Manna for Your Morning

And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. — Luke 2:7 (NKJV) Jesus stands at the door of your heart and knocks. Will you lay aside the excuses, remove the barriers and let Him come in? Is there room in your heart for our eternal Savior, or are your affections set on temporary pleasures and material possessions? Is their space available in your mind for thoughts about the King of kings and the Lord of lords, or is it totally cluttered with cares and concerns and of this world? The Lord is always thinking of us. Psalm 8:4 says, “What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him?” May we be mindful of His goodness, and the wonderful works He has done and is currently doing in our midst. Let His Presence occupy every crevice of your heart. His Presence in our hearts is the most excellent and perfect present we could ever receive.

But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also. — Matthew 6:33 (AMP) Instead of striving for a perfect set of circumstances or aiming to acquire material possessions, seek Jesus, the perfect One and He will take care of all that concerns you. Seek the One whom the winds and the sea obey (Matthew 8:27). Seek the One who causes the dead to live again (John 11:43-44). He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds [healing their pain and comforting their sorrow] (Psalm 147:3 AMP). Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face continually. (1 Chronicles 16:11 NASB)

Many people say, “Who will show us better times?” Let your face smile on us, LORD. You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine. — Psalm 4:6-8 (NLT) Material possessions cannot compare to the inexpressible joy that comes from dwelling in the Presence of our great God. In His Presence, we experience fullness of joy and abiding peace. Greater joy comes in knowing Him and completely trusting Him for everything that concerns us. We experience better times when we allow Him to fill us with His love, strength and peace. Come into His Presence, with your arms lifted and heart open wide to Him. He will cover you and completely protect you with His pinions, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and a wall. (Psalm 91:4 AMP) For You have been a shelter for me, a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings. Selah (Psalm 61:3-4 (NKJV)

How much better to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.  — Proverbs 16:16 (NKJV) Choose to get understanding rather than material gains or possessions. No earthly riches compare to understanding. Let us seek first to understand, then to be understood (7 Habits of Highly Effective People, by Stephen R. Covey). He who keeps understanding shall prosper and find good (Proverbs 19:8b AMP). Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. Good understanding gains favor, (Proverbs 13:15a NKJV). Understanding is a wellspring of life to him who has it (Proverbs 16:22 NKJV).

You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. — Psalm 16:11 (NKJV) No matter what material possessions we may lack, as long as we dwell in the presence of Almighty God, we will experience fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore.  As believers and followers of Christ, we do not have to pursue happiness. Our pursuit is to abide in His Presence and our joy will be made full and complete. Thank God for His wonderful Presence!

“O our God, we thank you and praise your glorious name! But who am I, and who are my people, that we could give anything to you? Everything we have has come from you, and we give you only what you first gave us!” — 1 Chronicles 29:13-14 (NLT)  Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father (James 1:17). Let us give Him thanks, and praise His glorious name! All that we have, His generous hand has provided. May we be wise stewards of all that God has so graciously entrusted to us: our finances, our children, our spouses, material possessions, etc.