Manna for Your Morning

“You adulterers! Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God. Do you think the Scriptures have no meaning? They say that God is passionate that the spirit he has placed within us should be faithful to him.” — James 4:4-5 (NLT) Do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs… (See Romans 12:2 AMP) We are in this world but we are not to be of the world. (See John 17:16-18) Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. (See John 1:11 LSB) Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, (Ephesians 5:1). Be faithful to Yahweh and worship only Him. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world [wealth, fame, success], but forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? (Matthew 16:26 AMP) “ Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hear...

A mind focused on the flesh is doomed to death, but a mind focused on the Spirit will find full life and complete peace. — Romans 8:6 (VOICE) May we be led by the Holy Spirit in our thoughts and actions. …for if you are living according to the [impulses of the] flesh, you are going to die. But if [you are living] by the [power of the Holy] Spirit you are habitually putting to death the sinful deeds of the body, you will [really] live forever. (Romans 8:13 AMP) “For no matter how hard they try, God finds no pleasure with those who are controlled by the flesh. But when the Spirit of Christ empowers your life, you are not dominated by the flesh but by the Spirit. And if you are not joined to the Spirit of the Anointed One, you are not of him.” (Romans 8:8-9 TPT) And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. (Romans 8:2 NLT)

But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. — Galatians 5:22-23 (AMP) We are able to bear much fruit as we yield to the work of the Holy Spirit within us. Let us be led by the Spirit of God, so that we may bear good fruit and flourish in every season. For if your life is just about satisfying the impulses of your sinful nature, then prepare to die. But if you have invited the Spirit to destroy these selfish desires, you will experience life. If the Spirit of God is leading you, then take comfort in knowing you are His children. (Romans 8:13-15 VOICE) He must increase, but we must decrease.

May all who are godly rejoice in the LORD and praise his holy name! — Psalm 97:12 (NLT) Psalm 68:3 (NLT) says to let the godly rejoice and be glad in God’s presence. Let them be filled with joy. In His Presences is fullness of joy. (See Psalm 16:11 NKJV) Not half-filled or almost filled, but filled to overflowing. If you lack joy, spend some more time in His Presence. Praise the Lord; praise God our savior! For each day he carries us in his arms. Interlude Our God is a God who saves! The Sovereign LORD rescues us from death. (Psalm 68:19-20 NLT) When should we be glad? First Thessalonians 5:16 (NLT) says, always be joyful. Regardless of the external circumstances, may we our hearts be forever full of gratitude and appreciation for all that YAHWEH has provided, and even more so, for the great and awesome God that He is.  This is the day which the LORD has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.. (Psalm 118:24 NASB1995) It’s our choice to rejoice. Choose every day that YAHWEH gives ...

  …what you see was predicted long ago by the prophet Joel: ‘In the last days,’ God says, ‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on my servants—men and women alike— and they will prophesy. — Acts 2:16-18 (NLT) Our heavenly Father has given us His Holy Spirit, as our Helper, that He may abide with us forever. (See John 14:16 NKJV) Acts 1:8 (NLT) says: …you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere...” We can do all things which our Heavenly Father has called us to do through Him who strengthens and empowers us (See Philippians 4:13 AMP) Let us press on, moving onward and forward, taking ground for the Kingdom of God, in our sphere of influence. No weapon formed against us shall prosper. (See Isaiah 54:17) Amen. Sing to the LORD; praise his name. Eac...

Let the weak say, “I am strong!” — Joel 3:10b (AMP) After the Apostle Paul pleaded with the Lord three times to relieve him of a thorn in his flesh, the LORD said... “ My grace is always more than enough for you, and my power finds its full expression through your weakness. ” So I will celebrate my weaknesses, for when I’m weak I sense more deeply the mighty power of Christ living in me. So I’m not defeated by my weakness, but delighted! For when I feel my weakness and endure mistreatment—when I’m surrounded with troubles on every side and face persecution because of my love for Christ—I am made yet stronger. For my weakness becomes a portal to God’s power. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10 TPT) In quietness and trust in the Lord Yahweh, the Holy One of Israel, you will be made strong. (See Isaiah 30:15 TPT)

As for me, I look to the LORD for help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me. — Micah 7:7 (NLT) I look up to the mountains— does my help come from there? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth! (Psalm 121:1-2 NLT) Don’t worry about the wicked or envy those who do wrong. For like grass, they soon fade away. Like spring flowers, they soon wither. Trust in the LORD and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires. (Psalm 37:1-4 NLT)

Is anyone crying for help? God is listening, ready to rescue you. If your heart is broken, you’ll find God right there; if you’re kicked in the gut, he’ll help you catch your breath. — Psalm 34:17-18 (MSG) Never believe the lies of the enemy. Our heavenly Father is faithful. He has not forgotten about you and He will never abandon you. He hears your cry and comes to your rescue. The LORD hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. (Psalm 34:17 NLT) The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and the One who rescues me; My God, my rock and strength in whom I trust and take refuge; My shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower—my stronghold. — Psalm 18:2 (AMP)

“Look!” he answered, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.” — Daniel 3:25 (NKJV) Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego were cast bound into the midst of a fiery furnace that had been heated seven times hotter than normal, for not bowing down to a golden image. However,  when the king looked into the furnace, he saw four men loose and walking around in the fire. The flames had no power over them; when they came out, the hair of their head was not singed nor were their garments affected, and the smell of fire was not on them. (Daniel 3:27) When you are in the midst of a fiery furnace, know that Almighty God is with you. And He who is in you, is greater than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4) He will loosen the bonds of the enemy and protect you from the evil one. (2 Thessalonians 3:3) Trust God. He is able and willing to deliver you from your fiery trials.

And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” — Luke 10:41-42 (NKJV) Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made, while her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what He said. (Luke 10:39-40) The Message Bible says: She sat before the Master, hanging on every word he said. Jesus said Mary chose the good part. The worries and distractions of the world, the deceitfulness of riches and superficial pleasures will choke the word of life right out of you. Don't let the cares and demands of this world sidetrack you away from what is really important, spending time with the Lord and listening to His Word. The Word of God will give you the guidance, wisdom and strength you need. A few moments alone with Jesus at the beginning of your day, will set you on the right course for the rest of your day.

But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. — Acts 20:24 (NKJV) The Holy Spirit revealed to the Apostle Paul that chains and tribulations awaited him in every city (Acts 20:23), yet he was not moved. May we never be moved by the events and external circumstances of this world. The way we live our lives is the loudest message we preach. May our lives, words and actions tell of the glory of our faithful God. In The Message version of Acts 20:24, the Apostle Paul says, “What matters most to me is to finish what God started: the job the Master Jesus gave me of letting everyone I meet know all about this incredibly extravagant generosity of God.” Never lose sight of the finish line! This is the only race worth running. (2 Timothy 4:7b MSG). When all is said and done, may we all be able to speak these words, “ I have...

The LORD is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works. — Psalm 145:9 (NKJV) You are a work of the LORD, an exceptional, unique and beautiful creation. And He is good to you. His tender mercies never cease. They are brand new every morning. (Lamentations 3:22-23). God does not hold the mistakes and shortcomings of yesterday against you. Every morning, He pours a fresh batch of compassion and tender mercies upon you. The LORD is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and great in mercy (Psalm 145:8). Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him! (Psalm 34:8 NKJV)

Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting, “Praise God for the Son of David! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the LORD! Praise God in highest heaven!” — Matthew 21:9 (NLT) Jesus is to be the center of our lives. It’s all about Him. May everyone and everything else in our lives revolve around Him. As the Apostle Paul said in Phillipians 1:21, to live is Christ! He is our life (Colossians 3:4). Christ is all and in all (Colossians 3:11). Let us draw our strength, wisdom and unconditional love from the center of our being where Jesus sits on the throne of our hearts as Lord and King. And give thanks to God, who always leads us in victory in Christ!

“For you shall go out with joy, and be led out with peace; The mountains and the hills shall break forth into singing before you, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.”  — Isaiah 55:12 (NKJV) May we go out and come in with joy, for this is the day the LORD has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. The joy of the LORD is our strength! Live each day with peace of mind and heart. We have the peace of Jesus. In John 14:27, He says, “peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” In John 16:33, He says, “in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” Hallelujah!

“Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?” — Luke 18:8 (NKJV) May you never suffer shipwreck with regard to the faith. (1 Timothy 1:19) Hold on to faith and a good conscience, because without faith it is impossible to please God. Anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). Through faith we are shielded by God’s power (1 Peter 1:5, NIV). Our faith is the victory that has overcome the world (1 John 5:4) So build yourselves up in your most holy faith (Jude 1:20). Fight the good fight, finish the race, and keep the faith!

To you, O Lord, I lift my soul. No one who waits for you will ever be put to shame, but all who are unfaithful will be put to shame. Make your ways known to me, O Lord, and teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me because you are God, my savior. I wait all day long for you. Psalm 25:1, 3-5 (GW) Lift your soul, that is your mind, will and emotions, to the Lord. Put them in His hands and patiently wait. God leads us in His truth and teaches us His ways. He will show you the path that is for you.

I will listen to what God the LORD will say; he promises peace to his people, his saints— but let them not return to folly. Psalm 85:8 (NIV) The LORD promises peace to His people, but it comes when we listen to God. If we don't listen when He says, He loves us and is working all things together for the good of those who love Him, peace will escape us. If we are not listening when He says, He is Jehovah Jireh, our Provider, we get caught up in fear and anxiety and have no peace. Let us not return to our foolish ways, which to me is living a life of unbelief where we rely on ourselves and not God. Instead, listen to the LORD and experience the deep and abiding peace that only He can give. Peace & Love to you, Jackie

May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. 1 Thessalonians 3:12 (NIV) Let us love not only with our words, but with our actions also. May we fill the empty cups of those around us until they overflow with love and compassion. May we not just love when we feel like it or when it is convenient. Overflowing love goes out of the way to show the other person how much you care, regardless of how you feel. May your love increase and overflow to those God has placed in your life. Amen. Love, Jackie