Manna for Your Morning

…You direct me on the path that leads to a beautiful life. As I walk with You, the pleasures are never-ending, and I know true joy and contentment. — Psalm 16:11 (VOICE) We find true joy and contentment when we continually walk with the LORD, each day of our lives. May we fix our gaze upon Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior, the eternal King of kings. In Philippians 4:11-13 (VOICE), the Apostle Paul says, “… I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances. I know how to survive in tight situations, and I know how to enjoy having plenty. In fact, I have learned how to face any circumstances: fed or hungry, with or without. I can be content in any and every situation through the Anointed One who is my power and strength. ” Amen.

Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise: — Hebrews 10:35-36 (NKJV) Sometimes the life situations we encounter tempt us to draw back and give up on God. But you need to stick it out, staying with God’s plan so you’ll be there for the promised completion. (Hebrews 10:36 MSG). “The just shall live by faith; but if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him,” (Hebrews 10:38 NKJV). Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. (Hebrews 10:23 MSG). When you get the impulse to draw back, passionately pursue His Presence with even more determination. We’re not quitters who lose out. Oh, no! We’ll stay with it and survive, trusting all the way. (Hebrews 10:39 MSG) Amen!

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” — John 15:5 (NKJV) Jesus is the true vine (John 15:1) and we are the branches. He chose us and appointed us that we should go and bear fruit, (John 15:16a). In order to bear much fruit, we must abide in Him. If we don’t abide in Him, we wither and die. As we allow our roots to grow deep in Jesus, we not only survive —we thrive! As we stay connected to Him, we will produce the fruit of unconditional love, that is focused on others and not self. We will bear the fruit of joy that bubbles from deep within and touches those around us. When we abide in the vine, we bear the fruit of peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. “ By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. ” ( John 15:8 ). Glorify God and be a bountiful fruit bearer!

Now the LORD provided a huge fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three  days and three nights. — Jonah 1:17 (NIV) Even though Jonah initially ran away from the LORD and ended up being thrown into the sea, God was watching over him and provided what Jonah needed to survive. In the belly of the huge fish, Jonah remembered the LORD (Jonah 2:7) and God commanded the fish, to vomit Jonah onto dry land. Take comfort in knowing that our heavenly Father knows exactly what we need and when we need it. As Amos 5:6 (NLT) says: Come back to the LORD and live!