Manna for Your Morning

“But you are God’s chosen treasure —priests who are kings, a spiritual “nation” set apart as God’s devoted ones. He called you out of darkness to experience his marvelous light, and now he claims you as his very own. He did this so that you would broadcast his glorious wonders throughout the world.” — 1 Peter 2:9 (TPT) God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. (See 1 John 1:5 NASB1995) He has called us out of the darkness to live in the light. For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! (Ephesians 5:8 NLT) With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. (Ephesians 4:17 NLT) Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. (See Philippians 2:15 NLT) “For at one time you were not God’s people, but now you are. At one time you knew nothing of God’s mercy, because you hadn’t received it yet...

“I am the Vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him bears much fruit, for [otherwise] apart from Me [that is, cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing.” — John 15:5 (AMP) What good news! We don’t have to do it alone. Whatever you are trying to accomplish in this life, staying connected to Jesus is paramount (more important than anything else). Apart from Him, we can do nothing of lasting value. Our union with Him is vital to our lives and our health (spiritual, physical and mental health). But now that you’ve found you don’t have to listen to sin tell you what to do, and have discovered the delight of listening to God telling you, what a surprise! A whole, healed, put-together life right now, with more and more of life on the way! Work hard for sin your whole life and your pension is death. But God’s gift is real life, eternal life, delivered by Jesus, our Master. (Romans 6:22-23 MSG)

Grow a wise heart—you’ll do yourself a favor; keep a clear head—you’ll find a good life.  — Proverbs 19:8 (MSG) Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. Everyone who obeys His commandments will grow in wisdom (Psalm 111:10). The Message version says: The good life begins in the fear of God. When we have the fear of the Lord, we honor, respect, value and reverence Him above anything or anyone else. That respect and adoration will draw us to align our actions with God's will. As we obey our Heavenly Father we will experience continual growth in spiritual wisdom and insight.  That is where we find the good life! Amen.

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, — 2 Corinthians 10:4 (NKJV) It is a spiritual war we are fighting, not a war with flesh and blood. God has given us powerful weapons for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:4, AMP). With these weapons, we are able to cast down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5, NKJV). Fight the good fight of faith and remember: No weapon formed against you shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17)!

And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. — Philippians 4:19 (NKJV) Let the peace of God rule in your mind and His exceedingly great joy overflow from your heart at all times, knowing that God will meet all your needs, from His glorious riches, not the lack you see in your own resources. And remember that when God says all your needs, He means ALL . He will supply your every need, in every area of life, spiritual, physical, financial, emotional, etc. He will take care of it all. The Amplified version says, God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need. Cast all your cares on Him today!

Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner. — 1 Peter 4:12-13 (The Message) Do not let your faith draw back when you encounter various trials. James 1:2-3 tells us to consider it pure joy whenever we face trials of many kinds, because the testing of our faith produces perseverance.  Patiently endure until your testing is over. Then you will be mature and complete, not lacking anything (James 1:4)!

Asa was afflicted with a disease in his feet. Though his disease was severe, even in his illness he did not seek help from the LORD, but only from the physicians. Then in the forty-first year of his reign Asa died and rested with his ancestors. — 2 Chronicles 16:12-13 (NIV) There is nothing wrong with going to the doctors, God uses them too. But put your trust and confidence in JESUS, the Great Physician. If we want to experience physical, emotional, mental and spiritual healing, we must go to Jesus, our Healer. Only Jesus heals, delivers and makes us whole. Praise the Lord!

Those who live by the corrupt nature have the corrupt nature’s attitude. But those who live by the spiritual nature have the spiritual nature’s attitude. — Romans 8:5 (GW) The corrupt nature is a mind set on the things of the flesh. Those who walk according to the spiritual nature continually renew their minds and keep their focus on what the Spirit desires. What kind of attitude do you have?  The corrupt nature’s attitude leads to death. But the spiritual nature’s attitude leads to LIFE and PEACE (Romans 8:6). Choose today, what kind of attitude you want.

For out of His fullness (abundance) we have all received [all had a share and we were all supplied with] one grace after another and spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing and even favor upon favor and gift [heaped] upon gift. For while the Law was given through Moses, grace (unearned, undeserved favor and spiritual blessing) and truth came through Jesus Christ. — John 1:16-17 (Amp) "Grace is having whatever you need when you need it." —Pastor Matthew Pollock. Out of the fullness of Jesus Christ we have all received one gracious blessing after another. We experience God’s unfailing love and faithfulness through Jesus Christ. What true kindness and compassion is poured out on us, as children of God, that we continuously receive one gracious act after another! Be joyful and thank God for His abundant supply of GRACE!