Manna for Your Morning

And Nehemiah continued, “Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength!” — Nehemiah 8:10 (NLT) When are we to be full of joy? First Thessalonians 5:16 (NLT)  tells us to ALWAYS be joyful. Consider every day God gives you as a sacred day to celebrate. It is a gift from above, coming down from the Father of lights. James 1:2-3 (NASB1995) says: Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.  So, do not be grieved, for the joy of Yahweh is your strength. He will turn your mourning into joyful dancing. He will take away your clothes of mourning and clothe you with joy, that you might sing praises to Him and not be silent. O LORD my God, let us give thanks to You forever! (See Psalms 30:11-12 NLT)

Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all. — Psalms 34:19 (NASB1995) The righteous may face many challenges, troubles, and hardships, but we can always count on two things. One, the LORD is with us, just as He was with Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego in the fiery furnace.(See Daniel 3:22-25) In Isaiah 43:2 (NKJV), He says: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you.” The second thing to remember is that He delivers us out of ALL our afflictions. Nothing is too difficult for our great and mighty God. Amen.

Then Elijah stood in front of them and said, “How much longer will you waver, hobbling between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him! But if Baal is God, then follow him!” But the people were completely silent. — 1 Kings 18:21 (NLT) Let us not waver between two opinions, trying to have one foot in the world, and one foot in the Kingdom of God. Don't be silent. Make a decision today. Believe in God, believe also in Jesus. (See John 14:1) In Matthew 12:30 (NASB), Jesus said: “The one who is not with Me is against Me; and the one who does not gather with Me scatters.” James 1:6 (NLT) says, when you ask God (for wisdom), be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. James adds: Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do. (James 1:7-8 NLT)  Abraha...

A mob quickly formed against Paul and Silas, and the city officials ordered them stripped and beaten with wooden rods. They were severely beaten, and then they were thrown into prison. The jailer was ordered to make sure they didn’t escape. So the jailer put them into the inner dungeon and clamped their feet in the stocks. — Acts 16:22-24 (NLT) After being beaten and jailed, you might have thought Paul and Silas were down and out, but about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them; (Acts 16:25 NASB1995) Never let the enemy steal your joy. The joy of the LORD is your strength. And your joy is contagious. Continually sing praises to our awesome and Mighty God. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. (See James 5:16 NLT) As Paul and Silas were praying and singing praise to God, suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All ...

Seek and deeply long for the LORD and His strength [His power, His might]; Seek and deeply long for His face and His presence continually. — Psalm 105:4 (AMP) The LORD looks down from heaven on the entire human race; he looks to see if anyone is truly wise, if anyone seeks God. (Psalm 14:2 NLT) May we continually search for the LORD and for His strength, and strive to do His will. Let us maintain a constant connection with our Lord and Savior. Cut off from that vital union with Jesus we can do nothing. He is the Vine and we are the branches. If we remain in Him we bear much fruit. (See John 15:5) Glory in His holy name; Let the hearts of those who seek and require the LORD [as their most essential need] rejoice. — Psalm 105:3 (AMP)

Yahweh, what a perfect God you are! All Yahweh’s promises have proven true. What a secure shelter for all those who turn to hide themselves in you, the wraparound God. God, you have wrapped me in power and made my way perfect. Through you I ascend to the highest peaks to stand strong and secure in you. — Psalm 18:30, 32-33 (TPT) Take refuge in the Lord. For he alone is my safe place. His wraparound presence always protects me as my champion defender. There’s no risk of failure with God! So why would I let worry paralyze me, even when troubles multiply around me? God’s glory is all around me! His wraparound presence is all I need, for the Lord is my Savior, my hero, and my life-giving strength. (Psalm 62:6-7 TPT) Romans 13:14 (TPT) says: fully immerse yourselves into the Lord Jesus, the Anointed One.

The LORD’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. — Lamentations 3:22-23 (NASB) Looking for the new normal? Do you want what's normal or new? So much about our heavenly Father is not routine or normal: seas parting, sick people being healed, barren wombs giving birth, blind eyes receiving sight, the dead coming back to life, etc. Instead of looking for what is normal, let us begin each day new and fresh, trusting God to be our guide. Instead of our own agenda, may we begin each day being led by the Holy Spirit, ready to execute God’s purpose and plan on the earth, as ambassadors of Christ, and as soldiers, continually focused on the mission. “ Do not remember the former things, or ponder the things of the past. ” — Isaiah 43:18 (AMP)  ...press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14 NASB)

I will teach you and tell you the way to go and how to get there; I will give you good counsel, and I will watch over you. — Psalm 32:8 (VOICE) No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it. (1 Corinthians 10:13 MSG) His eye is on us to lead us and guide us. His Spirit within, enables us to go where He directs and empowers us to do as He instructs. Instead of aimless wandering, just follow Him. The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” — Psalm 32:8  (NLT)

“ For if you embrace the truth, it will release more freedom into your lives. ”  — John 8:32 (TPT) The more we embrace the truth of God’s Word, the more freedom we will experience in our lives. The Passion Translation Footnotes read: The truth Jesus gives us releases us from the bondage of our past, the bondage of our sins, and the bondage of religion… To embrace the reality of Christ brings more freedom into your life. So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free. (John 8:36 NLT) Live free from shame, and guilt because the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7).  Live free from fear and anxiety because there is no fear in love. His perfect love drives out fear (1 John 4:18). Live free from the word “can’t” because in Matthew 19:26, Jesus said “…with God all things are possible.”

As for me, I will call upon God, and the LORD shall save me. Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice. He has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me… — Psalm 55:16-18a (NKJV) God has called us to peace in the midst of war. Inquire of Him in every battle. He has all your days written in His book and He knows the best way for you to go. Staying on the course He has for you leads to success and victory. Cast your burden on the LORD, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved. (Psalm 55:22 NKJV)

Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. — Matthew 14:28-30 (NLT) As long as Peter focused on Jesus, he was able to walk on water. The moment he looked at the wind and the waves, fear gripped him and he began to sink. Let us be careful what we look at. When the storms come, do not let them be a distraction. As we keep our eyes on Jesus and continue moving closer to Him, He will enable us to do all that we are called to do. Instead of studying your storm, examine the living Word of God. Instead of worrying about your storm, worship the One who is greater and higher than any weather pattern. Jesus! He is King of kings and Lord of lords and He reigns. Hallelujah! … keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who init...

“For I am the LORD, I do not change; Therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob.” — Malachi 3:6 (NKJV) Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22-23). When the LORD is at the foundation of our lives, we are building on solid ground, because He does not change. We can count on Him to be the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. His compassions never fail. His faithfulness and amazing love continues through the good times and through times of adversity. The LORD is good and He does good, always!

So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. — Hebrews 10:35-36 (NLT) Do not become sluggish, spiritually dull, or indifferent, but imitate those who are going to inherit God’s promises because of their faith and endurance (Hebrews 6:12). Let no actions of the enemy bother you or set you back. Keep fighting the good fight of faith. After you patiently endure the trials, you will enjoy to the full all the wonderful promises of God. Hallelujah!

By You I have been upheld from birth; You are He who took me out of my mother’s womb. My praise shall be continually of You.  — Psalm 71:6 (NKJV) Since the day He delivered you from your mother's womb, the LORD has been with you. He has taken care of you. We can  always lean and rely upon our mighty God. May our mouths be filled with His praise and with His glory all the day! (Psalm 71:8)

Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him. Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!  — Psalm 32:10-11 (NIV) As children of God, we are surrounded by His love, and His love never fails. The love of God never runs out on us. His love never abandons us. His unfailing love is our comfort and support. Through the unfailing love of the Most High we will not be shaken. Be glad and find joy in the LORD, you righteous people. Rely on His faithfulness and rejoice in Him!

I am counting on the LORD; yes, I am counting on him. I have put my hope in his word. I long for the Lord more than sentries long for the dawn, yes, more than sentries long for the dawn. Psalm 130:5-6 (NLT) When we count on the LORD, we put more faith in His Word than in any other report we receive. We don't dwell on any thoughts, ideas or suggestions the devil sends our way. Instead we meditate on the perfect Word of God. Long for the LORD, more than the worker looks for the end of his shift. We can count on Him, to be there for us at all times.

When three of Job’s friends heard of the tragedy he had suffered, they got together and traveled from their homes to comfort and console him. When they saw Job from a distance, they scarcely recognized him. Wailing loudly, they tore their robes and threw dust into the air over their heads to show their grief. Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and nights. No one said a word to Job, for they saw that his suffering was too great for words. Job 2:11a-13 (NLT) Sometimes the suffering of a friend is too great for words and we put off calling because we don't know what to say. Ecclesiastes 3:7 says, there is a time to be silent and a time to speak. Your presence alone will support and comfort a friend in the midst of a trial. May God, help us to be real friends who stick closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24) and be there for a friend in need.

Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD. There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off. Proverbs 23:17-18 (NIV) Those who keep their hope in the LORD will not be disappointed. Dare to hope for abundant joy, everlasting peace, unfailing love, physical healing, healthy relationships, obedient children, and saved family members and friends. As long as we honor God our hope will not be cut off. Hope in the living God, surely He has a fabulous future for you. Love, Jackie