Manna for Your Morning

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. — John 10:10 (NKJV) First, we have to remember that we have an enemy who prowls about like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). If we stay alert and do not allow him to distract us in our walk with our heavenly Father, we will experience the more abundant life Jesus came to give us. God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20). In Jesus, we experience grace and more grace, our cups overflow with blessings. We have a love that never ends, and never fails. Praise the Lord!

“And remember that I am always with you until the end of time.”   — Matthew 28:20 (GW) After Jesus had been crucified and risen from the the dead, He met His disciples at the mountain in Galilee. Jesus came to them and said, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” (Matthew 28:18). At the end of His instructions, He reminds them, “I am always with you until the end of time.” Whatever your current situation, Jesus has authority over it, and you are seated with Him in heavenly places. Exercise the authority you have in Christ. And remember: Jesus is ALWAYS with you!

Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Joshua 1:8 (NIV) Many books have been written on success, but our heavenly Father revealed the secret to success long ago, in His wonderful Word. God says when we meditate on His Word day and night and do everything that is written in it, we will be prosperous and successful. He instructs us to talk about His truth, always. Proverbs 7:1 says to treasure His commands within us. Proverbs 7:3 says to write them on the tablet of your heart. When we are careful to obey the LORD's instruction we will be successful wherever we go (Joshua 1:7). Amen.

The LORD sat enthroned over the flood. The LORD sits enthroned as king forever. The LORD will give power to his people. The LORD will bless his people with peace. Psalm 29:10-11 (GW) The LORD gives power to His people and blesses us with peace. God has given us a spirit of power, love and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). And He is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think (Ephesians 4:20). Our heavenly Father gives us a peace, which surpasses all understanding. His peace will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). Praise God for His provision of peace and power! Amen.

I may have the gift to speak what God has revealed, and I may understand all mysteries and have all knowledge. I may even have enough faith to move mountains. But if I don’t have love, I am nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:2 (GW) As children of God we are to love our heavenly Father with all our heart, mind and soul and love our neighbors as we love ourselves. We are even called to love our enemies. Without love we are nothing. When we love someone, we simply enjoy being in their presence. Those who love God, delight themselves in His Presence. They desire His Presence more than the gifts He gives. Those who love their neighbors, love the frustrating boss, and the co-worker who offends. Unconditional love causes you to forgive the spouse who disappoints and the disobedient child. Love extends a helping hand to those in need. Let love be your guiding force.

The instructions of the LORD are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are clear, giving insight for living. Psalm 19:7-8 (NLT) Do you need some insight for living a joyful, productive and peaceful life? Give attention to the Word of God. The teachings of the LORD are perfect and will revive your soul. We can trust the instructions of our heavenly Father to point us in the right direction and make us wise. Obedience to His commands brings joy to our hearts. We not only survive, we thrive when we align our lives with the principles of God's Word. Amen.

“Come to me, all who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Place my yoke over your shoulders, and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble. Then you will find rest for yourselves because my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 (GW) Are you tired? Jesus says, “Come to Me!” Cast all your anxiety, worries, and concerns on Him because he affectionately cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). Go on a retreat with Jesus and He will show you how to take a real rest. “In returning and rest you shall be saved; In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” (Isaiah 30:15).

And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you'll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ's love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:17-19 (The Message) Jesus loved us and gave Himself for us, as the ultimate sacrifice. Let us be rooted and grounded in the love of Christ. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn't love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that (Ephesians 5:2, The Message).

For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Proverbs 2:6-8 (NIV) The LORD freely gives wisdom. James 1:5 says, if any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. Get wisdom and understanding. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul (Proverbs 2:10). Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding (Proverbs 3:13).

O Lord, I cry out to you, “Come quickly.” Open your ears to me when I cry out to you. Let my prayer be accepted as sweet-smelling incense in your presence. Let the lifting up of my hands in prayer be accepted as an evening sacrifice. Psalm 141:1-2 (GW) Ephesians 6:18 (NLT) instructs us to stay alert and be persistent in our prayers for all believers everywhere. Let us pray without ceasing, because the earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. (James 5:16, NLT). Let go of your concerns by putting them in God's hands through prayer. He is able and willing to work all things together for good. May your prayers be as sweet-smelling incense in the Presence of Abba Father.

“ I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. ” John 16:33 (NIV) Here on earth we will have many trials and sorrows, but Jesus encouraged us to be of good cheer because He has overcome the world. We are children of God and we also overcome, because the One who is in us is greater than the one who is in the world. With God we will gain the victory (Psalm 60:12). Glory hallelujah!

God guards you from every evil, he guards your very life. He guards you when you leave and when you return, he guards you now, he guards you always. Psalm 121:7-8 (The Message) Our heavenly Father keeps watch over your life. He is a 24-hour God. He doesn't sleep or slumber. Whether you are coming or going, God not only has your back, He has your front and sides covered too. He commands His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways (Psalm 91:11). Thank God for the special attention He gives to every detail of our lives.

Be good to your servant, that I may live and obey your word. Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions. Psalm 119:17-18 (NLT) May the LORD open our eyes to see and understand wonderful truths in His Word. When we know the truth, the truth shall make us free (John 8:32). Instead of believing the lies of the enemy we are free to embrace the truth of God's Word. His Word says we are more than conquerors. It declares that we have overcome the evil one and the world. Psalm 103:3, 5 says the LORD forgives all our sins and heals all our diseases. He satisfies our desires with good things and renews our youth like the eagle’s. Open your eyes and see wonderful things in the Word of God!

Praise the LORD, all you nations. Praise him, all you people of the earth. For he loves us with unfailing love; the LORD’s faithfulness endures forever. Praise the LORD! Psalm 117:1-2 (NLT) The earth is full of God's unfailing love. The LORD’s unfailing love surrounds those who trust in Him (Psalm 32:10). His everlasting love is our support and our comfort. Trust in His unfailing love, and rely on His faithfulness always. It endures the test of time. His unfailing love for you will not be shaken. How priceless is the unfailing love of God! Thank God for His great, unfailing love.

Give thanks to the LORD and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. Sing to him; yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds. Exult in his holy name; rejoice, you who worship the LORD. Search for the LORD and for his strength; continually seek him. Psalm 105:1-4 (NLT) God says, "When you come looking for me, you'll find me. "Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I'll make sure you won't be disappointed." (Jeremiah 29-13, The Message). Let us continually seek the LORD, His strength, His will and His way with all our hearts. Amen.

Hear my prayer, LORD God Almighty; listen to me, God of Jacob. Psalm 84:8 (NIV) Let us continue to pray for those who have experienced loss in the recent tornados. May God comfort those who are grieving the loss of loved ones. I pray for provision for those whose homes were destroyed. May You, O LORD, give them strength and encouragement as they rebuild their lives. Please lead the rescue teams to the survivors still waiting to be found. May healing and restoration come to every area of their lives. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to the Most High. It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning, your faithfulness in the evening, accompanied by the ten-stringed harp and the melody of the lyre. You thrill me, Lord, with all you have done for me! I sing for joy because of what you have done. O Lord, what great works you do! And how deep are your thoughts. Psalm 92:1-5 (NLT) Give thanks to the LORD and sing praises to the Most High God. Tell our heavenly Father how much you appreciate His unfailing love in the morning. Thank Him for His everlasting faithfulness every night. Be thrilled with all the LORD has done for you! His works are so magnificent. His thoughts, so profound. Sing for joy at the works of His hand!

But you, O God, are both tender and kind, not easily angered, immense in love, and you never, never quit. So look me in the eye and show kindness, give your servant the strength to go on, save your dear, dear child! Psalm 86:15-16 (The Message) Our awesome God is gentle, caring and kind. In His immense love, He faithfully gives us the strength we need each day. He gives us the strength to persevere through the trials and overcome any obstacles. When you are weary, He strengthens your physical body, as well as your spirit and soul. With the strength God gives, we can live a victorious life!

Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever. Psalm 73:25-26 (NLT) Let your desire be for Almighty God alone. He is the strength of your heart. Draw near to Him. God’s weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength (1 Corinthians 1:25). Build your life with Him as the firm foundation. Look to the LORD and His strength.

But God did listen! He paid attention to my prayer. Praise God, who did not ignore my prayer or withdraw his unfailing love from me. Psalm 66:19-20 (NLT) When we pray, we are simply engaging in conversation with our heavenly Father, the Creator of the universe. We can be confident that the LORD is attentive to our pleas. He never turns a deaf ear to our voices. Talk to Abba Father from the heart. He wants to hear from you, today. And remember to give God some praise for the constant outpouring of His unfailing love upon us.