Manna for Your Morning

Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world. — 1 Peter 4:12-13 (NLT) No matter what the current set of circumstances may be, we can continue to rejoice. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (Romans 8:18 NKJV) For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! 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 4:17-18 NLT) And remember, our Heavenly Father is faithful to deliver the rig...

Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. — 1 Peter 4:12 (NLT) In Isaiah 43:2-3 (NASB1995) Yahweh says: “ When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior...” Notice that the Scripture says “ when ” and not “if.” Know that we will have some flood waters, stormy seas, and fiery furnace experiences. Here on earth we will have many trials and sorrows. (See John 16:33 NLT) However, Yahweh promised to be with you and He is faithful to bring you through it all. The Scripture says you will pass through the water and walk through the fire. These trials and troubles are temporary but our great God is eternal. And nothing, absolutely nothing is too difficult for Him. “ No man will be able to stand before you...

…Yahweh was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but Yahweh was not in the earthquake. Then after the earthquake a fire, but Yahweh was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of a thin gentle whisper. — 1 Kings 19:11-12 (LSB) The winds of adversity will come and go. Your world may get shaken and you may go through some fiery trials, but don’t draw back or give up. Lift up your prayer to Yahweh and then take the time to listen for His still small voice. Sometimes our lives are too busy and too noisy, to hear His voice. Clear your mind of all clutter. If our minds are filled with anxiety, worry, or fear, it makes it difficult to hear the gentle whisper of our heavenly Father. Let the peace of God guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus (See Philippians 4:7), as you listen for His word to come to you. If you want a closer walk with God, you must patiently wait, with expectation, to hear His voice and then follow His instruction. Elijah was hiding out in a cave when t...

Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. — 1 Peter 4:12 (NLT) Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you. In John 16:33 (NLT), Jesus told us we would have many trials and sorrows here on earth. But He also said, in Him, we may have peace. In John 14:27 (NASB1995), He says: “Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all. (Psalm 34:19 NASB1995) O fear the LORD, you His saints; for to those who fear Him there is no want. The young lions do lack and suffer hunger; but they who seek the LORD shall not be in want of any good thing. The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and rescues them. (Psalm 34:9-10 & 34:7 NASB1995) The LORD hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. (Psalm 34:17 NLT) Hallelujah and amen.

Dear ones, don’t be surprised when you experience your trial by fire. It is not something strange and unusual, but it is something you should rejoice in. In it you share the Anointed’s sufferings, and you will be that much more joyful when His glory is revealed. — 1 Peter 4:12-13 (NASB) Now I’m sure of this: the sufferings we endure now are not even worth comparing to the glory that is coming and will be revealed in us. For all of creation is waiting, yearning for the time when the children of God will be revealed. (Romans 8:18-19 VOICE) You see, the short-lived pains of this life are creating for us an eternal glory that does not compare to anything we know here. So we do not set our sights on the things we can see with our eyes. All of that is fleeting; it will eventually fade away. Instead, we focus on the things we cannot see, which live on and on. (2 Corinthians 4:17-18 VOICE) Don't let the fleeting challenges of this world distract you away from our great and mighty God Who i...

Strengthen them with Your infinite power, according to Your glorious might, so that they will have everything they need to hold on and endure hardship patiently and joyfully. — Colossians 1:11 (VOICE) Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you (1 Peter 4:12 NLT). Jesus told us in this world we would have trouble. (John 16:33).  However, He also says: “ I have triumphed over this corrupt world order. ” (John 16:33 VOICE). Therefore, endure hardship with patience and joy, absolutely convinced that we are victorious. The Lord will stand with you and strengthen you, as He did with the Apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 4:17. If we endure, we shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us. (2 Timothy 2:12 NKJV)

When the whirlwind passes by, the wicked is no more, but the righteous has an everlasting foundation. — Proverbs 10:25 (NKJV) Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. (1 Peter 4:12) The storms of life, come to us all. The Word says "when" the whirlwind passes, not "if". Not only is it going to come. It is also going to pass. The good news for Believers is that we have a strong, immovable foundation, to hold us steady when the winds of adversity blow. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 3:11 NLT) 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)

And the LORD said to Satan, “From where do you come?” So Satan answered the LORD and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.” — Job 1:7 (NKJV) Why does the devil go to and fro on the earth? First Peter 5:8b tells us, he prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy (John 10:10a). Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you (1 Peter 4:12 NLT). As 1 Peter 5:8a instructs,  be on the alert. Be cautious at all times. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. — Ephesians 6:11 (NASB)

Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. — 1 Peter 4:12 (NLT) Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8 NASB) The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; (John 10:10a NASB) But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world. (1 John 4:4 NLT) Jesus came that we may have life, and have it abundantly. (John 10:10b NASB) His purpose is to give us a rich and satisfying life. (John 10:10b NLT)

“Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” — Matthew 7:14 (NKJV) Jesus tells us the path that leads the way to everlasting life is difficult. In Matthew 6:34b (NASB), He says, “Each day has enough trouble of its own.” John 16:33a (NLT) says, “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.” So, dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. (1 Peter 4:12) Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job. (1 Peter 4:12 MSG) The good news is that Jesus has already gained the victory for us. Our battles belong to the LORD. Cast your cares on Him and trust God. Jesus said, “… in Me you may have peace. ” He goes on to say, “… be of good cheer, I have overcome the world .” — John 16:33 (NKJV)

Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. — 1 Peter 4:12 (NLT) Don’t be caught off guard when troubles come your way. We have an enemy who has declared war on us (Revelation 12:17). He is a liar and only wants to steal, kill and destroy. (John 10:10a) However, the One in us is mightier than he who is in the world. Our God is greater! Troubles come and go, but our heavenly Father remains forever. The Message Bible says: The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever. (2 Corinthians 4:18) This light momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison... (2 Corinthians 4:17) Jesus endured the cross for the joy that was set before Him. (Hebrews 12:2) Let us keep an eternal perspective, in all circumstances.

Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. — 1 Peter 4:12 (NLT) In John 16:33, Jesus reminds us that we will have many trials and sorrows, here on earth. But He also encouraged us to be of good cheer and take courage, because He has overcome the world. When faced with situations that seem impossible, rely on God to be your Champion. With God all things are possible. (Matthew 19:26). He empowers us to live above the circumstances, in His perfect peace. As we continually put our trust in our heavenly Father, He will show Himself strong on our behalf.  For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone. (Psalm 91:11-12 NKJV)

“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.

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) Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. (1 Peter 4:12 NLT)  For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! (2 Corinthians 4:17 NLT) Remember, these momentary, light afflictions won’t last very long. Let us look away from the distractions, and keep our eyes on Jesus, the Champion who both began and finished this race we’re in. And thank God, who always leads us in victory because of Christ. Wherever we go, God uses us to make clear what it means to know Christ. It’s like a fragrance that fills the air. (2 Corinthians 2:14 GW)

“See, God has come to save me. I will trust in him and not be afraid. The LORD God is my strength and my song; he has given me victory.” — Isaiah 12:2 (NLT) Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you (1 Peter 4:12 NLT). No matter what you go through in this life, remember that God has already given us victory. In John 16:33 (NIV), Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Continue, moving forward in faith toward all that God has for you. For everyone born of God is victorious and overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has conquered and overcome the world—our [continuing, persistent] faith [in Jesus the Son of God]. (1 John 5:4 AMP)

Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. — 1 Peter 4:12 (NLT) For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! 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 4:17-18 NLT). Fix your gaze upon our great God and the mighty things He has done. He is more than able to extinguish the fiery darts of the wicked one.

You must not fear them, for the LORD your God Himself fights for you.’ — Deuteronomy 3:22 (NKJV) Have no fear of the giants that stand before you. Mountains are molehills to our great God.  So don’t be discouraged by the fiery trials and tribulations that come, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. Second Chronicles 20:17 says, You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the LORD, who is with you…   For victory and success in the battles of life, humble yourself under His mighty hand, keep your heart in a position of prayer, and stand on His Word.

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. — James 1:2-4 (NLT) Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you (1 Peter 4:12 NLT). The more troubles we experience, the more opportunities we have for great joy to abound in our hearts and minds. In addition, the joy of the LORD is your strength. And joy is contagious, when you are joyful, that joy is released into the atmosphere and those around you also benefit. So, take joy in knowing that you are in a process of perfection and that God who began a good work in you is faithful to complete it.

  Get along among yourselves, each of you doing your part. Our counsel is that you warn the freeloaders to get a move on. Gently encourage the stragglers, and reach out for the exhausted, pulling them to their feet. Be patient with each person, attentive to individual needs. And be careful that when you get on each other’s nerves you don’t snap at each other. Look for the best in each other, and always do your best to bring it out. — 1 Thessalonians 5:13-15 (MSG) We are similar to priceless gems, diamonds in the rough. We all have the potential to shine, with the love and light of the LORD. Diamonds are formed under high temperature and pressure conditions beneath the earth’s surface. They undergo a refining process (removal of impurities) before they sparkle and shine. God can use the fiery trials and high pressure conditions we experience in life, to remove what is not of Him from our lives and draw our hearts closer to Him. We too are in a refining process. When we respond...

I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.] — John 16:33 (AMP) Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you (1 Peter 4:12, NLT). Be still and know that He is God. Nothing is too difficult for Him. He has already made a way for you.