Manna for Your Morning

Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. — Ephesians 5:1 (NLT) Little children often imitate their parents. Jesus said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:3). Ephesians 4:32 tells us to be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us (Ephesians 5:2). Let us follow His example.

His disciples asked Him, Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he should be born blind?  — John 9:2 (AMP)  I suppose it's human nature to want to point fingers and place blame. That started in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve. Adam blamed his sin on the woman God gave Him and Eve blamed the serpent (Genesis 3:12-13). However, the response Jesus gave the disciples takes our focus away from placing blame to a more productive approach. Jesus answered, “It was not that this man or his parents sinned, but he was born blind in order that the workings of God should be manifested (displayed and illustrated) in him.”  (John 9:3) With that response in mind, we can now ask ourselves, “ What can I do, to let love cover a multitude of sins?” (1 Peter 4:8) Or, “ What actions can I take, in this situation, that the glory of God should be revealed?”

 So He said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or parents or brothers or wife or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who shall not receive many times more in this present time, and in the age to come eternal life.” — Luke 18:29-30 (NKJV) Whatever we considered as gains, let us now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus our Lord (Philippians 3:7-8, NIV). God has plans for our good, not just in the eternal world, but also here on this earth. Give all that your are and all that you have to Him and trust that you will receive much more in your lifetime, as you seek first His kingdom.

The living, the living man, he shall praise You, as I do this day; The father shall make known Your truth to the children.  — Isaiah 38:19 (NKJV) Parents give your children full reports on God's faithfulness. Make known His truth to the broken hearted, for He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds (Psalm 147:3). Make known His truth to those who are down and in despair, for the LORD, is a shield around us, our glory and the One who lifts our heads up high (Psalm 3:3). Make known His truth to those who are overwhelmed, because the LORD is our everlasting peace. Let everything that has breath praise the LORD!