Manna for Your Morning

When David and his men came to the town, it was burned, and their wives and their sons and their daughters had been taken captive. Then David and the people who were with him raised their voices and wept until they were too exhausted to weep [any longer]. Further, David was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him, for all of them were embittered, each man for his sons and daughters. But David felt strengthened and encouraged in the LORD his God. — 1 Samuel 30:3-4, 6 (AMP) So David inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I pursue this troop? Shall I overtake them?” And He answered him, “Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them and without fail recover all.” (1 Samuel 30:8 NKJV) When we are dealing with traumatic circumstances, we may weep, but let us also find strength and encourage ourselves in Yahweh, our great and mighty GOD. Then seek His will for what actions we are to take. Knowing that we can do all things [which He has called us to do] through Him who strength...

… that He (the Father) would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. — Ephesians 3:16-19 (NASB1995) The root of the tree draws in the nourishment it needs to survive. Let us be deeply rooted and grounded in the love of God, and draw our nourishment and strength from Him. In him we live and move and exist. (See Acts 17:28)  And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the ear...

It is because of the LORD’s lovingkindnesses that we are not consumed, because His [tender] compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great and beyond measure is Your faithfulness. — Lamentations 3:22-23 (AMP) In difficult times, remember the faithfulness of our great God. Recall the troubles He has brought you through in the past. In 2 Timothy 4:16-17, the Apostle Paul said: “ At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me …” God shows no favoritism (Acts 10:34 NLT). When others abandon you, He stands with you and strengthens you. Yes, and the Lord will deliver me from every evil attack and will bring me safely into his heavenly Kingdom. All glory to God forever and ever! (2 Timothy 4:18 NLT) “ Now behold, today I am going the way of all the earth, and you know in all your hearts and in all your souls that not one word of all the good words which the LORD your God spoke co...

At my first trial no one supported me [as an advocate] or stood with me, but they all deserted me. May it not be counted against them [by God]. But the Lord stood by me and strengthened and empowered me, so that through me the [gospel] message might be fully proclaimed, and that all the Gentiles might hear it; and I was rescued from the mouth of the lion. — 2 Timothy 4:16-17 (AMP) Everyone else may abandon you, but the Lord stands by your side. He empowers us to complete the assignment given to us. Jesus is our Advocate. He is a very present help in trouble. Rely on Him and you will be rescued! God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. — Psalm 46:1 (NASB)

This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.  — Psalm 118:24 (NKJV) This day has already been written in God’s book for your life. (Psalm 139:16) The fact that He woke you up this morning, means He has something for you to do today, places for you to go and people you are to meet. We are here for such a time as this. If you’re living your life in Christ, you are power-packed, strengthened and equipped to accomplish all that He has planned for you today. As you go, let His love and light shine through you, in action and in speech, and others will be drawn unto Jesus, our mighty Savior. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself. (Jeremiah 31:3)

“Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid nor dismayed before the king of Assyria, nor before all the multitude that is with him; for there are more with us than with him. With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God, to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people were strengthened by the words of Hezekiah king of Judah. — 2 Chronicles 32:7-8 (NKJV) No need to be discouraged or fearful, our mighty God is with us and the battle belongs to Him. With God on our side, who can stand against us? He always leads us in triumph in Christ… (2 Corinthians 2:14). Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. (Psalm 105:4 NIV) When we stand with Him, we win!

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. — James 1:2 (NLT) The Message Bible says, t o consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides (James 1:2). When faced with adversity, it is an opportunity to learn that we should not trust in ourselves but in God. In 2 Corinthians 1:9 (NIV), the Apostle Paul said, “ Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. ” Troubles present an opportunity for our faith and trust in God to grow and be strengthened. They draw us closer to our heavenly Father. Let us see challenges as a set-up for our great big God to show Himself strong and mighty. We can be confident that God will cause all things to work together for good. We can also take joy in knowing that in Jesus we have already overcome!

We are pressured in every way [hedged in], but not crushed; perplexed [unsure of finding a way out], but not driven to despair; hunted down and persecuted, but not deserted [to stand alone]; struck down, but never destroyed; — 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (AMP) Whatever challenging situation you may face today, remember that you are never alone. In 2 Timothy 4:16-17 (NASB), the Apostle Paul says, “At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me…” Though people may desert you, the Lord will always stand by your side. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the LORD your God... (Isaiah 43:2-3a)

You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. — 2 Timothy 2:3 (NKJV) When all forsook the Apostle Paul, he says, “But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me,” (2 Timothy 4:17). In the midst of your hardships, know that the Lord stands with you and strengthens you too. With Him, all things are possible. His Spirit within us, enables us to fight the good fight, to finish the race, to keep the faith. (2 Timothy 4:7)

He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. — Romans 4:20-21 (NKJV) Now is not the time to waver in unbelief concerning the promises of God, nor doubt and be driven and tossed by the wind like a wave in the sea. We have a great big God, doing great big things! The Message Bible says Abraham plunged into the promise and came up strong, ready for God, sure that God would make good on what he had said. Let us follow in the footsteps of Abraham, the Father of faith. Be strengthened in faith, give glory to God and be fully convinced that He will fulfill what He has promised. Amen!

Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, — Acts 3:19 (NKJV) In the presence of the Lord we are refreshed, revived and restored. As we surrender our will and flow with the Spirit of the Lord that dwells within us, we are strengthened and His power enables us to accomplish all that He designed for us. The Lord rebuilds that which is broken and makes us into brand new creations. Every morning, He pours out new mercies and compassions on us. So we have a fresh start each day. As we continually abide in His Presence, we are refreshed and our lives are changed from ordinary to extraordinary.

Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. — James 1:2-4 (MSG) Don’t despise the day of trials and tests. In the rubble of our troubles, we find a wealth of hidden treasures: patience is produced, knowledge and wisdom gained, and persistence is developed. As we work through the debris of our difficulties, our faith is strengthened, we experience a fuller, deeper level of love and trust in God and we grow in maturity. These are the qualities that enable us to fulfill our purpose and realize our dreams.

Hear, my son, and be wise; and guide your heart in the way. — Proverbs 23:19 (NKJV) Let us not blindly follow our hearts, emotions and feelings. Instead, may we exercise self-control and set our hearts to follow God’s way. Let's meditate on His Word, so it can trickle down from our heads and into our hearts. Then, when we encounter trials of any kind, our hearts will not fail or grow faint because they are strengthened with the Word of God. Be wise and continually steer your heart in the right direction, and your actions will take the proper course. As a result, you will reach the desired destination.

In the day when I called, You answered me; and You strengthened me… — Psalm 138:3 (AMP) When you call upon the LORD, He will answer. Every day of your life was recorded in His book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. (Psalm 139:16 NLT). And God will provide the strength you need to get through each day. Be confident that the LORD will work out his plans for your life— for His faithful love, endures forever. (Psalm 138:8a).

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!

...that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; — Colossians 1:10-11 (NKJV) May we walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, that pleases Him in every way. Refuse to let a worldly, hostile environment corrupt your God-honoring behavior and joyful attitude. Let us continually grow in our knowledge of God and experience a deeper, increasing intimacy with Him. Then we will be fruitful in every good work we undertake, in every area of our lives: spiritual, physical, financial, relationships, etc. May we be strengthened with His power that resides inside of us and enables us to endure and persevere ALL things, as we hold onto the everlasting joy of the Lord. Amen!

At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, — 2 Timothy 4:16-17a (NKJV)  Although people may desert you when you need them most, the Lord is faithful. He will never abandon you. Not only does He stand with you, He gives you the strength to stand. You may be hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; you may be perplexed, but not in despair; you may be persecuted, but not forsaken; you may be struck down, but, praise God, you are not destroyed (2 Corinthians 4:8-9)!

But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.” — Acts 23:11 (NKJV) Today, we can be of good cheer, because the Lord stands by us. If all others forsake us, He will still be there. The Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one (2 Thessalonians 3:3, NIV). In 2 Timothy 4:17, the Apostle Paul says, “the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached...” We are to bear witness of Jesus, at this time, to this generation, and He stands by us to give us strength.

He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. — Romans 4:20-21 (NKJV) When God told Abraham, he would be the father of many nations, He did not consider his own body, already dead (about 100 years old), and the deadness of Sarah's womb (Romans 4:19). No matter how hopeless or dead situations may appear in your life, be fully persuaded, 100% confident, that God is able turn it around. The Message Bible says, Abraham plunged into the promise and came up strong, ready for God, sure that God would make good on what he had said. Be strengthened in your faith today!

I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify Him with thanksgiving. This also shall please the LORD better than an ox or bull, which has horns and hooves. The humble shall see this and be glad; and you who seek God, your hearts shall live.  — Psalm 69:30-32 (NKJV) The very essence of our lives is to sing the praises of our God and honor Him with thanksgiving. A humble heart giving glory to God, pleases Him more than anything we could give as a sacrifice. May your heart be encouraged and strengthened as you trust in and rely on God.