Manna for Your Morning

Let us not grow weary or become discouraged in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap, if we do not give in. — Galatians 6:9 (AMP) Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you (1 Peter 4:12 NIV). These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world (1 Peter 1:7 NLT). We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne (Hebrews 12:2 NLT).

If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love [for others growing out of God’s love for me], then I have become only a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal [just an annoying distraction]. — 1 Corinthians 13:1 (AMP) If you say you love, but never show it, you are merely making a lot of noise. Jesus showed His love to us by stretching out His arms on the cross. How do you show love? May we love extravagantly. Lavish love on others that is rich and genuine. Love BIG and out of the box, in action and kind deeds, not just words.

“Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 6:1 (NLT) Avoid the trap of being a people-pleaser and doing things for the sake of appearances. Let all that you do, be motivated by the love you have for our heavenly Father and a genuine desire to please Him. Live for an audience of One. ‘So love the Lord God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence and energy.’ (Mark 12:30 MSG). And serve Him only.

If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing. — 1 Corinthians 13:3 (NLT) We make gains in this life by sharing the genuine, selfless, love of Christ with others. If we don’t love, we've gotten nowhere. Love (affection and goodwill and benevolence) edifies and builds up and encourages one to grow [to his full stature] (1 Corinthians 8:1, AMP). Love never fails —it's instant in every season. Make great gains in your love!

If I [can] speak in the tongues of men and [even] of angels, but have not love (that reasoning, intentional, spiritual devotion such as is inspired by God’s love for and in us), I am only a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. — 1 Corinthians 13:1 (AMP) Let us all be inspired by the love God has shown to us. For God loved the world so much that He intentionally gave his one and only Son, so everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). Love is an action word. To show love and truly serve humanity is something we have to purpose in our hearts and actually follow through with our “DOING.” Are you just going to make a lot of noise or are you going to intentionally touch others with the sacrificial, genuine love of Christ? It’s your choice. Choose wisely!

These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. — 1 Peter 1:7 (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). Instead let your faith be strengthened, and proven genuine. Remember, each trial is an opportunity for God to show Himself strong on your behalf!