Manna for Your Morning

…so that through two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to seize the hope set before us. — Hebrews 6:18 (CSB) Why, my soul, are you so dejected? Why are you in such turmoil? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise him, my Savior and my God. (Psalm 42:11 CSB) This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. Jesus has already gone in there for us. He has become our eternal High Priest in the order of Melchizedek. (Hebrews 6:19-20 NLT) God is our refuge and help. He is our only hope.  How blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, Whose hope is in the Lord his God,  Who made heaven and earth, the sea and all that is in them; Who keeps faith forever; — Psalm 146:5-6 (CSB)

The LORD appeared to him from afar, saying, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness. — Jeremiah 31:3 (NASB) The LORD draws us to Himself with lovingkindness and His faithfulness continues throughout the generations. He clothes us with garments of salvation, and wraps us with a robe of righteousness… (Isaiah 61:10) Like a good shepherd, He tends to His flock. We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. He carries us in His arms, holding us close to His heart. He gently leads us. The LORD makes us lie down in green pastures. He leads us beside quiet waters. He restores our souls. Our heavenly Father guides us in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Give thanks to the LORD for His lovingkindness, and for the wonderful things He has done for the children of men!

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” — Matthew 11:28-29 (NASB)  Jesus calls ALL who are weary and heavily burdened to come to Him. God shows no favoritism (Acts 10:34 NLT). He longs for us to come close to Him. The invitation to come is an open invitation to come any time and in any condition, come just as you are, just COME . If you are carrying a heavy burden today, give all your worries and cares to God because He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7) When we put His yoke on, we join our hearts and lives to Him. We walk with Christ and and let Him work with us and through us. We let go of the world’s ways and learn His ways. When we are yoked to Jesus, our weary souls will find rest. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. — Psalm 23:2 (NLT)

Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” — John 4:13-14 (NKJV) When we draw from the well of the world for our needs, we will always have to go back and draw again. The things of this world will never satisfy our souls. When we open our hearts and receive Jesus we become the well that contains living water, His Holy Spirit. Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? (1 Corinthians 6:19a NLT) Jesus is our only hope. He is the source of all our joy and peace. He fills our cup to overflowing. He is the truth that sets us free, the living Word. Jesus saves and delivers. He is the answer to every challenge and situation. When we fully rely on God, we will not be disappointed. Amen.

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavily burdened [by religious rituals that provide no peace], and I will give you rest [refreshing your souls with salvation] . — Matthew 11:28 (AMP) May we set aside religious rituals and man-made rules and enjoy a genuine, intimate relationship with Jesus Christ, our Savior. The One who gave His life to set us free. Instead of seeking a dead religion, enjoy a rich and satisfying relationship with a living God who loves you so very much. He is the Prince of Peace and He has given His peace to us (John 14:27). He is Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” (Matthew 1:23) Walk and talk with Him daily. Cast all your cares on Him for He cares for you.

The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. — Psalm 23:1-3 (NLT) Realize that the LORD alone is God. He made us, and we are his. We are his people and the sheep in his care (Psalm 100:3 GW). He carries the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. (Isaiah 40:11) We can rest, knowing that as our Shepherd, the LORD provides all that we need. He is our guide to keep us on the paths of righteousness. He protects us from the enemy. As we rest in Him, He refreshes and restores our souls. In Matthew 11:29, Jesus said when we take His yoke upon ourselves and learn from Him, we would find rest for our souls. Find rest today.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” — Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV) Jesus calls each one of us to come to Him. He has no pre-requisites or conditions, just come. It doesn’t matter how you come or what you are like when you come. The important thing is that we come, not just one time, but come and keep coming to Him on a daily basis. Once we come to Him, let us be teachable and learn from the best Teacher of all. Then we will find rest. When we rest in Him, we are free to experience the deepest peace ever. “ Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly. ” (Matthew 11:29-30 MSG)

This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. — Hebrews 6:19 (NLT) Yesterday, my husband and I had the privilege of pinning my daughter's anchors on her, at the Chief Petty Officer's Pinning Ceremony. I learned that the anchor conveys a strength of character, and a more direct purpose. They said the anchors could take a beating. They are durable, but they can also be buffed up and will shine brightly. Sailors look for the Chief in times of stress, times of fear, times of uncertainty and times of loneliness, to guide them, —to bring them home safely. As believers, our hope in Christ is our anchor. It is where we are to look, at all times. Jesus will keep us from drifting off course. He will keep us steady in stormy times. And He will always draw us to the Father, our true home. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us (Hebrews ...

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, — Hebrews 6:19 (NIV) We have this living hope in Almighty God and all that He has made available to us through Christ (not only abundant life here on earth but eternal life in His Presence). This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls (Hebrews 6:19 NLT). It gives us weight to remain stable in God and not be tossed to and fro by the undercurrents of life. When adverse winds arise, this anchor will keep us from drifting away. This hope goes behind the veil, and enters God’s inner sanctuary, right to the very presence of God where Jesus, running on ahead of us, has taken up his permanent post as high priest for us. (Hebrews 6:20 MSG)

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28 (NLT) Jesus calls all people to come to Him, let us come thirsty. Rainwater that falls on hard ground rolls on without seeping in, but when the ground is thirsty, it absorbs the water and is changed. When we come to Jesus but resist submitting to His ways, our hearts are hard and we are not open to receive what He has for us. However, when we come to Jesus thirsty, wanting more of Him, His living water is able to penetrate our hearts and we are changed. He refreshes, revives and satisfies our souls. O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you… (Psalm 63:1, NLT)

The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. — Psalm 23:1-3 (NLT) As we continually look to the LORD, our Shepherd, we shall not be in want. He is our Source. He is the answer to every challenge. When we are still, and rest in His Presence, He renews our strength and refreshes our souls. Follow Him and He will show you the path that leads to a more abundant life. May our lives bring glory and honor to His name.

…strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.”  — Acts 14:22 (NKJV) In this world we will have tribulation, but be courageous and of good cheer, our Savior has overcome the world. May God strengthen your soul today. I encourage you to remain firm in your faith. Hardships come and hardships go, but the grace of God remains; grace to persevere, grace to continue, through whatever comes your way. Since God woke you up this morning, He has something more for you to do. Continue to pursue His plan, His purpose, His Way, to the end!

I rise before the dawning of the morning, and cry for help; I hope in Your word. — Psalm 119:147 (NKJV) There is a proliferation of self-help books, and how-to guides, lining the shelves of bookstores today. However, for improvement and success in life, we need the original owners manual for our souls, the Word of God. The Word is a love letter from the One who created us. It’s pages bear the blood of our Savior, who loved us enough to give His life to save us. The Word of God is a road map. It will navigate us to a fruitful land of abundant life, peace that surpasses all understanding and a lovingkindness that will outlast any storm. He sent His Word and healed us, and delivered us from our destructions (Psalm 107:20). Hope continually in His Word!

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” — Matthew 11:28-29 (NLT) Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matthew 11:29-30 MSG) Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens (Psalm 68:19 NIV). Let your soul daily rest in Him.

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. — Hebrews 10:23 (NKJV) Wikipedia says hope is an expectation of positive outcomes related to events and circumstances in one’s life or the world at large. As believers and children of God, we above all, have an everlasting hope. May we keep a firm grip on God’s promises, without wavering, because our heavenly Father always keeps His word. Christ in us, is the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27). This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls (Hebrews 6:19a NLT). Never lose hope. Always expect a positive outcome in your life situations.

David was greatly distressed, for the men spoke of stoning him because the souls of them all were bitterly grieved, each man for his sons and daughters. But David encouraged and strengthened himself in the Lord his God. — 1 Samuel 30:6 (AMP) After David and the people who were with him wept until they could weep no more, David encouraged and strengthened himself in the Lord his God. Then David and his men pursued their enemies and overtook them. They recovered all that the Amalekites had carried away, and nothing of theirs was lacking, (1 Samuel 30:18,19). There may be situations that cause you to be distressed and weep, but find strength and encourage yourself in the Lord. Don't let the enemy steal anything from you. Recover all!

But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign LORD my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do. — Psalm 73:28 (NLT) Let let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings (Hebrews 10:22, NIV). Psalm 73:28 in The Message says, I’m in the very presence of God—oh, how refreshing it is! Our weary souls are revived in the Presence of the LORD. In His presence is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11). There is no greater delight on earth, or in heaven than the joy of daily abiding in His Presence all of our days! We are abundantly satisfied with His goodness, when we make the LORD our shelter. Come close to God, and God will come close to you (James 4:8, NLT)

 Therefore say to the children of Israel: ‘I am the LORD; I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, I will rescue you from their bondage, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgments. — Exodus 6:6 (NKJV) It is the desire of our heavenly Father to bring His children out from under burdens. He tells us to cast all our cares upon Him (Psalm 55:22). In Matthew 11:28 (NLT), Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” His yoke is easy to bear, and the burden He gives us is light (Matthew 11:30). Let us lay aside the heavy burdens and come to Jesus; under His yoke, we find rest for your souls.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  — Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) In EVERY situation, let your requests be made known to God, by prayer and petition, always giving thanks to our great God for Who He is, all He has done and all He will  do in the future. When we give all our worries and cares to God (1 Peter 5:7), our burdens become lighter and we find rest for our souls. Also, the perfect peace of God settles upon our hearts and goes to the very center of our being. This peace goes above and beyond the realm of human understanding and keeps you completely calm in the middle of chaos and crises. It shields your heart and mind against anxiety, as you as you live in and trust Christ Jesus.

As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.  — Psalm 71:14 (NIV) Psalm 27:13 (NAS) says, I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Our hope serves as a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary (Hebrews 6:19, NLT). Let's keep hope alive!