Manna for Your Morning

Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. — James 1:12 (NASB) And not only this, but [with joy] let us exult in our sufferings and rejoice in our hardships, knowing that hardship (distress, pressure, trouble) produces patient endurance; and endurance, proven character (spiritual maturity); and proven character, hope and confident assurance [of eternal salvation]. Such hope [in God’s promises] never disappoints us, because God’s love has been abundantly poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Romans 5:3-5 AMP) And you will be hated by everyone because of [your association with] My name, but it is the one who has patiently persevered and endured to the end who will be saved. — Matthew 10:22 (AMP)

“Those on the rocky soil are the people who, when they hear, receive and welcome the word with joy; but these have no firmly grounded root. They believe for a while, and in time of trial and temptation they fall away [from Me and abandon their faith].” — Luke 8:13 (AMP) Never abandon your faith. Fight the good fight, finish the race, keep the faith. (See 2 Timothy 4:7) The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. (1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT) May we receive the Word of God in the good soil of our hearts and be firmly rooted and grounded in it. …the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word in an honest and good heart, and hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance. (Luke 8:15 NASB1995)  But He said, “More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” ...

Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit. — John 19:30 (NASB) When Jesus said, “ It is finished! ” He really meant it. Don’t let the enemy continually beat you up and steal your joy. Jesus has overcome the world. In John 16:33 Jesus said, “I n this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world. ” He has already given us the ultimate victory. We win because Jesus has already triumphed over every trouble, trial, and temptation that comes our way. In Jesus, we are more than conquerors! No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. — Romans 8:37 (NLT)

Anyone who meets a testing challenge head-on and manages to stick it out is mighty fortunate. For such persons loyally in love with God, the reward is life and more life. — James 1:12 (MSG) The Amplified Bible says, “Blessed [happy, spiritually prosperous, favored by God] is the man who is steadfast under trial and perseveres when tempted;” (James 1:12a). As we remain loyal in our love for God and continually rely on His love for us we are able to endure the challenges, trials and temptations. Nothing can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39). When we depend on God’s love, we can be confident that no matter what comes our way He has our best interests in mind. As a loving Father, He is faithful to help us overcome every challenge. Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors and gain an overwhelming victory through Him who loved us [so much that He died for us]. Romans 8:37 (AMP)

“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” — Matthew 1:23 (NKJV) In every trial, in every temptation and in every challenge, this is all we need to know: God is with us! He is not against us. God is for you. He loves you. The Creator of the universe chose you! He created you with a purpose. Only you, with your unique set of gifts, talents and personality can fulfill the glorious destiny He has for you. He works all things together for good. The plans He has for you are good. How can you lose, when Jesus has already won the victory for us? All of our days are written in His Book. We win. Our heavenly Father has given us everything we need to overcome and conquer all. It's only possible when we humble ourselves and totally depend, rely on and trust in God and recognize that He is with us. Glory hallelujah!

For God is the King of all the earth; Sing praises with understanding. God reigns over the nations; God sits on His holy throne. — Psalm 47:7-8 (NKJV) When we truly understand that our God reigns, we can genuinely sing His praises. Understand, that God is higher than any trial that comes our way. God’s Word carries more weight, that your doctor’s report or what your checkbook is saying. Let us comprehend that nothing, absolutely nothing, can separate us from the love God has for us. With our heavenly Father on our side, who can stand against us?

Come and see the works of God; He is awesome in His doing toward the sons of men. — Psalm 66:5 (NKJV) See His mighty arms that carry you through each trial and temptation. He has your name tattooed on His hand. You are the apple of His eyes and they sparkle with love for you. See His ears; they are always listening for the cry of your voice. Notice the smile on His face because the LORD takes pleasure in His people (Psalm 149:4). His heart beats with compassion for all people —the weary, the downtrodden, the lost, the found, the confused and the crazy. Now take a closer look. He is right there, beside you, ready to show you the wonderful things He is going to do in your life in the coming year. Put your hand in His and let Him lead the way.

For this [forgiveness] let everyone who is godly pray—pray to You in a time when You may be found; surely when the great waters [of trial] overflow, they shall not reach [the spirit in] him. You are a hiding place for me; You, Lord, preserve me from trouble, You surround me with songs and shouts of deliverance. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]! — Psalm  32:6-7 (AMP) Pray to the LORD at all times. His ear is always open to hear your voice. God is your hiding place, when the waters of trial come flooding in. He will preserve you from trouble. Our heavenly Father surrounds you with songs of victory (Psalm 32:7 NLT).

Brothers and sisters, we don’t want you to be ignorant about the suffering we experienced in the province of Asia. It was so extreme that it was beyond our ability to endure. We even wondered if we could go on living. In fact, we still feel as if we’re under a death sentence. But we suffered so that we would stop trusting ourselves and learn to trust God, who brings the dead back to life. — 2 Corinthians 1:8-9 (GW) My beloved brothers and sisters in the Lord, are you suffering a trial that is so extreme, you feel its beyond your ability to endure? Hold onto your faith and keep trusting in and depending on God, instead of what you can do in your natural strength. Our supernatural God brings the dead back to life. Nothing is impossible with Him. Hallelujah!

The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; the LORD is enthroned as King forever.  — Psalm 29:10 (NIV) No matter what storms come, our everlasting God is greater and bigger. He is above any trial, trouble or natural disaster that comes into our lives. In Isaiah 43:2 (NLT) God says, “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” Our heavenly Father is with us through it all and He will outlast all of the temporary circumstances of this world. My prayers go out to the families who have endured the fury of hurricane Isaac. May they know the LORD, that He is with them and that He is Jehovah Jireh, our Provider. Amen.

Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the LORD delivers him out of them all. — Psalm 34:19 (NKJV) David said in Psalm 40:12. "For troubles without number surround me;" Maybe you're feeling a little like David. But be of good cheer, the Word says, the LORD delivers us out of ALL afflictions. The faithfulness of our God will last longer than any trial, test or trouble that comes our way. Praise God!

No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he'll never let you be pushed past your limit; he'll always be there to help you come through it. — 1 Corinthians 10:13 (The Message) God faithfully keeps His promises, and He will not allow more than you can bear. He will provide the strength you need to endure any trial, test or temptation. Remember, God is with you when you walk through the fire and through the stormy floodwaters. Our heavenly Father will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. Hallelujah!