Manna for Your Morning

We don’t want you in the dark, friends, about how hard it was when all this came down on us in Asia province. It was so bad we didn’t think we were going to make it. We felt like we’d been sent to death row, that it was all over for us. As it turned out, it was the best thing that could have happened. Instead of trusting in our own strength or wits to get out of it, we were forced to trust God totally—not a bad idea since he’s the God who raises the dead! — 2 Corinthians 1:8-9 (MSG) May whatever troubles come your way teach you to totally trust our mighty God. Trust in and rely confidently on the LORD with all your heart and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, and He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way]. (Proverbs 3:5-6 AMP)

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” — John 14:26-27 (NKJV) Jesus, the Prince of Peace, says do not let your heart be troubled, nor afraid. We can stay in perfect peace because we have the greater One living in us. His great power working in us and through us, empowers us to overcome life’s obstacles and triumph over tragedy. His mighty power enables us to rise up when opposition threatens to take us down. Let His perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge. (John 14:27b AMP) We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not fro...

“Be still and know (recognize, understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth.” — Psalm 46:10 (NKJV) Quiet yourself before the LORD. Let the thoughts racing through your head come to a halt. Know that He is the great, “I AM.” God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1 NIV). Recognize that the LORD is glorious and strong (Psalm 96:7 NLT). Nothing is too difficult for Him. Understand that He is always present. Jesus reminds us in Matthew 28:20, “…and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, and He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way]. (Proverbs 3:6 AMP)

“ …Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength! ” — Nehemiah 8:10 (NLT) As we fight the good fight of faith, we need strength to overcome the obstacles that come our way. Staying filled with the joy of the LORD is our greatest strength. Don’t let the enemy steal your joy. If you are running low on joy, you can be made exceedingly glad with His presence. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving and make a joyful shout to the LORD. In His Presence our hearts are filled with joy. You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Psalm 16:11 NKJV)

“God is always on the alert, constantly on the lookout for people who are totally committed to him…” — 2 Chronicles 16:9a (MSG) Trust in and rely confidently on the LORD with all your heart and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, and He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way]. (Proverbs 3:5-6 AMP). May we stay totally committed to the LORD, to His way and to His will. As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him. (Psalm 18:30 NKJV).

Trust in and rely confidently on the LORD with all your heart and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, and He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way]. — Proverbs 3:5-6 (AMP) Do you want the obstacles in your life removed? Seek to know the LORD, first and foremost, above all else. In all your ways, know Him, not just your going to church way, but in your everyday life way. In all your ways, be loving, forgiving, kind and compassionate. We acknowledge Him when we accept His way as the best way and put it into action. What little insight we think we have cannot begin to compare to God’s infinite wisdom. Recognize that He is greater than anything that attempts to block your path and rely confidently on the LORD. He is the only Way!

For the LORD God is a sun and shield; The LORD will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly. — Psalm 84:11 (NKJV) Better is one day in His courts than a thousand anywhere else. Blessed are those who dwell in the house of the LORD. We will still be praising Him, as we go from strength to strength, overcoming obstacles along the way. (Psalm 84:4,7, 10). Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you (Isaiah 60:1 NKJV).

  So David and his troops went up to Baal-perazim and defeated the Philistines there. “God did it!” David exclaimed. “He used me to burst through my enemies like a raging flood!” So they named that place Baal-perazim (which means “the Lord who bursts through”). — 1 Chronicles 14:11 (NLT) So David did what God commanded, and they struck down his enemies. (1 Chronicles 14:16). The secret to David’s success is that He obeyed God. The price we pay or the investment we make is consistent obedience. And our faithful, mighty God will cause us to burst through our enemies or any other obstacles that dare stand in our way. Amen!

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) Ten spies returned home trembling with fear and gave a bad report. But Caleb said, “Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it,” (Numbers 13:30 NKJV). Let us be like Caleb and have a different spirit. May we have a courageous, warrior spirit that stands strong and ready to engage in combat, for  we are well able to overcome any and all obstacles! Let us have a spirit that remains loyal to the LORD, no matter how impossible circumstances appear. Wholly follow the LORD and you too shall occupy the land He has for you! THANK YOU to all past, present and future Servicemembers of the U.S. military. We sincerely appreciate your courage and sacrifice. Have a Blessed Memorial Day!

The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand.  — Psalm 37:23-24 (NLT) God is in every detail of your life. He knows the number of hairs on your head. All of your days were written in His book, before you were born. Nothing that happens in your life catches God by surprise. He has already worked out every challenge you face. Make each step, a step of faith as you follow the path He sets before you, and you will overcome any obstacles and live a victorious life.

The LORD is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray. — Psalm 25:8 (NLT) Put your hope in the LORD. Travel steadily along His path (Psalm 37:34). Even though we encounter obstacles, His way is a path of peace and it leads to everlasting life. Ignore the distractions and detours which will try to take you off the proper path. Proverbs 15:21 says, a sensible person stays on the right path. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take (Proverbs 3:6).

Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, — Hebrews 6:1 (NIV) The writer of Hebrews says, the believer’s were spiritually dull and didn’t seem to listen (Hebrews 5:11, NLT). They had been believers so long, they should have been teaching others. Instead, they needed someone to teach them again the basic things about God’s word. They were like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food (Hebrews 5:12). Solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil (Hebrews 5:14, NIV). Let us be spiritually sharp and alert so we can consistently use our will to persevere, overcome obstacles and press on to maturity!

Give us aid against the enemy, for human help is worthless. With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies.  — Psalm 108:12-13 (NIV) With God we gain the victory. ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty (Zechariah 4:6). With God all things are possible. Abide in Him and you will overcome all obstacles and stand victorious!

For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live]. — Ephesians 2:10 (AMP) When we stay on the path God shows us, we can remain in peace knowing that He has planned and prepared the way for us. No matter how many obstacles you encounter, be confident that our heavenly Father has already navigated a way over or through each one. As long as we abide in Christ, we are living the good life, which God prearranged and made ready for us to live. Glory Hallelujah!

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”  — Matthew 19:26 (NIV) The key words in this passage of Scripture are “ WITH GOD .” It's only possible to get through the trials and tribulations when we are with God. We need to abide in God. There is no worry, fear, or doubt in the Presence of Almighty God. However, there is peace, faith, and love. There is hope for a brighter tomorrow. And there is POWER to overcome the obstacles, the mountains, and every attack of the enemy. With God, ALL things are possible! Glory Hallelujah!

It’s not that I’ve already reached the goal or have already completed the course. But I run to win that which Jesus Christ has already won for me. Brothers and sisters, I can’t consider myself a winner yet. This is what I do: I don’t look back, I lengthen my stride, and I run straight toward the goal to win the prize that God’s heavenly call offers in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12-14 (GW) Congratulations! You may have overcome many obstacles this year, but the important thing is that you persevered and made it through. Praise the Lord! As we look forward to the New Year, may we resolve to get rid of everything that slows us down, especially sin that distracts us. Let us run the race that lies ahead of us and never give up (Hebrews 12:1, GW). Run straight toward your goals, jump over any hurdles and keep your eyes on JESUS. Run to win! Complete the course!