Manna for Your Morning

For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, — Romans 8:15-16 (NASB1995) We have not received a spirit of slavery, nor has God given us a spirit of fear. See what an incredible quality of love the Father has shown to us, that we would [be permitted to] be named and called and counted the children of God! And so we are! For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. (1 John 3:1 AMP) But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. (John 1:12-13 NASB1995) Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. (Ephesians 5:1 NKJV) Be kind and helpful to one another, tender-hearted [compassionate, understanding], forgiving on...

Now Joseph had a dream, and he told it to his brothers; and they hated him even more. Then he dreamed still another dream and told it to his brothers, and said, “Look, I have dreamed another dream. And this time, the sun, the moon, and the eleven stars bowed down to me.” — Genesis 37:5, 9 (NKJV) I believe it was the power of Joseph’s dreams that helped him persevere through his problems. First, his brothers threw him in a pit, then sold him into slavery. But the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a successful man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. And his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD made all he did to prosper in his hand. (Genesis 39:2-3) Eventually Joseph found himself in prison, for doing the right thing. No matter what challenges he faced, I’m sure he lay awake at night remembering his dreams. Finally, he was placed in the palace and God put him in position to save His people from famine. In Genesis 41:41, Pharaoh set Joseph over al...

‘With a strong and powerful hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt, from the house of bondage and slavery.’ — Exodus 13:14 (AMP) The strong right arm of the LORD is raised in triumph. The strong right arm of the LORD has done glorious things! (Psalm 118:16 NLT). The LORD brought His people out of the land of Egypt with His strong and powerful hand. Wherever the enemy is trying to hold you captive, the LORD will set you free. Whatever you are going through, He will bring you out with great power and His mighty hand. He will deliver you from the hand of your enemy. He will also lift you up above those who rise against you. (Psalm 18:48) “Your right hand, O LORD, is glorious in power. Your right hand, O LORD, smashes the enemy. (Exodus 15:6 NLT)

But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life. — Genesis 45:5 (NKJV) Perspective, “ how ” we choose to look at a situation is so important. Joseph could have looked at his brothers selling him into slavery as a betrayal and an attempt to destroy him. This perspective would have led to bitterness and unforgiveness. Instead, Joseph recognized that God used the events in his life to put him in the right position, to serve as a life preserver for His people. So don’t look at the troubles you can see now; rather, fix your gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things which are seen are temporary. (2 Corinthians 4:18). They will come to pass. However, when we fix our eyes on our mighty God, and His faithfulness and trust Him day by day, we will maintain a proper perspective. And He will get us in the right place at the right time, regardless of the circumstances that come and go.

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery . — Galatians 5:1 (NIV) Jesus said, “I tell you most solemnly that anyone who chooses a life of sin is trapped in a dead-end life and is, in fact, a slave. A slave is a transient, who can’t come and go at will. The Son, though, has an established position, the run of the house. So if the Son sets you free, you are free through and through (John 8:34-36 MSG). In our pursuit of happiness, let us remember that true liberty and abundant life are found in Jesus, our Lord and Savior. He paid the ultimate price with His precious blood and gave His life for us all!

Come therefore, let us now kill him and cast him into some pit; and we shall say, ‘Some wild beast has devoured him.’ We shall see what will become of his dreams!” — Genesis 37:20 (NKJV) Joseph was a dreamer. It was because of his dreams that his brothers sold him into slavery. But his dreams came true. After Joseph favorably served in the palace and in the prison, he eventually became governor over the land of abundance, in the midst of a famine. No matter how circumstances appear right now, don’t give up on your dreams! Even the old men shall dream dreams (Joel 2:28). As long as there is breath in your nostrils it's not too  late. Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart. — Psalm 37:4 (AMP) God bless you as we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., today.

And the name of the second (son) he called Ephraim: “For God has caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction.” — Genesis 41:52 (NKJV) In spite of being sold into slavery by his brothers and falsely accused by His master's wife, God caused Joseph to be fruitful in the land of his affliction. The situations that cause you the greatest distress or suffering can also cause you to be more productive and fruitful. The land of your affliction can be the place of your greatest blessing and victory. We can grow stronger and stronger in the midst of adversity and opposition. Amen!