Manna for Your Morning

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) Once we were far away from God, but now we have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ (Ephesians 2:13). The LORD is full of compassion and mercy. He loves us and wants us close to Him. The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning(Lamentations 3:22-23. Praise the LORD!

So Jesus answered and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ it will be done. And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”   — Matthew 21:21-22 (NKJV) When we pray we must believe that we will receive. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective (James 5:16). But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord (James 1:6-7). Revelation 12:11 says, we overcome by the word of our testimony (faith). We speak what we believe. Amen.

So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. Luke 15:20 (NIV) The prodigal son took his share of his father's estate and wasted it all on a wild lifestyle, far away from home. When he came to his senses, he returned to his father's house. If you have strayed away from our heavenly Father, return home, the place where His glory dwells. You are His child and He longs to embrace you and surround you with His love and compassion. The father of the prodigal son put the best robe on him. He had a ring put on his finger and sandals on his feet. He celebrated with a feast. Our heavenly Father will rejoice over you.

How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you. In the shelter of your presence you hide them from all human intrigues; you keep them safe in your dwelling from accusing tongues. Psalm 31:19-20 (NIV) Our heavenly Father has an abundance of good things stored up for those who fear Him, an endless supply. He lavishes His goodness on those who abide in Him, blessing them in the sight of all. In His Presence, we are hidden from the schemes of man. In His shelter, we are safe from tongues that speak against us. May we honor God in all that we do and dwell in the shelter of His Presence.

I would have lost heart, unless I had believed That I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living. Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD! Psalm 27:13-14 (NKJ) Jesus came that we may have life, and that we may have it more abundantly (John 10:10), a rich, satisfying life (NLT). Even if you cannot see the good in your current situation, keep believing that you will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. He will work everything together for good to those who love God, and have been called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). Surely His goodness and love follows you all the days of your life (Psalm 23:6). Be of good courage.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever. Psalm 23:6 (NKJ) The use of the word "surely" should erase any doubt. We can be certain that goodness and mercy follows us everyday of our lives. The LORD says, “My people shall be satisfied with My goodness,” (Jeremiah 31:14). God is rich in mercy (Ephesians 2:4) and His mercy endures forever (Psalm 136:2)! Delight yourself in the great goodness and abundant mercy of our heavenly Father. Abide in His Presence always.

I love you, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my Savior, my God, my rock in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the strength of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:1-2 (GW) Our heavenly Father is an endless source of strength. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak (Isaiah 40:29). Praise God! We can do all things through Him who gives us strength (Philippians 4:13). Our God is Savior. With His saving power, He delivers us out of our troubles. He saves us from the flames of hell by offering the gift of eternal life through His Son, Jesus. The LORD is our shield. In the shadow of His wings, He protects us and keeps us safe. In our heavenly Father, we have everything we need. Glory hallelujah!

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (NIV) No matter what comes our way, thank God that we are not crushed, abandoned or destroyed. We may get frustrated, but we don’t give up. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory (2 Corinthians 4:17). No weapon formed against us shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17). We are children of God and everyone born of God overcomes the world, because the One who is in us is greater than the one who is in the world. Amen!

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. Psalm 3:3-4 (NAS) Our heavenly Father is a protective shield around us. He is the lifter of your head, full of glory and grace. Call out to the LORD and He will answer. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God (Philippians 4:6).

Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, Whose hope is in the LORD his God, Who made heaven and earth, The sea, and all that is in them; Who keeps truth forever, Psalm 146: 5-6 (NKJ) Happy and full of hope is the person who relies on Almighty God for help. There is nothing to difficult for the LORD, who made heaven and earth and all they contain. With the LORD as our helper, there is no need to fear. He is forever faithful.

Exercise your freedom by serving God, not by breaking the rules. Treat everyone you meet with dignity. Love your spiritual family. Revere God. Respect the government. 1 Peter 2:16-17 (The Message) Jesus Christ was sent to heal the brokenhearted, and proclaim liberty to the captives (Isaiah 61:1). Let us live as free people, free from bondage, sin and death. Free to pursue the dreams and desires of our hearts. Enjoy the benefits of freedom: peace, prosperity and happiness. In America, we have the power of choice. Use it wisely. Many thanks and heartfelt appreciation goes out to all the men and women who have served, and are serving in our Armed Forces to ensure that the U.S.A. remains home of the free. Happy 4th of July!

If any of you needs wisdom to know what you should do, you should ask God, and he will give it to you. God is generous to everyone and doesn’t find fault with them. James 1:5 (GW) Are you experiencing a dilemma? If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, who gives to all liberally and He will give it to you. Wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul (Proverbs 2:10). Blessed are those who find wisdom.

You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope. LORD, sustain me as you promised, that I may live! Do not let my hope be crushed. Psalm 119:114, 116 (NLT) The LORD is our hiding place and our shield. Keep your hope in His Word and you will not be disappointed. Surely God is our help; the Lord is the one who sustains us (Psalm 54:4). Let us be like Abraham. Romans 4:20-21 says, he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. Believe with all your heart that God is willing and able to fulfill His promises in your life.

You are my God, and I will praise you! You are my God, and I will exalt you! Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Psalm 118:28-29 (NLT) Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, all the time! Each and every day God faithfully pours His love and compassion upon us. What great love the Father lavishes on us, that we are called children of God! (1 John 3:1) Thank our heavenly Father for bringing us into His family and always taking care of us as His dearly beloved children.

‘And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:39-31 (NKJ) First Corinthians 13:13 says, of faith, hope, and love, that love is the greatest. Let us love God with all our minds, souls and bodies. May the longing of our hearts be for His Presence more than anything this world has to offer. Then, we are able to love our neighbors, those that live in our homes and everyone God brings our way in the course of a day. Love is patient. Love keeps no record of wrongs. And love never fails. Amen.

Even though an army sets up camp against me, my heart will not be afraid. Even though a war breaks out against me, I will still have confidence in the Lord. Psalm 27:3 (GW) As believers, we have an enemy and we are actively engaged in a spiritual war. The devil has declared war against those who keep God’s commands and hold fast to their testimony about Jesus, (Revelation 12:17). The devil's purpose is to steal, kill and destroy. However, no weapon formed against us shall prosper, (Isaiah 54:17). The One who is in us is greater than the one who is in the world, (1 John 4:4). So maintain your confidence in the LORD, for everyone born of God overcomes the world, (1 John 5:4). The battle belongs to God and He has given us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen! On this Memorial Day, we honor all those who have served and are presently serving in the U.S. military. Thank you for your service.

Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man whom You discipline and instruct, O Lord, and teach out of Your law, That You may give him power to keep himself calm in the days of adversity, until the [inevitable] pit of corruption is dug for the wicked. Psalm 94:12-13 (Amp) How blessed and full of joy are those who receive instruction and discipline from the Word of the LORD. The Amplified version says, that person is to be envied. Not only do we gain wisdom and understanding when we allow the Word of God to teach us. God also gives us the power to keep calm in the days of adversity.

Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully. 1 Peter 5:7 (Amp) Cast all of your cares and concerns on the LORD, once and for all. Leave them in His hands and do not pick them up again. God cares for you so much, He does not want you filled with anxiety and weighed down with burdens. Jesus came to set us free. God watches over you and He is all-knowing. He has the wisdom and power to get you through any situation. Instead of focusing on problems, keep your eyes on the LORD, your helper. Think about His goodness and His faithfulness.

I will listen to what God the LORD says; he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants— but let them not turn to folly. Psalm 85:8 (NIV) Listen to what the LORD says. He will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in Him (Isaiah 26:3). Instead of engaging in thoughtless or reckless behavior, His faithful saints, abide in the LORD, in a place of perfect peace and serenity.

Let all who seek you rejoice and be glad because of you. Let those who love your salvation continually say, “God is great!” Psalm 70:4 (GW) Rejoice and be glad because of who the LORD is and all He has done. He is gracious and merciful. He constantly showers us with His love and compassion. Praise the LORD! If you love your salvation, shout, "God is great!"