Manna for Your Morning

At least I can take comfort in this: Despite the pain, I have not denied the words of the Holy One. — Job 6:10 (NLT) In spite of the sorrows and pain we endure in this life, may we never deny the words of the Holy One. The entirety of His word is truth, and every one of His righteous judgments endures forever. (See Psalm 119:160) He watches over His Word to perform it and His word that goes forth from His mouth does not return to Him void. (See Isaiah 55:11) This is our comfort in our affliction, that His word has revived us. (See Psalm 119:50 NASB1995) H old firmly to the word of life; (Philippians 2:16a NLT) Yahweh is our hiding place and our shield. May we hope in His word. (See Psalm 119:114)  Trouble and anguish have come upon me, yet Your commandments are my delight. — Psalm 119:143 (NASB1995)

All around us we observe a pregnant creation. The difficult times of pain throughout the world are simply birth pangs. But it’s not only around us; it’s within us. The Spirit of God is arousing us within. We’re also feeling the birth pangs. These sterile and barren bodies of ours are yearning for full deliverance. That is why waiting does not diminish us, any more than waiting diminishes a pregnant mother. We are enlarged in the waiting. We, of course, don’t see what is enlarging us. But the longer we wait, the larger we become, and the more joyful our expectancy. — Romans 8:22-25 (MSG) We are enlarged in the waiting. Be aroused by the Spirit of God. Wait for the LORD and keep His way… (Psalm 37:34a). As we wait let us grow in patience, love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Just as a pregnant woman waits with joyful expectation, the birth of her baby, let us wait with joyful expectation as God fulfills every single one of His precious pr...

But he took our suffering on him and felt our pain for us. We saw his suffering and thought God was punishing him.  But he was wounded for the wrong we did; he was crushed for the evil we did. The punishment, which made us well, was given to him, and we are healed because of his wounds. — Isaiah 53:4-5 (NCV) Jesus carried our pains. He was crushed for our sins and wrongdoing. He was pierced for our rebellion. Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing. (Galatians 3:13a NLT) There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. (Romans 8:1 NKJV) We have been rescued from sin and death. Let us walk according to the Spirit and live well and healed.

But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also. — Matthew 6:33 (AMP) Instead of striving for a perfect set of circumstances or aiming to acquire material possessions, seek Jesus, the perfect One and He will take care of all that concerns you. Seek the One whom the winds and the sea obey (Matthew 8:27). Seek the One who causes the dead to live again (John 11:43-44). He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds [healing their pain and comforting their sorrow] (Psalm 147:3 AMP). Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face continually. (1 Chronicles 16:11 NASB)

For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. — Hebrews 12:3 (NKJV) Consider Jesus. He was despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and pain and acquainted with grief; (Isaiah 53:3 AMP). He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth [to complain or defend Himself]; (Isaiah 53:7 AMP). Just take a moment and meditate on Him who endured from sinners such bitter hostility against Himself. Hebrews 12:3 (AMP) says, “…consider it all in comparison with your trials, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plo...

But she said to them, “Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. I went out full, and the LORD has brought me home again empty. Why do you call me Naomi, since the LORD has testified against me, and the Almighty has afflicted me?”  — Ruth 1:20-21 (NKJV) First, Naomi lost her husband, then her two sons died. In Ruth 1:13, she said, “the hand of the LORD has gone out against me!” Sometimes, our pain has a way of distorting our perspective of God. Despite the bitter life events you may face, remember that God is for you and He is with you. His Holy Spirit who dwells within us, is our comforter and helper. Naomi’s story is one of perseverance. Even though she returned to her home town empty, she had more than she realized. God was with her and her daughter-in-law, Ruth, stood by her side and listened to her instruction. As a result, Ruth married Boaz and bore a son, and Naomi was able to care for her grandchild. Then the women said to N...

No, a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather, it is a change of heart produced by the Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people. — Romans 2:29 (NLT) When we open our hearts to Jesus, we need to lay on His surgery table and let Him cut away anything that is not of Him. While the cutting may involve some pain, it is pain with a glorious purpose. Let Him cut away the areas of your heart that have grown cold and hard, areas infested with unforgiveness, bitterness, and hatred. If we stay on the table of His grace and mercy, He will cut away pride, and give us a humble and grateful heart, that seeks praise from God and Him alone. A circumcised heart will allow the Holy Spirit to produce this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! (Galatians 5:22-23 N...

Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. — Revelation 2:10 (NKJV) Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you (1 Peter 4:2). Suffering brings about great fruit. A diamond has to be cut and polished before it sparkles. Before the championship game can be won, we must experience the pain and soreness of practice. Before the baby is born, one must go through the pain of labor. Jesus bled and suffered for us to enjoy the fruit of fellowship with the Father. Do not fear the suffering. You have the greater One living inside of you. Be faithful to the end. In Jesus, we have the victory!

...looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. — Hebrews 12:2 (NKJV) Jesus looked beyond the pain and suffering of the cross for the joy that was to come in fulfilling the Father's plan. No matter how hopeless the situation may appear at any given moment, do not lose heart. God has a plan for you that is good. Fix your eyes on Jesus and keep your hope in Him alive. This hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love (Romans 5:5 NLT).

Love suffers long and is kind; — 1 Corinthians 13:4 (NKJV) God put these 3 words on my heart this morning: love suffers long. Then He added, do all things without complaining (Philippians 2:14). We do not like to suffer, but it’s a part of life. And we have the comfort of knowing that God will cause ALL things to work together for good. Like childbirth, we must go through the pain of delivery to enjoy holding a beautiful baby in our arms. How long must we suffer? As long as we need to. Labor times vary in duration. Tell yourself, “I will until!” Continue until what is in you has been birthed into reality. We live in a microwave, disposable society. We want everything quick and when something no longer works for us, we throw it away. Our God us above and beyond a crock pot, He is doing in us, a work of perfection, not to be rushed or taken lightly.

A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. — John 16:21 (NIV) Just as a woman endures labor pains in order to deliver a baby, we too must persevere some trials and suffering, in order to give birth to the dreams and desires God placed inside of us. Once the labor pains begin, it's only a matter of time before a new life is born into this world, but the mother has to go through the process. Let us not quit in the process of realizing our dreams and goals. Don't let the pains of childbirth discourage you. We can look forward to the inexpressible joy that will be ours as we accomplish all that God has for us. If you are in the waiting room of life, patiently wait, full of expectation, knowing that your time will come.

“All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.” — John 6:37 (NKJV) Most of us know the pain of rejection. Even Jesus was despised and rejected by men (Isaiah 53:3). Rejection often leads to feelings of being unwanted and thoughts of not being good enough. It sometimes creates a pretense that we don’t need anyone. Thank God that our past experiences with flawed humanity, is not the end of the story! Jesus, the good Shepherd, calls us to COME to Him. Jesus says He will never cast out those who come to Him. In the Amplified version, He says, “I will never, no never, reject one of them who comes to Me.” He holds on and doesn’t let go. No matter who you are and no matter what you have done, Jesus loves you and wants you close to Him. He will comfort you in all affliction.

“And now my life drains out, as suffering seizes and grips me hard. Night gnaws at my bones; the pain never lets up. I am tied hand and foot, my neck in a noose. I twist and turn. Thrown facedown in the muck, I’m a muddy mess, inside and out.” — Job 30:16-19 (MSG) Consider nothing about your life a mess. God works ALL things together for good. What may look like a mess, is just one color of the masterpiece God is painting of your life. All your days were written in His book, before you were born; there are no coincidences in God. There is purpose even in your pain. Embrace the place where you are today, knowing that it is part of the process of being perfected. God is at work, in you and through you, as you go from one glory to another. What today looks like a muddy mess, is really part of God’s magnificent masterpiece that is called, YOU.

So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. — Matthew 14:29 (NKJV) Stop lingering in the boat of yesterday, full of pain, disappointments, and regrets. We like to hide in the boat because that is where things are familiar and comfortable. Beloved friends, let’s follow Jesus! When He says “Come,” its time to stop playing it safe and venture out into the deep with Jesus. This allows space for our mighty God to do BIG things in your life. And even in the midst of contrary winds, remember to keep your eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.

“He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying, ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.’ ” — Luke 24:6-7 (NKJV) Day One : Christ gave His life on the cross to bear the sins of many; to set the captives free from the penalty of sin and death. There was pain. There was blood shed and there was sacrifice. Day Two : There was sorrow and grief. To the disciples of Jesus, all appeared hopeless, but Jesus was taking care of business, behind the scenes. Day Three : Jesus rose from the dead. The tomb was empty. He declared victory over death, and hell. He overcame the world. My beloved friends, let us patiently endure day one and day two of any trials and tribulations that come our way. For we know that the 3rd day is coming! God will deliver us from all our troubles. Jesus has given us the victory. Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, ...

God, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. — P salm 23:1-3 (MSG) God has a way of leading us to exactly what we need, if we would but follow Him. Don’t be tempted to take the shortcuts, even when it seems like He is taking you the long way around. There is a purpose in every step, there is a profit to be gained from each and every pain and struggle. Keep walking by faith and trust our heavenly Father that He will get you to the desired destination.

Be of good courage, and let us be strong for our people and for the cities of our God. And may the LORD do what is good in His sight. — 1 Chronicles 19:13 (NKJV) Wikipedia says courage is the ability and willingness to confront fear, pain, danger, uncertainty or intimidation. In God, we can be of good courage because we know He is able to conquer all that concerns us. Let us be strong for other believers; encourage one another and build each other up. May we work together in love and unity to take our cities for God! Our God is good and He will always do what is good in His sight. Amen!

So be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs. God’s strong hand is on you; he’ll promote you at the right time. — 1 Peter 5:6 (MSG) We are not always where we expected to be at certain phases in our life. The Apostle Paul said, “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation” (Philippians 4:12 NKJV). Part of being content is the art of surrendering to God’s perfect timing. God uses every situation we go through, and the pain and suffering we experience, to refine us and help prepare us for what’s next, as we go from glory to glory. It will all come together at just the right time, God’s appointed time. May we find contentment in every circumstance, knowing that God is working for our good.

This is my comfort and consolation in my affliction: that Your word has revived me and given me life. — Psalm 119:50 (AMP) In all of our pain and suffering we can be comforted with the Word of God. His Word will rejuvenate us and give us abundant life. Our consolation is that ALL things work together for good to those who love God... (Romans 8:28). Our momentary troubles will also draw us closer to God and more committed to His Word. Psalm 119:67 says, before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep Your word. The Message Bible says, my troubles turned out all for the best— they forced me to learn from your textbook (Psalm 119:71). Learn, Love & Live!

“Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” — Luke 22:42 (NKJV) The commitment and submission Jesus had to the Father, led Him to give His life to save a lost world. For the joy that was set before Him, Jesus was obedient to the Father’s will and endured the pain of the cross (Hebrews 12:2). May we fully submit to God, and yield to His will and His ways. It may not always “feel good,” but after you have suffered a little while, He will restore, support, and strengthen you (1 Peter 5:10). Just like Jesus, we have a future full of hope and joy, that grows brighter and brighter. Stay committed to the Father's will and the rest of your life will be the absolute BEST of your life!