Manna for Your Morning

  Get along among yourselves, each of you doing your part. Our counsel is that you warn the freeloaders to get a move on. Gently encourage the stragglers, and reach out for the exhausted, pulling them to their feet. Be patient with each person, attentive to individual needs. And be careful that when you get on each other’s nerves you don’t snap at each other. Look for the best in each other, and always do your best to bring it out. — 1 Thessalonians 5:13-15 (MSG) We are similar to priceless gems, diamonds in the rough. We all have the potential to shine, with the love and light of the LORD. Diamonds are formed under high temperature and pressure conditions beneath the earth’s surface. They undergo a refining process (removal of impurities) before they sparkle and shine. God can use the fiery trials and high pressure conditions we experience in life, to remove what is not of Him from our lives and draw our hearts closer to Him. We too are in a refining process. When we respond...

Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked. — 1 Timothy 1:19 (NLT) No matter what storms are brewing in your life, cling to your faith and keep your conscience clear. Remember the words of Jesus: “Do not be afraid; only believe.” (Mark 5:36) Let us look at every situation through eyes of faith, and know that God is able to bring us through whatever He allows to come into our lives. He will navigate you through the storms and get your vessel sailing on smooth waters again. “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” — Mark 9:23

But the leaders of the Jews were under God’s watchful eye. They couldn’t be stopped until Darius received a report and sent a reply to it. — Ezra 5:5 (GW) Just as God's eye was upon the Jews, He continues to watch over His people today. Since He formed you in the womb of your mother, our Heavenly Father has had His eye on you. He sees your struggles and He is there to give you the strength to endure and persevere. His eye is on your going out and your coming in, and He goes before you to smooth out the rough places. How blessed are we to be under God's watchful eye!

The path of the righteous is level. O Upright One, you make the road of the righteous smooth. Certainly, we wait with hope for you, O LORD, as we follow the path of your guiding principles. We want to remember you and your name. With my soul I long for you at night. Yes, with my spirit I eagerly look for you. Isaiah 26:7-9a (GW) God goes before the righteous and makes the path ahead of them smooth. Let us follow the path of His guiding principles. Like a loving Father, His instructions are for our good. May your soul long for the LORD from deep within and your spirit continually look to Him.