Manna for Your Morning

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)

That’s why we live with such good cheer. You won’t see us drooping our heads or dragging our feet! Cramped conditions here don’t get us down. They only remind us of the spacious living conditions ahead. It’s what we trust in but don’t yet see that keeps us going. Do you suppose a few ruts in the road or rocks in the path are going to stop us? — 2 Corinthians 5:6-8a (MSG) Don’t stop. Make a continually pursuit of God, His Kingdom, and the wonderful plans He has for you. Where you began will seem unimportant, because your future will be so successful. (Job 8:7 NCV) Don’t despise the day of small beginnings. The LORD is a turn around God. He will turn your mourning into dancing. Your beginning might have been bitter, but God will turn it to sweet. You’ve heard, of course, of Job’s staying power, and you know how God brought it all together for him at the end. That’s because God cares, cares right down to the last detail. (James 5:11) He will give you double for your trouble. Keep pr...

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” — Jeremiah 29:11  (NLT) So be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs. God’s strong hand is on you; he’ll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you. — 1 Peter 5:6-7 (MSG) “Friend, don't become so discouraged in the delays that you give up on the pursuit of your purpose.” (From Tony Evans Bible Study on You Version) No matter where we are in the process of becoming all God designed us to be, remember that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) Whether on a detour or headed straight toward our destiny, the Holy Spirit of God dwells within us and as we follow Him, He will lead us to our desired destiny.

“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)

“You are My witnesses,” says the LORD, “And My servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe Me, and understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, nor shall there be after Me. I, even I, am the LORD, and besides Me there is no savior.” — Isaiah 43:10-11 (NKJV) Who else has held the oceans in his hand? Who has measured off the heavens with his fingers? Who else knows the weight of the earth or has weighed the mountains and hills on a scale? (Isaiah 40:12 NLT) Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. (Ephesians 1:4 NLT) But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6 NKJV) Our greatest pursuit in life is to know and believe (trust) the LORD— our heavenly Father, the Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ, our Savior. There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other n...

The LORD is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. — Psalm 28:7 (NLT) The LORD gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. (Isaiah 40:29). He is a shield to all who trust in Him (Psalm 18:30). He is our helper. Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face continually. (Psalm 105:4 NASB) Let seeking the LORD and following after Him be a lifelong pursuit. For the LORD God is a sun and shield; The LORD will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly. (Psalm 84:11 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) 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.

As God’s fellow workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. — 2 Corinthians 6:1 (NIV) The word vain means to produce no result or to have no meaning. Let us not take the goodness of God for granted. In Him, we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:28). Pastor Matt Pollock has described grace as having everything you need, when you need it. God’s provision is not for us to just sit back and grow spiritually fat. His grace has a higher purpose. He equips us that we might fulfill the call of God in our lives. Having received God’s grace, let us engage in an active pursuit of completing the mission we have received from God and focus on fulfilling His purpose in our lives. Amen!