Manna for Your Morning

Whatever you do [whatever your task may be], work from the soul [that is, put in your very best effort], as [something done] for the Lord and not for men, — Colossians 3:23 (AMP) In all that we do, let us not do the bare minimum just to get by. Work from the heart in whatever God has called you to do, giving it your very best. Remember, you are not doing it alone. The Holy Spirit dwells in you and enables you to fulfill the plans of purpose of our heavenly Father. Whatever we do, let's do it willingly and joyfully with the LORD, the source of our help, this brings glory to God's kingdom.

Passing along the beach of Lake Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew net-fishing. Fishing was their regular work. Jesus said to them, “Come with me. I’ll make a new kind of fisherman out of you. I’ll show you how to catch men and women instead of perch and bass.” They didn’t ask questions. They dropped their nets and followed. — Mark 1:16-18 (MSG) When Jesus told the early disciples to follow Him, they immediately left their nets and followed Him.  They didn't wait, wonder or wander. They were not like Gideon, who proceeded to ask God for a sign (Judges 6:36-40). They were not like Jonah, who went in the opposite direction, in an attempt to run away from God. (Jonah 1:2-3) May we have the heart to just FOLLOW JESUS, no matter where He may lead us.

Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You in the presence of the sons of men! — Psalm 31:19  (NKJV) The earth is full of the goodness of the LORD. (Psalm 33:5b) Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! (Psalm 107:21) The goodness of God endures continually. (Psalm 52:1) I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. (Psalm 27:13) “My people shall be satisfied with My goodness, says the LORD.” (Jeremiah 31:14) The LORD is good to all (Psalm 145:9). Surely goodness and mercy shall follow you all the days of your life; and you will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. (Psalm 23:6) Let us proclaim, “The LORD, the LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth…” (Exodus 34:6 NKJV).

He may have a great army, but they are merely men. We have the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles for us!” Hezekiah’s words greatly encouraged the people. — 2 Chronicles 32:8 (NLT) When the enemy attacks, do not be afraid or discouraged, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. Nothing is too difficult for our great God. Stand strong in the LORD and on His Word. How blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] are all those who take refuge in Him! (Psalm 2:12b)

Passing along the beach of Lake Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew net-fishing. Fishing was their regular work. Jesus said to them, “Come with me. I’ll make a new kind of fisherman out of you. I’ll show you how to catch men and women instead of perch and bass.” They didn’t ask questions. They dropped their nets and followed. — Mark 1:16-18 (MSG) There comes a point in life when we have to stop asking questions and just follow Jesus, no matter what. Let us stop asking, “Why is all this stuff happening to me?” or “How long must I endure this situation?” Just know that He will get us through everything that comes our way. In addition, may we drop the concerns of all our earthly possessions which we have gathered together in our nets, and follow, the King of kings and the Lord of lords. Jesus said, My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. (John 10:27, NKJV)

“All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.” — John 6:37 (NKJV) Most of us know the pain of rejection. Even Jesus was despised and rejected by men (Isaiah 53:3). Rejection often leads to feelings of being unwanted and thoughts of not being good enough. It sometimes creates a pretense that we don’t need anyone. Thank God that our past experiences with flawed humanity, is not the end of the story! Jesus, the good Shepherd, calls us to COME to Him. Jesus says He will never cast out those who come to Him. In the Amplified version, He says, “I will never, no never, reject one of them who comes to Me.” He holds on and doesn’t let go. No matter who you are and no matter what you have done, Jesus loves you and wants you close to Him. He will comfort you in all affliction.

For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies,” says the Lord God. “Therefore turn and live!” — Ezekiel 18:32 (NKJV) God, our Savior, desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4 NKJV). Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, (Hebrews 12:1 NIV). Amen!

For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken; and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.” So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him. — Luke 5:9-11 (NKJV) One characteristic of a disciple of Jesus Christ is that they forsake all. In Philippians 3:8 (GW), the Apostle Paul says, “I consider everything else worthless because I’m much better off knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. It’s because of him that I think of everything as worthless. I threw it all away in order to gain Christ” Another trait of the early disciples is that they followed Jesus. They did not make any excuses. Jesus said,  “Follow Me” and they simply followed Him. When we forsake all and follow Him, astonishing things happen in our midst!

Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, thanked God for them, and broke them into pieces. He gave them to the disciples, who distributed the food to the crowd. — Matthew 15:36 (NLT) After Jesus gave thanks for the seven loaves of bread and a few fish, four thousand men, besides women and children all ate and were satisfied. Then, the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. (Matthew 15:37-38). May we always give thanks to God for all that He has provided. If we remain faithful with the little, in the face of apparent lack, we will be satisfied. We serve a God of more than enough. Amen!