Manna for Your Morning

“These are the things which you should do: speak the truth to one another; judge with truth and judgment for peace in your gates. Also let none of you devise evil in your heart against another, and do not love false oaths; for all these are what I hate,’ declares Yahweh.” — Zechariah 8:16-17 (LSB) In order to speak truth we must know the truth. Let us search the Holy Scriptures daily, for the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword... and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (See Hebrews 4:12). All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT) As we learn the Word of God and apply it to our lives, we are thoroughly equipped for every good work. In John 8:31-32 (TLV), Yeshua said to the Judeans who had...

Understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Let everyone be quick to hear [be a careful, thoughtful listener], slow to speak [a speaker of carefully chosen words and], slow to anger [patient, reflective, forgiving]; — James 1:19 (AMP) Death and life are in the power of the tongue (see Proverbs 18:21), so let us choose our words carefully. “Reckless words are like the thrusts of a sword, cutting remarks meant to stab and to hurt. But the words of the wise soothe and heal.” (Proverbs 12:18 TPT) Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. (Ephesians 4:29 NASB1995) “ Nothing is more appealing than speaking beautiful, life-giving words. For they release sweetness to our souls and inner healing to our spirits. ” —‭‭ Proverbs‬ ‭16‬:‭24‬ ‭(TPT‬‬)

Understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Let everyone be quick to hear [be a careful, thoughtful listener], slow to speak [a speaker of carefully chosen words and], slow to anger [patient, reflective, forgiving]; — James 1:19 (AMP) We need to be slow to speak so we can choose our words carefully. How good and delightful is a word spoken at the right moment—how good it is! (See Proverbs 15:23 AMP) A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. (Proverbs 15:1 NLT) Let us speak encouraging, positive words of life. Proverbs 12:18 says, the tongue of the wise brings healing. Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. (Ephesians 4:29 NASB1995) Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.  — Colossians 4:6 (NASB1995)

Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. — Colossians 4:6 (NLT) Let us speak good and encouraging words to others and in our self-talk. For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies.” (1 Peter 3:10 NLT) Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but a good word makes it glad. (Proverbs 12:25 NASB1995) Proverbs 12:14a, says: A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his words. And Proverbs 12:18b says, the tongue of the wise brings healing. To speak good, true, and encouraging words, speak the Word of God, for He has magnified His word above all His name. (See Psalms 138:2 NKJV) And the word of the LORD endures forever. (See 1 Peter 1:25) Amen. Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose. — Proverbs 18:21 (MSG)

Praise the LORD! Praise God in His sanctuary; Praise Him in His mighty expanse. Praise Him for His mighty deeds; Praise Him according to His excellent greatness. — Psalm 150:1-2 (NASB) Who is to declare His praises? Everything that has breath! Psalm 150:6 (MSG) says, Let every living, breathing creature praise God! Hallelujah! Are we to praise Him in good times only? No! Psalm 34:1 (NASB) says, I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. The Voice Bible says: Whenever I speak, my words will always praise Him. Let all that I am praise the LORD; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. — Psalm 103:1 (NLT)

Then he asked me, “Son of man, can these bones become living people again?” “O Sovereign LORD,” I replied, “you alone know the answer to that.” Then he said to me, “Speak a prophetic message to these bones and say, ‘Dry bones, listen to the word of the LORD! — Ezekiel 37:3-4 (NLT) In Ezekiel 31:1, the Spirit of the LORD carried Ezekiel to a valley filled with dry bones. In Ezekiel 31:7-8, Ezekiel spoke the message as instructed by God and the bones came together and attached themselves as complete skeletons. Then muscles and flesh formed over the bones. Then skin formed to cover their bodies. In Ezekiel 37:9-10, He spoke the message as the LORD commanded, and breath came into their bodies. They all came to life and stood up on their feet—a great army. Just as the LORD had Ezekiel speak life into dead bones, you can speak life, and the Creator of life itself will restore what is dead in your life, in your heart, in your relationships, etc. For nothing will be impossible with Go...

Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech. — Proverbs 4:24 (NLT) I believe any speech that does not line up with the Word of God is perverse. As citizens of God’s Kingdom, we are to speak the language of the Kingdom, which is God’s Word. His Word is full of power, strength and faith. Philippians 2:14 (NKJV) instructs us to do all things without complaining and disputing, When we grumble and complain it indicates doubt in our hearts about the goodness of our God. Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose. (Proverbs 18:21 MSG) Jesus said, “ What truly contaminates a person is not what he puts into his mouth but what comes out of his mouth. That’s what makes people defiled. ” (Matthew 15:11  TPT) So let us choose to speak words of life. Why whine and worry about what God is not doing, when we can worship and give thanks for all He has done and is doing?

There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven—  ....a time to be silent and a time to speak. — Ecclesiastes 3:1, 3:7b (NASB) Sometimes silence speaks louder than words. We have to discern when to speak and when to be silent. In Mark 15:2 (NKJV), Pilate asked Jesus, “Are You the King of the Jews?” He answered and said to him, “It is as you say.” Then in Mark 15:3 when the chief priests accused Him of many things, Jesus answered nothing. In Mark 15:4-5, they testified many things against Him, but Jesus still answered nothing. The only question Jesus gave validity to was about Him being King. Jesus did not defend Himself regarding false accusations. People may accuse you and testify against you, but hold your peace and let God fight your battles. Our God is King of kings and Lord of lords. He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun. (Psalm 37:6 NLT) My soul, wai...

Do you not understand that everything that goes into the mouth passes into the stomach, and is eliminated? But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man. — Matthew 15:17-18 (NASB) What comes out of your mouth reveals the core of your heart. (Matthew 15:18 TPT). If we want to speak words of life, let us treasure and store the Word of God in our hearts. (Psalm 119:11).  Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose. (Proverbs 18:21 MSG) I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life , that both you and your descendants may live; (Deuteronomy 30:19)

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words. — Proverbs 18:21 (AMP) Wisely choose the words you speak. The Amplified Bible reminds us that we bear the consequences of the words we speak. In Matthew 9:20-21, the woman who had suffered from a discharge of blood for twelve years came up behind Jesus and touched the fringe of his garment, for she said to herself , “If I only touch his garment, I will be made well.” She received her healing. What are you saying to yourself? In Luke 7:7, the centurion told Jesus, “I did not even consider myself worthy to come to You, but j ust say the word , and my servant will be healed.” In Luke 7:10, his servant was found in good health. Speak words of life, and lives will be changed. James 3:9-10 says, with our tongues we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both bl...

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only...” — James‬ ‭1:22‬ ‭(NKJV) ‬‬ After we hear the Word, may we apply it to what we do and who we are. In Matthew 7:24 (MSG), Jesus says, “These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on.“ When the Word of God is the foundation of our lives, what is built will withstand the storms of life. “”Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”” (Matthew‬ ‭...

Then the LORD answered me and said: “Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.”  — Habakkuk 2:2-3 (NKJV) Even though the vision God has given you seems slow in coming, wait patiently for it, because it will surely take place at the appointed time. To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: (Ecclesiastes 3:1). “… the just shall live by his faith. ” (Habakkuk 4 NKJV) Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1 NASB)

My voice You shall hear in the morning, O LORD; In the morning I will direct it to You, and I will look up. — Psalm 5:3 (NKJV) At a recent safe driving class, the instructor said, we tend to follow where our eyes go. Maybe that is why the Word of God tells us to look up. Why look up? Because that is where your help comes from. Psalm 121:1 says, “ I will lift up my eyes to the hills— from whence comes my help?”  Look up in expectation of an answer. Watch and wait for Him to speak to your heart (Psalm 5:3b AMP). Look up in expectation of seeing Him move on your behalf. Looking at circumstances may cause you to look down. But You, O LORD, are a shield for me, My glory and the One who lifts up my head. (Psalm 3:3 NKJV)

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. — Ephesians 4:29 (NIV) Let us exercise wisdom and choose to speak words that build others up instead of tearing them down. With understanding, choose words that are helpful. The words of the godly encourage many…Proverbs 10:21a (NLT). The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (Proverbs 12:18 NIV). Our words can cut and injure others or our words can be like a soothing balm that heals. Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose. (Proverbs 18:21 MSG)

God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill? — Numbers 23:19 (NIV) Some people in our lives may have made false promises or failed to do what they said they would, but our heavenly Father is not a man that He should lie. He fulfills every promise. The entirety of His word is truth… (Psalm 119:160 NKJV). And the word of our God stands forever. (Isaiah 40:8 NKJV). You can stand on His Word and all the wonderful promises He has spoken. Stand on His Word, believing with every fiber of your being and you will not be disappointed. So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:11 NKJV)

And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people. — Matthew 4:23 (NKJV) Jesus never changes. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8). He is still Healer. And one of the things I love about Him, is that He meets us where we are. The woman with the issue of blood, purposed in her heart that she had to push through the crowd and grab a hold of His garment to receive her healing. (Luke 8:40-42). The man that was lowered through the roof on a cot was helpless and hopeless and had to rely on the faith of his friends, but Jesus still healed him. (Mark 2:4-5). The centurion knew that all Jesus had to do was speak a word and his servant would be healed. (Matthew 8:8). Jesus wants you to live a healthy and abundant life, —healed and whole, body, soul and spirit. Exercise the level of faith you have and our loving, compassionate Savior and Heal...

The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” — 1 Samuel 3:10 (NIV) The first three times the LORD called Samuel, he did not know it was the LORD. As men and women of God, it is imperative that we learn how to listen for God’s voice. This may involve turning a deaf ear to the negative voices you don't need to hear. Instead of listening to the doom and gloom reports of this world, listen for the glorious voice of our great God. His voice will always line up with His Word and the good plans He has for you. God is constantly speaking to each one of us. Listen for His voice today and respond to His call. “ The sheep that are My own hear My voice and listen to Me; I know them, and they follow Me. ” (John 10:27 AMP)

Delilah lulled Samson to sleep with his head in her lap, and then she called in a man to shave off the seven locks of his hair. In this way she began to bring him down, and his strength left him. — Judges 16:19 (NLT) In Judges 16:20, Samson didn’t even realize the LORD had left him. As children of God we need to be awake and aware. If we allow the things of this world to lull us to sleep we will find ourselves in a spiritual stupor and we will be powerless when the enemy comes to bring us down. May we be completely devoted to God, treasure His Word (our sword) in our hearts and speak it out of our mouths. But make sure that you don’t get so absorbed and exhausted in taking care of all your day-by-day obligations that you lose track of the time and doze off, oblivious to God. The night is about over, dawn is about to break. Be up and awake to what God is doing! (Romans 13:11-12 MSG) Get out of bed and get dressed! Don’t loiter and linger, waiting until the very last minute. Dres...

Understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Let everyone be quick to hear [be a careful, thoughtful listener], slow to speak [a speaker of carefully chosen words and], slow to anger [patient, reflective, forgiving]; — James 1:19 (AMP) Be quick to hear. Take the time to listen and get understanding. And when you do speak, do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen (Ephesians 4:29 NIV). The tongue of the wise promotes health. (Proverbs 12:18b NKJV). May we choose our words carefully. Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose. (Proverbs 18:21 MSG)

My voice You shall hear in the morning, O LORD; In the morning I will direct it to You, and I will look up. — Psalm 5:3 (NKJV) When you don’t know where to go, turn to the LORD. When you're uncertain of what to do, look to the LORD. When you're at a loss for words, speak the Word of God. Lay your requests before the LORD and wait expectantly. Watch and wait for Him to speak to your heart. When we call upon Him He is faithful to answer. When they call on me, I will answer;  I will be with them in trouble.  I will rescue and honor them. (Psalm 91:15 NLT)