Manna for Your Morning

Tolerate the weaknesses of those in the family of faith, forgiving one another in the same way you have been graciously forgiven by Jesus Christ. If you find fault with someone, release this same gift of forgiveness to them. — Colossians 3:13 (TPT) Release the gift of forgiveness to those who have offended you or hurt you in any way. Freely we have received, let us freely give forgiveness, grace and love. When you extend forgiveness, it prevents the roots of bitterness from growing in your heart and allows healing and wholeness in your inner being. Jesus said: “ But if you do not forgive other people, then your Father will not forgive your offenses. ” (Matthew 6:15 NASB)

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control]. — 2 Timothy 1:7 (AMP) God has not given us a spirit of fear. And if God has not given us something, we don’t want it. Refuse fear and walk in faith. God has given us a spirit of power. He has given us power to maintain a sense of peace in the midst of chaotic circumstances. We have power to respond in love, when others spew hatred. His Spirit empowers us to forgive those who have hurt or offended us. He has given us the power to speak His Word boldly. When we submit to God, we have power to resist the devil. (James 4:7). God has given you power to let all that you do be done in love. (1 Corinthians 16:14). Amen. May we walk in the power of love of His Holy Spirit at all times. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and...

“ If you work the words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who dug deep and laid the foundation of his house on bedrock. When the river burst its banks and crashed against the house, nothing could shake it; it was built to last. But if you just use my words in Bible studies and don’t work them into your life, you are like a dumb carpenter who built a house but skipped the foundation. When the swollen river came crashing in, it collapsed like a house of cards. It was a total loss. ” — Luke 6:48-49 (MSG) In Luke 6:47 (MSG), Jesus said: “ These words I speak to you are not mere additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundation words, words to build a life on. ” Let us build our lives on Jesus, the Living Word, the strong foundation. When we build on Jesus, the solid Rock what is built will last forever.

Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. — James 1:2 (AMP) When crazy comes your way today, hold on to your joy and know that God has your back. Every day of your life was recorded in His book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. (Psalm 139:16). Be joyful, knowing that He already has an answer to every challenge you encounter. He goes before you and He follows behind you. He places His hand of blessing on your head.  (Psalm 139:5) With God, you shall overcome!

The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” — 1 Samuel 3:10 (NIV) The first three times the LORD called Samuel, he did not know it was the LORD. As men and women of God, it is imperative that we learn how to listen for God’s voice. This may involve turning a deaf ear to the negative voices you don't need to hear. Instead of listening to the doom and gloom reports of this world, listen for the glorious voice of our great God. His voice will always line up with His Word and the good plans He has for you. God is constantly speaking to each one of us. Listen for His voice today and respond to His call. “ The sheep that are My own hear My voice and listen to Me; I know them, and they follow Me. ” (John 10:27 AMP)

No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, — Philippians 3:13 (NLT) Don;t live stuck in the ashes of yesterday. What is ahead of us is so much more important and more glorious that what happened to us in the past. Living in the past will make us pitiful as we get a vision for our future, God’s power is unleashed in our lives. His compassions are new every morning, for the new thing He wants to do in our lives today. See, the former thing have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you.” (Isaiah 42:9 NIV)

…the people of Judah were victorious because they relied on the LORD, the God of their ancestors. — 2 Chronicles 13:18 (NIV) Because the people of Judah sought the LORD, He gave them rest on every side. So they built and prospered (2 Chronicles 14:7). Truly rely on the LORD. You will prevail over your enemies and prosper in the work of your hands. When we fully rely on God, He keeps us in perfect peace. Only in returning to the LORD and resting in Him will you be saved. In quietness and confidence (trust) in God, is your strength (Isaiah 30:15).

And the Angel of the LORD appeared to him, and said to him, “The LORD is with you, you mighty man of valor!” Gideon said to Him, “O my lord, if the LORD is with us, why then has all this happened to us?” — Judges 6:12-13a (NKJV) Have you ever felt like Gideon and wondered, if God is with you, why is all this “stuff” happening to you? You can be certain that God is with you, because He said, He would never leave you or forsake you and our God is faithful. Let us remember that our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So fix your eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal (2 Corinthians 4:17-18, NIV). Surely God will be with you and you shall defeat your enemies (Judges 6:16).

Attention, all! See the marvels of God! He plants flowers and trees all over the earth, bans war from pole to pole, breaks all the weapons across his knee “Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God, above politics, above everything.” — Psalm 46:8-10 (The Message) Get out of the fast lane, with all of its distractions and detours. Put your hand in the hand of the Father and be led on the path that He has for you. It is a path of abundant life and peace. Take a long, loving look at the LORD. He is above all. Let go of your concerns! Then you will know that I am God (Psalm 46:10, GW). Amen.

The plans of a hard-working person lead to prosperity, but everyone who is always in a hurry ends up in poverty. Proverbs 21:5 (NLT) Those who fail to plan, plan to fail. If you plan to do good, you will receive unfailing love and faithfulness (Proverbs 14:22, NLT). First seek the will of the LORD, then devise your plans and the LORD will establish your steps.

The woman came and knelt before him. “Lord, help me!” she said. He replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” “Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” Matthew 15:25-27 (NIV) Jesus told this woman: “you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment, (Matthew 15:25-28). Great faith is persistent. When this woman first cried out to the Lord for Him to heal her daughter, He said, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel." But the woman didn't give up and she didn't get offended. She humbled herself before the Lord and pressed in with her plea. May you have great faith in our Lord and Savior, who is full of compassion.

The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped. Proverbs 11:25 (The Message) Since we are to love our neighbors as we love ourselves, let us tend to the needs of others, providing help whenever possible. Feed the hungry, give a drink to those who thirst and speak a word of encouragement to the depressed. God has blessed us so we can be a blessing to others. Amen. Love, Jackie

"Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown." - Luke 8:8 (NIV) "But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop." - Luke 8:15 (NIV) Followers of Christ are to be fruit-bearers. Jesus said the Father cuts off every branch in Him that bears no fruit (John 15:2). However, in Luke 8:15, He tells us how to produce a crop. It is by hearing the word, retaining it and persevering. Have a noble and good heart, one filled with the Word. Then keep following the Lord as He directs you, in spite of any barriers, challenges or difficulties. Run with perseverance the race marked out for you (Hebrews 12:1). Love, Jackie