Manna for Your Morning

Hear my prayer, O LORD! Listen to my cries for help! Don’t ignore my tears. For I am your guest— a traveler passing through, as my ancestors were before me. — Psalms 39:12 (NLT) “LORD, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered— how fleeting my life is. You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath.” Interlude (Psalms 39:4-5 NLT) So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. (2 Corinthians 4:18 NLT) Therefore if you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, sharing in His resurrection from the dead], keep seeking the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind and keep focused habitually on the things above [the heavenly things], not on things that are on the ear...

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. — Psalms 46:1 (LSB) Yahweh is with us at all times, and He is always ready to help. Hallelujah! When you receive a bad report from the doctor, the great Physician is with you, and He is your Healer. When you suffer loss and tragedy, He is by your side to carry you through. When you don’t get that job or promotion, He opens another door that no one can shut. Let us rejoice and hold onto hope through the hard times, because our Help, the Mighty God is faithful. Pray at all times, continually seeking His wisdom, guidance, and strength. For the Eternal watches over the righteous, and His ears are attuned to their prayers. He is always listening. (Psalms 34:15 VOICE) The LORD of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. Interlude — Psalms 46:7 (NLT)

The LORD has appeared of old to me, saying: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.” — Jeremiah 31:3 (NKJV) How precious is the lovingkindness of God! ...the children of men take refuge in the shadow of His wings. (See Psalm 36:7 NASB1995) Yahweh draws us to Himself with lovingkindness. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. (Ephesians 3:18-19 NLT) Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips will praise You. So I will bless You as long as I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name. — Psalm 63:3-4 (NASB1995)

But the LORD said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The LORD doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” — 1 Samuel 16:7 (NLT) Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. (1 Peter 3:3-4 NLT)  YAHWEH delights to set truth deep in our spirits. So break down any barriers between you and our heavenly Father and invite Him to come into the hidden places of your heart and teach you wisdom. The source of God’s pleasure is not in our performance or the sacrifices we might offer to Him. Let our sacrifice be a humble spirit. YAHWEH will not reject a humble and repentant heart. (See Psalms 51:16-17 TPT/GNT) But everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the LO...

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. — Psalm 91:1-2 (NLT) Our part is to live in the shelter of El Elyon, the God Most High. We are not to check in and out as if He is a temporary lodging facility. He wants more than Sunday visitations. He is Abba Father, full-time. We are to dwell in His Presence, and abide in Him all day, every day. Trust the LORD, with great confidence, and totally rely on Him. He is faithful to deliver His people from all their troubles. For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. (Psalm 91:3-4 NLT) When you abide under the shadow of Shaddai, you are hidden in the strength of God Most High. When we live our lives within the shadow of God Most High, o...

Light shines in the darkness for the godly. They are generous, compassionate, and righteous. They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the LORD to care for them. — Psalm 112:4, 7 (NLT) In John 16:33 (TPT) Jesus said, “… in this unbelieving world you will experience trouble and sorrows …” So, beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though something strange were happening to you. (1 Peter 4:12)  Jesus went on to say, “… you must be courageous, for I have conquered the world! ” Focusing on problems leads to anxiety, depression, and hopelessness. When we keep our eyes on Jesus, we can experience perfect peace at all times. Confidently trust in the LORD and in His Word. In Isaiah 43:2 (NLT), the LORD says: “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consum...

Jesus taught his disciples, saying, “Listen to me. Never let anxiety enter your hearts. Never worry about any of your needs, such as food or clothing. For your life is infinitely more than just food or the clothing you wear.” — Luke 12:22-23 (TPT) I repeat it: “Don’t let worry enter your life. Live above the anxious cares about your personal needs. People everywhere seem to worry about making a living, but your heavenly Father knows your every need and will take care of you. Each and every day he will supply your needs as you seek his kingdom passionately, above all else.” (Luke 12:29-31 TPT) The fiery darts of the enemy are meant to distract you. Keep seeking the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.

We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. And he did rescue us from mortal danger, and he will rescue us again. We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to rescue us. — 2 Corinthians 1:8-10  (NLT) Learn to rely only on God. The One who brings the dead back to life, is able to bring you through the stormy seasons of your life. When you are crushed and overwhelmed, put your confidence in the Lord. He will rescue you from all your troubles.

Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall. — Psalm 55:22 (NLT) The strength of the wicked will be shattered, but the LORD takes care of the godly (Psalm 37:17 NLT). Sometimes people doubt God’s ability or willingness to take care of them because of their disappointments with their earthly parents. However, our heavenly Father is not a man that He should lie. He promises in His Word that He will take care of us and He is faithful to keep His Word. Psalm 27:10 (NKJV) says, when my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take care of me. People may not be there when we need them but the LORD is always there for us. He is a loving Father who wants to take care of His children. See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! (1 John 3:1 (NIV)

Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ’s love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins… — Romans 8:35 (MSG) No matter how hard times get, remember: God loves you and He is with you. So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? (Romans 8:31MSG). None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us (Romans 8:38-39 MSG). May we also embrace others with His magnificent, amazing love.

Focus on the storm or the Shelter. So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” — Matthew 14:29-30 (NKJV) Are most of your thoughts centered on God’s Presence or your problems? When we give more time, energy and thought to the challenges we face, fear and doubt appear. Instead, we can focus on the Lord and doing whatever He has called us to do. When we stay centered on God and His mighty Presence at work in our lives, we rise above the circumstances of this life and remain in His peace. Then we are able to stand strong and walk in faith toward all that He has for us. When we elevate our thought life to the God realm, all things are possible!

But my eyes are toward You, O God the Lord; in You do I trust and take refuge; — Psalm 141:8a (AMP)  No matter how challenging our circumstances appear, we can fix our eyes on the Lord and take refuge in Him. He is a safe shelter, and strong tower from the enemy (Psalm 61:3). Look to our mighty God for help. Our battles are not won in our own strength, but in the strength and wisdom that God gives.

Therefore my people have gone into captivity, Because they have no knowledge;  — Isaiah 5:13a (NKJV) The LORD called Jesus to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness (Isaiah 42:6-7). Why do so many people allow the enemy to hold them captive in areas of their lives? Jesus gives us the answer in John 8:32, He said, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” We must KNOW the truth before it can make us free. The entirety of God's Word is truth and it endures forever (Psalm 119:160). Let us meditate on His Word, day and night, and be set free in every area of our lives!

After walking a little farther, he quickly bowed with his face to the ground and prayed, “Father, if it’s possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. But let your will be done rather than mine.” — Matthew 26:39 (GW) Before Jesus was arrested, Him and His disciples went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. Jesus became sorrowful and troubled. Then He said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.” (Matthew 26:37-38) When our souls are overwhelmed, may we humble ourselves before God, release our will, and embrace HIS will. In the midst of troubles, we must trust our heavenly Father, knowing that no matter how bleak the situation appears, God is working ALL things together for good. Amen!

Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn't love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that. Ephesians 5:1-2 (The Message) Do you find it difficult to love that spouse who treats you wrong? Are you having trouble getting along with that co-worker or boss? Then you have probably asked God, "how can I love that person who is so hard to get along with?" Ephesians 5:1-2 answers that question. As we keep company with God, watch what He does and then do it, we will learn to live in love. God is love and as we spend time with Him, we take on His nature. Let us learn proper behavior from our heavenly Father and His Son. The love of Christ is extravagant, extremely abundant or excessive. His love goes overboard. It ...

I want you to know how much I have agonized for you and for the church at Laodicea, and for many other believers who have never met me personally. I want them to be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love. I want them to have complete confidence that they understand God’s mysterious plan, which is Christ himself. In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge . —Colossians 2:1-3 (NLT) The Apostle Paul and many others suffered greatly for the church, followers of Jesus Christ. Paul gave unselfishly to encourage believers. He instructs us to be knit together by strong ties of love. The believers in Acts gave to anyone as they had need. They met together daily for fellowship and prayer. We are all part of the same body, the same family. Let us develop strong ties of love for one another and by this all men will know we are disciples of Christ. Love, Jackie

What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. —James 2:14, 17 (NIV) For those of you who read my New Year letter, you may remember my favorite days are the ones when I KNOW I am right in the center of God's will. Well, yesterday was definitely one of those days. As I met with sisters-in-Christ from the Celebration of Womanhood ministry and listened to the guest Pastor at church last night, I was hearing God's message, loud and clear. And I made a commitment to minister to hurting women in my community. Lay aside the excuses about why you have not done what God has called you to. God wants results and not excuses. He wants us to reach out and help meet the needs of our neighbors and be witnesses for Jesus Christ. God is calling us to get busy, not at doing things that will not matter but at doing the right things, the things that will change this world for Christ. Amen.