Manna for Your Morning

LORD, don’t hold back your tender mercies from me. Let your unfailing love and faithfulness always protect me. — Psalm 40:11 (NLT) God is not trying to hold any good thing back from you. He is trying to get something to you. We don’t always follow God’s direction because we think our way is faster or easier. Just know that God is always working for our good. His love and truth are all that keeps us together (Psalm 40:11b MSG). What seems like a delay, may be a time of preparation. He is preparing you for what’s next. The LORD is not holding back on you, so don't hold back on Him. Give God your all!

I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD.” — Psalm 122:1 (NLT) So let’s do it—full of belief, confident that we’re presentable inside and out. Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching (Hebrews 10:22-25 MSG). Come and worship the King of kings and the Lord of glory!

But as it is, God has placed and arranged the limbs and organs in the body, each [particular one] of them, just as He wished and saw fit and with the best adaptation. — 1 Corinthians 12:14-18 (AMP) God knows the gifts, talents and abilities He has given to each one of us. And He has arranged us so that we can function well together and fulfill His plan. Whatever tasks you perform in your workplace or business and wherever you fellowship at, be confident that you have been equipped to do what God has called you to do, in that place. You have an instrumental role to fulfill in your circle of influence, in your marriage, family and every other place God called you to. So we, numerous as we are, are one body in Christ (the Messiah) and individually we are parts one of another [mutually dependent on one another].  — Romans 12:5 (AMP)   Let's value our differences and do our part!

I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go into the house of the LORD.” — Psalm 122:1 (NKJV) As little children, our parents often had to tell us to get in the house. As adults we ought to realize it is still very important for us to get in the house, the House of the LORD, that is. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching (Hebrews 10:25, NIV). As the Apostle Paul says in Romans, I long to see you, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith. When we gather together with other believers, you will be encouraged in your faith, and someone will be encouraged by yours (Romans 1:12).

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. — Romans 8:28 (NKJV) Everything that happens may not make sense when we look at one single event, but our heavenly Father has a plan and He will cause everything to work together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His design and purpose. Just stay strong in faith and keep your trust in Him!

And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. — Luke 10:39 But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her. — Luke 10:42 (NKJV) While Mary chose to hang out with Jesus, Martha was distracted with much serving (Luke 10:40). Most of us can relate to Mary or Martha. However, at any given moment we can ignore the distractions and CHOOSE to sit at Jesus feet, and meditate on the Word. Instead of being like Martha, worried and troubled about many things, we can cast all our cares on the Lord (Psalm 55:22). We can choose not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together with other believers (Hebrews 10:25). You choose!

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! — Psalm 133:1 (NKJV) Jesus prayed for all believers to dwell together in unity. “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me,” (John 17:20-21). Our unity is a testimony to the world. Let us eagerly pursue the things which bring peace and make every effort to be united in love.

“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. — John 17:20-21 (NKJV) Jesus prayed that all who believe in Him would be completely united. Then the world will know that God sent Jesus and that God loved us even as He have loved Jesus (John 1:23). My beloved brothers and sister, let there be no division in the body of Christ. May we have equal concern for each other (1 Corinthians 12:25) and seek peace and unity. Psalm 133:1 says, how good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!

Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?  Amos 3:3 (NKJV) Can two walk together without first agreeing on the direction? Let us come into agreement and submit to God's will, in all we do and everywhere we go. Instead of leaning on your own understanding, trust the LORD with all your heart, and walk together with Him. Put your hand in His and let Him show you which path to take.

Two people are better than one because together they have a good reward for their hard work. If one falls, the other can help his friend get up. But how tragic it is for the one who is all alone when he falls. There is no one to help him get up. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (GW) Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed (Ecclesiastes 4:9, NLT). David's relationship with Jonathan is a perfect example of friendship in the Word. First Samuel 18:1 says,  Jonathan became David’s closest friend. He loved David as much as he loved himself. Be a friend who loves at all times and sticks closer than a brother.

Be good to me, God—and now! I've run to you for dear life. I'm hiding out under your wings until the hurricane blows over. I call out to High God, the God who holds me together. He sends orders from heaven and saves me, he humiliates those who kick me around. God delivers generous love, he makes good on his word. Psalm 57:1-2 (The Message) Run for dear life to the Most High God, who holds us together. Take refuge under His wings until the calamities are over. Our heavenly Father generously showers us with His love and fulfills His Word.