Manna for Your Morning

But they shook off the dust from their feet against them, and came to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. — Acts 13:51-52 (NKJV) When the Jews persecuted the Apostle Paul and Barnabas for preaching the Word to the gentiles, they shook the dust from their feet and moved on to the next town. When we are walking in the will of God and others refuse to accept us, we have to know when to shake the dust off our feet and move on down the road. Refuse to let the enemy steal your joy!

But My servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit in him and has followed Me fully, I will bring into the land where he went, and his descendants shall inherit it. — Numbers 14:24 (NKJV) In the school of ministry, we learned that “different” means next. While the other Israelites were ready to turn around and go back to the land of their captivity, Caleb was courageous and ready to conquer the enemies living in the promised land. Do you have a what’s next spirit or a what could have been spirit? Let us not have a critical, whining or complaining spirit like those who perished in the desert. The eyes of the LORD are constantly searching the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him (2 Chronicles 16:9). Even though circumstances don’t appear the way you thought they should, always be ready to move on and ask God “what’s next?”

Then Samuel said to the people, “Do not fear. You have done all this wickedness; yet do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart. And do not turn aside; for then you would go after empty things which cannot profit or deliver, for they are nothing.” — 1 Samuel 12:20-21 (NKJV) No matter what mistakes you made in the past, confess your sins and move on with the LORD. 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). The exact moment you decide to take a detour off of the path the LORD has before you, you have decided to go after empty things. These things will be of no profit to you and they can never deliver you. Worship and serve the LORD with all your heart and soul, and pay no attention to the distractions of the enemy!

If your heart is broken, you’ll find God right there; if you’re kicked in the gut, he’ll help you catch your breath. Disciples so often get into trouble; still, God is there every time.  — Psalm 34:18-19 (The Message) If you have received news that hit you like a punch to the gut, please know, God is right there. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed (Psalm 34:18, NLT). He comforts us in all our tribulation. Even when we miss the mark, still, the Father of mercies is right there to help us pick up the pieces and move on, empowered and strengthened.