Manna for Your Morning

Now it came about that when Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he became furious and very angry and mocked the Jews. — Nehemiah 4:1 (NASB1995) When Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard of Nehemiah’s arrival, they were very displeased that someone had come to help the people of Israel. (See Nehemiah 2:10) Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem proceeded to mock the Israelites. Instead of replying to his enemies, Nehemiah turned to Yahweh and prayed, “Hear us, our God, for we are being mocked. May their scoffing fall back on their own heads, and may they themselves become captives in a foreign land! (Nehemiah 4:4 NLT) Know that when you engage in a good work, the enemy will always attempt to discourage, distract and halt the work of Yahweh anyway he can. May we remember that we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in ...

Then I said to them, “You see the bad situation we are in, that Jerusalem is desolate and its gates burned by fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem so that we will no longer be a reproach.” I told them how the hand of my God had been favorable to me and also about the king’s words which he had spoken to me. Then they said, “Let us arise and build.” So they put their hands to the good work. — Nehemiah 2:17-18 (NASB1995) When Nehemiah heard about the broken down condition of Jerusalem and the survivors being in great distress, he wept and mourned, but he also fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. (See Nehemiah 1:3-4) In Nehemiah 2:4, when the king asked Nehemiah what was his request, Nehemiah prayed before he responded. (See Nehemiah 2:4) And the king granted him all that he requested because the good hand of his God was on him (See Nehemiah 2:8) Throughout the rebuilding of the wall, Nehemiah continually prayed to God when dealing with their enemies. In Nehemiah 4:20, ...

And 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 (NASB1995) We know Yahweh is able to make all things work together for good in our lives. The question is, do we love God? For the [true] love of God is this: that we habitually keep His commandments and remain focused on His precepts. And His commandments and His precepts are not difficult [to obey]. (1 John 5:3 NASB1995 AMP) And what is the great and foremost commandment? It says: “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ (See Matthew 22:37-39 NASB1995) No matter what difficulties come into our lives, may we love God, love our neighbor as ourself [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for others] (See Matthew 2239 AMP), and be guided continually by His precepts and purpose. Then we can be certai...

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits; Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases; Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion; Who satisfies your years with good things,
 so that your youth is renewed like the eagle. — Psalm 103:1-5 (NASB1995) May all that is within us (our emotions, mind and will) bless YAHWEH. Remember all the good things He has done and is continually doing. Despite all our many offenses, He forgives us and removes our transgressions from us as far as the east is from the west. (See Psalm 103:12) With or without doctors and modern medicine, He is the One who heals our sicknesses and diseases. He lifted us out of the pit of despair and destruction, out of the mud and the mire and set our feet on solid ground, the chief cornerstone, a sure foundation. (See Psalm 40:2 NLT/NASB & Isaiah 28:16) He crowns us with...

For you will go out with joy and be led in peace; the mountains and the hills will break into shouts of joy before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. — Isaiah 55:12 (NASB) The joy of the LORD is your strength, enabling you to press on. Go out with joy and be led in peace. For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Romans 14:17) If you are a believer, God’s kingdom realm is within you.  I will rejoice greatly in the LORD, my soul will be joyful in my God; for He has clothed me with garments of salvation, He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness, (See Isaiah 61:10 NASB). Yahweh will keep in perfect peace all who trust in Him, all whose thoughts are fixed on Him! (See Isaiah 26:3 NLT) We do not have to be shaken by world events, because Isaiah 54:10 (NASB) tells us, His favor will not be removed from us, nor will His covenant of peace be shaken. Let God’s peace, w...

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. — John 1:1-3 (NASB) Jesus is the source of life and light. Anything or anyone else we turn to is a resource that God has provided. He alone is our Savior. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it (John 1:4-5 NLT) No matter how much death and darkness goes on in the world, greater is He who dwells within us. His light shining through us causes darkness to flee. May we open our hearts and let the light of His love and life touch and illuminate the world around us. Jesus said to her, “I am the Resurrection and the Life. Whoever believes in (adheres to, trusts in, relies on) Me [as Savior] will live even if he dies; — John 11:25 (AMP)

“ Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the One who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. ” — Deuteronomy 31:6 (NASB) Our great God is Jehovah Shammah, the One who is always with us. You are not alone. So we will never fear even if every structure of support were to crumble away. We will not fear even when the earth quakes and shakes, moving mountains and casting them into the sea. (Psalm 46:2 TPT) Yet, in spite of all this, you comfort me by your counsel; you draw me closer to you. You lead me with your secret wisdom. and following you brings me into your brightness and glory! (Psalm 73:23-24 TPT)

So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! 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 10:35-36 (NLT) Whatever you do, don't cast away your confidence. For you have need of patient endurance [to bear up under difficult circumstances without compromising], so that when you have carried out the will of God, you may receive and enjoy to the full what is promised. (Hebrews 10:36 AMP) The promises of God are a sure thing! Stick it out, and do things God’s way. In due season you will reap a beautiful and bountiful harvest. Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, how He richly blessed Job, for the Lord is very compassionate and merciful. (James 5:11)

This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: “Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength. But you would have none of it. — Isaiah 30:15 (NLT) So the LORD must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the LORD is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for his help. (Isaiah 30:18 NLT) For I hold you by your right hand— I, the LORD your God. And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you. (Isaiah 41:13 NLT) Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, “This is the way you should go,” whether to the right or to the left. (Isaiah 30:21 NLT) Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD. (Psalm 27:14 NLT)

Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! — Habakkuk 3:17-18 (NLT) Habakkuk is saying that no matter how bad his outer circumstances appeared, he was not going to allow them to stop him from praising God. When your situation looks hopeless, do not fret, and have no worries, continue to rejoice in the God of our salvation. Surely, no situation is too difficult for the LORD to handle. With our great God all things our possible.

Therefore, having obtained help from God, to this day I stand, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said would come—   — Acts 26:22 (NKJV) We have obtained help from God, therefore, we stand. Be convinced that God is on your side and He is working for your good. The LORD is our Helper. He has not brought you this far to leave you now. Instead of worrying, worship God and witness to others, about all the wonderful things He has done in your life. Amen!

Blessed are the people who know the passwords of praise,  who shout on parade in the bright presence of God. Delighted, they dance all day long; they know who you are, what you do—they can’t keep it quiet! Your vibrant beauty has gotten inside us— you’ve been so good to us! We’re walking on air! All we are and have we owe to God, Holy God of Israel, our King! — Psalm 89:15-18 (MSG) Passwords give access. We enter His courts with praise (Psalm 100:4). Some passwords of praise: Everything that has breath! Make a joyful noise! Acknowledge Him! Worship Him! Just do it! Seven times a day and all day long praise the LORD because of His righteous decrees (Psalm 119:164 AMP). He is worthy to be praised!

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. — 2 Corinthians 12:10 (NKJV) The Amplified Bible says: when I am weak [in human strength], then am I [truly] strong (able, powerful in divine strength). When we are weak, the strength of Christ works through us. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak Isaiah 40:29 (NIV). May you be strengthened in the Lord today!

I will sing to the  LORD  throughout my life. I will make music to praise my God as long as I live. May my thoughts be pleasing to him. I will find joy in the LORD.  — Psalm 104:33-34 (GW) Let us sing to the LORD and praise our God as long as we have the breath of life. As we meditate on His Word and renew our minds, our thoughts will be pleasing to our heavenly Father. He fills us with joy in His presence (Psalm 16:11). May we rejoice in the Lord always!

So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12 (NKJ) May we realize the brevity of life. James 4:14 says, our lives are a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Be wise and make the most of every moment our heavenly Father gives you. Keep God's commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity (Proverbs 3:1-2).

I'm thanking you, God, from a full heart, I'm writing the book on your wonders. I'm whistling, laughing, and jumping for joy; I'm singing your song, High God. Psalm 9:1-2 (The Message) Thank God with a heart full of gratitude for all of the wonders He has worked in your life. He kept us safe, while our enemy was trying to take us out. Wholeheartedly sing praise to the Most High God. Whistle, laugh, and jump for joy. God is working for your good!

The religion scholar said, "A wonderful answer, Teacher! So lucid and accurate - that God is one and there is no other. And loving him with all passion and intelligence and energy, and loving others as well as you love yourself. Why, that's better than all offerings and sacrifices put together!" Mark 12:32-33 (The Message) Passionately loving God with all your mind and energy is better than anything else you can offer to God. He does not delight in sacrifice, but in a compassionate heart where His love can bloom. Whatever we do, let it be done with a deep love for God and with unconditional love for others. Love, Jackie

The word of the LORD came to Jonah son of Amittai: "Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me." But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish. Jonah 1:1-2 (NIV) Do you run away from the LORD when He sends His word to you?  Let us walk in obedience to the LORD, in full compliance with His will. As children of God the proper response to any direction our heavenly Father gives us is, "Yes, LORD." Remember, God is working for your good. Love, Jackie