Manna for Your Morning

Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off! — Acts 16:25-26 (NLT) I have often heard that life is not so much what happens to you, it's more about your response to what happens. Paul and Silas were dragged, had their clothes torn off, were beaten and thrown in prison. However, they didn’t let their circumstances get them down. They were praying and singing hymns to God. No matter what your circumstance, turn your attention to God, who holds the universe in His hands. Are there things in your life that need to be shaken? Do you have some doors that need to be opened? A little prayer and praise goes a long way. And it also has a profound impact on those around you, just as Paul and Silas effected the prisoners around them. How are you reacting to...

I have no interest in giving you a chatty account of my adventures, only the wondrously powerful and transformingly present words and deeds of Christ in me that triggered a believing response among the outsiders . — Romans 15:18 (The Message) Let all that we say and do be aimed at triggering a believing response in those around us, who do not know Jesus. When others look at us may they see the love, compassion and kindness of Christ. Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience (Colossians 3:12, NIV). So that we may have reason to glory in Christ Jesus in the things which pertain to God (Romans 16:17, NKJV).

My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “LORD, I am coming.”  — Psalm 27:8 (NLT) Abba Father simply says,  “ Come! ”  He puts no restrictions or conditions on it. We don't have to try to get ourselves together before we come. We can come exactly the way we are. He wants us close to Him, like any loving father desires to have His children near. His ears are attentive to your voice. He says,  “ come and talk to Me. ”  What is your response?