Manna for Your Morning

“Great sorrow awaits you religious scholars and Pharisees—frauds and pretenders! For you are obsessed with peripheral issues, like insisting on paying meticulous tithes on the smallest herbs that grow in your gardens. These matters are fine, yet you ignore the most important duties of all: to walk in the love of God, to display mercy to others, and to live with integrity. Readjust your values and place first things first.” — Matthew 23:23 (TPT) Keep first things first. Genuine followers of Christ will continually walk closely with God, in His love and compassion for humanity. May we cultivate faithfulness, humility, generosity, honesty, justice, and love. He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does Yahweh require of you but to do justice, to love lovingkindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8 LSB)

But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. — James 3:17 (NLT) Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and turn away from evil. ( Proverbs 3:7 NASB1995) What sorrow for those who are wise in their own eyes and think themselves so clever. (Isaiah 5:21 NLT) If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. (James 1:5-6 NLT) First Corinthians 3:19 (NASB1995) says, the wisdom of this world is foolishness before God. Let us seek the wisdom from above, coming down to us from the Father of lights.

“Seek the LORD while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the LORD that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously.” — Isaiah 55:6-7 (NLT) If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9 NKJV) For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. (Psalms 103:11-12 NASB1995) “Now, therefore,” says the LORD, “Turn to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning. So rend your heart, and not your garments; Return to the LORD your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness; And He relents from doing harm.” (Joel 2:12-13 NKJV)

“then God will establish one of David’s descendants as king. He will rule with mercy and truth. He will always do what is just and be eager to do what is right.” — Isaiah 16:5 (NLT)  “What sorrow for those who say that evil is good and good is evil, that dark is light and light is dark, that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter. What sorrow for those who are wise in their own eyes and think themselves so clever.” (Isaiah 5:20-21 NLT) “Look to God’s instructions and teachings! People who contradict his word are completely in the dark.” (Isaiah 8:20 NLT) May we always be eager to do what is right. The godly will rejoice in the LORD and find shelter in him. And those who do what is right will praise him. (Psalms 64:10 NLT) ...O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: 
to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. — Micah 6:8 (NLT)

“God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.” — Ephesians 2:8 (NLT) Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. (Ephesians 2:1 NLT) All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else. (Ephesians 2:3 NLT) In those days you were living apart from Christ. You lived in this world without God and without hope. (See Ephesians 2:12) But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) (Ephesians 2:4-5 NLT) But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ.” (Ephesians 2:13 NLT) Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now...

“The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.” — Psalms 103:8 (NKJV) All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth, to such as keep His covenant and His testimonies. (Psalms 25:10 NKJV) He forgives all our iniquities, heals all our diseases, redeems our lives from destruction, and crowns us with lovingkindness and tender mercies. (See Psalms 103:3-4) May we draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (See Hebrews 4:16 NASB1995) Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; Yes, our God is merciful. The LORD preserves the simple; I was brought low, and He saved me. (Psalms 116:5-6 NKJV) Let us be merciful, just as our Heavenly Father is merciful. (See Luke 6:36)

“As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind beggar was sitting beside the road. When he heard the noise of a crowd going past, he asked what was happening. They told him that Jesus the Nazarene was going by. So he began shouting, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” “Be quiet!” the people in front yelled at him. But he only shouted louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” — Luke 18:35-39 (NLT) When Jesus heard the blind beggar, he stopped and ordered that the man be brought to him. As the man came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” “Lord,” he said, “I want to see!” And Jesus said, “All right, receive your sight! Your faith has healed you.” (See Luke 18:40-42) Never let what the crowd says influence your behavior toward Yeshua, our Lord and Savior. Nor let them stifle your belief in Him. Because the blind man continued to call upon Yeshua, Luke 18:43 says, instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus, praising God. And all who saw it praised God, too.” Do...

And He was saying to them, “You are from below, I am from above; you are of this world, I am not of this world. Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.” — John 8:23-24 (NASB1995) Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. (Ephesians 2:1-2 NLT) But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) (Ephesians 2:4-5 NLT) Yeshua came that we may have life, and that we may have it more abundantly. (See John 10:10) Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in the Son has everlasting life; (See John 3:36 & 6:47) Believe and live...

Then Jesus said to her, “O woman, your faith is great; it shall be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed at once. — Matthew 15:28 (NASB1995) The Syrophoenician woman (a Gentile) was one of a few people Yeshua told they had great faith. In Matthew 15:22, she came out and began to cry out, saying, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is cruelly demon-possessed.” She was aware that Yeshua had come into her region. People of great faith are attentive and sensitive to the Lord’ Pre sence, and come to Him. Matthew 15:23 says: He did not answer her a word. And His disciples came and implored Him, saying, “Send her away, because she keeps shouting at us.”  Instead of sending her away, Yeshua answered and said, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and began to bow down before Him, saying, “Lord, help me!” She humbled herself before Him and continued to ask Him for help. Great faith is persistent. And He answered and said, “...

“ For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me. He shows mercy from generation to generation to all who fear him. His mighty arm has done tremendous things! He has scattered the proud and haughty ones. ” — Luke 1:49-51 (NLT) If you are alive today, the Mighty One has done great things for you, and He didn't bring you this far to abandon you now. And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28 NASB1995) “For the eyes of the LORD are [looking favorably] upon the righteous (the upright), and His ears are attentive to their prayer (eager to answer), but the face of the LORD is against those who practice evil.” (1 Peter 3:12 AMP) “From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ.” (John 1:16-17 NLT) Bless Yahweh at all times and let His...

“As for me, I look to the LORD for help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me. Do not gloat over me, my enemies! For though I fall, I will rise again. Though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light.” — Micah 7:7-8 (NLT) Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters, as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the LORD our God, until He has mercy on us. (Psalms 123:2 NKJV) Even when you fall, keep looking to Yahweh, and you will rise again. Who is a God like Yahweh, who pardons iniquity and passes over the rebellious acts of the remnant of His possession? He will not stay angry with His people forever, because He delights in showing unfailing love. (See Micah 7:18) His anger is for a moment, but His favor is for a lifetime; (See Psalms 30:5a). The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine. (Isaiah 9:2 NLT) Proclaim the prais...

Seek the LORD while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the LORD, and He will have mercy on him; And to our God, for He will abundantly pardon. — Isaiah 55:6-7 (NKJV) People in this world seek many things: love, fame, fortune, power, etc. However, when we abide in Yahweh, we have all that we need. Call upon Him while He is near. If you truly seek Him, He will be found by you. Let us seek Almighty God, and His will and walk in His ways, all of our days. In His presence is fullness of joy; At His right hand are pleasures forevermore. (See Psalms 16:11) “Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord GOD, “That I will send a famine on the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD. They shall wander from sea to sea, and from north to east; They shall run to and fro, seeking the word of the LORD, but shall not find it. (Amos 8:11-12 NKJV)

Now the LORD had told Samuel the previous day, “About this time tomorrow I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin. Anoint him to be the leader of my people, Israel. He will rescue them from the Philistines, for I have looked down on my people in mercy and have heard their cry.” — 1 Samuel 9:15-16 (NLT) Our heavenly Father looks upon His people in mercy, and He hears our cries. Mercy is when we don’t get what we deserve. When we repent and confess our sins He is faithful to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (See 1 John 1:9) For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. (Psalms 103:11-12 NKJV) I reiterate the words of Samuel as he reassured the people: “Don’t be afraid. You have certainly done wrong, but make sure now that you worship the LORD with all your heart, and don’t turn your back on him. Don’t go back to wors...

The LORD also will be a refuge and a stronghold for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble; And those who know Your name [who have experienced Your precious mercy] will put their confident trust in You, for You, O LORD, have not abandoned those who seek You. — Psalms 9:9-10 (AMP) Our help is in the name of Yahweh, Who made heaven and earth. (Psalms 124:8 LSB) His name endures forever. He is El Elyon, the God Most High, over all the earth. He is El Roi, the God-Who-Sees. Call upon His name and He will answer. Now I know that Yahweh saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven with the saving might of His right hand. Some boast in chariots and some in horses, but we will boast in the name of Yahweh, our God. (Psalms 20:6-7 LSB) He is Elohim, the all-powerful One. May our hearts be united to fear His name. (See Psalms 86:11) Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not dread; For Yah—Yahweh Himself—is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation.” (Isaiah...

When he heard that it was Jesus the Nazarene, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many were sternly telling him to be quiet, but he kept crying out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” — Mark 10:47-48 (NASB1995) The crowd told the blind beggar named Bartimaeus, to be quiet, but he cried out all the more. Because he ignored the crowd and continued to call on Jesus, he regained his sight, and began following Jesus on the road. (See Mark 10:52) When those around you try to dissuade you from crying out to Jesus, ignore them. It's okay if your loud faith makes others uncomfortable. Continue to call on His name, continue to speak the Word of God and keep on believing. For Jesus said to Bartimaeus, “Go; your faith has made you well.” And once you receive from the Lord, be like Bartimaeus and continue to follow Jesus.

About that time Hezekiah became deathly ill, and the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz went to visit him. He gave the king this message: “This is what the LORD says: ‘Set your affairs in order, for you are going to die. You will not recover from this illness.’” When Hezekiah heard this, he turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD, — Isaiah 38:1-2 (NLT) Where do you turn when troubles and trials are upon you? Hezekiah turned to YAHWEH. The LORD God of Heaven’s Armies, heard Hezekiah’s prayer and seen his tears. He sent Isaiah back to King Hezekiah and said He will add 15 years to his life and rescue him from his enemies. (See Isaiah 38:4-6) Turn to YAHWEH. In Him is our healing and our help. He is our only hope. Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the LORD that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously. (Isaiah 55:7 NLT) Turn toward YAHWEH and receive grace, mercy and forgiveness for your...

But you, dear friends, carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, staying right at the center of God’s love, keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ. This is the unending life, the real life! — Jude 20-21 (MSG) The Passion Translation says: “…constantly and progressively build yourselves up on the foundation of your most holy faith by praying every moment in the Spirit.” (Jude 20) We should always pray and never give up, or lose heart. (See Luke 18:1-3) And let us keep ourselves in the love of God, receiving His love and allowing it to flow through us and onto others. Not only loving people, but also loving God with all of our heart, mind, and soul. May mercy and peace and love be multiplied to you [filling your heart with the spiritual well-being and serenity experienced by those who walk closely with God].  — Jude 2 (AMP)

Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. — James 4:8 (NLT) Continually draw near to God. His nearness is our good. The closer to Him we are, the more like the God of love, we grow. Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment]. (Hebrews 4:16 AMP)

Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment]. — Hebrews 4:16 (AMP) What a privilege and honor that we are able to humbly draw near to the throne of grace, with confidence. We have a heavenly Father Who desires us to be close to Him. As for God, His way is blameless; The word of the LORD is tried; He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him. For who is God, but the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God, (Psalm 18:30-31 NASB). The LORD lives, and blessed be my rock; and exalted be the God of my salvation, — Psalm 18:46  (NASB)

God makes everything come out right; he puts victims back on their feet. He showed Moses how he went about his work, opened up his plans to all Israel. God is sheer mercy and grace; not easily angered, he’s rich in love. — Psalm 103:6-8 (MSG) God said to Joshua, “ No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you. ” (Joshua 1:5 NLT) Just as God was with Joshua, He is with you and He causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)