Manna for Your Morning

Jesus’ disciples went with him as he left in a boat. Suddenly, a severe storm came across the sea. The waves were covering the boat. Yet, Jesus was sleeping. — Matthew 8:23-24 (GW) The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. (Matthew 8:25-26 NIV) The disciples were fearful because they were focusing on the conditions of the storm. Jesus was sleeping because He trusted the Father. If we are in the boat with Jesus, we too can have perfect peace when severe storms come our way, by trusting God. His Presence is our protection. Instead of looking at the winds and the waves (circumstances), keep your eyes on Jesus, the Champion who initiates and perfects our faith. (Hebrews 12:2 NLT)

So the children of Israel said to Samuel, “Do not cease to cry out to the LORD our God for us, that He may save us from the hand of the Philistines.” — 1 Samuel 7:8 (NKJV) In 1 Samuel 7:9, Samuel gave the LORD a burnt offering and cried out to Him for Israel, and the LORD answered him. So the Philistines were subdued, and they did not come anymore into the territory of Israel (1 Samuel 7:13a NKJV). Don’t ever stop calling upon the LORD. When we call upon Him, He will answer. (Jeremiah 33:3) First Thessalonians 5:17 (AMP) tells us to be unceasing and persistent in prayer. Let's not just pray for ourselves and the challenges we face, but also for our families, friends, co-workers, neighbors, nation and the world. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. (James 5:16 NLT). But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown...