Manna for Your Morning

Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. — Ephesians 4:1-3 (NLT) The Amplified Bible implores us to live a life that exhibits godly character, moral courage, personal integrity, and mature behavior—a life that expresses gratitude to God… (Ephesians 4:1). Living as a follower of Christ is a higher calling. However, answering the call of God for your life will lead you to a live in a higher place, closer to our heavenly Father and above earthly circumstances. You have been called and chosen by God, will you rise to the occasion?

But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve... — Joshua 24:15 (NIV) Every day we make a decision to follow the LORD, the world, or our flesh. We choose to walk in the love and grace of God, with every action, and reaction. Let’s challenge ourselves to consistently make better choices. As we grow and mature, we can make better choices with the use of our time, our talents and our money. We can make better choices in the attitudes we display and the words we speak. Choose to speak positive, uplifting words of life. Praise God that He will do the amazing, spectacular things He does, but it is always our responsibility to make better choices. Choose wisely!

And he said, “I have been very zealous for the LORD God of hosts; because the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.” — 1 Kings 19:14 (NKJV) When you're on fire for God and doing all that He calls you to, the enemy will take notice. After the prophet Elijah had a great victory, Jezebel threatened to take his life. He hides in the wilderness, where he prayed that he might die (1 Kings 19:4). Elijah was in such a distressed state that he believed he was the only one left serving God. In reality God had reserved 7,000 loyal servants, in Israel (1 Kings 19:18). Don’t let the enemy give you the wrong perspective. You are never alone. Our awesome God is our constant companion and mighty King.

And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. — Luke 10:39 But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her. — Luke 10:42 (NKJV) While Mary chose to hang out with Jesus, Martha was distracted with much serving (Luke 10:40). Most of us can relate to Mary or Martha. However, at any given moment we can ignore the distractions and CHOOSE to sit at Jesus feet, and meditate on the Word. Instead of being like Martha, worried and troubled about many things, we can cast all our cares on the Lord (Psalm 55:22). We can choose not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together with other believers (Hebrews 10:25). You choose!