Manna for Your Morning

“And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” — 1 Corinthians 13:13 (NKJV) Now there remains, faith, an abiding trust in God and His promises. We have hope, the confident expectation of eternal salvation, and love, an unselfish love for others growing out of God’s love for us. But of these three, the Holy Scriptures say, the greatest of these is love. (See 1 Corinthians 13:13 AMP) Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; (1 Corinthians 13:4-6 NASB1995) Love bears all things [regardless of what comes], believes all things [looking for the best in each one], hopes all things [remaining steadfast during difficult times], endures all things [without weakening].  (1 Corinthians 13:7 AMP) In John 13:35, Yeshua said to His dis...

The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. — 2 Peter 3:9 (NLT) But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. (2 Peter 3:9 NASB) And remember, our Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved. (See 2 Peter 3:15 NLT) “God overlooked people’s ignorance about these things in earlier times, but now he commands everyone everywhere to repent of their sins and turn to him. For he has set a day for judging the world…” (See Acts 17:30-31 NLT) “But you, my delightfully loved friends, constantly and progressively build yourselves up on the foundation of your most holy faith by praying every moment in the Spirit. Fasten your hearts to the love of God and receive the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who gives us eternal life.” — Jude (Judah) 1:20-21 (TPT)

“ Love is large and incredibly patient. Love is gentle and consistently kind to all. It refuses to be jealous when blessing comes to someone else. Love does not brag about one’s achievements nor inflate its own importance. Love does not traffic in shame and disrespect, nor selfishly seek its own honor. Love is not easily irritated or quick to take offense. Love joyfully celebrates honesty and finds no delight in what is wrong. Love is a safe place of shelter, for it never stops believing the best for others. Love never takes failure as defeat, for it never gives up. ” — 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (TPT) Beloved, let us [unselfishly love and seek the best for one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves [others] is born of God and knows God [through personal experience]. (1 John 4:7 AMP) Let everything you do be done in love [motivated and inspired by God’s love for us]. (1 Corinthians 16:14 AMP)  “ And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is lov...

constantly rejoicing in hope [because of our confidence in Christ], steadfast and patient in distress, devoted to prayer [continually seeking wisdom, guidance, and strength], — Romans 12:12 (AMP) Let us constantly rejoice in the hope we have in Christ. This hope [this confident assurance] we have as an anchor of the soul [it cannot slip and it cannot break down under whatever pressure bears upon it]—a safe and steadfast hope that enters within the veil [of the heavenly temple, that most Holy Place in which the very presence of God dwells], (Hebrews 6:19 AMP) Don't drift and have no doubt, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. (See James 1:6) Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked. (1 Timothy 1:19 NLT) Continually seek God's wisdom and guidance and draw your strength from Him.

Opening his mouth, Peter said: “Most certainly I understand now that God is not one to show partiality [to people as though Gentiles were excluded from God’s blessing],” — Acts 10:34 (AMP) Yahweh shows no favoritism. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9 NASB1995) For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16 NKJV) Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, (Acts 3:19 NKJV) “O LORD, the God of Israel, there is no god like You in heaven or on earth, keeping covenant and showing lovingkindness to Your servants who walk before You with all their heart; You alone know the hearts of the sons of men. May all the peoples of the earth know Your name, and fear You as do Y...

…and you h ave perseverance and have endured for My name’s sake, and have not grown weary. — Revelation 2:3 (NASB) Though we experience every kind of pressure, we’re not crushed. At times we don’t know what to do, but quitting is not an option. We are persecuted by others, but God has not forsaken us. We may be knocked down, but not out. (2 Corinthians 4:8-9 TPT) We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. (Romans 5:3-4 NLT) We count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful. (James 5:11 NASB) The one who endures to the end, he will be saved (See Matthew 24:13)  … what persecutions I endured, and out of them all the Lord rescued me! — 2 Timothy 3:11 (NASB)

...constantly rejoicing in hope [because of our confidence in Christ], steadfast and patient in distress, devoted to prayer [continually seeking wisdom, guidance, and strength], — Romans 12:12 (AMP) So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. (Hebrews 6:18-19 NLT) Continually rejoice in the hope we have in Jesus. We who have run for our very lives to God have every reason to grab the promised hope with both hands and never let go. It’s an unbreakable spiritual lifeline, reaching past all appearances right to the very presence of God … — Hebrews 6:18a (MSG)

“What strength do I have left, that I should wait [and hope]? And what is ahead of me, that I should be patient and endure?” — Job 6:11 (AMP) When despair comes knocking on your door, don’t answer. Keep your hope and faith in God and in His wonderful Word. …those who wait for the LORD [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] will gain new strength and renew their power; They will lift up their wings [and rise up close to God] like eagles [rising toward the sun]; They will run and not become weary, They will walk and not grow tired. (Isaiah 40:31 AMP) Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD. — Psalm 27:14 (NLT)

…there are three things that remain: faith, hope, and love—yet love surpasses them all. So above all else, let love be the beautiful prize for which you run. — 1 Corinthians 13:13 (TPT) Pursue love… (1 Corinthians 14:1a NASB) Let love be your highest goal! (1 Corinthians 14:1a NLT) The Message Bible says without love, we are bankrupt. Love is large and incredibly patient. Love is gentle and consistently kind to all. (1 Corinthians 13:4a TPT) Love is not rude, is not self-seeking, is not irritable, and does not keep a record of wrongs. (1 Corinthians 13:5 CSB) Love is not easily irritated or quick to take offense. (1 Corinthians 13:5b TPT) Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. (1 Corinthians 13:7 NLT) Love never fails [it never fades nor ends]. (1 Corinthians 13:8a AMP) I think we can all raise the bar when it comes to living a life of love. The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love. (1 John 4:8 NASB)...

“ For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His… ” — 2 Chronicles 16:9a (NASB) The eyes of the LORD search for sincere hearts, not physical appearances, or lofty titles. When our hearts are fully committed to the LORD, we can rely on Him to strengthen us. We can do all things [which He has called us to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers us. (Philippians 4:13) Realize, it's through Him. You too, be patient; strengthen your hearts [keep them energized and firmly committed to God], because the coming of the Lord is near. (James 5:8 AMP) God is always on the alert, constantly on the lookout for people who are totally committed to him. — 2 Chronicles 16:9a (MSG)

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. — 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NLT) The Passion Translation says that love is gentle and consistently kind to all. (1 Corinthians 13:4 TPT) God’s perfect love for us is constant. May we continually walk in love, with all people. Love is a safe place of shelter, for it never stops believing the best for others. (1 Corinthians 13:7 TPT) We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. — 1 John 4:16 (NASB)

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) We plan the way we want to live, but only God makes us able to live it. (Proverbs 16:9 MSG) Let us respond to God’s will and do things His way, then we will experience good success. Once you have done your part, be patient, and let the power of God work in your situation. Things may not always make sense to us. that is why Proverbs 3:5 tells us to trust in the LORD with all our heart, and lean not on our own understanding. Circumstances may not be favorable or fair, but we have the Most High God working on our behalf. It pays to take life seriously; things work out when you trust in God. — Proverbs 16:20 (MSG)

Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. — Ephesians 3:17 (NLT) First Corinthians 16:14 (NASB) instructs us to let all that we do be done in love. When we are rooted and grounded in the love of God, we produce the fruit of love. Drawing from the limitless supply of God's love within us, strengthens us and enables us to to serve one another in love. (Galatians 5:13) Being filled with God's love allows us to be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults... (Ephesians 4:2). So let your love abound still more and more (Philippians 1:9). For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love. (Hebrews 6:10)  It's with unfailing love that God draws us to Him. (Jeremiah 31:3)

Do not let mercy and truth leave you. Fasten them around your neck. Write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will find favor and much success in the sight of God and humanity. — Proverbs 3:3-4 (GW) For favor and success in life, let mercy and truth be engraved on the fibers of your heart. The Amplified Bible says to let these qualities define you. The Lord, is a compassionate and merciful God. He is patient, always faithful and ready to forgive. (Psalm 86:15 GW) His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations. (Psalm 100:5 NKJV) Just as we appreciate these qualities in our heavenly Father, may we also show mercy and walk in truth with all people.

Understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Let everyone be quick to hear [be a careful, thoughtful listener], slow to speak [a speaker of carefully chosen words and], slow to anger [patient, reflective, forgiving]; — James 1:19 (AMP) Be quick to hear. Take the time to listen and get understanding. And when you do speak, do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen (Ephesians 4:29 NIV). The tongue of the wise promotes health. (Proverbs 12:18b NKJV). May we choose our words carefully. Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose. (Proverbs 18:21 MSG)

And the LORD passed before him and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth…” — Exodus 34:6 (NKJV) The LORD our God is full of mercy and grace. His mercies for us are brand new every morning. (Lamentations 3:23). They never cease. We have forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace (Ephesians 1:7). He suffers long with us. Just as parents hurt when their children go down the wrong path, God wants what is best for His children and it hurts His heart to see us choose the wrong path, but He is patient with us. And He waits with His arms open wide. He waits for us to turn and come back to Him and take the path He has for us, so He can lead us to still waters and green pastures. Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! (1 Chronicles 16:34a). The LORD abounds in goodness. Psalm 27:13 promises that we will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. If you want what is good, cling to yo...

  Get along among yourselves, each of you doing your part. Our counsel is that you warn the freeloaders to get a move on. Gently encourage the stragglers, and reach out for the exhausted, pulling them to their feet. Be patient with each person, attentive to individual needs. And be careful that when you get on each other’s nerves you don’t snap at each other. Look for the best in each other, and always do your best to bring it out. — 1 Thessalonians 5:13-15 (MSG) We are similar to priceless gems, diamonds in the rough. We all have the potential to shine, with the love and light of the LORD. Diamonds are formed under high temperature and pressure conditions beneath the earth’s surface. They undergo a refining process (removal of impurities) before they sparkle and shine. God can use the fiery trials and high pressure conditions we experience in life, to remove what is not of Him from our lives and draw our hearts closer to Him. We too are in a refining process. When we respond...

Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. — Ephesians 4:1-3 (NLT) The Amplified Bible implores us to live a life that exhibits godly character, moral courage, personal integrity, and mature behavior—a life that expresses gratitude to God… (Ephesians 4:1). Living as a follower of Christ is a higher calling. However, answering the call of God for your life will lead you to a live in a higher place, closer to our heavenly Father and above earthly circumstances. You have been called and chosen by God, will you rise to the occasion?

Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, — Luke 18:1 (NKJV) And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily…” Luke 18:7-8a (NKJV). But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:8-9 NIV). God is working for our good, something that is going to last forever. As you continue to pray, be encouraged and keep your hope alive.

Rejoice and exult in hope; be steadfast and patient in suffering and tribulation; be constant in prayer. — Romans 12:12 (AMP) Keep your hope in God alive. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. Proverbs 10:28 says, the hope of the righteous will be gladness. As you face various trials, let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. (James 1:4). And devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart (Colossians 4:2 NLT). Instead of a prayer time, have a prayer life. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. (James 5:16b)