Manna for Your Morning

Then they said to the woman, “Now we believe, not because of what you said, for we ourselves have heard Him and we know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world.” — John 4:42 (NKJV) In John 4:7, a woman of Samaria came to draw water when Jesus started a conversation with her. Little did she know it was a meeting that would change the trajectory of her life forever. After having a conversation with Jesus, the woman left her waterpot, went into the city, and said to the men, “Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did. Could this be the Christ?” Then they went out of the city and came to Him. (See John 4:28-30) And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, “He told me all that I ever did.” So when the Samaritans had come to Him, they urged Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days. And many more believed because of His own word. (See John 4:39-41) We should not rely on what others tell us about...

But Daniel was determined not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king. He asked the chief of staff for permission not to eat these unacceptable foods.  — Daniel 1:8 (NLT) May we be determined not to defile ourselves, but to be holy (set apart) and dedicated to God. Know for certain that no immoral, indecent, or greedy person—who is really an idol worshipper at heart—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Messiah and God. (Ephesians 5:5 TLV) You shall be holy, for the LORD our God is holy. …you were washed [by the atoning sacrifice of Christ], you were sanctified [set apart for God, and made holy], you were justified [declared free of guilt] in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the [Holy] Spirit of our God [the source of the believer’s new life and changed behavior]. (See 1 Corinthians 6:11 AMP)

We humans keep brainstorming options and plans, but God’s purpose prevails. — Proverbs 19:21 (MSG) We can make our plans, but don’t be disappointed when things seem to go awry. 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) And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose. (Romans 8:28 AMP) There is a season (a time appointed) for everything and a time for every delight and event or purpose under heaven— (Ecclesiastes 3:1 AMP) Trust Yahweh and His timing.

Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ’s love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture: None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us. — Romans 8:35, 37-39 (MSG) Don't be fazed by the current events of this world. Nothing can separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Open your heart to receive the perfect love of Elohim. Let the light of His love flood every crevice of your being. It will cast out fear (see 1 John 4:18) and transform the dark areas into radiant light, glowing with grace. Elohim first loved us (See 1 John 4:19). Let us ...

The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. — Psalm 32:8 NLT God’s path for us is the BEST way. When we veer off the path Elohim has for us, to do our own thing, know that it is less than God’s best. Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, His ways are higher than our ways. (See Isaiah 55:9) The LORD will guide us and counsel us, but we need to be willing to listen and learn. Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. (Proverbs 3:5-6 MSG) Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and turn away from evil. (Proverbs 3:7 NASB)

I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; from where shall my help come? My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. — Psalm 121:1-2 NASB “…I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked up to heaven. My sanity returned, and I praised and worshiped the Most High and honored the one who lives forever. His rule is everlasting, and his kingdom is eternal. All the people of the earth are nothing compared to him. He does as he pleases among the angels of heaven and among the people of the earth. No one can stop him or say to him, ‘What do you mean by doing these things?’” (Daniel 4:34-35 NLT) The Holy One of Israel is our Helper. Let us remember that He reigns on high and His plans for us are good. May we recognize that the Most High God is ruler over the realm of mankind and that He sets over it whomever He wishes. (See Daniel 5:21 NASB) May we continually praise and worship Elohim, the all-powerful One. And be led by His Holy Spirit within us.

…praise the name of the LORD, for His name alone is exalted; His glory is above earth and heaven. — Psalm 148:13 (NASB)  His name stands alone, above all others. The name of the LORD is above the doctor’s report, that bank statement, the lies and threats of the enemy, etc. His name is greater than any situation you face.  Let us praise the name of God— it’s the only Name worth praising. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we will remember and trust in the name of the LORD our God. (Psalm 20:7 AMP) Our help is in the name of the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. (Psalm 124:8 NKJV) I will praise the LORD according to His righteousness, and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High. (Psalm 7:17 NKJV) The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous runs to it and is safe and set on high [far above evil] . — Proverbs 18:10 (AMP)

Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. — Matthew 28:16-17 (NKJV) Don’t be a disciple who doubts. James 1:6 says, he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. Doubt leads to worry and will put distance between you and your Maker. So come, let us worship: bow before him, on your knees before God, who made us! Oh yes, he’s our God, and we’re the people he pastures, the flock he feeds. (Psalm 95:6-7 MSG) Give unto the Lord the glory due to His name; Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. (Psalm 29:2 NKJV) I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go into the house of the LORD. ” (Psalm 122:1)

I will extol You, O LORD, for You have lifted me up, and have not let my enemies rejoice over me. — Psalm 30:1 (NASB) No matter how low life drags you down, our heavenly Father will reach down and lift you up. God call us to come up, closer to Him. Let us press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14 NASB) The path of life leads upward for the wise. (Proverbs 15:24a) From the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. (Psalm 61:2 NKJV)

Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don’t quit in hard times; pray all the harder. — Romans 12:11-12 (MSG) Just as our vehicles need gas or electric power to keep running, we need to keep ourselves fueled by the power of God’s Holy Spirit who dwells inside of us. When we rely on His Presence in us, we are able to draw from the vast resources He has made available to help us in our time of need. Continually seek His wisdom, guidance, and strength. Let us be cheerful as we look to our heavenly Father with expectancy and hearts aflame with hope.

You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body; You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something. Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth; all the stages of my life were spread out before you, The days of my life all prepared before I’d even lived one day. — Psalm 139:15-16 (MSG) But now, O LORD, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You our potter; and all we are the work of Your hand (Isaiah 64:8 NKJV). Our heavenly Father is the Master potter. He takes us and creates magnificent masterpieces that reveal His greatness. He created you into something special. Let us be pliable and responsive to the touch of His hand as we are living testimonies made to reveal the glory of God, our Creator.

For the LORD saw that the affliction of Israel was very bitter; and whether bond or free, there was no helper for Israel. — 2 Kings 14:26 (NKJV) The Message Bible says, God was fully aware of the trouble in Israel, its bitterly hard times (2 Kings 14:26). God is also fully aware of the troubles and bitter affliction that you experience. Our heavenly Father has kept His eyes on you since you were being formed in your mother’s womb. And He wants you to know that our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal (2 Corinthians 4:17-18 NIV). As the eyes of the LORD are on you, fix your eyes on Jesus, because despite all these things we go through in this life, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us (Romans 8:37) enough to suffer and die for us.

For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, but My kindness shall not depart from you, nor shall My covenant of peace be removed,” says the LORD, who has mercy on you. — Isaiah 54:10 (NKJV) The LORD has established a covenant of peace with His people. And God is faithful to keep His Word. His covenant lasts forever and extends to every generation. When we bring our children up in the peaceful, loving Presence of God, we are passing on a legacy of God’s love and peace. Isaiah 54:13 says, all your children shall be taught by the LORD, and great shall be the peace of your children. When children are given that foundation of faith by their earthly parents, teachers, etc., they have a good strong root system of being planted in the LORD. May we continually plant seeds of God’s love and peace in the young people who are within our sphere of influence.

For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live]. — Ephesians 2:10 (AMP) When we stay on the path God shows us, we can remain in peace knowing that He has planned and prepared the way for us. No matter how many obstacles you encounter, be confident that our heavenly Father has already navigated a way over or through each one. As long as we abide in Christ, we are living the good life, which God prearranged and made ready for us to live. Glory Hallelujah!

To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen. Jude 24-25 (NIV) Our wonderful Savior is able to keep you from falling. If you stumble, His outstretched arms will catch you. Abide in the safe and peaceful sanctuary of our God and He will bring you, with great joy, into His glorious presence without a single fault. We belong to Him and no one can snatch us out of His hand. Glory, majesty and power to the one and only, true and living God, through Jesus Christ our Lord, now and forever! Amen.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Don't be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the LORD and turn away from evil. Proverbs 3:5-7 (NLT) Instead of being impressed with what you think you know, seek the wisdom of God. Bless the the man who finds wisdom and gains understanding. Proverbs 8:35 says whoever finds wisdom finds life and receives favor from the LORD. Seek God's will in all you do and He is faithful to show you the way. Love, Jackie

Then these men went as a group and found Daniel praying and asking God for help. Daniel 6:11 (NIV) Daniel got down on his knees and prayed three times a day and when the administrators tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel they were unable to do so. The only charge they could bring against him was that He prayed to his God.  How often do you pray and ask God for His help? God tells us to approach His throne of grace with confidence (Hebrews 4:16). Ask God for help. He doesn't expect us to do it on our own. Love, Jackie

The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God. Daniel 6:23 (NIV) Daniel was thrown into the den of lions because he refused to pray to any god except the LORD. Daniel trusted in God, and He shut the mouths of the lions. When we trust God, the devil who prowls around like a roaring lion is rendered powerless. Our God rescues and He saves. Keep trusting God. Love, Jackie