Manna for Your Morning

“ Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock. ” — Matthew 7:24-25 (NASB) May we build our lives on the solid rock. For who is God except the Lord? Who but our God is a solid rock? (Psalm 18:31 NLT) God, the one and only— I’ll wait as long as he says. Everything I need comes from him, so why not? He’s solid rock under my feet, breathing room for my soul, an impregnable castle: I’m set for life. (Psalm 62:1-2 MSG) Therefore thus says the Lord God, “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a tested stone, A costly cornerstone for the foundation, firmly placed. He who believes in it will not be disturbed.” — Isaiah 28:16 (NASB)

Jesus’ disciples went with him as he left in a boat. Suddenly, a severe storm came across the sea. The waves were covering the boat. Yet, Jesus was sleeping. — Matthew 8:23-24 (GW) The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. (Matthew 8:25-26 NIV) The disciples were fearful because they were focusing on the conditions of the storm. Jesus was sleeping because He trusted the Father. If we are in the boat with Jesus, we too can have perfect peace when severe storms come our way, by trusting God. His Presence is our protection. Instead of looking at the winds and the waves (circumstances), keep your eyes on Jesus, the Champion who initiates and perfects our faith. (Hebrews 12:2 NLT)

The Lord is my Rock, my Fortress, and my Deliverer; my God, my keen and firm Strength in Whom I will trust and take refuge, my Shield, and the Horn of my salvation, my High Tower. — Psalm 18:2 (AMP) The LORD is my Rock. When we build our lives on God, we are building on solid ground. When we stand on His Word, we have a firm foundation. In Matthew 7:24-25, Jesus said “…whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.” When you build on the Rock you will have a home that withstands the storms of life and a God that never fails you. Build on anything else, and it's like building on sinking sand. The castle which you erect will crumble and fall down, in the midst of the storm.

I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, — Psalm 16:8-9 (NIV) When we keep our eyes on the LORD, our hearts are made glad, regardless of current circumstances. He is our strength in stormy seasons and enables us to overcome difficulties. We will not be moved by the harsh winds of adversity. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken (Psalm 62:6 NIV). Set the LORD always before you (Psalm 16:8 NKJV).

My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge. Interlude — Psalm 62:7-8 (NLT) God is our safe place. He is our Rock of unyielding strength (Psalm 62:7b AMP). When the winds of adversity come, lean on the LORD. No matter what the doctor’s report says trust in the LORD and put your confidence in His Word. No matter how much negative news invades your atmosphere, completely rely on God! He is able to deliver you from all your troubles.

Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked. — 1 Timothy 1:19 (NLT) Avoid shipwreck! Keep your conscience clear and tightly hold on to your faith in Christ. He is our Life Preserver. Don't be moved by the winds of adversity nor tossed to and fro by violent waves. If we keep the faith and remember that we have the victory in Jesus, we can weather any storm and keep sailing on course, to our desired destination.

You will keep him in perfect peace, w hose mind is stayed on You, b ecause he trusts in You.  — Isaiah 26:3 (NKJV) The LORD is our shelter from the storms of life. When the harsh winds of adversity blow and the floodwaters rise, He is our protection. Our heavenly Father is a place of peace. He will calm the storm of anxiety and fear within, and lead you to green pastures and still waters. Trust in and fix your thoughts on the LORD and He will keep you in perfect peace, even in the midst of the storm.