Manna for Your Morning

The word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time: “Get up! Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach the message that I tell you.” — Jonah 3:1-2 (CSB) The first time the word of the LORD came to Jonah, he attempted to flee to Tarshish, away from the LORD’s presence. However, there is no place we can go, to escape His Presence. (see Psalm 139:7-12) Sometimes, we may blow it, and go in the opposite direction from what God instructed us to do. But praise God, He gives us another chance to get it right. When Jonah delivered God’s message, the people of Nineveh believed God and He relented from the disaster He had threatened them with (Jonah 3:5, 10). As a result of Jonah's obedience, more than 120,000 people were saved (Jonah 4:11). What a revival! We never know how many people’s lives will be affected by our obedience. Let us heed the Word of the LORD, and give it top priority in our lives.

The first time I was brought before the judge, no one came with me. Everyone abandoned me. May it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength so that I might preach the Good News in its entirety for all the Gentiles to hear. And he rescued me from certain death. — 2 Timothy 4:16-17 (NLT) Just as the Lord was with the Apostle Paul, He is with you. All others may abandon you, but the Lord stands with you and gives you strength. He empowers you to do all that He has called you to do. The LORD hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. (Psalm 34:17 NLT) Amen.

But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. — Acts 20:24 (NKJV) The Holy Spirit revealed to the Apostle Paul that chains and tribulations awaited him in every city (Acts 20:23), yet he was not moved. May we never be moved by the events and external circumstances of this world. The way we live our lives is the loudest message we preach. May our lives, words and actions tell of the glory of our faithful God. In The Message version of Acts 20:24, the Apostle Paul says, “What matters most to me is to finish what God started: the job the Master Jesus gave me of letting everyone I meet know all about this incredibly extravagant generosity of God.” Never lose sight of the finish line! This is the only race worth running. (2 Timothy 4:7b MSG). When all is said and done, may we all be able to speak these words, “ I have...

“The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed;” — Luke 4:18 (NKJV) Our Heavenly Father sent Jesus to announce release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to send forth as delivered those who are oppressed [who are downtrodden, bruised, crushed, and broken down by calamity] (Luke 4:18 AMP). Today as we celebrate America’s Independence, declare your independence as a disciple of Christ. Announce your fredom from the schemes of the enemy. He no longer has the power to oppress you, unless you give it to him. Celebrate the freedom and victory we have in Christ. Hallelujah!