Manna for Your Morning

“ If you do well [believing Me and doing what is acceptable and pleasing to Me], will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well [but ignore My instruction], sin crouches at your door; its desire is for you [to overpower you], but you must master it. ” — Genesis 4:7 (AMP) Let us heed the warning the LORD gave to Cain. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; (See John 10:10a NASB) Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8 NLT) He wants to take you out, get you to sin against God. But Jesus has set us free. We no longer have to let the forces of evil overpower us. He came that we may have life, and have it abundantly. (See John 10:10 NASB1995) Don't ignore Yahweh's instruction.

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)

“… And do not be worried, for the joy of the LORD is your strength and your stronghold. ” — Nehemiah 8:10b (AMP) Time spent worrying is wasted time, and it weakens your faith. However, we remain strong when we hold onto the joy of the LORD. Jesus said, “ The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. ” (John 10:10 NASB) The enemy is always looking for an opportunity to steal your joy. If he steals your joy, he can kill your hope and destroy lives. Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, (James 1:2 NASB)

And the LORD said to Satan, “From where do you come?” So Satan answered the LORD and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.” — Job 1:7 (NKJV) Why does the devil go to and fro on the earth? First Peter 5:8b tells us, he prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy (John 10:10a). Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you (1 Peter 4:12 NLT). As 1 Peter 5:8a instructs,  be on the alert. Be cautious at all times. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. — Ephesians 6:11 (NASB)

Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour. — 1 Peter 5:8 (AMP)  After the devil had tempted Jesus for forty days, he departed from Him until an opportune time (Luke 4:2,13). Satan is always looking for an opportune time to steal, to kill, and to destroy. He sends his fiery darts to cause division, offense, bitterness, hatred, etc. so he can steal your peace and joy, and eventually kill your love. Since God is love, destruction is inevitable without the love of God in our hearts. But we can resist him, firm in our faith, and like Jesus, we can use God’s Word as our weapon of choice, by speaking what is written in it, over every situation.

If we were at home, I don’t think any of us would allow a robber to come in and just take what belongs to us and walk out the door. However, many people allow Satan to do just that. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. — John 10:10a (NKJV) The enemy's purpose is to steal, kill and destroy. He goes to and fro on the earth (Job 1:7). Don't think that he is not coming. First Peter 5:8 tells us to be sober, be vigilant; because our adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Jesus came that we may have life, and that we may have it more abundantly. — John 10:10b (NKJV) Our heavenly Father has given us so many precious promises and perfect gifts, but we let the enemy come and bind us up with his lies, and take what belongs to us. The minute you believe one of his lies, he steals your joy. Believe another lie and he takes your peace. He continues to steal from us until he has killed our hope and our trust ...

Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. — 1 Peter 4:12 (NLT) Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8 NASB) The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; (John 10:10a NASB) But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world. (1 John 4:4 NLT) Jesus came that we may have life, and have it abundantly. (John 10:10b NASB) His purpose is to give us a rich and satisfying life. (John 10:10b NLT)

Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. — 1 Peter 4:12 (NLT) Don’t be caught off guard when troubles come your way. We have an enemy who has declared war on us (Revelation 12:17). He is a liar and only wants to steal, kill and destroy. (John 10:10a) However, the One in us is mightier than he who is in the world. Our God is greater! Troubles come and go, but our heavenly Father remains forever. The Message Bible says: The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever. (2 Corinthians 4:18) This light momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison... (2 Corinthians 4:17) Jesus endured the cross for the joy that was set before Him. (Hebrews 12:2) Let us keep an eternal perspective, in all circumstances.

But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” — Matthew 4:4 (NKJV) When Jesus was tempted by the devil, He responded with the Word of God and overcame the devil. (Mathew 4:4,7 & 10). Satan makes war with believers (Revelation 12:17) and he is constantly prowling about seeking whom he may devour. He only comes to steal, kill, and to destroy. (John 10:10). When he throws fiery darts at you, use the Word of God to combat his lies. A good soldier never goes into battle without his weapons, but how often does the devil catch us in battle and not wielding our weapon? The Word of God is the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17), that allows us to triumph over our enemy. Speak the Word and continually hold up the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. (Ephesians 6:16)

Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward… — 1 Samuel 16:13 (NKJV) After David was anointed to be the next king over Isarael, he ended up being on the run for his life. In 1 Samuel 19:2, Jonathan told David, “My father Saul seeks to kill you.”  David had to live as a fugitive and hide out in caves before he reigned as king. After God has given you a word or revelation of your purpose or destiny, know that you will encounter challenges and experience difficulties. But, no wicked scheme of the enemy can thwart the wonderful plans of our great God. The accomplishment of the dream comes with much effort. Jesus said, “I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.” (John 16:33 MSG). He is greater. Amen!

Understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Let everyone be quick to hear [be a careful, thoughtful listener], slow to speak [a speaker of carefully chosen words and], slow to anger [patient, reflective, forgiving]; — James 1:19 (AMP) Be quick to hear. Take the time to listen and get understanding. And when you do speak, do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen (Ephesians 4:29 NIV). The tongue of the wise promotes health. (Proverbs 12:18b NKJV). May we choose our words carefully. Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose. (Proverbs 18:21 MSG)

The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. — John 10:10 (NLT) Every minute the enemy can get you to worry about the future or feel guilty about the past is valuable time he has stolen away from you. The most precious gift we have at any given moment is to enjoy the Presence of our great God. In His Presence, we experience true peace and fullness of joy. As long as the enemy can get you to worry, be anxious or fearful, he has destroyed any chance of you living the rich and satisfying life Jesus came to give you. Worry is a distraction that drains the energy and passion you need to pursue and fulfill the wonderful purpose and plans God has for you. Let him who steals, steal no longer. Cast all your cares on the LORD and totally trust Him with every area of your life.

By an act of faith, Isaac reached into the future as he blessed Jacob and Esau. — Hebrews 11:20 (MSG) I beg to differ with the saying “Sticks & stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me.” Words are very powerful. A word out of your mouth may seem of no account, but it can accomplish nearly anything—or destroy it! With our words we carry the potential to bless or curse, build up or tear down, bring together or create division. Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose (Proverbs 18:21 MSG). Our words are like a bridge that creates the passageway from the present to the future. May we reach into the future with words of life and blessing. Let’s lift those who hear our words up and not drag them down or beat them up. Amen!

The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy, but Jesus came that we may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows). — John 10:10 AMP Two things we know about our enemy: he is a liar and a thief. Refuse to listen to his lies and don’t let him steal anything that your heavenly Father has given to you. He wants to rob you of joy and peace. He wants to lure your heart away from God. Close the door to the tricks and distractions of the enemy. Allow him to burglarize you no more. He will steal the present, with regrets about the past or worries about the future. Let’s enjoy life in the presence of our God, every breathing moment.

Do you want to be counted wise, to build a reputation for wisdom? Here’s what you do: Live well, live wisely, live humbly. It’s the way you live, not the way you talk, that counts. — James 3:13 (MSG) The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; Jesus came that we may have life, and have it abundantly (John 10:10 NASB). So let us live wisely by walking in His ways and according to His Word. Live humbly in the Presence of God, with a heart full of gratitude. Live well, by fighting the good fight of faith and continuing to the end. Let’s enjoy the rich and satisfying life Jesus came to give us. (John 10:10 NLT). God has placed this rich and satisfying life inside of you. It is not in our external circumstances.

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. — John 10:10 (NKJV) Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8 NIV). Walk in wisdom and don't fall into the enemy's traps. Ignore the noise of his distractions and focus on the voice of our Savior and Shepherd, who came that we may enjoy life in abundance, to the full, till it overflows (AMP)!

“...Today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not panic or be terrified by them. For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.” — Deuteronomy 20:3-4 (NIV) Every day we are engaged in a battle because our adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. We need to stay alert and of sober mind (1 Peter 5:8). The Message Bible says, the Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. John 10:10 says, the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. But praise God, Jesus came that we may have life and have it to the full!

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. — John 10:10 (NKJV) First, we have to remember that we have an enemy who prowls about like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). If we stay alert and do not allow him to distract us in our walk with our heavenly Father, we will experience the more abundant life Jesus came to give us. God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20). In Jesus, we experience grace and more grace, our cups overflow with blessings. We have a love that never ends, and never fails. Praise the Lord!

The huge serpent was thrown down. That ancient snake, named Devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world, was thrown down to earth. Its angels were thrown down with it. — Revelation 12:9 (GW) Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. Do not be deceived, my brothers and sisters. Be strong and fight the good fight of faith. We have already won the victory, because the Spirit who lives in us is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly." John 10:10 (NAS) Jesus warned us that the only reason the thief comes is to steal, kill and destroy. He wants to steal your joy and peace, and destroy your marriage, and other relationships. He would like to destroy your Christian testimony and take you out. The devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). We have to be alert at all times to the tricks of our enemy so we don't fall into his traps. James 4:7 says, when we submit to God and resist the devil, he will flee. Do this, and experience the abundant life Jesus came to give us. Amen. Love, Jackie