Manna for Your Morning

“Your righteousness, O God, reaches to the highest heavens. You have done such wonderful things. Who can compare with you, O God? You have allowed me to suffer much hardship, but you will restore me to life again and lift me up from the depths of the earth. You will restore me to even greater honor and comfort me once again.” — Psalms 71:19-21 (NLT) No matter what hardships come, remember Yahweh is a God of restoration.  …You, O Yahweh, are a shield about me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head. (Psalms 3:3 LSB) I will exalt You, O Yahweh, for You have lifted me up, and have not let my enemies be glad over me. (Psalms 30:1 LSB)  O God, restore us and cause Your face to shine upon us, and we will be saved. (Psalms 80:3  NASB1995)  He refreshes and restores my soul (life); He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. — Psalms 23:3 (AMP)

“You have allowed me to suffer much hardship, but you will restore me to life again and lift me up from the depths of the earth.” — Psalms 71:20 (NLT) According to 2 Corinthians 4:17 (NASB1995), our affliction is momentary and light. You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. (2 Timothy 2:3 NKJV) So after you have suffered a little while, God will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. (See 1 Peter 5:10 NLT) In the meantime, keep on hoping for His help, and praise Him more and more. (See Psalms 71:14 NLT) Our mighty God is a God of restoration. “Unless the LORD had helped me, I would soon have settled in the silence of the grave. I cried out, “I am slipping!” but your unfailing love, O LORD, supported me. When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.” (Psalms 94:17-19 NLT) In Psalms 30:2 (NLT) David says: “O LORD my God, I cried to you for help, and you restored my health.” In Isaiah 5...

Soon the people began to complain about their hardship, and the LORD heard everything they said. Then the LORD’s anger blazed against them, and he sent a fire to rage among them, and he destroyed some of the people in the outskirts of the camp. — Numbers 11:1 (NLT) Complaining is unproductive, and it spreads negativity into the atmosphere. Instead of complaining, grumbling and murmuring about momentary afflictions and trials, bless the everlasting God, at all times. Let His praise continually flow from your mouth. (See Psalms 34:1) Hope continually, and praise Him yet more and more. (See Psalms 71:14) May the fruit of our lips, give thanks to His name forevermore. (See Hebrews 13:15) Keep trusting Yahweh to work everything together for good as you patiently endure troubles, hardships and calamities of every kind. Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, ...

Even though the Lord may allow you to go through a season of hardship and difficulty, he himself will be there with you. He will not hide himself from you, for your eyes will constantly see him as your Teacher. When you turn to the right or turn to the left, you will hear his voice behind you to guide you, saying, “This is the right path; follow it.” — Isaiah 30:20-21 (TPT) In all of our trials and tribulations, Yahweh is always with us, and He shows us the right path to take. Listen to His voice above all others. He will guide you in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. (See Psalms 23:3) “Yes, this is our God, our great God forever. He will lead us onward until the end, through all time, beyond death, and into eternity!” (Psalms 48:14 TPT) Just as we listen to the GPS in our vehicles to get us where we want to go, we need to listen to the voice of our heavenly Father to get to our desired destination in life. And just as the GPS re-routes us when we miss a turn, so our heav...

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider that I have made it my own yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the [heavenly] prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. — Philippians 3:13-14 (AMP) One of the enemy’s tricks is to keep us looking back. It's a distraction that puts us in a holding pattern. We will never attain all that God has for us, if we don’t press on and reach forward. Five times the Apostle Paul received thirty-nine lashes. Three times he was beaten with rods, once he was stoned, three times he was shipwrecked… He had been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from his countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; he had been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. (2...

Soon the people began to complain about their hardship, and the LORD heard everything they said. Then the LORD’s anger blazed against them… — Numbers 11:1 (NLT) The Israelites said, “ We remember the fish which we ate freely in Egypt, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic; but now our whole being is dried up; there is nothing at all except this manna before our eyes! ” (Numbers 11:5-6 NKJV). They despised the provision of the LORD and glorified what they ate while they were slaves. Sometimes we can get so focused on the small insignificant things, that we miss the big thing God is doing. The big thing is that they were free. May we always remember the good the LORD is doing, and has done in our lives. Instead of complaining about what we don’t have, let us lift our hands to praise God for all that He has provided. May we use the breath of life that He has put in our lungs to thank God that in spite of the hardships we face, He still reigns!

And they overcame and conquered him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, for they did not love their life and renounce their faith even when faced with death. — Revelation 12:11 (AMP) What Jesus went through was not for himself. He suffered, bled and died for us. Maybe what you are going through today, or have gone through in the past, is not about you. Even when faced with death, hold on to faith. God can use the land of your suffering to bring about great blessing and much fruit. Your greatest struggle becomes your story. Our stories may vary, but if we persevere to the end, Jesus has ensured victory for us all. Endure the hardship, and you will overcome and conquer all! Share your story. Your testimony will give others hope that they too will see the LORD’s goodness here in the land of the living. (Psalm 27:13)

You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. — 2 Timothy 2:3-4 (NKJV) A soldier on duty doesn’t get caught up in making deals at the marketplace. He concentrates on carrying out orders (2 Timothy 2:4 MSG). As good soldiers of Jesus Christ, we have received a call: a set of orders. Instead of getting entangled in the affairs of civilian life, and having an unauthorized absence (UA) from our place of duty, let us give our attention to fulfilling the mission the Lord has entrusted to us, that we may please our Commanding Officer. That means we must endure hardship, and stay alert and fully engaged in our God-given orders: assignments that tell us where to go, when to go and what to say.

Moreover [let us also be full of joy now!] let us exult and triumph in our troubles and rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that pressure and affliction and hardship produce patient and unswerving endurance. — Romans 5:3 (AMP) Regardless of any troubles and sufferings, we can be full of joy right now, knowing that patient endurance is the outcome. Patient endurance is what we need now, so that we will continue to do God’s will. Then we will receive all that He has promised (Hebrews 10:36 NLT). When our endurance is fully developed, we will be perfect and complete, needing nothing (James 1:4 NLT). Therefore… 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).

He gives power to the faint and weary, and to him who has no might He increases strength [causing it to multiply and making it to abound]. — Isaiah 40:29 (AMP) God makes strength available for every hardship, and every difficulty we face. When we are weary, we need to take our buckets and draw from the well of living water, where there is an endless supply of everything we need. God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, (Ephesians 3:20 NKJV). We are empowered to overcome every challenge by allowing His power that dwells in us, to work through us. Amen!

Moreover [let us also be full of joy now!] let us exult and triumph in our troubles and rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that pressure and affliction and hardship produce patient and unswerving endurance. And endurance (fortitude) develops maturity of character (approved faith and tried integrity). And character [of this sort] produces [the habit of] joyful and confident hope of eternal salvation. — Romans 5:3-4 (AMP) As we endure the challenges of this life, we can be sure that our faith is being strengthened, patience is produced and our character is being develop and growing in maturity. And this kind of character creates a joyful and confident hope within us. This hope never disappoints or deludes because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts. (Romans 5:5) Because God loves us and is working all things together for good, we will not be disappointed!

Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.  — Psalm 126:5-6 (NKJV) To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: a time to weep, and a time to laugh; A time to mourn, and a time to dance; (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4). During times of hardship, we may sacrifice, sweat, and tears, but if we persevere through the pain, we shall reap a bountiful harvest with shouts of joy!

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, — Hebrews 12:1-2a (NKJV) How do we run with endurance? 1) We strip off everything that hinders us from drawing closer to the Lord and throw it aside. We don’t need any extra baggage. Runners strip down to the bare minimum. 2) We look unto Jesus, from whom our help comes. He will lead us to the finish line. See every hardship as a hurdle to be jumped over. Notice the Word says to run, not walk. This indicates a sense of urgency. I think we all agree that we are living in the end times. Take the vision and run with it (See Habakkuk 2:2)!

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) Endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 2:3). Indeed we count them blessed who endure (James 5:11). Someone is always watching, your children, co-workers, etc. We don't know who may be encouraged as they see our faith and perseverance. De-clutter your life and run the race that lies before you. Never give up!

We must focus on Jesus, the source and goal of our faith. He saw the joy ahead of him, so he endured death on the cross and ignored the disgrace it brought him. Then he received the highest position in heaven, the one next to the throne of God. — Hebrews 12:2 (GW) In this life we have to endure some things. Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) The Amplified version goes on to say that Jesus deprived the world of power to harm us and conquered it for us. Amen! We must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 2:3), knowing that He has already given us the victory. Let us be like the Apostle Paul and fight the good fight, finish the race, and keep the faith (2 Timothy 4:7)!

You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.  — 2 Timothy 2:3-4 (NKJV) A good soldier stays focused on the mission. No matter what adversities arise, a good soldier endures hardship. They know all about courage, commitment, strength and sacrifice. Just as military service members, follow the orders of their Commanding Officer, make it your aim to satisfy and please Jesus, the One who enlisted you into His service. Be a good soldier for Jesus Christ! Today we honor and thank military men and women of the past and present, who are serving and have served our country and ensured our freedom. We remember those who have sacrificed to the point of giving their lives. Thank you.

Stand firm, and you will win life. — Luke 21:19 (NIV) My dear brothers and sisters, stand firm in Christ. Let nothing move you. Be strong and courageous. Patiently endure hardship. Keep your eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, and you will experience a full and abundant LIFE! Amen.

May the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. 1 Peter 5:10 (NKJ) Isaiah 53:3 tells us that even Jesus was a Man of suffering and familiar with pain. Endure hardship, the suffering won't last forever. When you are experiencing grief in all kinds of trials, it seems like its going to last forever, but it is temporary. Weeping may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning. And after you have suffered a little while, God will perfect, establish, strengthen and settle you. Your present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us (Romans 8:18).

Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs—he wants to please his commanding officer. 2 Timothy 2:3-4 (NIV) Today, as we remember those who have endured hardship to the point of giving their lives in service to our country, let's strengthen our resolve to please the One who enlisted us as soldiers - Christ Jesus. Don't get distracted by the affairs of everyday life. Like a good soldier, stay focused and keep marching ahead on the mission given to you by our Commanding Officer, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs—he wants to please his commanding officer. 2 Timothy 2:3-4 (NIV) Don't let the the affairs of everyday life distract you. Stay focused on pleasing our Commanding Officer, God himself. Like a good soldier of Christ Jesus, endure hardship. For the battle is not yours, but God's and in Him, we already have the victory. Praise the LORD! Love, Jackie