Manna for Your Morning

Now may the Lord of peace Himself grant you His peace at all times and in every way [that peace and spiritual well-being that comes to those who walk with Him, regardless of life’s circumstances]. The Lord be with you all. — 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (AMP) Don’t be anxious about things; instead, pray. Pray about everything. He longs to hear your requests, so talk to God about your needs and be thankful for what has come. And know that the peace of God (a peace that is beyond any and all of our human understanding) will stand watch over your hearts and minds in Jesus, the Anointed One. (Philippians 4:6-7 VOICE) “If you bow low in God’s awesome presence, he will eventually exalt you as you leave the timing in his hands. Pour out all your worries and stress upon him and leave them there, for he always tenderly cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7 TPT)

Don’t run from tests and hardships, brothers and sisters. As difficult as they are, you will ultimately find joy in them; if you embrace them, your faith will blossom under pressure and teach you true patience as you endure. And true patience brought on by endurance will equip you to complete the long journey and cross the finish line—mature, complete, and wanting nothing. — James 1:2-4 (VOICE) In the midst of every difficulty and challenge continue to fight the good fight, finish the race, and keep the faith. (See 2 Timothy 4:7 NKJV) …thanks be to God, who keeps giving us the victory through our Lord Yeshua the Messiah! (1 Corinthians 15:57 TLV)

“Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.” — Hebrews 10:38 (NKJV) A man’s mind plans his way [as he journeys through life], but the LORD directs his steps and establishes them. (Proverbs 16:9 AMP) YAHWEH knows the plans He has for each one of us. We should not compare our walk with someone else’s. Each person is unique and our paths are not exactly the same. So let us continually look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, and follow Him. (See Hebrews 12:2)  Press on, in spite of the challenges, and do not draw back. The righteous keep moving forward, and those with clean hands become stronger and stronger. (Job 17:9 NLT)

I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken. — Psalm 62:1-2 (NLT) Praise YAHWEH! Our help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. (See Psalm 121:3 NKJV) And He has provided victory for us through our Lord and Savior, Yeshua. Let all that you are wait quietly before God, for our hope is in him. He alone is our rock and our salvation, our fortress where we will not be shaken. Our victory and honor come from God alone. He is our refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach us. (See Psalm 62:5-7 NLT) Trust [confidently] in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him. God is a refuge for us. Selah. (Psalm 62:8 AMP) Therefore, this is what the Sovereign LORD says: “Look! I am placing a foundation stone in Jerusalem, a firm and tested stone. It is a precious cornerstone that is safe to build on. Whoever believes need never be shaken.” (Isaiah 28:16 NLT) Hallelujah! And amen.

My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. — Galatians 2:20 (NLT) “Christ’s resurrection is your resurrection too. This is why we are to yearn for all that is above, for that’s where Christ sits enthroned at the place of all power, honor, and authority! Yes, feast on all the treasures of the heavenly realm and fill your thoughts with heavenly realities, and not with the distractions of the natural realm. Your crucifixion with Christ has severed the tie to this life, and now your true life is hidden away in God in Christ. And as Christ himself is seen for who he really is, who you really are will also be revealed, for you are now one with him in his glory!” (Colossians 3:1-4 TPT) As Christ lives through us, all we do and say will bring glory to the Kingdom of God.

Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you, but be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think. This will empower you to discern God’s will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in his eyes. — Romans 12:2 (TPT) Transformation begins on the inside, and eventually shows itself on the outside. As we meditate on the Word of God and treasure it in our hearts, we will bear the fruit of His Spirit in our actions and attitudes. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. (Joshua 1:8 NLT)

When you pass through the deep, stormy sea, you can count on me to be there with you. When you pass through raging rivers, You will not drown. When you walk through persecution like fiery flames, you will not be burned; the flames will not harm you, — Isaiah 43:2 (TPT) Just as the LORD was with Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego in the midst of the fiery he furnace, He is with you. The fire had no effect on the bodies of these men nor was the hair of their head singed, nor were their trousers damaged, nor had the smell of fire even come upon them. (Daniel 3:23-27) Just as God was with the Israelites in the wilderness for 40 years, He is with you. He provided bread from Heaven and water out of a rock. God does not change. He is still Jehovah Jireh, our provider. He led them into the Promise Land, and He leads and guides us today by His Holy Spirit who dwells in us.

Do not be shaped by this world; instead be changed within by a new way of thinking. Then you will be able to decide what God wants for you; you will know what is good and pleasing to him and what is perfect. — Romans 12:2 (NCV) So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you. (Romans 12:1-2  MSG) Instead of being shaped by this world, let us be ambassadors for Christ who influence the worl...

Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. — Ephesians 3:17 (NLT) First Corinthians 16:14 (NASB) instructs us to let all that we do be done in love. When we are rooted and grounded in the love of God, we produce the fruit of love. Drawing from the limitless supply of God's love within us, strengthens us and enables us to to serve one another in love. (Galatians 5:13) Being filled with God's love allows us to be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults... (Ephesians 4:2). So let your love abound still more and more (Philippians 1:9). For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love. (Hebrews 6:10)  It's with unfailing love that God draws us to Him. (Jeremiah 31:3)

He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a little while”—for there were many [people who were continually] coming and going, and they could not even find time to eat. — Mark 6:31 (AMP) Have you ever been so busy you forgot to eat? If we forget to take in nutrition for our physical bodies, how often do we neglect to feed our spiritual beings with the Word of God? Jesus is the Living Word and He often withdrew from the crowds to spend time with the Father. Even God took a day of rest. Sometimes we have frantic, non-stop schedules and wonder why we have no peace. That's because Satan can use busyness as a tool to keep us drifting further away from God. Constantly being plugged into electronic devices will place demands on our time and energy 24 hours a day, if we let them.  May we maintain a proper balance between work, rest and play. Always take time to rest and spend quiet moments with God and in His Word. This is what the Sovereign LORD, the...

Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church. — Acts 12:5 (NKJV) Peter was in prison, bound with chains, between two soldiers and sentries guarded the entrance. In response to the prayers offered by the church, God sent His angel, the chains fell off, Peter walked out of the prison and when they came to the city's iron gate, it opened for them all by itself.  Never underestimate the power of prayer! No matter how hopeless a situation may appear, stay in constant prayer. I believe when we take our eyes off of ourselves and fervently pray for others, miracles happen. Chains of bondage fall off of people, doors open and our enemies cannot hold us down. Let us continue in prayer for one another and expect great things from our mighty God!

Our help is in the name of the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. — Psalm 124:8 (NIV) I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber (Psalm 121:1-3 NIV). God is a very present help. He never sleeps nor does He go on vacation. His care is constant. You will never see an “out of the office” sign posted on the doors of heaven. The LORD keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever (Psalm 121:8 NLT).

Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked. — 1 Timothy 1:19 (NLT) No matter what storms are brewing in your life, cling to your faith and keep your conscience clear. Remember the words of Jesus: “Do not be afraid; only believe.” (Mark 5:36) Let us look at every situation through eyes of faith, and know that God is able to bring us through whatever He allows to come into our lives. He will navigate you through the storms and get your vessel sailing on smooth waters again. “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” — Mark 9:23

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” — Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV) Brothers and sisters, forget those things which are behind and reach forward to those things which are ahead (Philippians 3:13). The LORD is making a way for you, to bring you through the wilderness and the wasteland! Be alert and pay attention. Perceive what the LORD is doing!

While Jesus was up on a mountain praying, Peter, John, and James fell asleep. When they woke up, they saw Jesus’ glory and Moses and Elijah standing with Him. Peter said to Jesus, “Teacher, it’s good that we’re here. Let’s put up three tents—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” Peter didn’t know what he was saying. While he was saying this, a cloud overshadowed them. They were frightened as they went into the cloud. A voice came out of the cloud and said, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen. Listen to him!” — Luke 9:34-35 (GW)  Sometimes, out of a need to fill the silence, we babble on like Peter. Let us tune in and listen to the voice of the Lord. May we listen not only with our ears, but also with our hearts that we may gain understanding.

Joseph’s master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined. But while Joseph was there in the prison, the LORD was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. Genesis 39: 20-21 (NIV) Many of us would not see the blessing in being wrongfully accused of a crime and getting thrown in prison. That is exactly what happened to Joseph and God continued to show Him kindness and favor. Sometimes we don't understand why God allows certain situations in our lives, but at those times, we must remember Almighty God is with us and He will cause all things to work together for good to those who love God, and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). Even in those difficult places, the LORD's lovingkindness, favor and protection are upon us. Amen.

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly." John 10:10 (NAS) Jesus warned us that the only reason the thief comes is to steal, kill and destroy. He wants to steal your joy and peace, and destroy your marriage, and other relationships. He would like to destroy your Christian testimony and take you out. The devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). We have to be alert at all times to the tricks of our enemy so we don't fall into his traps. James 4:7 says, when we submit to God and resist the devil, he will flee. Do this, and experience the abundant life Jesus came to give us. Amen. Love, Jackie

Just as Death and Destruction are never satisfied, so human desire is never satisfied. Proverbs 27:20 (NLT) "More!" seems to be the cry of the human heart. Colossians 2:9 says we have been given fullness in Christ. If we have accepted Jesus and given our hearts to God, we have ALL that we need. The Apostle Paul said, "I've learned to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I'm just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I've found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am." (Philippians 4:12 The Message) I encourage you to find the recipe for your own happiness. You don't know how many days are ordained for you to live on this earth, so enjoy each and every day of your life. Loving Life, Joyful Jackie