Manna for Your Morning

 I searched for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand in the gap before Me for the land, so that I would not destroy it; but I found no one. — Ezekiel 22:30 (NASB) The LORD looked for someone who might rebuild the wall of righteousness that guards the land. (Ezekiel 22:30 NLT) As believers in King Jesus, the Prince of Peace, may we build a wall of righteousness around our land, by doing what is right, loving kindness, and walking humbly with our God (See Micah 6:8) Instead of tearing down, may our works and our words reflect the love, truth and grace of our heavenly Father. Build others up and encourage unity. In Matthew 12:25, Jesus said, “Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and any city or house divided against itself will not stand.” Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. — 2 Chronicles ...

You reveal the path of life to me; in your presence is abundant joy; at your right hand are eternal pleasures. — Psalm 16:11 (CSB) Zephaniah 3:17 (NLT) says: “For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” Just as our heavenly Father delights in us, let us be filled with joy in His Presence, and know that He lives among us. Our culture values the freedom to pursue happiness, and we can only experience true joy as we continually abide in His Presence. It's in His Presence alone, that we are above every circumstance and situation. Amen. I said to the LORD, “You are my Lord; I have no good besides You.” (Psalm 16:2 AMP) … You direct me on the path that leads to a beautiful life. As I walk with You, the pleasures are never-ending, and I know true joy and contentment. — Psalm 16:11 (VOICE)

“ And that’s not all. You will have complete and free access to God’s kingdom, keys to open any and every door: no more barriers between heaven and earth, earth and heaven. A yes on earth is yes in heaven. A no on earth is no in heaven. ” — Matthew 16:19 (MSG) Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. (Matthew 6:33 NLT) In Jesus, we have complete and free access to God’s kingdom. There are no barriers between us and our heavenly Father. Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment]. (Hebrews 4:16 AMP) Amen.

By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. — 2 Peter 1:3-4a (NLT) God has given us great and precious promises, and He is faithful to fulfill each one. Let us walk by faith, not by sight [living our lives in a manner consistent with our confident belief in God’s promises]— (2 Corinthians 5:7 AMP)  For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. (2 Corinthians 1:20 NKJV) No matter how the situation may appear today, be confident that God will work it all together for good.

He must increase, but I must decrease. — John 3:30 (NKJV) Jesus is on the increase when we allow His love to flow into our hearts and wash away the root of bitterness and offense. Jesus increases when we say good-bye to discouragement, anxiety and worry and open the door to His joy and peace, while holding onto faith and hope. Jesus increases in us, when we let go of pride, and clothe ourselves in humility. As we exercise patience, compassion and kindness, we allow Jesus to increase in us. When our love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things (1 Corinthians 13:7), we make room for Jesus to work in our lives and in the lives of others. May we decrease, and let Jesus occupy!

Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” — 2 Corinthians 12:9a (NLT) The Apostle Paul was given a thorn in his flesh, to keep him from becoming proud. Three different times he begged the Lord to take it away and each time, the Lord directed Paul’s attention back to Himself. (2 Corinthians 12:7-8) We all have some thorny things in our lives that continue to prick us and make us uncomfortable. They constantly call for our attention. Sometimes we pay too much attention to our weaknesses, those things that consistently challenge us. That will cost us our peace and our joy. Instead, let us remember what the Lord said, (His grace is all we need), and shift our focus to the Lord. Then, His power is able to work in us and through us, to bring about God's perfect will in our lives. His grace strengthens us to be and do all that we are called to be and do. His grace gives us what we need to live a successful and fulfilled life. In His grace, we r...

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims peace, who brings glad tidings of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!” — Isaiah 52:7 (NKJV) Be the one who brings the Good News into your atmosphere. Instead of the gloom and doom we hear in the worldly news, be the bearer of good news. Proclaim and promote peace with God and with everyone who comes your way. Bring to others, the message of God’s amazing love that He has poured into your heart. Tell others about the good things that God is doing in your life! We overcome by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of our testimony (Revelation 12:11). Amen!

We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit! — Romans 5:3-5 (The Message) Know that the trials you go through produce patience and perseverance. And that perseverance develops a strong and impeccable character. That character in turn, produces a hope that will not be disappointed. Continue to shout your PRAISE!

The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, “The LORD is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.”  — Psalm 92:12-15 (NIV) If we want to stay fresh and flourishing we must be planted in the house of the LORD. In order to continually bear fruit for the kingdom of God, let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching (Hebrews 10:24-25). May we make fellowship with our heavenly Father and other believers a priority in our lives, so we can flourish in the courts of our God. Amen!

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. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too. Romans 14:17-18 (NLT) Kingdom life is all about cultivating an intimate relationship with the living God. As we do that, His love and His goodness continually grows in our hearts. Only then can we experience the fullness of true peace and everlasting joy in the Holy Spirit. May we strive to know our heavenly Father and let Him mold us into children that reflect His glory. Amen.

"The LORD your God is with you; the mighty One will save you. He will rejoice over you. You will rest in his love; he will sing and be joyful about you." Zephaniah 3:17 (NCV) Rest in the love of the LORD your God. Rest, knowing that He will deliver you from all your troubles. He is the answer to any challenge. He is mighty to save. Relax and trust in the all-sufficient, all-bountiful, eternal God. He is with you when you go out and when you come in. He is by your side as you sleep and when you rise. Rest in His love, knowing that nothing can ever separate you from the unfailing love of God. Love, Jackie

Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. Psalm 71:20 (NIV) Even though you may face many bitter trials in this life, rest assured, God will restore your life. He will refresh your weary soul. No matter how far down you go, He will raise you up. Amen. Love,  Jackie