Manna for Your Morning

You will keep the peace, a perfect peace, for all who trust in You, for those who dedicate their hearts and minds to You. — Isaiah 26:3 (VOICE) We will only abide in peace to the degree that we place our trust in the LORD. The enemy steals our peace when we meditate on challenging situations and difficult circumstances. This leads to frustration, fear, and hopelessness. Dedicate your heart and mind to the LORD. When what we see does not line up with the Word of God and His wonderful promises, we must make a decision to keep our trust in God and stand on His Word. Depend on God and keep at it because in the Lord God you have a sure thing (Isaiah 26:4 MSG). So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! (Hebrews 10:35 NLT) Now may the Lord of peace Himself grant you His peace at all times and in every way [that peace and spiritual well-being that comes to those who walk with Him, regardless of life’s circumstances]. The Lord be with...

God chose us to be in a relationship with Him even before He laid out plans for this world; He wanted us to live holy lives characterized by love, free from sin, and blameless before Him. — Ephesians 1:4 (VOICE) With promises like this to pull us on, dear friends, let’s make a clean break with everything that defiles or distracts us, both within and without. Let’s make our entire lives fit and holy temples for the worship of God. (2 Corinthians 7:1 MSG) Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are.  (1 Corinthians 3:16-17 NASB) Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. (Romans 12:1 NASB) Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not s...

How can a young person live a clean life? By carefully reading the map of your Word. I’m single-minded in pursuit of you; don’t let me miss the road signs you’ve posted. I’ve banked your promises in the vault of my heart so I won’t sin myself bankrupt. Be blessed, God; train me in your ways of wise living. — Psalm 119:9-12 (MSG) In order to live wisely, we need to read and navigate our lives based on the map of God’s Word. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. (Joshua 1:8 NLT) Guide my steps by your word, so I will not be overcome by evil. — Psalm 119:133 (NLT)

And He said, “My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest.” — Exodus 33:14 (NASB) By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires. (2 Peter 1:3-4 NLT) Jesus has an open invitation for us to come to Him. He meets us right where we are. The Word of God is full of promises, but the best promise of all is His Presence. He promises to be with us forever. In Matthew 28:20 Jesus said, “ I am with you always, even to the end of the age .” In His Presence we have peace and power to do all that God has given us to do. Amen.

“And the LORD, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.” — Deuteronomy 31:8 (NKJV) Just as nothing can separate us from the love of God, nothing can separate us from His Presence. He promises to be with us forever. He is our guide and constant Companion as we journey through all seasons of life. He invites us to come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16). In His Presence we have perfect peace. His Presence makes our joy complete. In His Presence, we have everything we need. Passionately pursue His Presence and He will enable you to fulfill His plan and purpose for your life.

Moreover He said to me: “Son of man, receive into your heart all My words that I speak to you, and hear with your ears.” — Ezekiel 3:10 (NKJV) Receive the Word and let it sink deep into your heart. The quality of our lives and those around us depends on how we receive the Word of God and how well we listen to it. Listen carefully to what God speaks to you. Our heavenly Father speaks words of life, love, and peace. His Word is packed with promises of protection, provision, and victory. He speaks of the purpose and plans He has for our lives. He speaks of strength, stability, and success. When we trust Him, His Word will bring about transformation and restoration. His words are healing and inspire hope. Let us not be like the ones on whom seed was sown among the thorns; these are the ones who have heard the word, but the worries of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. (Mark 4:18-19 NASB...

A person’s anxiety will weigh him down, but an encouraging word makes him joyful. — Proverbs 12:25 (GW) God’s Word is the most encouraging Word of all. Philippians 4:6 (NKJV) tells us to be anxious for nothing. Instead of fretting, let us hide the Word of God in our hearts. (Psalm 119:11) His Word is practical and very powerful. It is the truth that stands forever. (Psalm 119:160) The Word is packed with promises. It is our comfort in affliction and it gives us life. (Psalm 119:50)  It revives our souls. (Psalm 119:25) Great peace have those who love His law, and nothing causes them to stumble. (Psalm 119:165) His Word gives us strength (Psalm 119:28). The entrance of His words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple. (Psalm 119:130) His word is a lamp to guide our feet and a light for our path. (Psalm 119:105 NLT) It shows us the way to fulfill God’s purpose and good plan for our lives. Delight yourself in His statutes. (Psalm 119:16)

For we live by believing and not by seeing. — 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NLT) GOD’S WORD Translation says: “Indeed, our lives are guided by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7 GW). Faith assures us of things we expect and convinces us of the existence of things we cannot see. (Hebrews 11:1 GW). May our faith in God and in His Word guide our lives, because it is impossible to please God without faith. (Hebrews 11:6) May faith guide what we choose to think about, what we believe, what we say and all of our actions. Doubt and unbelief lead to anxiety, worry, and fear. Imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises (Hebrews 6:12 NKJV). Live by believing. Believe that God loves you. Believe that He wants the best for you. Believe that all God’s promises in His Word are yes and amen, for you.

The LORD replied, “I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest—everything will be fine for you.” — Exodus 33:14 (NLT) Just as the LORD was with Moses, He is with us. In Deuteronomy 31:6, He promises never to leave us or forsake us. Whatever God has called you to do and where ever He has called you to go, be confident that He goes with you. He will show you the way and as you go, He wants you to enjoy the pleasure of His Presence; walk in His peace and experience the fullness of joy. 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) Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 NKJV)

Everything that goes into a life of pleasing God has been miraculously given to us by getting to know, personally and intimately, the One who invited us to God. The best invitation we ever received! We were also given absolutely terrific promises to pass on to you—your tickets to participation in the life of God after you turned your back on a world corrupted by lust. — 2 Peter 1:3-4 (MSG) Jesus says, “Come!” It is the best invitation because it's an open invitation. Jesus continually invites us to come to Him. There are no requirements before we come, we come as we are. It is the best invitation because “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13 NKJV) He is no respecter of persons. (Acts 10:34 KJV) It is the best invitation because once we accept it, God gives us everything we need for living a godly life and a more abundant life. His ticket is an invitation to participate in the glorious life of God.

God’s way is perfect. All the LORD’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection. — Psalm 18:30 (NLT) When circumstances appear contrary to what God has promised you, know that His way is perfect. God makes no mistakes and He has not forgotten about you. In every situation, we have His Presence. And in His Presence, we can walk in perfect peace, not moved by worldly events. He will keep in perfect peace all who trust in Him, all whose thoughts are fixed on Him! (Isaiah 26:3). In His Presence, we have His protection and the resources we need to fulfill His glorious purposes for us. His Presence enables us to persevere through all that life brings our way. His Presence with us, is His greatest gift. He will never leave us nor forsake us. He is our constant companion. Praise God for His wonderful Presence!

Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall. — Psalm 55:22 (NLT) The strength of the wicked will be shattered, but the LORD takes care of the godly (Psalm 37:17 NLT). Sometimes people doubt God’s ability or willingness to take care of them because of their disappointments with their earthly parents. However, our heavenly Father is not a man that He should lie. He promises in His Word that He will take care of us and He is faithful to keep His Word. Psalm 27:10 (NKJV) says, when my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take care of me. People may not be there when we need them but the LORD is always there for us. He is a loving Father who wants to take care of His children. See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! (1 John 3:1 (NIV)

You have armed me with strength for the battle; — 2 Samuel 22:40a (NLT) Whatever battles you face today, press on, in the strength of the LORD. With us is the LORD our God, to help us and to fight our battles (2 Chronicles 32:8). “ O LORD, you are my lamp. The LORD lights up my darkness. In your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall. God’s way is perfect. All the LORD’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.”  (2 Samuel 22:29-31 NLT)

Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. — Hebrews 10:23 (MSG) Never let go or give up on the promises God has spoken to you. God is faithful and we can  trust Him to keep His promises. What the LORD speaks, eventually comes to pass (maybe not on our timetable). After God delivered the Israelites from slavery and ushered them into the Promise Land, Joshua 21:44-45 says, the LORD delivered all their enemies into their hand. Not a word failed of any good thing which the LORD had spoken to the house of Israel. All came to pass. This is the same God we serve. They may have spent 40 years in the wilderness, but through it all, God provided and His people prevailed. The enemy likes to use adverse circumstances to discourage us, but look past the smokescreen and see the victory we already have in Jesus! Hold onto His promises.

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. — Psalm 143:8 (NIV) Entrust your life to our heavenly Father. He has searched you, and He knows you (Psalm 139:1). He loves you and pours out new mercies on you every morning. With God on your side who can stand against you? Nothing is too difficult for our great God! The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the LORD. When you keep your trust in confidence in the LORD, you will not be disappointed. God’s way is perfect. All the LORD’s promises prove true. He is a shield to all who trust in Him. (Psalm 18:30)

When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. — Isaiah 43:2 (NLT) Instead of centering your thoughts on the problem, center on God’s Presence. He is with you and in His Presence their is wonder-working power to overcome challenges. In His Presence, mountains melt like wax. In His Presence there is peace that surpasses understanding and fullness of joy. Meditate on the wonderful promises God has given us in His Word.

Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise: — Hebrews 10:35-36 (NKJV) Sometimes the life situations we encounter tempt us to draw back and give up on God. But you need to stick it out, staying with God’s plan so you’ll be there for the promised completion. (Hebrews 10:36 MSG). “The just shall live by faith; but if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him,” (Hebrews 10:38 NKJV). Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. (Hebrews 10:23 MSG). When you get the impulse to draw back, passionately pursue His Presence with even more determination. We’re not quitters who lose out. Oh, no! We’ll stay with it and survive, trusting all the way. (Hebrews 10:39 MSG) Amen!

“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” — Luke 1:45 (NIV) Blessed are those who believe that the Lord will fulfill His promises. By faith Sarah received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised (Hebrews 11:11). You too will receive strength to give birth to all that God has placed inside of you. No matter how impossible circumstances may appear, keep believing and trusting in our faithful God and you will not be disappointed. God is not a man, that He should lie (Numbers 23:19). He will fulfill every single promise. “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” Mark 9:23 (NKJV)

In light of all this… 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. — Ephesians 4:1 (MSG) The moment a train is derailed, it is headed for destruction. It has to progress steadily, on the tracks, and allow the tracks to guide it, in order to reach the intended destination. Similarly, once we step off the track of what God has for us, we are headed for a wreck. When we stay in continual communion with the LORD, He will be our guide and support, enabling us to run strong and long, with purpose and determination. Then we will see promises fulfilled and dreams materialized. As we stay on track with God, we will be sure to reach our desired destination. Good wants the best for you, don’t settle for less.

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. — Luke 2:19 (NIV) Mary pondered the words that were prophesied about her Son. When we ponder something we continually think about it. The thought just keeps grabbing our attention, until it gets deep into our heart. Some of us ponder the negative things others have spoken to us. Others ponder people and why they said or did something to us. Let all of that go. If it didn’t kill you, it made you stronger and better. Let us treasure all the awesome words our heavenly Father has spoken to us through His wonderful Word. Ponder all the promises He has spoken to you and know that He is a Promise Keeper. Not one of all the LORD’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled. (Joshua 21:45 NIV). Just as He did for Israel, He will do for you. Ponder that!