Manna for Your Morning

For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus. — 2 Timothy 1:9 (NLT) Before time began,  we were chosen and called by God. He has a purpose and a plan for each and every person. If we don't know our heavenly Father and seek to do His will, then we will live by chance instead of choice. We have to choose to answer the call of God in our lives and passionately pursue the dreams and desires He has placed within our hearts, if we are going to be men and women of destiny and purpose.

Gideon said to Him, “O my lord, if the LORD is with us, why then has all this happened to us?” — Judges 6:13 (NKJV) Many of us have asked God this question at one time or another. First Peter 4:12 warns us, dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. If you find yourself wondering why?, look at it from a different perspective: We may be hard pressed on every side, but we are not crushed; we may be perplexed, but we are not in despair; we may experience persecution, but we are not abandoned; we may be struck down, but we are not destroyed (2 Corinthians 4:8-9). Glory hallelujah! So fix your eyes not on what is seen (temporary), but on what is unseen (eternal), for our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).

Therefore let all the faithful pray to you while you may be found; surely the rising of the mighty waters will not reach them. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Psalm 32:6-7 (NIV) Let all the faithful saints of God continually pray. The prayer of a righteous person avails much. When the floodwaters come, you will be on higher ground. Our heavenly Father is our hiding place. He protects us from trouble and surrounds us with joyous songs of victory. Hallelujah!

Sing the praises of the LORD, you his faithful people; praise his holy name. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. Psalm 30:4-5 (NIV) We may cry our eyes out, in the night, but let us rejoice in the morning that we are alive to see the dawn of a new day. It is a sign that we have received brand new compassions from our heavenly Father. We can be joyful knowing that His wonderful favor rests upon us. Praise the LORD!

The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1 (NKJ) The light of the LORD shows us the way. When we walk with our heavenly Father, there is no need to fear. With God on our side, who can stand against us? He is a strong fortress of protection and the strength of our lives. Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but whoever leans on, trusts in, and puts his confidence in the LORD is safe and set on high (Proverbs 29:25).

Examine me, O Lord, and test me. Look closely into my heart and mind. I see your mercy in front of me. I walk in the light of your truth. Psalm 26:2-3 (GW) Darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining (1 John 2:8). Let us walk in the light, as our heavenly Father is in the light (1 John 1:7). In the light, we have abundant life, peace and joy. In the light of God’s truth, there is freedom and forgiveness. Live as children of light.

The LORD is my shepherd. I am never in need. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside peaceful waters. He renews my soul. He guides me along the paths of righteousness for the sake of his name. Psalm 23:1-3 (GW) As we abide in the LORD, we are never in need. He is the God of "more than enough!" The LORD, our God, is El Shaddai, the Benevolent Blesser. He pours out His love, grace, peace and joy in abundance. All we have to do is ask for wisdom and He generously gives it. Our heavenly Father supplies all our needs in every area of life, according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). Thank You LORD!

I have called upon You, for You will hear me, O God; Incline Your ear to me, and hear my speech. Show Your marvelous lovingkindness by Your right hand, O You who save those who trust in You From those who rise up against them. Keep me as the apple of Your eye; Hide me under the shadow of Your wings, Psalm 17:6-8 (KJV) Our heavenly Father shows us His marvelous lovingkindess in so many ways. They are too many to count. When we call to Him, He hears us and He answers. The LORD saves and delivers those who trust in Him, from their enemies. He keeps and guards us as if we are the pupil of His eye. Abba Father hides us under the shadow of His wings. And gives us new mercies and compassions each day. What wonders of His great unfailing love!

Amongst all the conditions of this world: unpaid bills, increased demands, lack of resources, rising costs, troubled relationships, etc., our heavenly Father says: “ Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. ” (John 14:27, NAS). In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. ” (John 16:33, NKJ). Let us declare our victory, believe we have success in all we put our hands to do and know that we can do all things through Christ. Praise God that we are not of this world, but we are ABOVE the circumstances of this world, seated with Him in heavenly places! Amen.

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2 (NLT) Instead of conforming to this world, let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. As we renew our minds with the Word of God, and let it take root in our hearts, we are transformed. We are changed from the inside out, to be more like our heavenly Father. When we get God's Word in us, He brings the best out of us and we have a positive influence on the world around us. Amen.

The LORD is merciful, compassionate, patient, and always ready to forgive. The LORD is good to everyone and has compassion for everything that he has made. Everything that you have made will give thanks to you, O LORD, and your faithful ones will praise you. Psalm 145:8-10 (GW) The LORD is gracious, merciful, compassionate and patient. Like the father of the prodigal son, He watches and waits for His wayward children to return to Him. His arms are open wide and our heavenly Father is always ready to forgive. God is good to all people. He makes His sun to shine on all. The LORD has compassion on all of His creation. And His compassions never fail. Praise the LORD!

LORD, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, LORD. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Psalm 139:1-5 (NLT) The LORD goes before you and smoothes out the rough places. He is also behind you, covering you in the back. His hand of blessing rests upon your head. “The LORD bless you and watch over you. The LORD will smile on you and show you His kindness. The LORD will look on you with favor and give you peace,” (Numbers 6:24-26). It pleases God to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, you will have all that you need. You were called so that you may inherit a blessing. Receive your blessing from our heavenly Father.

THOSE WHO trust in, lean on, and confidently hope in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved but abides and stands fast forever. As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about His people from this time forth and forever. Psalm 125:1-2 (Amp) When we trust in and lean on the LORD, we will endure forever. The LORD surrounds his people, both now and forevermore. With God on our side, we will not be defeated. With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies (Psalm 60:12).

My troubles turned out all for the best— they forced me to learn from your textbook. Truth from your mouth means more to me than striking it rich in a gold mine. Psalm 119:71-72 (The Message) The Apostle James tells us to consider it pure joy when tests and challenges come at us from all sides. The testing of our faith produces patience. Let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing (James 1:2-4). The Apostle Peter says, "dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you," (1 Peter 4:12). The good news is that despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loves us. All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). Amen.

And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You, LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You. Psalm 9:10 (NKJ) The presence of the LORD is with us today, tomorrow and forever! God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you,” (Hebrews 13:5). No matter what you have gone through in the past and no matter what trials you face today, our God is with you. You are not abandoned or forgotten. Our heavenly Father is actively involved in your life, causing all things to work together for good. The Spirit of Almighty God lives in you and dwells around you in all His power and glory. You are never alone. Take comfort in the companionship of our heavenly Father.

Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true wisdom. All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom. Praise him forever! Psalm 111:10 (NLT) Let respect and honor for the LORD be the foundation on which we build our lives. As we follow God and walk in His ways, we grow wiser. There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD (Proverbs 21:30).

David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God. 1 Samuel 30:6 (NIV) When David and his troops returned home from battle, they found their city burned and their wives, sons and daughters taken captive. David and his men wept until they could weep no more. In spite of the men talking about stoning him, David found strength in the LORD his God. David and troops pursued their enemies and recovered all. When we encounter difficult days and trying times, let us be like David and find strength in the LORD, our God. Ignore any negative and critical conversation and continue on the path God has for you.

“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” Matthew 24:36 (NIV) When Jesus was talking to His disciples about the signs of the end of the age in Matthew 24, He said, "keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come," (Matthew 24:42). When you don't know what to believe, stand on the Word of God. In Matthew 24:35, Jesus said, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away."

Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. Philippians 4:6-7 (The Message) Be anxious for nothing. Give all your worries to God in the form of prayers. When Christ is at the center of your life, you will experience God's peace, which surpasses all understanding. Then you can take comfort in knowing that God will work everything together for good.

And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him. 1 John 4:16 (NKJ) God's love is like living water that floods my soul. At times, God's love flows like a calm stream and fills every crevice of my heart with His peace. At other times, God's love rushes in with power and strength and breaks up the fallow ground. In the light, God's love is transparent, clear for all to see. God's love is ever-flowing and true. Give God some praise because He loves you too!