Manna for Your Morning

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. — Isaiah 9:6 (NASB) It doesn’t matter what you need, Jesus is the One you need to call. When you want someone to talk to, call on Jesus, the Wonderful Counselor. Before you phone a friend, talk to Him. He is your constant Companion and guide. When trouble strikes, He is our Mighty God. Jesus is bigger and greater than anything that stands before us. No matter what kind of relationship we have with our earthly parents, we can call on Jesus, the everlasting Father. Just as a loving father takes care of his children, Jesus is always with us. He watches over us and provides for our every need. We can also call on Jesus, the Prince of Peace. He gives us a peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). In the middle of the storm, we can abide in the perfect peace that He gives, k...

In Luke 7:20 (TPT) John’s disciples asked Jesus, “ Are you the coming Messiah we’ve been expecting, or are we to continue to look for someone else? ” Isaiah 9:6 (NASB) says: For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace . JESUS is the ONE. He is the way, the truth, and the life.  No need to look to any other. The Son of Man is enthroned in the place of honor, power, and authority with Almighty God. (Luke 22:69 TPT). So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. — Hebrews 4:16 NLT

“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” — Matthew 1:23 (NKJV) No matter what we go through in this life, God is always with us. His Presence goes before us and behind. He surrounds us and dwells within us. In Isaiah 43:2 (NLT), the LORD says, “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” (Isaiah 43:2 NLT) Have no fear, for the LORD is here. With God all things are possible. He makes a way where there seems to be no way. Even the wind and waves obey Him. He makes a way through the sea and a path through the mighty waters (Isaiah 43:16).

And he said to him, ‘Son, you have always been with me, and all that is mine is yours.’ — Luke 15:31 (NASB) The father of the prodigal son demonstrates the heart of our Father who is in heaven. He adopted us and brought us into His family. He has given us everything that pertains to life and godliness. Let us always thank the Father. He has enabled us to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. (Colossians 1:12 NLT) See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; (1 John 3:1a NASB) That’s who we really are! Our Father is intimately acquainted with each one of us, to the degree that He knows how may hairs we have on our head. What a privilege and an honor to be named, called and chosen as children of God. Let us represent our Father and His kingdom well.

  “And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”  — Luke 1:31-33 (NKJV) Let us call upon the name of Jesus. His name is higher than any other, and it stands forever. His name carries more weight and has more authority than any other name. At the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, (Philippians 2:10 NASB) When we call upon His name, King Jesus is there to help. There is wonder-working power in the name of Jesus! Oh, give thanks to the LORD! Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples! (Psalm 105:1) For “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13)

This is how we know we’re living steadily and deeply in him, and he in us: He’s given us life from his life, from his very own Spirit. Also, we’ve seen for ourselves and continue to state openly that the Father sent his Son as Savior of the world. Everyone who confesses that Jesus is God’s Son participates continuously in an intimate relationship with God. We know it so well, we’ve embraced it heart and soul, this love that comes from God. God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. — 1 John 4:13-16 (MSG) Embrace God’s unfailing and never ending love. Take up permanent residence in a life of love. God is mindful of us. May we be mindful of Him, in all His wonder, glory and beauty. Let us actively participate in a love relationship with our Creator and heavenly Father. Then we will be able to walk in love with everyone God brings our way. As He pours into us, let us pour into others. Surely your goodness and unfailing lov...

For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. — 2 Peter 1:16 (NIV) Jesus the Christ. He is more than a Christmas story. He is the blessed and only Sovereign Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, (1 Timothy 6:15-16). And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” (2 Peter 1:17 NIV) When John was in prison he heard about the works of Christ, and began to wonder if Jesus was the one. He sent two of his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?” (Matthew 11:2-3) Today, let there be no doubt, we don’t have to wonder. He is the living Word, the Son of God, Savior of the world.

And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. — Luke 2:7 (NKJV) Have you ever had to call around attempting to make a reservation only to find out everything is full, totally booked? I imagine it was like that for Joseph and Mary as they sought a place to stay in Bethlehem. Well, everyday Jesus stands and knocks on the door of our hearts, desiring for us to open the door and let Him enter. Do you let Him in, or do you hold the door closed because you don’t want Him to see how messy your house is? Or is your heart so cluttered with affections for things of this world, that there is no room for Jesus? Decide everyday, to make room for Jesus in your heart, —His home. He wants to dine with you. Let Him in and partake of the bread of life and be filled with the living water.

Then they journeyed from Mount Hor by the Way of the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; and the soul of the people became very discouraged on the way. — Numbers 21:4 (NKJV) Discouragement is one of the devil’s greatest tools. Discouragement leads to defeat because it gets us to take our eyes off of God and put them on ourselves and our circumstances. On your life’s journey, never let the enemy drag you down the road of discouragement. The sun never shines on that street. Always travel in the light of the Son. His highways are full of light, joy, and peace. You will be strengthened and empowered as you travel in the lanes of His goodness and grace. Persistently pursue His Presence, and you will find that any struggle, difficulty or challenge you face is smaller and more insignificant than our great big God.

“But My covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear to you at this set time next year.” — Genesis 17:21 (NKJV) Even though Sarah was in her nineties, well past childbearing years, she did conceive and bear Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him. (Genesis 21:2). It may seem like it is well past the time for you to have given birth to the dreams and aspirations God  placed inside of you. But things don't happen on our timetable. Just as there is a time for conception, growth and development, there is a set time for you to give birth. You don't want to push it out prematurely. Put your energy into what God has called you to do today. The manifestation of your desires and dreams will happen at the appointed time and it will be sweet. Is anything too hard for the LORD? (Genesis 18:14a)

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  — Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV) If you need peace, you need more of God’s Presence. Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Draw near to Him and experience His deep and abiding peace. His peace ranks above earthly circumstances. That means that His peace cannot be moved by any of the events that take place on this earth. Jesus gave us peace as His parting gift. “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27 NKJV). Instead of focusing on problems, focus your attention on His Presence and He will keep you in perfect peace.

“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,”   which is translated, “God with us.” — Matthew 1:23 (NKJV) Whatever you go through today, remember, God is with you. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you (Isaiah 43:2 NLT). Since God assured us, “I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you,” we can boldly quote, God is there, ready to help; I’m fearless no matter what. Who or what can get to me? (Hebrews 13:5-6 MSG)

Please run now to meet her, and say to her, ‘Is it well with you? Is it well with your husband? Is it well with the child?’” And she answered, “It is well.” — 2 Kings 4:26 (NKJV) The son of this Shunammite woman had just sat on her lap and died. How could she say, it is well? She was not looking at the way circumstances appeared at the moment. She was looking with eyes of faith, that God would bring her son back to life. Because she believed in her heart, and didn’t speak the negative, but took action, her son’s life was restored. Do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal (2 Corinthians 4:18). No matter what you are going through today, “It is well!” Our God reigns and He is on your side.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. — James 1:17 (NIV) For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16 NIV). Our Heavenly Father did not hold back. He gave us the perfect Gift, Jesus Christ, His Son. Jesus keeps on giving. He continually saves. He keeps on loving. Let us not hold back on God. Be a giver. Abundantly add to the lives of those around you. Give generously. Let your love be free and unconditional. Jesus came to give (life, peace, joy, love, etc.). May we follow His example.

And she gave birth to her Son, her Firstborn; and she wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room or place for them in the inn. — Luke 2:7 (AMP) In all of our Christmas shopping and Christmas party going, may we make room for Jesus in our lives. Don't leave Jesus outside, knocking on the door of your heart. Open the door and invite Him in! Let us ensure He has first place in ou r hearts. Christmas is all about Him— Immanuel, “God with us.” For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). In Him was life, and the life was the light of men (John 1:4). He was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world (John 1:9). Celebrate the birth of Jesus by giving Him preeminence (first place in everything), in your life.

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!

If I [can] speak in the tongues of men and [even] of angels, but have not love (that reasoning, intentional, spiritual devotion such as is inspired by God’s love for and in us), I am only a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. — 1 Corinthians 13:1 (AMP) Let us all be inspired by the love God has shown to us. For God loved the world so much that He intentionally gave his one and only Son, so everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). Love is an action word. To show love and truly serve humanity is something we have to purpose in our hearts and actually follow through with our “DOING.” Are you just going to make a lot of noise or are you going to intentionally touch others with the sacrificial, genuine love of Christ? It’s your choice. Choose wisely!

When the water in the skin was gone, she put the boy under one of the bushes. Then she went off and sat down about a bowshot away, for she thought, “I cannot watch the boy die.” And as she sat there, she began to sob .— Genesis 21:15-16 (NIV) After Abraham sent Hagar and her son away, she wandered in the wilderness and ran out of water. At this point Hagar lost all hope and was sure her son would die, but the angel of God calmed her fears and told her Ishmael would not only live but that God would make him a great nation. Then God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water. Sometimes, difficult situations can cloud our eyes of faith and we lose heart, but may we always remember, even though it may seem like we are wandering in the wilderness, we belong to a faithful God of hope, comfort and provision.

“Is anything too difficult for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, at this time next year, and Sarah will have a son.” — Genesis 18:14 (NAS) Today’s society has us geared for what’s fast and quick. We want the express lane in life. Waiting is an inconvenience. However, God is not moved by our timetable. He has an appointed time. There is a time for every activity under heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Abraham waited more than 20 years from the time God promised him that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars (Genesis 15:5) until the birth of his son, Isaac. So, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise (Hebrews 6:25). May we be like Abraham and patiently endure. We don't have to know when or how, just know that God does fulfill all of His promises! Nothing is too difficult for Him.

But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. — Galatians 4:4-5 (NKJV) The fullness of time has already come. Now is the the time of salvation. Now is the time of deliverance. Jesus was sent to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound (Isaiah 61:1b). This Good News is to be proclaimed all over the world, to all people. JESUS is the greatest and most perfect gift anyone can receive!