Manna for Your Morning

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.

Commit your works to the LORD [submit and trust them to Him], And your plans will succeed [if you respond to His will and guidance]. — Proverbs 16:3 (AMP) Whatever goals or plans you have made for the coming new year, may you submit them to the LORD. Then, let us remember not to run off and do our own thing and end up turning to Him to fix a mess. Instead, continually seek the LORD and ask for His help and guidance along the way. We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps (Proverbs 16:9 NLT). Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails (Proverbs 19:21 NIV).

A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. — John 16:21 (NIV) Just as a woman endures labor pains in order to deliver a baby, we too must persevere some trials and suffering, in order to give birth to the dreams and desires God placed inside of us. Once the labor pains begin, it's only a matter of time before a new life is born into this world, but the mother has to go through the process. Let us not quit in the process of realizing our dreams and goals. Don't let the pains of childbirth discourage you. We can look forward to the inexpressible joy that will be ours as we accomplish all that God has for us. If you are in the waiting room of life, patiently wait, full of expectation, knowing that your time will come.

“And don’t for a minute let this Book of The Revelation be out of mind. Ponder and meditate on it day and night, making sure you practice everything written in it. Then you’ll get where you’re going; then you’ll succeed. Haven’t I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don’t be timid; don’t get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take.” —Joshua 1:8-9 MSG As we meditate on the Word of God, we gain strength and wisdom to do what He has called us to do. And we will have good success. “So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6 NLT). Let every step you take toward your goals and dreams, be a step of faith knowing that He is with you!

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.  — James 4:8 (NKJV) As we make our New Year resolutions and set our goals for the coming year,  may pursuing the peaceful, yet powerful Presence of Almighty God be our number one priority. To know our heavenly Father and stay connected to Him, is truly our primary purpose. Allow the fullness of His Spirit, and the abundance of His love to fill your empty, broken places. Intimacy, let our wonderful Creator see into you and shape you into the unique, marvelous creation you were meant to be. He will perfect all that concerns you (Psalm 138:8). Amen.

Where there is no vision, the people perish; Proverbs 29:18a (KJV) We are one week into the new year and most new year resolutions have already been forgotten. I encourage you to make solid plans for your 2012. After you have prayed and sought God's direction, set your GOALS. Think about the necessary steps that will get you there. Give yourself deadlines to accomplish each one. If you want to see your dreams come true, you have to go beyond wishing and take action. What will you do differently? And then most important: COMMIT your way to the LORD. TRUST also in Him,  and He shall bring it to pass (Proverbs 37:5).