Manna for Your Morning

“Seek the LORD while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the LORD that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously.” — Isaiah 55:6-7 (NLT) If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9 NKJV) For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. (Psalms 103:11-12 NASB1995) “Now, therefore,” says the LORD, “Turn to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning. So rend your heart, and not your garments; Return to the LORD your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness; And He relents from doing harm.” (Joel 2:12-13 NKJV)

You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.  — Jeremiah 29:13 (NASB) The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. (Psalm 145:18 NASB) Seek the LORD while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the LORD that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously. (Isaiah 55:6-7 NLT)  ...they who seek the LORD will not lack any good thing. — Psalm 34:10b (AMP)

Yes, if you cry out for insight, and lift up your voice for understanding; If you seek skillful and godly wisdom as you would silver and search for her as you would hidden treasures; Then you will understand the [reverent] fear of the LORD [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome] and discover the knowledge of God. — P roverbs 2:3-5 (AMP) But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. (James 1:5 NASB) For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe. (Proverbs 2:10-11 NLT) But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. — James 3:17 (NLT)

I’m speaking to you out of deep gratitude for all that God has given me, and especially as I have responsibilities in relation to you. Living then, as every one of you does, in pure grace, it’s important that you not misinterpret yourselves as people who are bringing this goodness to God. No, God brings it all to you. The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us, not by what we are and what we do for him. — Romans 12:3 (MSG) Remember, God brings it all to us. He gives to us freely and generously. Let us be forever grateful for the goodness and grace of God. He gives us every perfect gift, not because of something we have done, but because He is good and He does good. Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! (Psalm 118:29a)

If any of you lacks wisdom [to guide him through a decision or circumstance], he is to ask of [our benevolent] God, who gives to everyone generously and without rebuke or blame, and it will be given to him. — James 1:5 (AMP) Perplexed about the circumstances and situations of life? Let us seek wisdom from God. For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding; (Proverbs 2:6 (NKJV) Happy [blessed, considered fortunate, to be admired] is the man who finds [skillful and godly] wisdom, and the man who gains understanding and insight [learning from God’s word and life’s experiences], (Proverbs 3:13 AMP) Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. (Proverbs 4:7 NKJV) “ ...whoever listens to me (wisdom) will live without worry and will be free from the dread of disaster. ” — Proverbs 1:33 (GW)

See what an incredible quality of love the Father has shown to us, that we would [be permitted to] be named and called and counted the children of God! And so we are! — 1 John 3:1a (AMP) See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! (1 John 3:1a NIV) God’s love is extravagant; it's over the top. God’s love is extraordinary; it goes above and beyond the ordinary. We can count on God’s love because it will never run out on us. Such hope [in God’s promises] never disappoints us, because God’s love has been abundantly poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us (Romans 5:5 AMP). The Message Bible says, we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit! (Romans 5:5) When we fall short, the love of God goes the distance and them some. When your heart longs to be loved, God’s love is the only love that will satisfy; ...

... if you pay close attention to wisdom, and let your mind reach for understanding,  then you will understand the fear of the LORD and you will find the knowledge of God. The LORD gives wisdom. From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. — Proverbs 2:2, 5-6 (GW) Wisdom sings her song in the streets. In the public squares she raises her voice. At the corners of noisy streets she calls out. (Proverbs 1:20-21a GW)  Whoever listens to her will live without worry and will be free from the dread of disaster. (Proverbs 1:33 GW) If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. (James 1:5 NASB)

For indeed, when we came to Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were troubled on every side. Outside were conflicts, inside were fears. — 2 Corinthians 7:5 (NKJV) The world has a way of wearing us out with daily dilemmas, conflicts and challenges. However, nothing is too difficult for our great God. Even though there’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit! (Romans 5:3-5 MSG) Keep your hope in Christ alive and continually draw your strength from Him.

“In a word, what I’m saying is, Grow up. You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.” — Matthew 5:48 (MSG) Your true identity is the one your Creator gave you when He knit you together in the womb of your mother, not the one the world tries to give you. Our God-created identity is one of generosity and grace. God created us in His image. We are to identify with His loving and forgiving nature. Let us reflect our heavenly Father’s character. Our identity is one of strength and confidence. He told man to take dominion over the earth. As subjects in His kingdom, we can live victorious lives: free, and full of peace and joy. We are overcomers and more than conquerors!

“For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”  — Zephaniah 3:17 (NLT) God, the Creator of heaven and earth, takes great delight in you. His perfect love drives out fear (1 John 4:18, NIV). If you have any fears, open your heart to God and receive all the love he so generously lavishes upon you, every moment of every day. Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident (Psalm 27:3, NLT). Don’t be afraid nor discouraged, for the LORD is with you, He will strengthen you and help you. He will hold you up with His victorious right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)

Cornelius answered: “Three days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, at three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me and said, ‘Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor. — Acts 10:30-31 (NIV) Acts 10:1-2 (NIV) says, Cornelius and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. God does not show favoritism (Acts 10:34), just as He heard the prayers of Cornelius and remembered His gifts to the poor, as we commit our lives to Him, our prayers and acts of kindness to those in need ascend before God as a memorial offering. In every nation the person who fears God and does what is right [by seeking Him] is acceptable and welcomed by Him. (Acts 10:35 AMP). He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6b)

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. — James 1:5-6 (NIV) With all the decisions and choices we make on any given day, we all need wisdom. Remember to ask our heavenly Father, who knows all and sees all, for the wisdom to make the right choices. “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.!” (Luke 11:9-10 NIV). May you confidently walk in the wisdom of God and not fall in the trap of the enemy.

So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. — 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NKJV) Let us imitate our heavenly Father, Who continually gives. He pours out His love and kindness, at all times. The spout on His grace and mercy is continuously open. James 1:5 says, God gives wisdom generously to all who ask. No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly (Psalm 84:11). Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows (James 1:17 NIV). As we have freely received, let us delight ourselves in being extravagant givers, not just of our finances, but our time, talents, God's love, and grace, etc.

Freely you have received, freely give . — Matthew 10:8b (NKJV) God has so generously given us all things that pertain to life and godliness. (2 Peter 1:3). May we also be givers. What great love the Father has lavished on us. Let us give love and forgiveness as generously as we have received it. Just as we have received joy and peace from our Father, let us spread joy and pursue peace wherever we go. God has so abundantly blessed us, let us be a blessing and help meet the needs of those around us.

How great is the goodness you have stored up for those who fear you. You lavish it on those who come to you for protection, blessing them before the watching world. — Psalm 31:19 (NLT) The Word tells us God lavishes His great love on us (1 John 3:1 NIV) and His great goodness. Lavish means He gives it liberally, in generous or extravagant quantities, in abundance. Over the top! He also gave us His Holy Spirit that we might realize, comprehend and appreciate the gifts of divine favor and blessing so freely and lavishly bestowed on us by God (1 Corinthians 2:12). Let us thank God for all that He has so richly and generously bestowed upon us!

Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. — Romans 5:5 (NKJV) See what great love the Father has lavished on us! (1 John 3:1). We have such a rich treasure in our earthen vessels, that is the Spirit of God and God is love. As He pours out His love in our hearts, we are to let His love flow freely through us and let it generously gush out, on everyone God brings our way. May we never limit our love and giving to a day or a season. Let’s lavish God's abundant and unconditional love on others, at all times!

And his heart took delight in the ways of the LORD; — 2 Chronicles 17:6 (NKJV) The LORD was with King Jehoshaphat, because he walked in His commandments (2 Chronicles 17:3-4). The LORD established the kingdom of Judah in his hand and Jehoshaphat had riches and honor in abundance (2 Chronicles 17:5). May we wholeheartedly take great delight in the ways of the LORD. His ways are loving and compassionate. The LORD is full of grace and mercy. His ways are forgiving and faithful. The LORD gives generously. His ways are the way of truth, light and life. Make a dedicated decision to walk in His ways, everyday.

Now therefore listen to me, O you sons; for blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are those who keep my ways. Hear instruction and be wise, and do not refuse or neglect it. — Proverbs 8:32-33 (AMP) If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you (James 1:5 NIV). Be wise and listen to the LORD’s instruction and direction. Joyful are those who listen to me [Wisdom], awake and watch for me each morning, alert and responsive (Proverbs 8:34). For whoever finds Wisdom finds life and receives favor from the LORD (Proverbs 8:35). Wisdom calls. Will you answer?

Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days. — Ecclesiastes 11:1 (NKJV) All of what God provides is not for our own consumption. We are to invest some into the Kingdom of God and into others. Our heavenly Father insures a return. Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap (Galatians 6:7, NKJV). Be a wise steward of all that you have received from God. Give generously of your time, your talents and your finances, for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Luke 12:34). Amen!

We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit! — Romans 5:3-5 (The Message) Know that the trials you go through produce patience and perseverance. And that perseverance develops a strong and impeccable character. That character in turn, produces a hope that will not be disappointed. Continue to shout your PRAISE!