Manna for Your Morning

Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself! — 2 Corinthians 12:7 (NASB1995) Concerning this thorn, Paul says, three different times, he begged the Lord to take it away. And the Lord said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Paul adds: “So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” (See 2 Corinthians 12:8-9) What kinds of challenges may God be allowing in our lives to keep us from becoming prideful and arrogant? What prickly situation is calling for patience and perseverance? May we never think more highly of ourselves than we ought to. Everything we have, and all of our talents and abilities, we have received from Elohim, our Creator. And He imparts His grace to empower us and give us strength in the midst of our struggles.

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;  — Ephesians 2:8 (NASB1995) ...the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously, and in a godly manner in the present age, (See Titus 2:11-12 NASB) God is not one to show partiality. (See Acts 10:34 NASB) His salvation is the perfect gift and it is for ALL people. Each person must choose to receive it for themselves. Like any gift, we must accept it before we can enjoy the benefits of it. He has set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; (See Deuteronomy 30:19) …the salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; He is their strength in time of trouble. The LORD helps them and delivers them; He delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in Him. (Psalm 37:39-40 NASB1995)...

Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. — Proverbs 4:23 (NLT)   We guard our hearts by controlling the thoughts we allow to fill our minds. If we infiltrate our minds with constant negative news our hearts will be full of anger, hatred and fear. Let us renew our minds according to the Word of God. 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. (See Romans 12:2 and Joshua 1:8) See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled; (Hebrews 12:15 NASB) Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. (Ephesians 4:31 NLT) Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. — Romans 12:19 (NASB)

The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].” — John 10:10 (AMP) Let the enemy steal no more. Enjoy life in the abundant goodness and grace of God. “Everything we could ever need for life and godliness has already been deposited in us by his divine power. For all this was lavished upon us through the rich experience of knowing him who has called us by name and invited us to come to him through a glorious manifestation of his goodness.” (2 Peter 1:3 TPT)

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...

But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. — Acts 20:24 (NKJV) Don’t be moved by the troubles that come your way. For our light and momentary afflictions won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! (2 Corinthians 4:17) Continue to fight the good fight, finish the race, and keep the faith. (2 Timothy 4:7) Let's not just finish the race, but let us cross the finish line with joy. The joy of the LORD is your strength. Never let the enemy steal your joy.

But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. — Acts 20:24 (NKJV) Don’t be moved by the events that take place here on earth. They are here for a moment in time. God has given us a firm place to stand —on His Word, with all of His precious promises. His Word is truth and it lasts forever. Aim to finish your race and do it with joy. As we complete our course, He is with us and in His presence is fullness of joy. We can also rejoice in the fact that Jesus has already given us the victory. Amen!

But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. — Acts 20:24 (NKJV) The Holy Spirit revealed to the Apostle Paul that chains and tribulations awaited him in every city (Acts 20:23), yet he was not moved. May we never be moved by the events and external circumstances of this world. The way we live our lives is the loudest message we preach. May our lives, words and actions tell of the glory of our faithful God. In The Message version of Acts 20:24, the Apostle Paul says, “What matters most to me is to finish what God started: the job the Master Jesus gave me of letting everyone I meet know all about this incredibly extravagant generosity of God.” Never lose sight of the finish line! This is the only race worth running. (2 Timothy 4:7b MSG). When all is said and done, may we all be able to speak these words, “ I have...

When he arrived and saw the grace of God [that was bestowed on them], he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with an unwavering heart to stay true and devoted to the Lord. — Acts 11:23 (AMP) With true, genuine devotion and unwavering faith, let us stay true to the Lord. When we are true to the Lord, it’s His way or no way. While His way may seem harder and longer, His way is the only way that leads to fullness of joy and everlasting peace and the abundant life. Being true to the Lord means we remain in His love, when betrayed, we forgive, when lied about and mistreated, our response is unconditional love. When we stay true to the Lord, our deepest affections and heart's desire is for more of His Presence, in our lives. I encourage you to stay true and devoted to the Lord!

But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. — Acts 20:24 (NKJV) The Holy Spirit revealed to the Apostle Paul that chains and tribulations awaited him, in every city (Acts 20:23. However, he was not moved. May we make it our aim to finish our race with joy. Don’t be moved by the light and momentary hardships we experience in this world. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal (2 Corinthians 4:17-18 NIV).