Manna for Your Morning

Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. — 1 Corinthians 9:24-26 (NLT) Let us run to win, by laying aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (See Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJV) Press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. (See Philippians 3:14 NLT)

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.” — Hebrews 12:1-2 (NLT) “Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.” (Hebrews 10:23 NLT) Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. (Hebrews 10:36 NLT)

Peter said, “Now I know for certain that God doesn’t show favoritism with people but treats everyone on the same basis. It makes no difference what race of people one belongs to. If they show deep reverence for God, and are committed to doing what’s right, they are acceptable before him.” — Acts 10:34-35 (TPT) My fellow believers, do not practice your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of partiality [toward people—show no favoritism, no prejudice, no snobbery]. (James 2:1 AMP) Let us be like our Heavenly Father and not show partiality to any person. Praise the LORD! (Hallelujah!) Blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] is the man who fears the LORD [with awe-inspired reverence and worships Him with obedience], who delights greatly in His commandments. (Psalms 112:1 AMP) God blesses us, and all the ends of the earth shall fear Him [with awe-inspired reverence and submissive wonder]. (Psalms 67:7 AMP) When all has been heard, the end of the matter is: f...

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. — 2 Timothy 4:7 (NKJV) Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. (1 Corinthians 9:24 NASB1995) …since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. (Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT) May you keep the faith and finish the race God has set before you.

Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, — Philippians 2:14-15 (NASB) May there be no grumbling, whining or complaining, as we run the race the Lord has given us to run. Do not compare your course to your neighbor’s route. Instead, strip off every weight that slows you down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And run with endurance the race God has set before you. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. (See Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT) … press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. — Philippians 3:14 (NLT)

 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. — Philippians 3:14 (NLT) Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, (Philippians 3:13 NASB) Stop longing for things of the past and reach forward. We have an upward call of God in Christ Jesus. A call to go higher and deeper. Let us press on to maturity (Hebrews 6:1). Hosea 6:3 says, let us press on to know the LORD. I will press on—moving steadfastly forward along Your path. I will not look back. I will not stumble. — Psalm 17:5 (VOICE)

Wishing to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas for them, and after having Jesus scourged, he handed Him over to be crucified. — Mark 15:15 (NASB) Pilate wanted to satisfy the crowd. Instead of trying to please people, may we seek to please our Creator. For He is our Maker and we are the people of His pasture. He created us with a plan and purpose. Let us stay on the path He set before us. He will guide you along the best pathway for your life. He will advise you and watch over you. (Psalm 32:8) Yahweh will always guide you where to go and what to do. He will fill you with refreshment even when you are in a dry, difficult place. He will continually restore strength to you, so you will flourish like a well-watered garden and like an ever-flowing, trustworthy spring of blessing. (Isaiah 58:11 TPT)

I have fought the good and worthy and noble fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith [firmly guarding the gospel against error]. — 2 Timothy 4:7 (AMP) Let us be like the Apostle Paul and keep fighting the good fight, until we finish the race. Keep the faith, no matter what the circumstance. Our mighty God is a God of restoration. He will restore what the locusts have eaten. Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. (1 Timothy 6:12 NASB) Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; (Philippians 2:12)

But those who wait for Yahweh’s grace will experience divine strength. They will rise up on soaring wings and fly like eagles, run their race without growing weary, and walk through life without giving up. — Isaiah 40:31(TPT) Wait for the LORD, with great expectation. Trust in the LORD and keep your hope in Him vibrant and you will gain new strength. Empowered by His Spirit, you will be able to rise up and soar like an eagle, toward the glorious destination, the LORD has for you. Some find their strength in their weapons and wisdom, but my miracle deliverance can never be won by men. Our boast is in the Lord our God, who makes us strong and gives us victory! — Psalm 20:7 (TPT)

Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. — Hebrews 12:1-2 (MSG) Even though it’s a long distance race, may we continually run with passion and determination. Let us stay focused on Jesus, who designed and perfected our faith. And never lose sight of where you’re headed. Amen.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. — 2 Timothy 4:7 (NLT) In 2 Corinthians 11:25-27a (NLT), the Apostle Paul tells us about some of the challenges he went through. He says: “ Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not. I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. ” Through all of this the Apostle Paul, knew it was a “ good ” fight. He kept the faith and finished his race. No matter what circumstances you face today, remain faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ, fight the good fight and finish your race.

But I consider my life of no value to myself; my purpose is to finish my course and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of God’s grace. — Acts 20:24 (CSB) Our purpose is to complete the course, that we received from our Lord and Savior. The primary assignment the Master Jesus gave Believers of letting everyone we meet know all about this incredibly extravagant generosity of God. May we continually do the work, with joy, of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God. Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. (Hebrews 12:1 NLT) Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in.  (Hebrews 12:1 MSG) May we continually...

From one man, Adam, he made every man and woman and every race of humanity, and he spread us over all the earth. He sets the boundaries of people and nations, determining their appointed times in history. — Acts 17:26 (TPT) God wanted them to look for him and perhaps search all around for him and find him, though he is not far from any of us: ‘By his power we live and move and exist.’Some of your own poets have said: ‘For we are his children.’ — Acts 17:27-28  (NCV) As we come to the end of 2018, let us realize, we are here for such a time as this. God is the giver of life. His light lets us enjoy life. (Psalm 36:9 NCV) He ordained us to be here now, to fulfill His purpose on the earth. God wants us to seek after Him. He is not far, when we look for Him, we find Him. The Passion Translation says: It is through him that we live and function and have our identity; (Acts 17:28 TPT).  As we spend time with our heavenly Father, we discover, who we truly are and the call He ...

“Simon, stay on your toes. Satan has tried his best to separate all of you from me, like chaff from wheat. Simon, I’ve prayed for you in particular that you not give in or give out. When you have come through the time of testing, turn to your companions and give them a fresh start.” — Luke 22:31-32 (MSG) You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. (2 Timothy 2:3 NKJV) The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. (John 10:10) Satan wants to separate us from our God, the source of our strength, wisdom and power. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail. Keep fighting the good fight of faith. Finish the race. Keep the faith. Even if all abandon you, remember that the Lord Jesus stands by your side.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. — Hebrews 12:1 (NLT) Don’t let the worries of this world weigh you down and trip you up, because we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) So run your race with passion and persistence. Actively pursue His purpose for you. We serve a great God and we are made in His image. Therefore, our Creator placed greatness inside of you. Never doubt the precious promises of God, which leads to the sin of unbelief. Instead, expect the extraordinary and don’t settle for less than God’s best. No matter where you are in your race, God has more in store for you! … we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spi...

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. — Hebrews 12:1-2a (NLT) Let us lay aside every weight, anything that slows us down, and run our race with endurance. Instead of telling your neighbor how to run their race, keep your eyes on Jesus and press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. (Philippians 3:14 NLT) ...he who endures to the end shall be saved. (Matthew 24:13 NKJV)

But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. — Acts 20:24 (NKJV) Don’t be moved by the troubles that come your way. For our light and momentary afflictions won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! (2 Corinthians 4:17) Continue to fight the good fight, finish the race, and keep the faith. (2 Timothy 4:7) Let's not just finish the race, but let us cross the finish line with joy. The joy of the LORD is your strength. Never let the enemy steal your joy.

When they were safely out of the city, one of the angels ordered, “Run for your lives! And don’t look back or stop anywhere in the valley! Escape to the mountains, or you will be swept away!” — Genesis 19:17 (NLT) Lot’s wife looked back and turned into a pillar of salt. (Genesis 19:26) Don’t Look Back! Instead of dwelling on past mistakes and regrets, let’s actively press on to what God has for us today. If you are going through a valley, don’t stop! Let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us (Hebrews 12:1 NLT). Keep moving forward with your eyes on Jesus. In Luke 9:62 (MSG), Jesus said, “No procrastination. No backward looks. You can’t put God’s kingdom off till tomorrow. Seize the day.”

That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! — 2 Corinthians 4:16-17 (NLT) So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. (2 Corinthians 4:18 NLT). So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up (Galatians 6:9 NLT). Fight the good fight of faith. Finish the race. Keep the faith. (2 Timothy 4:7)

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. — Hebrews 12:1 (NLT) Endurance: the ability to sustain or withstand an unpleasant or difficult process or situation without giving way. The Word encourages us to run our race with endurance. That means we never give up and we don't quit! We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. (Hebrews 12:1 NLT) But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. (Acts 20:24 NKJV) May we be like the Apostle Paul, and let the power of God give us the inner strength to not be moved by external circumstances. Press on to reach the end of t...