Manna for Your Morning

When hard pressed, I cried to the LORD; he brought me into a spacious place. The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? — Psalm 118:5-6 (NIV) When hard pressed, instead of running to your Pastor or phoning a friend, let your first course of action be to call upon the LORD God Almighty, your Creator and Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of your faith. Those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint (Isaiah 40:31 NLT). Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think (Ephesians 3:20 NLT). Amen!

But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. — John 10:2-3 (NKJV) I wonder if the secret to the popularity of Starbucks is that they call their customers by name instead of a number.  Our longing to be known and feel special, is a perfect complement to God's desire to have a personal relationship with each one of us. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, calls His own by name. Another person, whether pastor, priest or parent, can only tell you about God. The way to know Him and develop a personal relationship with Him is to consistently have that one-on-one time with Him. As we spend time in prayer, in His Word, and in worship, we nurture an intimate relationship with the Lord that grows deeper each day. Jesus is calling your name. Just come and keep coming.