Manna for Your Morning

“Put all your rebellion behind you, and find yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O people of Israel? I don’t want you to die, says the Sovereign LORD. Turn back and live!” — Ezekiel 18:31-32 (NLT) The Lord GOD has no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies. In Ezekiel 18:23 (NLT), He says: “Do you think that I like to see wicked people die? says the Sovereign LORD. Of course not! I want them to turn from their wicked ways and live.” Sooner or later, the Most High God will be obeyed. (See Ezekiel 20:39 NLT) So set your heart and mind on following the Lord GOD and doing His will. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9 NASB1995) For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon You. — Psalm 86:5 (NASB1995)

Some men arrived carrying a paraplegic on a stretcher. They were looking for a way to get into the house and set him before Jesus. When they couldn’t find a way in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof, removed some tiles, and let him down in the middle of everyone, right in front of Jesus. Impressed by their bold belief, he said, “Friend, I forgive your sins.”  — Luke 5:18-20 (MSG) Bold belief is compassionate enough to carry those who cannot walk on their own. Bold belief makes a way to set others in front of Jesus. Bold belief doesn't turn back when met with difficulties, but presses in, and overcomes obstacles. As a result, lives are changed for all of eternity. Bold belief is love in action. May we exercise bold belief in our daily affairs. …the righteous are bold as a lion. (Proverbs 28:1 NKJV)

But Ruth replied, “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. — Ruth 1:16 (NLT) When Ruth chose to go with her mother-in-law, Naomi, she committed her life to God and His people. Ruth chose to leave the land of her birth, her family and all that she knew. Sometimes we have to let go of what we know and leave our comfort zone to venture with God into the unknown. When Ruth chose to go with Naomi, little did she know, that God had Boaz, in position to receive her as his wife. Because of her wise choice and commitment to God, she and her son Obed are listed in the genealogy of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5) What a destiny she would have never known if she would have turned back to the familiar. May we stay committed to the LORD and the call He has for our lives.