soul delight itself in abundance.  — Isaiah 55:2 (NKJV) Let us feast upon the Word of God. Psalm 119:103 says, “How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” May we take in the Word of God and treasure it in our hearts, for His Word is life and it does satisfy!

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” — Revelation 3:20 (NKJV) Inviting Jesus into your heart is not a one time event. We need to hunger and thirst for Jesus, the Living Word, on a daily basis. Keep the door of your heart open to Him everyday. Take time to fellowship with Him, feast on the Word, and listen to His voice. Out of all the voices you hear today, His voice is the most important one.