Manna for Your Morning

And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. — Galatians 3:27 (NLT) The one question most of us ask ourselves almost everyday is, “what am I going to wear?” Then we intentionally pick out an outfit and get dressed. Similarly, in the spiritual realm, we must purposefully choose how we clothe ourselves. We can choose to wear the garment of praise instead of the spirit of heaviness (Isaiah 61:3, NKJV). Romans 13:12 (NKJV) instructs us to cast off the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light. Colossians 3:12 (NIV) says, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony (Colossians 3:14, NLT).

“The One who sent me stays with me. He doesn’t abandon me. He sees how much joy I take in pleasing him.” — John 8:29 (The Message) Jesus said, “I always do those things that please Him,” (John 8:29, NKJV). May we imitate Christ and ALWAYS do those things that please the Father. Let's make it our highest aspiration. When we stay away from those things that grieve the heart of God, we live in peace of mind and heart. There is joy in being in perfect harmony with the God of the universe. We can sense His glory shining upon us and we are warmed from the smile upon His face. He knows that as we continue to be in sync with His will, we will live the life of abundance and freedom that Jesus came to give us. Amen!

“For everyone will be seasoned with fire, and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt. Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.” — Mark 9:49-50 (NKJV) As we give ourselves to God, as living sacrifices, we will all experience the fire of adversity. It takes the fire to burn out impurities. However, once we get through it, we are well-seasoned with salt. And salt is good, it gives flavor and distinction. Let us be all about the things that will outlast the fire: sharing the love of God, forgiving others, preserving peace and living in harmony with one another.

 Finally, everyone must live in harmony, be sympathetic, love each other, have compassion, and be humble. Don’t pay people back with evil for the evil they do to you, or ridicule those who ridicule you. Instead, bless them, because you were called to inherit a blessing. — 1 Peter 3:8-9 (GW) Let all who belong to the family of God, be of one mind and live in harmony and peace. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be sympathetic, kind and compassionate toward each other. Humbly put the needs of others ahead of your own. Let God avenge the wrongs that are done to you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called us to do, and He will bless us for our obedience.

Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11 (NIV) As we begin the countdown to 2012, the above passage of Scripture gives us some things to aim for in the coming year. First, we are instructed to rejoice. Let us be joyful. The joy of the Lord is our strength. Second, strive for full restoration, in every area of your life. Allow God's healing power to complete His perfect work in you. Next on the list is to encourage those in your life, daily. How good is a timely word! (Proverbs 15:23). The fourth thing is to abide in the peace, harmony and love of God. Amen.

A kingdom that is divided cannot continue, and a family that is divided cannot continue. Mark 3:24-25 (NCV) The Message Bible says, a constantly squabbling family disintegrates (Mark 3:25). We are called to dwell together in unity, husbands and wives, brothers and sisters, parents and children, believers in Christ. The Psalmist said, "How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!" Romans 12:18, says do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Let us do what leads to peace and harmony in our homes, within our church family, and at our jobs and places of business. Instead of tearing down, let's build each other up.