Manna for Your Morning

  we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord.   — 2 Corinthians 5:8 (NASB1995) Yesterday, my ninety-one year old mother, went to her real home with the Lord. He has  wiped away every tear from her eyes, and released her from a tired body racked with pain and suffering. I’m sure she heard the words: “ Well done, thou good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord .” Today, I am reminded of the words Yeshua spoke to Martha in John 11:25: “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies,” Precious [and of great consequence] in the sight of the LORD is the death of His godly ones [so He watches over them]. (Psalms 116:15 AMP) The Spirit of God has made us, and the breath of the Almighty gives us life. (See Job 33:4) We are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.” (See James 4:14) But HOW we live matters, live well and close to our Heave...

And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. — Colossians 2:6-7 (NLT) May we be deeply rooted and securely grounded in Jesus and the love of God. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. (Ephesians 3:17 NLT) Your roots nourish the rest of your body. If your roots are in an environment that is not conducive to growth, it will cause you to be weak and die spiritually. Being deeply rooted in Jesus gives us the nourishment to grow strong, thrive and bear much fruit. Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in [union with] Him [reflecting His character in the things you do and say—living lives that lead others away from sin], having been deeply rooted [in Him] an...

I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. — Ephesians 3:16-17 (NLT) We are empowered to do all that God has called us to do, as we surrender to the work of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. His power is perfected and shows itself most effectively in our weakness. Be rooted in God’s love and trust Him to give you the strength you need to overcome each and every challenge. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.  — 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT)

For we  live by believing and not by seeing. — 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NLT) Fear nothing—not wild wolves in the night, not flying arrows in the day, not disease that prowls through the darkness, not disaster that erupts at high noon. Even though others succumb all around, drop like flies right and left, no harm will even graze you. You’ll stand untouched, watch it all from a distance, watch the wicked turn into corpses. Yes, because God’s your refuge, the High God your very own home, evil can’t get close to you, harm can’t get through the door. (Psalm 91:5-10 MSG) No disaster, nor deadly disease is greater than our mighty God. Trust Him and make the LORD your home, your dwelling place. Believe His Word in your heart and speak it out of your mouth. It’s what we trust in but don’t yet see that keeps us going. Do you suppose a few ruts in the road or rocks in the path are going to stop us? — 2 Corinthians 5:7-8a (MSG)

‘Look! He has placed the land in front of you. Go and occupy it as the LORD, the God of your ancestors, has promised you. Don’t be afraid! Don’t be discouraged!’ — Deuteronomy 1:21 (NLT) Wherever God sends you out today, whether it be the marketplace, your job, business, home or school, it is the land He has placed in front of you. Let us go and occupy it. We are to invade the land with His light, His love, His joy and His peace. Let us infiltrate the earth with His mercy and grace, kindness and compassion. As good soldiers of Jesus the Christ, let us continually advance and occupy the land He has given to us. Be strong and very courageous, for the LORD is with you, and He will give you the land.

Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. — Ephesians 3:17 (NLT) First Corinthians 16:14 (NASB) instructs us to let all that we do be done in love. When we are rooted and grounded in the love of God, we produce the fruit of love. Drawing from the limitless supply of God's love within us, strengthens us and enables us to to serve one another in love. (Galatians 5:13) Being filled with God's love allows us to be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults... (Ephesians 4:2). So let your love abound still more and more (Philippians 1:9). For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love. (Hebrews 6:10)  It's with unfailing love that God draws us to Him. (Jeremiah 31:3)

“I have spread out My hands all the day long to a rebellious and stubborn people, who walk in the way that is not good, [following] after their own thoughts and intentions, — Isaiah 65:2 (AMP) In Luke 15:11-32, Jesus tells a parable about a young son who demanded his inheritance. went to a far country and squandered his wealth in reckless and immoral living. After he spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. (Luke 15:14) When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, “At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger!” (Luke 15:17)   So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. (Luke 15:20 AMP) Our heavenly Father is full of love and compassion toward us. His arms are open and He is waiting for His lost children to come home. He longs...

My people will live in safety, quietly at home. They will be at rest. Even if the forest should be destroyed and the city torn down, the LORD will greatly bless his people. Wherever they plant seed, bountiful crops will spring up. Their cattle and donkeys will graze freely. — Isaiah 32:18-20 (NLT) It is the heart of our Heavenly Father to bless His people and the work of their hands. He is not a hard man, as the man who received one talent in Matthew 25:24, believed Him to be. For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. (Psalm 91:3-4) Even when you walk through the darkest valley, do not be afraid, for He is close beside you. His rod and staff protect and comfort you. (Psalm 23:4) Surely His goodness and unfailing love will pursue you all the days of your life, and you will live in the house of the LORD forever. (Psalm 23:6) ...

But they took their stand in the middle of the field. They defended it and struck the Philistines down, and the LORD brought about a great victory. — 1 Chronicles 11:14 (NIV) Whatever territory the LORD has given you: your home, your workplace, your neighborhood, etc. take a stand and watch the LORD bring about a great victory! Take your stand against the devil’s schemes. (Ephesian 6:11 NIV). Stand on the Word of God, in faith, c asting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ … (2 Corinthians 10:5 NKJV). Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today. Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. (1 Corinthians 16:13 NIV)

So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son. — John 1:14 (NLT) Christ Jesus makes His home among His people. He dwells within us. He is full of unfailing love and faithfulness. That means that His love will never fail us. If everyone in your life deserts you, know that the Lord will stand by you. If you're not feeling loved by the Lord, then you have been listening to the lies of the enemy. Nothing will ever stop His flow of love to you. We do not have to earn His love. He loves us because it is who He is. No matter how you feel emotionally or how circumstances may appear, continue to rely on His love. Everyone who confesses that Jesus is God’s Son participates continuously in an intimate relationship with God. (1 John 4:15 MSG) And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. (1 John 4:16 NIV)

You’re Safe! You who sit down in the High God’s presence,     spend the night in Shaddai’s shadow, Say this: “God, you’re my refuge.     I trust in you and I’m safe!” That’s right—he rescues you from hidden traps,     shields you from deadly hazards. His huge outstretched arms protect you—     under them you’re perfectly safe;     his arms fend off all harm. Fear nothing—not wild wolves in the night,     not flying arrows in the day, Not disease that prowls through the darkness,     not disaster that erupts at high noon. Even though others succumb all around,     drop like flies right and left,     no harm will even graze you. You’ll stand untouched, watch it all from a distance,     watch the wicked turn into corpses. Yes, because God’s your refuge,     the High God your very own home, Evil can’t get close to you,     harm can’t get through th...

By an act of faith, Abraham said yes to God’s call to travel to an unknown place that would become his home. When he left he had no idea where he was going. — Hebrews 11:8 (MSG) Will you say “Yes!” to the call of God on your life? Will you leave the known and familiar to journey toward what God has yet to reveal? It’s only when we faithfully follow God that we are in position to enjoy the fullness of His Presenc e and receive the complete inheritance that He has for us. Say “Yes!” to Him today. Abraham did it by keeping his eye on an unseen city with real, eternal foundations—the City designed and built by God (Hebrews 11:10 MSG). So don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix your gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. (2 Corinthians 4:18 NLT)

On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. — Luke 24:1 (NIV) The women prepared spices and fragrant oils for the body of Christ. Jesus is the Bridegroom and we, the church, are His bride. Every bride prepares herself for her groom. Are you preparing your heart, as a home for Jesus? Open the door of your heart and let His grace and mercy flood every room. Continual housecleaning is needed, to make sure it does not become cluttered with unforgiveness and bitterness. Toss out the rubbish of offense and envy. Let Christ occupy every area. Allow Him to fill the chambers of your heart with His love and His light, until it overflows and radiates out of the windows and onto those around you. When He resides in your heart, joy and peace fill the atmosphere, and compassion and kindness adorn the walls. Make your heart, a pleasant place for Christ to reside. Behold, I stand at the door [of the church] and conti...

But the LORD watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love. — Psalm 33:18 (NLT) It’s hard for many to understand the magnitude of God’s love because somebody we knew once told us they loved us, then turned around and hurt us with betrayal, lies, etc. The LORD doesn’t love the way flawed humanity loves. His ways are higher and His love is perfect. He forms a covenant that He is faithful to uphold. His love is always and forever. When our heavenly Father says He will never leave us, He means it. Even though we may stray away from Him, like the father of the prodigal son, He is always on the look out for us to come home. When we turn to Him, He runs to us with arms wide open, to embrace us and hold us close to Him. God gives His all for love. He gave His Son because He loved us and desired to fellowship with us now and forever. He only wants the best for us. We can rely on God’s unfailing love.

As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. — Ezekiel 34:12 (NIV) I will search for my lost ones who strayed away, and I will bring them safely home again. I will bandage the injured and strengthen the weak (Ezekiel 34:16a NLT). If you have lost your way in the storms of life and strayed away from our heavenly Father, just know, He is calling you to come back into fellowship with Him. We were created to dwell in His Presence and that is where we will thrive and grow whole, strong and healthy. He welcomes you to come home, today!

Surely the righteous shall give thanks to Your name; The upright shall dwell in Your presence.  — Psalm 140:13 (NKJV) The presence of the LORD is to be our dwelling place, our home, the place where we live. In His presence is fullness of joy, everlasting peace and unfailing love. For the LORD delights in his people; he crowns the humble with victory (Psalm 149:4 NLT). The LORD your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17 NKJV). Abide in His presence!

Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God. — Psalm 90:1-2 (NKJV) When we make the Lord our dwelling place, we stay and settle in Him. We reside in His loving Presence and know that He is always with us. If you make the LORD your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone (Psalm 91:9-12, NLT).

 “And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. — Luke 15:20 (NKJV) After the lost son, wasted his wealth in wild living, he began to be in want. Eventually, he came to himself, and decided to return home (Luke 15:17-18). While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and had compassion. No matter how far you are away from God today, He sees you and has compassion. You are still His son or daughter and He longs to hold you in His arms. Return to who you really are, a child of God. Come home!

I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD; I will make mention of Your righteousness, of Yours only.  — Psalm 71:16 (NKJV) The Lord stands with you and strengthens you. When your strength fails, draw from His limitless supply. Go in the strength of the Lord, wherever God calls, your home, the work place, or market place, etc,  and be led by His Spirit. Those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, they run and don’t get tired, they walk and don’t lag behind (Isaiah 40:31, MSG). Blessed is the person whose strength is in the LORD (Psalm 84:5). Let God be the strength of your heart and your portion forever (Psalm 73:26).

And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. Luke 15:20 (NLT) This lost son had taken his inheritance, moved to a distant country and wasted all his money in wild living. After his money ran out, a great famine swept over the land, and he began to starve, but no one gave him anything. When he came to his senses, he returned home. While he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. The father had the best clothes put on him and they had a feast and celebrated. If you have wandered away from our heavenly Father, return home. He will not condemn you. Abba Father is waiting for you with a heavy heart and open arms.