Manna for Your Morning

“Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand. You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” — Psalms 73:23-26 (NKJV) I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me. (Psalms 139:7-10 NLT) Yahweh is our hiding place; He will protect you from trouble. He will surround you with songs of victory. Interlude The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. (See Psalms 32:7-8) May our greatest desire be for the Presence of our Heavenly Father.  But it is good f...

But Jonah arose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. He went down to Joppa, and found a ship going to Tarshish; so he paid the fare, and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. — Jonah 1:3 (NKJV) The LORD told Jonah to arise and go to Nineveh, and cry out against it; for their wickedness had come up before Him. But instead Jonah boarded a ship to flee to Tarshish, away from the presence of the LORD. (See Jonah 1:1-2) We can run but we can never hide from the Presence of Yahweh. In the end, His plan and purpose will prevail. Proverbs 19:21 (AMP) says: Many plans are in a man’s mind, but it is the LORD’s purpose for him that will stand (be carried out).  We pay a price for going against God’s guidance. We must trust that He knows what is best for us. In the case of Jonah, after being thrown overboard, spending 3 days and 3 nights in the belly of a great fish, crying out to the LORD and being vomited onto dry land, he went to Nineveh...

Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. — Psalm 37:7 (NLT) Sin whispers to the wicked, deep within their hearts. They have no fear of God at all. They lie awake at night, hatching sinful plots. Their actions are never good. They make no attempt to turn from evil. (Psalm 36:1, 4 NLT) The wicked are too proud to seek God. They seem to think that God is dead. (Psalm 10:4 NLT) The wicked will go down to the grave. This is the fate of all the nations who ignore God. But the needy will not be ignored forever; the hopes of the poor will not always be crushed. (Psalm 9:17-18 NLT) God is NOT dead. Put your hope in the living LORD. Travel steadily along his path. He will honor you by giving you the land. You will see the wicked destroyed. (See Psalm 37:34 NLT)  Follow the LORD our God and fear Him. Keep His commandments, listen to His voice, serve Him, and cling to Him. (See Deuter...

So he came to a certain place and stayed there all night, because the sun had set. And he took one of the stones of that place and put it at his head, and he lay down in that place to sleep. Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “Surely the LORD is in this place, and I did not know it.” — Genesis 28:11, 16 (NKJV) When you come to a certain place in life, actually, to any place you find yourself, you can be confident that the LORD is in that place with you. “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid... for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6 NKJV) YAHWEH has enclosed you behind and before, and [He has] placed His hand upon you. (See Psalm 139:5 AMP) Psalm 139:7-10 says: Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; 
If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost pa...

Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord; — Acts 3:19 (NASB) Let us repent of any ways we have missed the will of God. The Voice Bible says, …you need to rethink everything and turn to God… (Acts 3:19).  So repent [change your inner self—your old way of thinking, regret past sins] and return [to God—seek His purpose for your life], so that your sins may be wiped away [blotted out, completely erased], so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord [restoring you like a cool wind on a hot day]; (Acts 3:19 AMP) For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. Just as a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him. — Psalm 103:11-13 (NASB)

You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore. — Psalm 16:11 (AMP) Truly, it is the Presence of the LORD Who makes our joy complete. What an honor and privilege for us to be able to enter into His Holy Presence. What a pleasure to have His Holy Spirit dwelling in us, helping us, and comforting us. We get to experience His everlasting peace, in the midst of worldly chaos and confusion. As ambassadors for the Kingdom of God, we are to live a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (See Romans 14:17 NLT) Abide in His Presence and let your heart be filled with joy. Now may God, the inspiration and fountain of hope, fill you to overflowing with uncontainable joy and perfect peace as you trust in him. And may the power of the Holy Spirit continually surround your life with his super-abundance until you radiate with hope! — Romans 15:13 (TPT)

Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.   — Romans 13:14 (NLT) Every morning we get up, we choose what clothes to wear on our physical body. However, let us also choose to spiritually clothe ourselves with the presence of the Lord. The Passion Translation says to fully immerse yourselves into the Lord Jesus, the Anointed One… (Romans 13:14a) In other words, think His thoughts, speak His Word and do things His way. Instead of putting on the ways of this world or following the desires of our flesh, may we reflect the character and nature of our loving heavenly Father. Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.   — Colossians 3:12 (NLT)

Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!” — Luke 1:28 (NLT) Believers have the favor of God, because the Lord is with us. With God on our side, who can stand against us? When Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, were tied up and thrown into the midst of the fiery furnace, that was seven times hotter than usual, they were delivered because the presence of the LORD was with them. Not only were they loosed but the fire had no effect on their bodies—their hair was not singed, their clothes were not scorched or damaged, even the smell of smoke was not on them. If you are experiencing a fiery furnace ordeal, know that the LORD is with you and He will bring you through. For it is You who blesses the righteous man, O LORD, You surround him with favor as with a shield.  — Psalm 5:12 (NASB)

“ Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. ” — Matthew 28:20 (NLT) As Believers, we are most blessed to have the Presence of the Lord, with us. Immanuel: God with us. Let His Presence be a source of comfort and courage. Be thankful that even before He made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ. His Presence and His power enables us to accomplish His will on the earth. What a privilege and honor to be a vessel for our heavenly Father, a vessel of His love and grace, a vessel of His light and truth. Amen. “ Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. For I hold you by your right hand— I, the LORD your God. And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you. ” — Isaiah 41:10, 13 (NLT)

Humble yourselves [with an attitude of repentance and insignificance] in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you [He will lift you up, He will give you purpose]. — James 4:10 (AMP) Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. (Proverbs 16:18 NKJV) Yet He gives His grace [His undeserved favor] to the humble [those who give up self-importance]. (Proverbs 3:34b AMP) In Matthew 11:29 (NASB), Jesus instructs us to learn from Him, for He is gentle and humble in heart. He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death (Philippians 2:8 NKJV). Ephesians 4:2 (NLT) says: Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Though the LORD is great, he cares for the humble, but he keeps his distance from the proud. — Psalm 138:6 (NLT)

…and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice . — 1 Kings 19:12 (NKJV) When your world has been shaken, or there is nothing left but rubble and ashes, listen carefully for the still small voice of the LORD. Close your ear to the constant chatter of this world and tune in to the voice of Almighty God. When the doctor gives that bad report, open your ear to hear the healing Word of the LORD. The voice of the LORD is powerful; The voice of the LORD is full of majesty. (Psalm 29:4 NKJV) The LORD spoke and created the heavens and the earth. Jesus spoke and the dead were raised to life. (Luke 7:14-15, John 11:42-44) Instead of exposing yourself to the noise of the negative nightly news, tune into the Presence of the LORD and listen for what He is saying. I listen carefully to what God the LORD is saying, for he speaks peace to his faithful people. But let them not return to their foolish ways. — Psalm 85:8 (NLT)

Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. — Psalm 37:7 (NLT) For evildoers will be cut off, but those who wait for the LORD, they will inherit the land. — Psalm 37:9 (NASB) Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Trust in the LORD, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.  (Psalm 37:1-6 NKJV)

“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) Each day is a gift. If we rewind to past disappointments or fast forward and fret about tomorrow, we are allowing the enemy to steal the joy of living this moment, in the Presence of the LORD. When we live in the past or jump into the future, we are distracted and disconnected from what God is doing right now. Instead press play and live! Give attention to what God is doing right now, and experience fullness of joy. Focus on His Presence and your heart and mind will be full of peace. He gives us our daily bread, strength for today. We have the promise of His Presence and with God on our side, nothing can stand against us.

So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and he’ll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet. — James 4:7-10  (MSG) Say “Yes!” to God. Resist the devil and he will flee. When we humble ourselves in the Presence of the LORD, He will lift us up in due time. May His perfect will be done in your life.

Many people say, “Who will show us better times?” Let your face smile on us, LORD. You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine. — Psalm 4:6-7 (NLT) We experience the best of times in the presence of the LORD. There is no greater joy than to delight ourselves in the presence of the Most High God. He is Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). He is the God of more than enough. The Message Bible says, “I have God’s more-than-enough, more joy in one ordinary day than they get in all their shopping sprees.” (Psalm 4:7) Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous ones; and shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart. (Psalm 32:11 NASB)

“Pray, then, in this way: ‘Our Father who is in heaven, hallowed be Your name. ‘Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. — Matthew 6:9-10 (NASB) In Jonah 1:1-3, the LORD told Jonah to go to Nineveh, but Jonah went and got on a ship going in the opposite direction, to Tarshish, to get away from the presence of the LORD. Many times we are like Jonah and go in the opposite direction from the way the LORD has instructed us to go. However, His kingdom comes each time a heart turns from following the ways of the world, or the will of the flesh and commits to doing His will. Instead of being like Jonah, let us follow after Jesus. Knowing what He was about to suffer, He said, “ Father, …nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done. ” (Luke 22:42 NKJV) Our heavenly Father has a beautiful plan of an abundant and victorious life for each one of us. We just have to let Him show us the way.

You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. — Jeremiah 29:13 (NASB) In Genesis 3:8, Adam and Eve tried to hide themselves from the presence of the LORD God. At times, we may try to hide from God, but praise the LORD, our heavenly Father never hides from us! When we wholeheartedly seek Him, He promises that we will find Him. The Amplified Bible says, “ Then [with a deep longing] you will seek Me and require Me [as a vital necessity] and [you will] find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. ” (Jeremiah 29:13) May we require Him as a vital necessity, and never stray away. Let the deep longing of your heart be for His Presence. The Message Bible says, “ When you come looking for me, you’ll find me. Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed. ” (Jeremiah 29:13)

The LORD has appeared of old to me, saying: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you. — Jeremiah 31:3 (NKJV) God loves us with an everlasting love. What great love the Father has lavished on us! His love never fails, nor falls short. In love, He created us, and continually cares for us. His love is not based on our performance. He loves us because that is who He is. God is love (1 John 4:8). He draws us closer to Him with lovingkindness. He sacrificed His only Son to restore us back into relationship with Him. How precious is your unfailing love, O God! All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of your wings. (Psalm 36:7 NLT) Open your heart to receive His love and walk in it every moment of the day. Surely goodness and mercy and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell forever [throughout all my days] in the house and in the presence of the LORD. (Psalm 23:6 AMP)

When You said, “Seek My face [in prayer, require My presence as your greatest need],” my heart said to You, “Your face, O LORD, I will seek...” — Psalm 27:8 (AMP) The Presence of the LORD is our greatest need. With God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26). In Philippians 4:13 the Message Bible states: “Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.” For good success and victory in this life, His presence is a vital necessity. Then [with a deep longing] you will seek Me and require Me [as a vital necessity] and [you will] find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:13 AMP) Jeremiah 29:13-14 (MSG) says, “When you come looking for me, you’ll find me. “Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed.” We will not be disappointed when we desire God’s presence in our lives, more than anything else. And Jesus promises,  “ …and lo, I am ...

Surely righteous people are praising your name; the godly will live in your presence. — Psalm 140:13 (NLT) In Genesis 3:8, Adam and Eve heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden, and they hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. And Jonah tried to flee from the presence of the LORD (Jonah 1:3). The biggest mistake and most futile effort we could ever make is to try to hide or flee from the Presence of our great God. Without God’s help we are destined for failure. As children of God, we can praise His name because we have the most amazing opportunity and privilege to live in His precious Presence. In the shelter of the Most High there is protection and provision, and He lavishes His love upon us. In His Presence, His mighty power enables us to overcome the forces of evil and live in freedom and victory. In His Presence, we have a peace that cannot be moved by earthly circumstances. He fills us with joy in His presence. (Acts 2:2...