Manna for Your Morning

Therefore, since we have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also get rid of every weight and entangling sin. Let us run with endurance the race set before us, focusing on Yeshua, the initiator and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross, disregarding its shame; and He has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of God. — Hebrews 12:1-2 (TLV) Too often we get focused on the problem, instead of the answer to all of our problems, our Savior. Hebrews 12:2 (AMP) tells us to look away from all that will distract us and focus our eyes on Jesus. With the myriad of distractions around us, we have to be intentional about keeping our eyes on Yeshua, the author and finisher of our faith. Instead of focusing on social media or what others say about you, focus on what God, your Creator, says about you. He knows you better than anyone. Fix your eyes on Yeshua, and run the race set before you with passion and persistence. The Lord will empower yo...

Now stay focused on Jesus, who designed and perfected our faith. He endured the cross and ignored the shame of that death because He focused on the joy that was set before Him; and now He is seated beside God on the throne, a place of honor. — Hebrews 12:2 (VOICE) Focusing on current circumstances and listening to the lies of the enemy about the situation, will cause confusion and doubt. Instead, look away from all that will distract you and focus your eyes on our King and Savior, Jesus the Christ. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. (Psalm 34:5 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.  (See 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 NLT) ...

[looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity]… — Hebrews 12:2 (AMP) God never told us to examine our problems and figure out how we were going to handle them. Instead, look to the Lord and focus on His Presence with you. He is where our help comes from. The Word of God doesn’t tell us keep our eyes on the stock market and monitor every move, or on social media or the constantly negative news. Look away from all the distractions and look to Him who provided for the prophet Elijah in the wilderness by having ravens bring him bread and meat each morning and evening, and he drank from the brook. (See 1 Kings 17:6) Look to Jehovah Jireh. He is our Provider and the very Source of all we need.

[looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity], who for the joy [of accomplishing the goal] set before Him endured the cross, disregarding the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God … — Hebrews 12:2 (AMP) Look to the LORD our God. Our help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. (See Psalm 121:2) He will not allow your foot to slip; The LORD is your keeper; The LORD will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul. The LORD will guard your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forever. (Psalm 121:3a,5a,7,8 NASB) May we keep our eyes focused on Jesus and on accomplishing the goal He has set before us. We stay focused on Jesus (the Livng Word) by faithfully standing on the Word, and not being shaken by earthly circumstances. Remember, Jesus has already overcome the world.

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 4:18 (VOICE) Don’t look at the things which we can see with our natural eyes, for the things which are visible are temporary. Instead let us focus our attention on the things which are invisible, for they are everlasting and imperishable. Fix your eyes on our great God. May we have eyes to see His amazing love and great grace. “ Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of hosts, the whole earth is full of His glory. ” — Isaiah 6:3 (NASB)

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. — Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV) We were created in Jesus, for good works. Many believers focus so hard on the work they are doing for Him, that it becomes a chore and they totally lose sight of the Savior. Hebrews 12:2 reminds us to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith. Stay focused on Jesus and let the Holy Spirit do the work in you and through you to bring about the Father’s perfect will. And always remember, whatever God has called you to do, it is a “GOOD” work. We can also be confident that whatever God has called us to, He has already given us the victory. Amen! No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. — Romans 8:37 (NLT)

And in the midst of everything be always giving thanks, for this is God’s perfect plan for you in Christ Jesus. — 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (TPT) Whatever you are in the midst of today, remember to be always giving thanks to God. If circumstances are not ideal, thank God that He is bringing you through it. The situation is temporary. When you focus on lack, it makes your world seem small. Being thankful for what God has already provided helps to acknowledge our Source: our heavenly Father and it also allows room for multiple blessings to flow into our lives. Being thankful creates an atmosphere for miracles to take place. In Matthew 14, a multitude of people were with Jesus, in a deserted place and He instructed the disciples to feed them. Jesus got them to focus on what they had. Then he had everyone sit down on the grass as he took the five loaves and two fish. He looked up into heaven, gave thanks to God, and broke the bread into pieces. He then gave it to his disciples, who in tu...

... but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits. — Daniel 11:32b (NKJV) If you want to know your God, focus on Christ. Make Him the center of your life and He will fill the other areas of your life. He is the firm foundation, and the Chief cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20). He is our strength, in weakness. If you never admit you’re weak, you will never rely on His strength. His light pierces through the darkness and crumbles mountains. He is our joy, in sadness and grief. He is our peace, in times of trouble. He is our physician, in sickness. He is our truth, when lies and deception abound. He sets us free when the enemy binds us up. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus! The sweetest name I know. He is our GPS when we don’t know which way to go. When we walk with Jesus, we have a constant Companion, an Advocate, a Comforter, a Healer, a Counselor and a faithful Friend. When we know Jesus, we know love. Know your God. Be strong! And carry out great exploits.

How blessed is God! And what a blessing he is! He’s the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him. Long before he laid down earth’s foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. — Ephesians 1:4-5 (MSG) You are the focus of God’s love. How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! (Psalm 139:17 NLT) Psalm 40:5 (NLT) says, His plans for us are too numerous to list. They include makings us whole and holy by His love. And He is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. (Ephesians 3:20-21 NLT) Amen and Hallelujah!

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 12:2 (MSG) As we focus on our heavenly Father and all His wonderful attributes, we will become more like Him (loving, kind, gentle, etc.). When we pay close attention to His Word, we allow God to transform us by changing the way we think. He will mold us and shape us and bring the best out of us. May we be captivated by His love and thankful for all that He is doing in our lives here and now.

So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet! Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it. — Philippians 3:15-16 (MSG) As we make our goals for the new year, may we set our hearts and minds to be totally committed to pursuing all that God has purposed for us. No turning back and no detours. After all, our heavenly Father only wants the best for us. Let us press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. (Philippians 3:14 NLT). Let us keep the faith and run with endurance the race that is set before us (Hebrews 12:1). He is calling each one of us to higher ground, a holy ground, where we will experience a deeper and more intimate relationship with Him.

“And don’t worry about those donkeys that were lost three days ago, for they have been found. And I am here to tell you that you and your family are the focus of all Israel’s hopes.” — 1 Samuel 9:20 (NLT) Saul went to Samuel to inquire about his lost donkeys, but God brought him to that place, at that particular time for a greater purpose. In 1 Samuel 9:19 (NKJV), Samuel answered Saul and said, “I am the seer. Go up before me to the high place, for you shall eat with me today; and tomorrow I will let you go and will tell you all that is in your heart.” The next morning Samuel took a flask of oil, and anointed Saul as ruler over the Israelites. While you may be worried about the intricate details of your day-to-day life, God has a larger perspective. And He is more concerned with getting you prepared and in the proper position to go to the high place He has for you. It’s time to get out of the valley of decision. Press on through the wilderness and dwell in your land of promise. ...

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. — Philippians 4:13 (NKJV) When the going gets tough, look away from all the distractions and focus your eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of our faith. (Hebrews 12:2). You can do all things [which He has called you to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers you [to fulfill His purpose]. Philippians 4:13a (AMP). He will give you inner strength, and peace as He leads you and causes you to triumph over the troubles that come your way.

The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace. — Psalm 29:11 (NIV) When we continually give our attention to problems, it produces anxiety, doubt and fear. It drains our energy and clouds our ability to think clearly. Let us focus on the LORD. As we keep our eyes on our mighty God and draw closer to Him, we maintain our peace. As we cast all our cares on Him and trust Him to provide the answer, we are able to draw strength from the LORD's limitless supply. You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! (Isaiah 26:3 NLT)

Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. — Matthew 14:28-30 (NLT) As long as Peter focused on Jesus, he was able to walk on water. The moment he looked at the wind and the waves, fear gripped him and he began to sink. Let us be careful what we look at. When the storms come, do not let them be a distraction. As we keep our eyes on Jesus and continue moving closer to Him, He will enable us to do all that we are called to do. Instead of studying your storm, examine the living Word of God. Instead of worrying about your storm, worship the One who is greater and higher than any weather pattern. Jesus! He is King of kings and Lord of lords and He reigns. Hallelujah! … keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who init...

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! — Isaiah 26:3 (NLT) We are instructed to cast our cares on the LORD because the act of throwing them will get them as far away from us as possible. As we cast all our cares on God, we acknowledge that He is able and admit that we are not. When we focus on solving problems, our thoughts become problem-centered. A mind focused on the cares of this life will cause anxiety, frustration and impatience. However, when we cast all our cares on our heavenly Father and focus on His mighty power and His unfailing love for us, our minds will be God-centered. This empowers us to stand strong in faith and trust God, no matter what. A mind centered on God will remain in perfect peace and full of joy. Fix your thoughts on Him today and release the power of God to work in your life!

Don’t be obsessed with getting more material things. Be relaxed with what you have. Since God assured us, “I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you,” we can boldly quote, God is there, ready to help; I’m fearless no matter what. Who or what can get to me? — Hebrews 13:5-6 (MSG) To focus on gaining more material possessions is a poor investment in temporary things that make no real profits in the eternal bank account. However, true and lasting treasure comes when we focus our time and energies on loving God and being His ambassadors on the earth. Great profits come as we touch the lives of others with God's love. “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. (Matthew 6:19 NLT). Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it’s safe from moth and rust and burglars. (Matthew 6:20 MSG).

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) To meditate on God’s Word means to give it careful, and deep thought. It involves a focus of one’s mind, for a period of time. My husband is the skilled cook in our home and there is a big difference in the flavor of the meat when he lets it soak in the marinade overnight versus a few minutes. Likewise, as we spend time in God’s Word (the marinade), it changes the flavor of our hearts and minds and in turn influences our actions. We can only enjoy the depth and richness of His Word as we spend time turning it over in our minds. We change the way we think by renewing our minds with the Word of God. Take time to meditate on the Word, treasure it in your heart and enjoy success in all that you do.

Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. — 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 (NLT) All serious athletes, train hard and consistently. Let us run our race with perseverance, keeping our eyes on the prize, not allowing the hurdles of life to be a stumbling block. Press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us (Philippians 3:14, NLT). Let us run with endurance and active persistence the race that is set before us, [looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus… (Hebrews 12:1-2, AMP)

No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, — Philippians 3:13 (NLT) Don;t live stuck in the ashes of yesterday. What is ahead of us is so much more important and more glorious that what happened to us in the past. Living in the past will make us pitiful as we get a vision for our future, God’s power is unleashed in our lives. His compassions are new every morning, for the new thing He wants to do in our lives today. See, the former thing have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you.” (Isaiah 42:9 NIV)