Manna for Your Morning

Then they brought the apostles before the high council, where the high priest confronted them. “We gave you strict orders never again to teach in this man’s name!” he said. “Instead, you have filled all Jerusalem with your teaching about him, and you want to make us responsible for his death!” But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than any human authority.” — Acts 5:27-29 (NLT) In Acts 4:18, the apostles were commanded to never again speak or teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:19-20 NLT) As the Apostle Peter said: “We must obey God rather than men.” In Luke 12:5 (TPT), Jesus said: “The one you must fear is God, for he has both the power to take your life and the authority to cast your soul into hell. Yes, the only one you need to fear is God.” The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in and puts his confi...

“let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Yeshua ha-Mashiach ha-Natzrati (of Nazareth) —whom you had crucified, whom God raised from the dead—this one stands before you whole. This Yeshua is ‘the stone—rejected by you, the builders—that has become the chief cornerstone.’ There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved!” — Acts 4:10-12 (TLV) Before you call upon the pastor, preacher, priest, or president, make sure you call upon and trust in the name of Yeshua, our Savior.  “And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.” (Acts 2:21 NKJV) Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins.” (Acts 10:43 NASB1995) “And now you must repent and turn back to God so that your sins will be removed, and so that times of refreshing will stream from the Lord’s presence.” (Act...

So repent [change your inner self—your old way of thinking, regret past sins] and return [to God—seek His purpose for your life], so that your sins may be wiped away [blotted out, completely erased], so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord [restoring you like a cool wind on a hot day]; and that He may send [to you] Jesus, the Christ, who has been appointed for you, — Acts 3:19-20 (AMP) Jesus bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. (See 1 Peter 2:24) Repent and return to God. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9 NASB1995) Amen.

He said, “I came naked from my mother’s womb, and I will be naked when I leave. The LORD gave me what I had, and the LORD has taken it away. Praise the name of the LORD!” — Job 1:21 (NLT) In response to losing all his children, and all of his possessions, Job did not sin nor did he blame God. (See Job 1:22) Instead, he fell to the ground and worshiped. (See Job 1:20) When we experience loss in this life, may we remain grateful for God’s Presence. Regardless of the presents and gifts, He is always with us. “…Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?” (See Job 2:10) Remember that every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from God our Father. (See James 1:17) He sustains us with the breath of life, strength, and good health. Our time, talents and abilities are gifts from Him. All of our material possessions, our family and friends are gifts from our Heavenly Father. It’s nothing we did to deserve it. It’s only because of His goodness, grace and mercy th...

The LORD is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray. He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them his way. The LORD leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all who keep his covenant and obey his demands. — Psalm 25:8-10 (NLT) There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. (Proverbs 14:12 NKJV) The ways of the LORD lead to an abundant, and fruitful life. He has set before us life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life. (See Deuteronomy 30:19) The LORD shows us the proper path, it is up to us, to make the decision to follow. Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the LORD. (Psalm 119:1 NLT) Be a faithful follower of the LORD. Show me the right path, O LORD; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you. — Psalm 25:4-5 (NLT)

Do not yield to fear, for I am always near. Never turn your gaze from me, for I am your faithful God. I will infuse you with my strength and help you in every situation. I will hold you firmly with my victorious right hand.’ — Isaiah 41:10 (TPT) Our faithful God, who cannot lie, is always near and promises to help us in every situation. Let us look away from all that will distract us and focus our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith… (See Hebrews 12:2 AMP). for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’ (Acts 17:28 NKJV)

It’s impossible to please God apart from faith. And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that he exists and that he cares enough to respond to those who seek him. — Hebrews 11:6 (MSG) Let us draw near to God with sincere hearts, full of faith. Believe that He exists and that He cares deeply for you. Jesus could not do many miracles in His hometown because of their lack of faith. May we live by faith, and earnestly and diligently seek God, His will and His Kingdom, because He who promised is faithful. Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. (Hebrews 10:23 MSG)

Then He said to him, “A certain man gave a great supper and invited many, and sent his servant at supper time to say to those who were invited, ‘Come, for all things are now ready.’ But they all with one accord began to make excuses… ” — Luke 14:16-18a (NKJV) Everyday Jesus calls us into the throne room of God. He invites us to come to Him, to come up to a higher level, to come out of the dominion of darkness and into His marvelous light. He calls us to join Him out in the deep waters. When Jesus calls us to come, let us not make excuses. Instead, let us choose to walk with Christ daily and follow Him closely, not at a distance. May we be like the early disciples, who forsook all and followed Jesus. He is the answer to every need you have. He is the way, the truth and the life. (John 14:6)

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavily burdened [by religious rituals that provide no peace], and I will give you rest [refreshing your souls with salvation] . — Matthew 11:28 (AMP) May we set aside religious rituals and man-made rules and enjoy a genuine, intimate relationship with Jesus Christ, our Savior. The One who gave His life to set us free. Instead of seeking a dead religion, enjoy a rich and satisfying relationship with a living God who loves you so very much. He is the Prince of Peace and He has given His peace to us (John 14:27). He is Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” (Matthew 1:23) Walk and talk with Him daily. Cast all your cares on Him for He cares for you.

I’ll call nobodies and make them somebodies; I’ll call the unloved and make them beloved. In the place where they yelled out, “You’re nobody!” they’re calling you “God’s living children.” — Romans 9:25-26 (MSG) You have been personally selected and chosen by God. He calls us by name. When the world tries to beat you down and make you feel like a nobody, remember you're a child of the living God! The One who put the stars in place and set the sun on its course, is your heavenly Father. What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it—we’re called children of God! That’s who we really are. But that’s also why the world doesn’t recognize us or take us seriously, because it has no idea who he is or what he’s up to. (1 John 3:1 MSG)

Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. — Psalm 73:23-24 (NLT) Each and every day God wakes us up, He has a purpose and  a plan for us to accomplish. Each day has a destiny, a desired end result and as we continually follow Him, He will get us there. May the words we speak today and whatever we do, touch the lives of others with the love of God. Make each stroke of the paintbrush you put on the canvas of today a reflection of the beauty and grace of our heavenly Father. Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass (Psalm 37:5 NKJV).

Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. — Psalm 73:23-24 (NLT) We are God’s property. We belong to the LORD, our Creator and heavenly Father. We are continually with Him. He takes us by the hand and leads us in all wisdom, power and truth. God knows what each and every day holds for us and He has given us exactly what we need. We are to take every step in faith, with purpose, and according to His plan. The LORD's plans for you are for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11 NLT). The LORD will work out his plans for your life—(Psalm 138:8 NLT). His plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken (Psalm 33:11 NLT). The LORD's purpose will prevail (Proverbs 19:21). Glory hallelujah!

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. — Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV) Believing that God exists is the first step in the right direction. He is the great I AM. He is in your past, present and future. And He will always be all that you ever need: Savior, Healer, Deliverer, Helper, Counselor, Friend, Comforter, Guide, Protector, etc. We must also believe that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. His eyes search the whole earth looking for those whose hearts are loyal (fully committed) to Him, that He might show Himself strong on their behalf (2 Chronicles 16:9). Diligent implies consistent, rigorous devotion and attention. Diligently, seek the LORD, not just in bad times or when its convenient, or when you “feel” like it.

If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me.  — Psalm 139:9-10 (NLT) The Psalmist says, "I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence!" (Psalm 139:7). My questions is, "Why would we ever want to?" Stop trying to hide from God and draw near. He guides us along right paths, bringing honor to his name (Psalm 23:3, NLT). His strength is our support. Thank you, Abba Father!

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you,  all whose thoughts are fixed on you!  Trust in the LORD always, for the LORD God is the eternal Rock. Isaiah 26:3-4 (NLT) Fix your thoughts on the LORD. Think about His great grace and goodness. Think about His everlasting lovingkindness and tender mercies. As you trust in the LORD, He will keep you in perfect and constant peace. Keep your confidence in God and you will not be moved. We have a sure thing in the LORD, our eternal Rock!

While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of the synagogue leader. They said, "Your daughter is dead. There is no need to bother the teacher anymore." But Jesus paid no attention to what they said. He told the synagogue leader, "Don't be afraid; just believe." Mark 5:35-36 (NCV) Sometimes we have to know which voices to ignore and which ones to value. Let God's words weigh heavier in your heart and mind and pay no attention to the voices coming from the world. Because the Synagogue leader listened to and trusted in Jesus, his daughter was brought back to life. In God's Word we find life, prosperity and victory. Listen to the word of the LORD.

If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:2 (NLT) Jesus instructs us to love our neighbors as we love ourselves (Mark 12:31). Love does not demand its own way, instead it serves others. Love keeps no record of wrongs. Forget the injustices and focus on love. Faith, hope and love abide, but the greatest of these is love. May we share the love of God to all who come our way. Love, Jackie

"He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him, because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger;" John 10:3-5 (NIV) There are many strange voices out there. Don't let them distract you. We must know the voice of Jesus Christ, in order to follow only Him. He is the Good Shepherd who gave His life for the sheep. He called you by name and said "Follow Me." Love, Jackie