Manna for Your Morning

“But you are God’s chosen treasure —priests who are kings, a spiritual “nation” set apart as God’s devoted ones. He called you out of darkness to experience his marvelous light, and now he claims you as his very own. He did this so that you would broadcast his glorious wonders throughout the world.” — 1 Peter 2:9 (TPT) God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. (See 1 John 1:5 NASB1995) He has called us out of the darkness to live in the light. For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! (Ephesians 5:8 NLT) With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. (Ephesians 4:17 NLT) Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. (See Philippians 2:15 NLT) “For at one time you were not God’s people, but now you are. At one time you knew nothing of God’s mercy, because you hadn’t received it yet...

But you are God’s chosen treasure—priests who are kings, a spiritual “nation” set apart as God’s devoted ones. He called you out of darkness to experience his marvelous light, and now he claims you as his very own. He did this so that you would broadcast his glorious wonders throughout the world. — 1 Peter 2:9 (TPT) Let us be devoted to the One who called us out of darkness and made us members of His royal family. This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike “What’s next, Papa?” God’s Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children.  (Romans 8:15-16 MSG) No matter “ what ” happens, know “ who ” you are: a child of God. And remember our heavenly Father is with you and He always takes care of His children.

...and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, — Revelation 1:5 (NIV) Today as we celebrate our Nation’s independence and remember those who have sacrificed, shed their blood and given their lives for our freedom as a country, let us celebrate Jesus, the most important freedom-fighter of all. He was the ultimate sacrifice. By His precious blood He set us free from sin and death and gave us the wonderful gift of eternal life. He proclaimed good news to the poor and freedom for those in bondage. Praise the Lord! Have a Happy Independence Day!