Manna for Your Morning

Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we urge you in the name of the Lord Jesus to live in a way that pleases God, as we have taught you. You live this way already, and we encourage you to do so even more. — 1 Thessalonians 4:1 (NLT) For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts. (1 Thessalonians 2:4 NLT) Realize that it is [not your strength, but it is] God who is effectively at work in you, both to will and to work [that is, strengthening, energizing, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose] for His good pleasure. (See Philippians 2:13 AMP) With God all things are possible. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God. (See 1 Peter 5:6) For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please G...

“The first time I was brought before the judge, no one came with me. Everyone abandoned me. May it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength so that I might preach the Good News in its entirety for all the Gentiles to hear. And he rescued me from certain death.” — 2 Timothy‬ ‭4‬:‭16‬-‭17 (NLT) The LORD will give strength to His people; The LORD will bless His people with peace. (Psalms 29:11 NKJV) Know that when all others abandon you, Yahweh stands with you.  “Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face evermore!” (Psalms‬ ‭105‬:‭4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬)

“ For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts. ” — 1 Thessalonians 2:4 (NLT) Instead of seeking to please people and gain popularity, may we seek to please our Heavenly Father, Who never leaves us nor forsakes us. He created us with a purpose and has good plans for us. Serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts. (See 1 Chronicles 28:9 NASB1995) Proverbs 16:7 says: When a man’s ways are pleasing to the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. And the one who does the will of God and carries out His purposes lives forever. (See 1 John 2:17 AMP) “ Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we urge you in the name of the Lord Jesus to live in a way that pleases God, as we have taught you. You live this way already, and we encourage you to do so even more. ” — 1 Thessalonians 4:1...

“The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me (the Messiah), because He has anointed Me to preach the good news to the poor. He has sent Me to announce release (pardon, forgiveness) to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed (downtrodden, bruised, crushed by tragedy),” — Luke 4:18 (AMP) When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh (worldliness, manner of life), God made you alive together with Christ, having [freely] forgiven us all our sins, (Colossians 2:13 AMP) In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us... (See Ephesians 1:7-8). How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered! How blessed is the man whose iniquity Yahweh will not take into account, and in whose spirit there is no deceit! (Psalms 32:1-2 LSB)  And having been set free from sin, you have become the slaves of righteousness [of conformity to God’...

Now after John was put in jail, Yeshua came into the Galilee, proclaiming the Good News of God. “Now is the fullness of time,” He said, “and the kingdom of God is near! Turn away from your sins, and believe in the Good News!” — Mark 1:14-15 (TLV) “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God [with faith and humility] like a child will not enter it at all.” (Luke 18:17 AMP) “For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 14:17 NLT) Citizens of the Kingdom of God, practice righteousness (doing right in regard to God and man), and are full of peace and joy, abiding in and being led by the Holy Spirit. “We comfort and encourage you and challenge you to adopt a lifestyle worthy of God, who invites you into his kingdom and glory.” (See 1 Thessalonians 2:12 TPT) “Blessed [spiritually prosperous, happy, to be admired] are you who are poor [in spirit, those...

The first time I was brought before the judge, no one came with me. Everyone abandoned me. May it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength so that I might preach the Good News in its entirety for all the Gentiles to hear. And he rescued me from certain death. — 2 Timothy 4:16-17 (NLT) All others may desert you but remember, the Lord stands with you and gives you strength. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” “I will always be by your side.” (See Hebrews 13:5 NLT/VOICE) In the Amplified Bible, he says: “I will never [under any circumstances] desert you.” When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior…  (Isaiah 43:2-3a NLT)

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. — Luke 2:10-11 (NASB) The shepherds went straight to Bethlehem, after the angels delivered the message about the birth of Jesus. Luke 2:16 (NASB) says, they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. May we make spending time, alone, in His Presence every day, a top priority in our lives. If you delay seeking Him, there will be distractions and detours that will drive you further away from Him, instead of closer.  The Good News of our Savior's birth is for ALL people and all generations. Don't delay to seek Him today.

“… and we are proclaiming good news to you, that you turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and everything in them. ” — Acts 14:15 (CSB) Let us turn to the living God, at all times and in every situation. Anything we hold more dear in our hearts than our heavenly Father is an idol, a worthless thing. Count it all rubbish! Acts 14:17 (CSB) goes on to say, “ God did what is good by giving you rain from heaven and fruitful seasons and filling you with food and your hearts with joy. ” Our heavenly Father is a good God. He is not a deadbeat dad or an absentee father. He is with us always. Psalm 37:23b (NLT) says, He delights in every detail of our lives. Enjoy your fruitful seasons in His Presence. Open your heart to Him that He may fill it with everlasting joy. Cast all your cares and concerns on Him because He cares about you with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully. (1Peter 5:7)

Exercise daily in God—no spiritual flabbiness, please! Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever. — 1 Timothy 4:7b (MSG) “What God wants to do is not just to make you happy. He wants to make you holy.” (Francis Chan) The good news is that we have already been given everything we need to live a godly life. Everything that goes into a life of pleasing God has been miraculously given to us by getting to know, personally and intimately, the One who invited us to God. (2 Peter 1:3 MSG) Let us exercise discipline and self-control for the purpose of godliness. First Timothy 4:8 (NKJV) says, godliness is profitable for all things. Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:  — Hebrews 12:14 (NKJV)

But I consider my life of no value to myself; my purpose is to finish my course and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of God’s grace. — Acts 20:24 (CSB) Our purpose is to complete the course, that we received from our Lord and Savior. The primary assignment the Master Jesus gave Believers of letting everyone we meet know all about this incredibly extravagant generosity of God. May we continually do the work, with joy, of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God. Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. (Hebrews 12:1 NLT) Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in.  (Hebrews 12:1 MSG) May we continually...

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)

...but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. — Luke 2:10 (NLT) The birth of Jesus is good news that brings great joy to all people. Jesus didn’t come to save a select few. He came to save us all. The Lord is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). God desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:4) Jesus didn’t just save those who were around when He physically walked the earth. His righteousness is forever, and His salvation continues from generation to generation. (Isaiah 51:8) More good news is Jesus came that we may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].  (John 10:10b AMP). Jesus gave us the ultimate victory over this world, sin and death. We can live free and full. Full of His love, and His light. Let that bring you great joy today. God will show his mercy forever ...

“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)

And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. — Philippians 1:12 (NLT) Just as in the Apostle Paul’s life, everything that has happened to us can serve to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ and all that He has done in our lives. No matter what you have gone through, the greatest testimony of God’s faithfulness is that you are still here! He has not allowed the enemy to take you out. Whether it was a fire or a flood, He brought you through it! When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. (Isaiah 43:2 NLT)

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims peace, who brings glad tidings of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion,  “Your God reigns!” — Isaiah 52:7 (NKJV) Let us bring the good news of Jesus wherever we go. For God's kingdom is about righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Romans 14:17) Our Savior invites everyone to come to Him. Our God is good and He fills our lives with good things, so that our youth is renewed like the eagle’s. (Psalm 103:5) No matter what the current circumstances, our God reigns! He is a mighty God and nothing is too difficult for Him. “Trust [confidently] in the LORD forever [He is your fortress, your shield, your banner], For the LORD God is an everlasting Rock [the Rock of Ages]. (Isaiah 26:4)

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to captives and freedom to prisoners; — Isaiah 61:1 (NASB) Our heavenly Father sent Jesus to earth with Good News, for all people. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all. (Psalm 34:19) We may have many troubles, but the good news is that the LORD comes to the rescue each time. Jesus binds up the wounds of the brokenhearted and brings healing. If the enemy is holding you captive in any area of your life, Jesus has set you free. The doors of the prison are open, and He has pardoned all prisoners. You no longer have to remain bound or confined. He has shined a great light on those who walk in darkness (Isaiah 9:2). Rejoice! “The time of the LORD’s favor has come.” (Luke 4:19 NLT)

The first time I was brought before the judge, no one came with me. Everyone abandoned me. May it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength so that I might preach the Good News in its entirety for all the Gentiles to hear. And he rescued me from certain death. — 2 Timothy 4:16-17 (NLT) Just as the Lord was with the Apostle Paul, He is with you. All others may abandon you, but the Lord stands with you and gives you strength. He empowers you to do all that He has called you to do. The LORD hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. (Psalm 34:17 NLT) Amen.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. — Ephesians 6:10-11 (NIV) In order to stand up to everything the devil throws our way, we must clothe ourselves in the full armor of God, and use our weapon (the Word). Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. (Ephesians 6:14-18 NLT) Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:57 NKJV)

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; Luke 2:10 (NASB) The good news about who Jesus is and what He has done for us, is for everyone, people all over the world, of every race, color and tongue. As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:11-13 NIV) Let us continually call on the name of Jesus, our Savior. He brings great joy and a deep abiding peace, as we trust in Him.

So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. — Luke 2:15-18 (NKJV) Just as the shepherds went in haste to see Jesus, let us have a sense of urgency, not only to see Jesus, but to know Him personally. May we have a richer and deeper experience of His love and grace, each and every day.  And let’s introduce others to our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6 NIV). The LORD anointed Him to bring good news to the poor. He was sent to comfort the brokenhearted and to announce freedom to all captives, and pardon all prisoners. (Isaiah 61:1). Hallelujah! Enjoy your day as you celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.