Manna for Your Morning

“O Sovereign LORD! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you!” — Jeremiah 32:17 (NLT) When we open the door of our hearts to the King of kings and the Lord of lords, our Savior and our Redeemer, we are new creations. Second Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV) says: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. The Lord GOD will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; He will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. He says: “I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.” (See Ezekiel 36:26-27 NKJV) “I am the LORD, the God of all the peoples of the world. Is anything too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 NLT) Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. — 1 Pe...

All of us must die eventually. Our lives are like water spilled out on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again. But God does not just sweep life away; instead, he devises ways to bring us back when we have been separated from him. — 2 Samuel 14:14 (NLT) A woman from Tekoa who had a reputation for great wisdom (See 2 Samuel 14:2), spoke these words to King David, in regards to the situation with his son, Absalom. However, Yahweh does not drive us away from Him, when we sin. His call is always to come near to Him, with a humble and repentant heart. In Numbers 9:17, the children of Israel refused to obey Yahweh, and did not remember His wondrous deeds which He performed among them. So they became stubborn and in their rebellion they appointed a leader to return to their bondage (slavery in Egypt). But Yahweh is a God of forgiveness, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness, and He did not forsake them.  Seek Yahweh while He may be found; Call upon Hi...

But You, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head. I was crying to the LORD with my voice, and He answered me from His holy mountain. Selah. — Psalms 3:3-4 (NASB1995) Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to him for protection. (Proverbs 30:5 NLT) Just as soldiers have to keep a tight hold on their shield for it to be effective, we have to hold onto Yahweh, and hide in Him to be kept safe from the flaming arrows of the evil one. Blessed be the LORD, because He has heard the voice of my supplication. The LORD is my strength and my [impenetrable] shield; My heart trusts [with unwavering confidence] in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I shall thank Him and praise Him. (Psalms 28:6-7 AMP) Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken. (Psalms 55:22 NASB1995) …I have trusted in Your lovingkindness; My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation....

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal which is taking place to test you [that is, to test the quality of your faith], as though something strange or unusual were happening to you. — 1 Peter 4:12 (AMP) Jesus told His disciples that in this world we would have tribulation, distress and suffering. However, He says to be courageous and filled with joy. In Him, we may have perfect peace because He has overcome the world. (See John 16:33 AMP) Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors and gain an overwhelming victory through Him who loved us [so much that He died for us]. (Romans 8:37 AMP) May we consider our difficulties, troubles and trials as an opportunity to trust God. For we walk by faith, not by sight. (See 2 Corinthians 5:7) Let us lift up the shield of faith with which we will be able to extinguish all the fiery darts of the wicked one. (See Ephesians 6:16) Many hardships and perplexing circumstances confront the righteous, but the LORD rescues him from them all....

But I am trusting you, O LORD, saying, “You are my God!” My future is in your hands. — Psalm 31:14-15a (NLT) With all that is going on in the world today, we have to choose again and again to confidently trust our mighty God, knowing that He will work it all together for good. He has plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. (See Jeremiah 29:11) So let us humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God and give Him all our worries and cares because He cares about us. At the right time he will lift you up in honor. (See 1 Peter 5:6-7)

So now I live with the confidence that there is nothing in the universe with the power to separate us from God’s love. I’m convinced that his love will triumph over death, life’s troubles, fallen angels, or dark rulers in the heavens. There is nothing in our present or future circumstances that can weaken his love. — Romans 8:38 (TPT) There is no power above us or beneath us—no power that could ever be found in the universe that can distance us from God’s passionate love, which is lavished upon us through our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One! (Romans 8:39 TPT) So, what does all this mean? If God has determined to stand with us, tell me, who then could ever stand against us? (Romans 8:31 TPT) As we abide in the Lord Jesus, God stands with us, and Jesus causes us to triumph over all. Hallelujah!

We can all draw close to him with the veil removed from our faces. And with no veil we all become like mirrors who brightly reflect the glory of the Lord Jesus. We are being transfigured into his very image as we move from one brighter level of glory to another. And this glorious transfiguration comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. — 2 Corinthians 3:18 (TPT) As we draw close to Him, we are progressively being transformed into the image of God. May we become more like Him, every day. Let us forgive others, the way He has forgiven us. (See Matthew 6:14-15). God's thoughts about us outnumber the grains of sand. May Jesus be at the center of all our thoughts and actions. Let us love the way He loves, sacrificially. Love keeps no record of being wronged (1 Corinthians 13:5). Let us reflect the grace and mercy He has given us onto others. And may we consistently reflect His compassion, kindness and gentleness.

Jesus answered them, “Do you finally believe? In fact, you’re about to make a run for it—saving your own skins and abandoning me. But I’m not abandoned. The Father is with me. 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 16:31-33 (MSG) When others abandon you, remember the Presence of God is with you. In His Presence, you have the power, peace and grace to do all He has called you to do. Even in the midst of difficulties and challenges, you will be unshakable and deeply at peace as you trust in Jesus.

“Seek GOD while he’s here to be found, pray to him while he’s close at hand. Let the wicked abandon their way of life and the evil their way of thinking. Let them come back to GOD, who is merciful, come back to our God, who is lavish with forgiveness.” — Isaiah 55:6-7 (MSG) If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9) He removes our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. (Psalms 103:12) Instead beating yourself up over past mistakes, decide to seek the wisdom of God at this present moment. Seek our merciful God while He may be found. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16 NASB)

Just as you cannot understand the path of the wind or the mystery of a tiny baby growing in its mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the activity of God, who does all things. — Ecclesiastes 11:5 (NLT) Our relationship with God is based on His love for us and our ability to trust Him, in all areas of our lives. We like to ask God “why?” but even more important than “why?” is “Who?” When we know that God is with us, that He is for us and that nothing is too difficult for Him, we can depend on Him. No matter what the question, challenge or situation, JESUS is the answer. He is our deliverer, refuge, and redeemer. He is our strength, our joy and our peace. He is a wonderful Counselor and mighty God! Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. ( Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT)

The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see. — Hebrews 11:1-2 (MSG) It takes wisdom to build a house, and understanding to set it on a firm foundation; (Proverbs 24:3 MSG). To have a life worth living, we must build it on the firm foundation of trust in our mighty and faithful God. Jeremiah 17:7 (NLT) says, “…blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence.” As we keep our trust in God, we will have deep peace and everlasting joy, regardless of the circumstances. Be confident that God is able and willing. Nothing is too difficult for Him.

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. — James 4:8 (NKJV) The enemy desires to pull us away from God, but our heavenly Father wants us to draw near. If you cannot hear His voice, maybe you are too far away. Let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water (Hebrews 10:22 NLT). Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16 NASB).

How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! — Psalm 119:103 (NKJV) Unless we delight ourselves in the LORD’s instructions, we will perish in our affliction. Never forget His precepts, for by them He has given us life (Psalm 92-93). The Message versions says: If your revelation hadn’t delighted me so, I would have given up when the hard times came. But I’ll never forget the advice you gave me; you saved my life with those wise words (Psalm 92-93). Amen!

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah — Psalm 46:1-3 (NKJV) When it seems the world is falling apart around us, God is a very present help. We need not fear because our mighty God is an impenetrable refuge. The LORD surrounds His people like a strong fortress. If life has you standing at the edge of a cliff, about to fall. Be courageous, God is there to catch you and be your strength.

Turn all your anxiety over to God because he cares for you. — 1 Peter 5:7 (GW) The Father loves us so much that we are actually called God’s dear children, and that’s what we are! (1 John 3:1) Jesus wants all who are burdened and weary to come to Him. Anxiety weighs us down. Banish anxiety from your heart. Give all your cares to God and live in His peace that surpasses all understanding!

I will sing of the Lord’s unfailing love forever! Young and old will hear of your faithfulness. Your unfailing love will last forever. Your faithfulness is as enduring as the heavens. Psalm 89:1-2 (NLT) Sing about the LORD's unfailing love. For who in the skies above can compare with the LORD? Who is like the LORD among the heavenly beings? (Psalm 89:6) There is no one who compares to the LORD. He is an awesome God! He is a mighty God! He is forever faithful and the love He has for us never fails. The LORD is always there, to comfort, to guide, to protect and to provide. Enjoy His presence today, tomorrow and forever!

For You will light my lamp; The LORD my God will enlighten my darkness. Psalm 18:28 (NKJ) When the doom and gloom of life tries to overtake us, the LORD enlightens our darkness. God has called us out of darkness and into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9). The dark, stormy clouds may last for a season, then God turns our darkness into light.

The Israelites who were present in Jerusalem celebrated the Feast of Unleavened Bread for seven days with great rejoicing, while the Levites and priests sang to the LORD every day, accompanied by the LORD's instruments of praise. 2 Chronicles 30:21 (NIV) For seven days the Israelites ate their assigned portions, offered fellowship offerings and praised the LORD. After they celebrated for seven days, 2 Chronicles 30:23 says, they celebrated joyfully for another seven days. And this was only one of many feasts and festivals they celebrated.  May we be like the Israelites when it comes to celebrating. If God woke you up this morning, He has given you a reason to praise Him. Don't limit your worship to once a week during Sunday church services. We can celebrate the good things the LORD has done for us every day of the week. Delight yourself in the Presence of the LORD. May the LORD anoint you with the oil of joy each and every day. Love, Jackie