Manna for Your Morning

“Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.” — Proverbs 4:25-27 (NLT) Giving attention to sideshow distractions often lead to delays and detours that will leave us in dark ditches and on dead end roads. “…With fixed purpose, looking straight ahead, ignore life’s distractions.” (See Proverbs 4:25 TPT)  The distractions of this world will hinder you from moving forward on the path Yahweh has marked out for you. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.” (Proverbs 3:5-7 NASB1995) “The guilty walk a crooked path; the innocent travel a straight road.” (Proverbs 21:8 NLT)  “Walk straight—live well and be saved; a devious life is a doomed life.” — Proverbs 28:1...

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. — Psalm 139:23-24 (NLT) Invite the LORD into every crevice and corner of your heart. Let Him examine each area and expose it to the light of His love. As His Presence inhabits more of your heart, anxious thoughts cease and peaces flows. He will soften and warm the cold, hard areas of your heart. Any bitterness will be turned to sweet. God will nurse the wounded parts and bring healing. He will restore the shattered broken pieces. Invite Him into those dark closets you hold under lock and key, and watch the wonderful work our God will do when we truly open our whole heart to Him.

Where could I go from your Spirit? Where could I run and hide from your face? If I go up to heaven, you’re there! If I go down to the realm of the dead, you’re there too! If I fly with wings into the shining dawn, you’re there! If I fly into the radiant sunset, you’re there waiting! Wherever I go, your hand will guide me; your strength will empower me. — Psalm 139:7-10 (TPT) Psalm 139:3 (NASB) says the LORD scrutinizes our path. No matter where you are today, God knows. Even if you have strayed off the path He has for you, the LORD knows exactly where you are. And He will lead you back to His glorious, everlasting ways— the path that brings you back to Him (Psalm 139:24b TPT).

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. — James 4:8 (NASB) It is good for us to draw near to our heavenly Father. Make Him your refuge and abide in His peace. The greater the distance between us and God, the more room there is for distractions which will cause detours off of the path He has for us. Seek the LORD while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near. (Isaiah 55:6) But as for me, it is good for me to draw near to God; I have made the Lord God my refuge and placed my trust in Him, that I may tell of all Your works. — Psalm 73:28 (AMP)

…You direct me on the path that leads to a beautiful life. As I walk with You, the pleasures are never-ending, and I know true joy and contentment. — Psalm 16:11 (VOICE) We find true joy and contentment when we continually walk with the LORD, each day of our lives. May we fix our gaze upon Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior, the eternal King of kings. In Philippians 4:11-13 (VOICE), the Apostle Paul says, “… I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances. I know how to survive in tight situations, and I know how to enjoy having plenty. In fact, I have learned how to face any circumstances: fed or hungry, with or without. I can be content in any and every situation through the Anointed One who is my power and strength. ” Amen.

We all have wandered off, like shepherdless sheep, scattered by our aimless striving and endless pursuits; The Eternal One laid on him, this silent sufferer, the sins of us all. — Isaiah 53:6 (VOICE) Proverbs 14:12 (VOICE) says, Before every person lies a road that seems to be right, but the end of that road is death and destruction. Be led by the Holy Spirit and He will show you the path that leads to life and life more abundantly. While our endless pursuits will leave us empty and exhausted abiding in Him, we will experience fullness of life, peace and joy. My counsel is this: Live freely, animated and motivated by God’s Spirit. Then you won’t feed the compulsions of selfishness. — Galatians 5:16 (MSG)

When he has brought all his own sheep outside, he walks on ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice and recognize his call . — John 10:4 (AMP) In light of all this, here’s what I want you to do. While I’m locked up here, a prisoner for the Master, I want you to get out there and walk—better yet, run!—on the road God called you to travel. I don’t want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don’t want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere. And mark that you do this with humility and discipline—not in fits and starts, but steadily, pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences. (Ephesians 4:1-6 MSG) Amen! …I urge you: Live a life that is worthy of the calling He has graciously extended to you. — Ephesians 4:1 (VOICE)

For we  live by believing and not by seeing. — 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NLT) Fear nothing—not wild wolves in the night, not flying arrows in the day, not disease that prowls through the darkness, not disaster that erupts at high noon. Even though others succumb all around, drop like flies right and left, no harm will even graze you. You’ll stand untouched, watch it all from a distance, watch the wicked turn into corpses. Yes, because God’s your refuge, the High God your very own home, evil can’t get close to you, harm can’t get through the door. (Psalm 91:5-10 MSG) No disaster, nor deadly disease is greater than our mighty God. Trust Him and make the LORD your home, your dwelling place. Believe His Word in your heart and speak it out of your mouth. It’s what we trust in but don’t yet see that keeps us going. Do you suppose a few ruts in the road or rocks in the path are going to stop us? — 2 Corinthians 5:7-8a (MSG)

So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. — 2 Corinthians 4:16-17 (MSG) Even when it seems things are falling apart, we can count on His amazing grace. We have forgiveness for our failures. And He gives us strength to persevere through the hard times. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. (Proverbs 3:6 NLT) Keep your eyes straight ahead; ignore all sideshow distractions. Watch your step, and the road will stretch out smooth before you. (Proverbs 4:25-26 MSG) Keep moving onward and forward, in spite of the challenges. We are more than conquerors!

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. — Hebrews 12:1 (NLT) In order to run our race with endurance, we have to strip off the things that weigh us down. Strip off resentment, bitterness and offense. Lay aside strife, fault-finding and verbal abuse. Make a clean break away from whining and complaining. Proverbs 4:25-27 (TPT) says: Set your gaze on the path before you. With fixed purpose, looking straight ahead, ignore life’s distractions. Watch where you’re going! Stick to the path of truth, and the road will be safe and smooth before you. Don’t allow yourself to be sidetracked for even a moment or take the detour that leads to darkness. I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondro...

Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. — Proverbs 3:6 (NLT) Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil! Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life! (Proverbs 3:5-8 MSG) Listen for God's voice and trust Him to successfully navigate you through the challenges and mountains that stand before you.

Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. — Proverbs 4:25 (ESV) Quit looking in the rearview mirror of your life and look straight ahead keeping your eyes on Jesus, the good Shepherd and what He is doing in your midst. The Message Bible says: Keep your eyes straight ahead; ignore all sideshow distractions. Watch your step, and the road will stretch out smooth before you. (Proverbs 4:25-26) The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines brighter and brighter until the full day. (Proverbs 4:18 NASB) That means your best days are ahead of you. Today is a new day and God is doing a new thing. If God woke you up this morning, He has a purpose and a plan for you to accomplish with this day. Move onward and forward, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead. ... I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back . —...

“Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” — Matthew 7:14 (NKJV) Jesus tells us the path that leads the way to everlasting life is difficult. In Matthew 6:34b (NASB), He says, “Each day has enough trouble of its own.” John 16:33a (NLT) says, “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.” So, dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. (1 Peter 4:12) Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job. (1 Peter 4:12 MSG) The good news is that Jesus has already gained the victory for us. Our battles belong to the LORD. Cast your cares on Him and trust God. Jesus said, “… in Me you may have peace. ” He goes on to say, “… be of good cheer, I have overcome the world .” — John 16:33 (NKJV)

But in fact, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the LORD … Micah 3:8 (AMP) For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV) We are filled with power, with the Spirit of the LORD, like the prophet Micah. It’s a fact! When we walk on the path God puts before us, being led by His Holy Spirit within us, we walk in His peace and in His power. He enables us to do all that He has called us to do. “ The things which are impossible with men are possible with God. ” (Luke 18:27) He empowers us with inner strength through His Spirit. (Ephesians 3:16) As for us, we shall walk [securely] in the name of the LORD our [true] God forever and ever. (Micah 4:5b AMP)

But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines brighter and brighter until the full day. — Proverbs 4:18 (NASB) If you have given your heart to Jesus, you are on a path that shines brighter and brighter. No matter how dim things may appear right now, know that your future shines brighter and brighter. We all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. (2 Corinthians 3:18 NKJV) Always be led by His Spirt and the rest of your life will be the best of your life. Unto the upright there arises light in the darkness; He is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous . (Psalm 112:4 NKJV)

There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death — Proverbs 16:25 (NLT)  There are many ways that “seem” right, in this world, however, there is no [human] wisdom or understanding or counsel [that can prevail] against the LORD. (Proverbs 21:30 AMP) Commit your works to the LORD and your plans will be established. (Proverbs 16:3 NASB) Whoever despises the word and counsel [of God] brings destruction upon himself, but he who [reverently] fears and respects the commandment [of God] will be rewarded. (Proverbs 13:13 AMP)

The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. — Proverbs 4:18 (NIV) The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” (Psalm 32:8 NLT). The path the Lord has for you leads to everlasting life and it grows brighter and brighter. Behind you are the days of doom and gloom. His light shines in the darkness. God has good things to come. Your future in God glows brighter each day. Keep taking the steps of faith, as He leads, and you will reach the glorious destination God has for you.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. — Psalm 32:8 (NIV) When we don't know which way to go, we have God’s Holy Spirit to lead us and guide us.  His still small voice inside of you will guide you along the best pathway for your life. (Psalm 32:8 NLT) We also have His Word, which is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. (Psalm 119:105 NKJV). God’s Holy Spirit in you and His Word is the best GPS system. Be led by His Spirit and He will get you exactly where you need to be.

Commit your works to the LORD [submit and trust them to Him], and your plans will succeed [if you respond to His will and guidance]. — Proverbs 16:3 (AMP) When we do things our own way or on our timetable we do not always get the results we want. Our plans succeed when we have the wisdom to seek God’s will first and follow His guidance. So commit whatever you do to the LORD, before you begin and throughout the whole process. Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. (Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT)

Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah — Psalm 62:8 (NKJV) If we want to enjoy the peace of God every minute of the day, we have to walk along the path of fully trusting God, no matter what may come. Don’t let your mind get carried away on the train of worry, anxiety and doubt. “Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.” (Matthew 6:34 MSG) 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)