Manna for Your Morning

Drink deeply of the pleasures of this God. Experience for yourself the joyous mercies he gives to all who turn to hide themselves in him. Worship in awe and wonder, all you who’ve been made holy! For all who fear him will feast with plenty. Even the strong and the wealthy grow weak and hungry, but those who passionately pursue the Lord will never lack any good thing.  — Psalms 34:8-10 (TPT) Passionately pursue Yahweh. He gives grace and glory; No good thing does He withhold from those who walk blamelessly. (See Psalms 84:11) “Even when bad things happen to the good and godly ones, the Lord will save them and not let them be defeated by what they face.” (Psalms 34:19 TPT) “I’m energized every time I enter your heavenly sanctuary to seek more of your power and drink in more of your glory. I overflow with praise when I come before you, for the anointing of your presence satisfies me like nothing else. You are such a rich banquet of pleasure to my soul. With passion I pursue and cling ...

Then the LORD turned to him and said, “Go with the strength you have, and rescue Israel from the Midianites. I am sending you!” — Judges 6:14 (NLT) Judges 8:4 says, Gideon crossed the Jordan River with his 300 men, and though exhausted, they continued to chase the enemy. May we actively pursue the things God has called us to. At times, we may get weary but we need to go with the strength we have, and know that the LORD will provide everything we need. Psalm 29:11 NLT says: The LORD gives his people strength. The LORD blesses them with peace.  Just as the LORD sent Gideon, He is sending you. You have dwelt long enough at this mountain. Go, pursue, overtake and recover all the enemy has stolen from you.

Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, — Philippians 2:14-15 (NKJV) As children of God, may we be a reflection of His glory. We were all created to shine and let the glory of God in us, illuminate the world around us. Just as each star is unique, we all have our own way to shine and release the glory of God on the earth. Let us passionately pursue God's plan and purpose for our lives, without murmuring or questioning the providence of God.  The ways of right-living people glow with light; the longer they live, the brighter they shine. (Proverbs 4:18 MSG) Jesus said, “ Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. ” (Matthew 5:16 NKJV)

“When Gideon came to the Jordan, he and the three hundred men who were with him crossed over, exhausted but still in pursuit.” — Judges 8:4 (NKJV) Let us press on and continually pursue the things that our heavenly Father has called us to, and we will fulfill our purpose. We will reach our desired destination. First Timothy 6:11, tells us to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness. Romans 14:19 says to pursue the things which make for peace. Hosea 6:3 instructs us to pursue the knowledge of the Lord. When we come to end of ourselves, let us draw strength from the LORD, our Source. And He said, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” (Exodus 33:14  NKJV)

Let us pursue the knowledge of the LORD. His going forth is established as the morning; He will come to us like the rain, like the latter and former rain to the earth. — Hosea 6:3 (NKJV) The Amplified Bible says: “… let us press on to know and understand fully the [greatness of the] LORD [to honor, heed, and deeply cherish Him]. ” When we are on a continual pursuit to know the LORD, He will come to us like the rain. The rain falls to the earth and replenishes it. When there is no rain, we experience a drought, things dry up and die. The ground becomes hard. But when the rain comes, things are refreshed and grow. When we pursue God, we will experience times of refreshing and growth. He will pour out His Spirit and restore and renew us. Hardened hearts will become soft and tender, allowing His love to flow through. Fall upon us O’LORD!

So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. — 2 Corinthians 4:16 (MSG) Do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day (2 Corinthians 4:16 NKJV). Let us give thanks and praise to the LORD, for we are fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are His works, and my soul knows it very well. (Psalm 139:14 AMP). It is Christ’s mighty power that works within us. (Colossians 1:29) And His power works best when we admit our weaknesses. The Apostle Paul said, “I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9b NLT). His unfolding grace is all we need to go from glory to glory. Each and every day His grace unfolds new life in us so we can persistently pursue all that God has for us. “ My grace is all you need...

And King David longed to go to Absalom. For he had been comforted concerning Amnon, because he was dead. — 2 Samuel 13:39 (NKJV) Absalom had his brother Amnon killed for raping his sister Tamar, but King David still longed to go to his son, Absalom. In Acts 13:22, God referred to David as a man after His own heart. Don’t let the enemy condemn you and cause you to run away from God. The mistakes of yesterday, should never keep you from pursuing His Presence today. When we repent and confess our sins, God is faithful to forgive us. As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. (Psalm 103:12) Our heavenly Father loves you and longs to be close to you. Isaiah 40:11 (NIV) says, He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. It is good for us to draw near to God (Psalm 73:28) and delight ourselves in Him (Psalm 37:4).

When Gideon came to the Jordan, he and the three hundred men who were with him crossed over, exhausted but still in pursuit. — Judges 8:4 (NKJV) Are you still in hot pursuit of all that God has called you to? In spite of our energy level, may we continually pursue all God has for us, to the very end. First Timothy 6:11 tells us to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. Hebrews 12:14  says to pursue peace with all people. Sometimes the pursuit of peace with all people can be emotionally exhausting, however God has an abundant supply of love, peace, patience, etc. Let us draw from His vast supply and we will have all that we need to continue on.

The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe. — Proverbs 29:25 (NKJV) Live for an audience of one, the One who created you. Trying to please people will leave you exhausted and empty. Being overly concerned about the opinions of man will paralyze you and keep you fearful of doing anything. Put your trust and confidence in the LORD, and pursue that which He has called you to do. Remember that God is able to bring you through whatever He has called you to. And those who know Your name [who have experienced Your precious mercy] will put their confident trust in You, for You, O LORD, have not abandoned those who seek You. (Psalm 9:10 AMP)

Then the LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it. — Genesis 2:1 (NKJV) Just as the LORD God prepared a place for Adam and Eve, He has prepared a place for you. There is a mountain with your name on it. A place that you were destined to occupy, a place where you will thrive as you tend and keep it. And as you activate the gifts and talents God placed inside of you, others will be blessed also. Follow God and He will lead you to place He has for you. He will enable you to overtake the giants in the land, whether it is fear, doubt, etc.  You can recover all the enemy has stolen and occupy the place prepared for you. “See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared.” (Exodus 23:20 NIV)

‘These things says He who is holy, He who is true, “He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens”: “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.”’ — Revelation 3:7-8 (NKJV) God opens the doors that are for us and closes those that are not. Seek His will to discern which door of opportunity is for you and be ready to walk through it and pursue all that God has purposed for you. The LORD of hosts has sworn, saying, “Surely, as I have thought, so it shall come to pass, and as I have purposed, so it shall stand (Isaiah 14:24 NKJV). A man’s mind plans his way [as he journeys through life], but the LORD directs his steps and establishes them (Proverbs 16:9 AMP).

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!

“And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions.” — Joel 2:28 (NKJV) Without a vision the people perish. In spite of the difficulties that arise, let us actively pursue the dreams God has placed inside of us. John 2:24-25 says, Jesus knew all men, and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man. Jesus knew everything about us and still gave His life to save us. Stop listening to the lies of the enemy and beating yourself up. God created you unique and extraordinary. You are of great value to Him. God calls us to come to a higher place in Him and His Spirit dwells in us to help us. The LORD has plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV). Keep your dreams alive!

“I see what you’ve done. Now see what I’ve done. I’ve opened a door before you that no one can slam shut. You don’t have much strength, I know that; you used what you had to keep my Word. You didn’t deny me when times were rough.” — Revelation 3:8 (MSG) When God opens a door for us, no one will be able to shut it, and when He closes a door, no one can open it. (Revelation 3:7). Consistently pursue the purpose and passions God has placed in your heart. Be wise and ensure that God opened the door, before going forward. You may not have much strength, but as you walk in alignment with God’s will, you shall successfully accomplish your plans and fulfill your purpose, by the grace of God. Amen!

For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries. — 1 Corinthians 16:9 (NKJV) When God opens doors of opportunity, do not be surprised when you encounter adversaries and opposition, as you pursue what God has for you. The fiery darts of the enemy will come. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:57 NKJV). Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong (1 Corinthians 16:13 NIV). For you have the victory!

But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. — Matthew 14:24 (NKJV) Jesus instructed His disciples get into the boat and go to the other side of the lake, on the way, they encountered contrary winds. As we step out and follow the instructions of the Lord, we also will experience contrary winds, forces at work against us. When our lives get tossed to and fro by the troubles of this world, we may feel like God is not for us. Be confident that as you pursue His purpose and plan for your life, God will definitely work everything together for good. If your plan is of man, it will come to nothing, but if what you are doing is of God, nothing or no one can stop it. (Acts 5:38-39) Only what we do for the kingdom of God has eternal value. Press on!

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.

Then they said to the woman, “Now we believe, not because of what you said, for we ourselves have heard Him and we know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world.” — John 4:42 (NKJV) At first many of the Samaritans believed in Jesus because of the word of the woman who testified about Him. After they came to Him, and heard Him, they got to know Him for themselves. In order to believe in Him and totally trust Him, you have to know Him. You have to know that He is with you, and develop a personal relationship with Him. Know that He is a God who will never fail you. Two co-workers told me about Jesus, then I had my own experience with Him and continue to pursue a deeper more intimate relationship. When I was believing the lies of the enemy, He opened my eyes and showed me truth. When I was down, and turned to the Living Word, He lifted me up out of that pit of depression. When I get overwhelmed, He is my peace. When I was on my sick bed, feeling like I was going to die...

Nathanael said to Him, “How do You know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” — John 1:48 (NKJV) Just as Jesus saw Nathanael under the fig tree, He sees you, no matter what you are under today. Whether you are trying to hide, or whether you are feeling the crushing weight of that thing hanging over you and you want to escape, He sees you! And He looks upon you, with eyes of compassion, not condemnation. When God is not even on our radar, His heart is to pursue us and invite us to come to Him. No conditions, just come. He loves us right where we are. In John 1:49, Nathanael answered and said to Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” Nathanael was amazed to know that Jesus saw and knew him. What is your response to knowing that Jesus, the King of kings, sees and knows you, and more than that —He cares about you?

David was greatly distressed, for the men spoke of stoning him because the souls of them all were bitterly grieved, each man for his sons and daughters. But David encouraged and strengthened himself in the Lord his God. — 1 Samuel 30:6 (AMP) After David and the people who were with him wept until they could weep no more, David encouraged and strengthened himself in the Lord his God. Then David and his men pursued their enemies and overtook them. They recovered all that the Amalekites had carried away, and nothing of theirs was lacking, (1 Samuel 30:18,19). There may be situations that cause you to be distressed and weep, but find strength and encourage yourself in the Lord. Don't let the enemy steal anything from you. Recover all!