Manna for Your Morning

But turning around [with His back to Peter] and seeing His disciples, He rebuked Peter, saying, “Get behind Me, Satan; for your mind is not set on God’s will or His values and purposes, but on what pleases man.” — Mark 8:33 (AMP) May we set our mind on the things of God and seek to please our Heavenly Father instead of man. Set your mind and keep focused habitually on the things above [the heavenly things], not on things that are on the earth [which have only temporal value]. (Colossians 3:2 AMP) For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. (Romans 8:5-6 NKJV)

Rejoice always and delight in your faith; — 1 Thessalonians 5:16 (AMP) “Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength!” (Nehemiah 8:10b NLT) James 1:2 (NASB) says: Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials. Why be joyful? It is your strength to fight the good fight of faith and fulfill the purposes and plans God has for you. Joy gives you strength to resist the devil and live a victorious life. We can be joyful because we have the love and Presence of our everlasting Father. We can rejoice because we know He will make a way. We can be joyful because with our great God, all things are possible. Nothing can stand against our awesome God. Amen. Let joy be your continual feast. — 1 Thessalonians 5:16 (TPT)

“Do not tremble; do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim my purposes for you long ago? You are my witnesses—is there any other God? No! There is no other Rock—not one!” — Isaiah 44:8 (NLT) Jesus once asked the twelve disciples, “ Do you also want to go away? ” (John 6:67)   But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (John 6:68-69) There is no other Rock, except our mighty God. He is the solid Rock on whom you can stand. Seek the LORD while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near. (Isaiah 55:6 NKJV) Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. (1 Peter 5:7 NLT) And nothing is too difficult for Him.

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!

So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. — 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NKJV) Let us imitate our heavenly Father, Who continually gives. He pours out His love and kindness, at all times. The spout on His grace and mercy is continuously open. James 1:5 says, God gives wisdom generously to all who ask. No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly (Psalm 84:11). Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows (James 1:17 NIV). As we have freely received, let us delight ourselves in being extravagant givers, not just of our finances, but our time, talents, God's love, and grace, etc.

I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. — Philippians 3:14 (NKJV) God chose us and called us, and He has plans to give us a future and a hope. We are to progress forward and upward, as we pursue the good plans and purposes God has for us. In Philippians 3:12, the Apostle Paul says, not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. May we too, PRESS ON! Instead of letting the difficulties set you back, use them to take a step up, into a stronger, more spacious place in God. Run your race, with your eye on the prize, being fully confident that He who began a good work in you, is faithful to complete it.

Be merciful and gracious to me, O God, be merciful and gracious to me, for my soul takes refuge and finds shelter and confidence in You; yes, in the shadow of Your wings will I take refuge and be confident until calamities and destructive storms are passed. I will cry to God Most High, Who performs on my behalf and rewards me [Who brings to pass His purposes for me and surely completes them]!  — Psalm 57:1-2 (AMP) Hide in the shadow of His wings and hold on through the storms. Anchor your hope in the Most High and you will remain steadfast and immovable. You can be sure that our gracious God will fulfill His purposes for you!