Manna for Your Morning

And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you]. — Romans 12:2 (AMP) Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, and stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you. Instead, let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. This will empower you to discern God’s will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in his eyes. (See Romans 12:2 NLT & TPT) As followers of Christ and children of light let us become imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]; (See Ephesians 5:1 AMP)

And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ — Matthew 22:39 (NKJV) I think the often forgotten part of this Scripture, is that we are to love ourselves. We need to love ourselves, before we can understand how to love our neighbor. Not a pompous, puffed up, prideful love, but acknowledging that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NASB) God loves us and wants His Holy Spirit to work through us, to bring about His will on the earth. We are very valuable to Him. His only Son gave His life for us. Let us take care of our bodies, physically and spiritually; taking in the right nourishment, getting the proper amount of rest, exercising and renewing our minds with His Word. This brings glory to God and has a positive impact for His kingdom. If you really fulfill the royal law according ...

“Don’t fuss about what’s on the table at mealtimes or if the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your inner life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body.” — Luke 12:22-23 (MSG) “What I’m trying to do here is get you to relax, not be so preoccupied with getting so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works.” (Luke 12:29-30 MSG). We can relax and stop being anxious about the cares of this world because we know God. We know that He is our provider. He cares for us and He will take care of everything we need to thrive in our inner beings (mentally, emotionally, spiritually) and our outer, physical life. When you don't know what to do, hang onto who you do know...God!

As God’s fellow workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. — 2 Corinthians 6:1 (NIV) The word vain means to produce no result or to have no meaning. Let us not take the goodness of God for granted. In Him, we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:28). Pastor Matt Pollock has described grace as having everything you need, when you need it. God’s provision is not for us to just sit back and grow spiritually fat. His grace has a higher purpose. He equips us that we might fulfill the call of God in our lives. Having received God’s grace, let us engage in an active pursuit of completing the mission we have received from God and focus on fulfilling His purpose in our lives. Amen!

Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, — Hebrews 6:1 (NIV) The writer of Hebrews says, the believer’s were spiritually dull and didn’t seem to listen (Hebrews 5:11, NLT). They had been believers so long, they should have been teaching others. Instead, they needed someone to teach them again the basic things about God’s word. They were like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food (Hebrews 5:12). Solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil (Hebrews 5:14, NIV). Let us be spiritually sharp and alert so we can consistently use our will to persevere, overcome obstacles and press on to maturity!

From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?” But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. ”  — John 6:66-68 (NKJV) When you experience challenges and hardships in your walk with the Lord, never be tempted to go back to the life you had before you chose to follow Jesus. Endure the hardships, and do not grow weary. Jesus is the ONLY Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6) and He will never leave you or cast you aside. If anyone thinks they can make it through this life without Him they are lost, deceived and spiritually dead. At all times, follow Christ!