Manna for Your Morning

Then the people of the land tried to discourage the people of Judah. They troubled them in building, and hired counselors against them to frustrate their purpose ... — Ezra 4:4-6 (NKJV) When the people of Judah, returned from captivity to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem, their adversaries came. First they acted like they wanted to help them, then they proceeded to continually discourage and harass them (for years). When we seek to fulfill the call of God in our lives, we can expect opposition, those who want to tear down what we are building. There will be those who come to frustrate the work of God, but greater is He who is in us and with us. Let us be relentless, persistent and determined as we carry out our God-given assignments. Keep building! Complete the work. Keep the faith.

“O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.” — 2 Chronicles 20:12 (NKJV) When you face opposition, look to the LORD, the source of our help. In 2 Chronicles 20:17, the people of Judah and Jerusalem were told they would not need to fight in the battle, but to position themselves and they would see the salvation of the LORD. We too must position ourselves for battle. When they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushes against their enemies and their enemies were defeated. (2 Chronicles 20:22). When opposition comes, let us get in the proper position. Pray and sing praises to the LORD, for the victory He has prepared for us. Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. (2 Chronicles 20:15)

Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to oppose him. — Zechariah 3:1 (NKJV) As we endeavor to follow God, we will face opposition and accusations. Revelation 12:10 says, Satan, the accuser of the brethren, accuses us before our God day and night. But we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous (1 John 2:1 NLT). Fear not! We have already won the victory over the evil forces of darkness because the Spirit who lives in us is greater than the spirit who lives in the world. Amen and Hallelujah! Thank you, Jesus!

For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries. — 1 Corinthians 16:9 (NKJV) Whenever a door of opportunity is wide open, make sure the door was opened by the Lord. If He sets before you an open door, no one can shut it  (Revelation 3:8). Know that any good work you undertake will meet some opposition. Continue to take each step by faith. And stay alert, sin is crouching at your door and it desires to have you. Keep your eyes and heart open for every great and effective door of opportunity to give, to serve, to forgive, to walk in love, to let His light shine through you, etc.

No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is from Me,” says the LORD. — Isaiah 54:17 (NKJV) As the Amplified version says, this peace, righteousness, security, and triumph over opposition is our heritage! In all these troubles, trials and tribulations, we are more than conquerors through Him who loves us. Amen and Praise the Lord!

No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is from Me,” says the LORD. — Isaiah 54:17 (NKJV) Don’t be intimidated by the sideshow distractions you see with your eyes or the bad report you hear with your ears. That is the enemy of your soul trying to induce fear and stop you from fulfilling God’s will for your life. Stand on the Word! God has not given us a spirit of fear. God’s Word says NO weapon formed against you shall prosper. He has already given us the victory in Jesus. This triumph over opposition is our heritage, as servants of the LORD. We are overcomers. Hallelujah!!!

Give us help from trouble, for the help of man is useless. Through God we will do valiantly, for it is He who shall tread down our enemies.  — Psalm 108:12-13 (NKJV) If God is for us, who can stand against us? With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies (Psalm 108:13, NIV). With God’s help we will do mighty things (Psalm 108:13, NLT). With God we will display great strength (Psalm 108:13, GW). In God we’ll do our very best; he’ll flatten the opposition for good (Psalm 108:13, The Message). “...with God all things are possible.” (Mark 10:27) With God on our side, we win! Hallelujah!

And the name of the second (son) he called Ephraim: “For God has caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction.” — Genesis 41:52 (NKJV) In spite of being sold into slavery by his brothers and falsely accused by His master's wife, God caused Joseph to be fruitful in the land of his affliction. The situations that cause you the greatest distress or suffering can also cause you to be more productive and fruitful. The land of your affliction can be the place of your greatest blessing and victory. We can grow stronger and stronger in the midst of adversity and opposition. Amen!