Manna for Your Morning

A God-loyal life keeps you on track; sin dumps the wicked in the ditch. — Proverbs 13:6 (MSG)  Proverbs 13:13 (MSG) says: Ignore the Word and suffer; honor God’s commands and grow rich. To live a God-loyal life, is to honor God’s commands. The Word of God is truth, wisdom and life. When we ignore it, we suffer. Our lives are richly rewarded as we give place to the Word, in our hearts and minds. We grow rich in love, grace and mercy. When we live by the Word of God, we will thrive in all areas of life, spiritually, emotionally, physically, financially, and in our relationships. Stay on the right track by allowing the Word to be your road map, and the Holy Spirit your guide. Then you will avoid detours, ditches and dead-end roads.

Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left. — Isaiah 30:21 (NKJV) Be careful whose voice you listen to. Listening to the world, will lead you down the wrong path which leads to darkness, depression and death. However, your heavenly Father will lead along the path that leads to life, and life more abundantly. In John 10:27, Jesus said, “ My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. ” Let us turn the volume down on the world, and tune in to the voice of the Holy Spirit, who dwells within us. Then once we hear His voice, let us be sure to follow His instruction. The steps of a [good and righteous] man are directed and established by the LORD, and He delights in his way [and blesses his path]. (Psalm 37:23 AMP)

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only...” — James‬ ‭1:22‬ ‭(NKJV) ‬‬ After we hear the Word, may we apply it to what we do and who we are. In Matthew 7:24 (MSG), Jesus says, “These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on.“ When the Word of God is the foundation of our lives, what is built will withstand the storms of life. “”Therefore 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. “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”” (Matthew‬ ‭...

I am counting on the LORD; yes, I am counting on him. I have put my hope in his word. — Psalm 130:5 (NLT) “ For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts. ” (Isaiah 55:8-9 NKJV) In Isaiah 55:11 (AMP), the LORD goes on to say, “So will My word be which goes out of My mouth; It will not return to Me void (useless, without result), without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.” He may not do it the way we think it needs to be done. He may not do it when we think it should be done. But rest assured you can count on Him and put your hope in His Word. His word will be fulfilled in your life at the appointed time and it will be great and glorious.

Just as rain and snow descend from the skies and don’t go back until they’ve watered the earth,  doing their work of making things grow and blossom, producing seed for farmers and food for the hungry, so will the words that come out of my mouth not come back empty-handed. They’ll do the work I sent them to do, they’ll complete the assignment I gave them. — Isaiah 55:10-11 (MSG) In 1 Kings 8:24, King Solomon says to the LORD, “You have kept what You promised Your servant David my father; You have both spoken with Your mouth and fulfilled it with Your hand, as it is this day.” God does not show favoritism (Acts 10:34). He does not lie and He does not change. He fulfills every Word He has spoken. You have need of patient endurance [to bear up under difficult circumstances without compromising], so that when you have carried out the will of God, you may receive and enjoy to the full what is promised. (Hebrews 10:36 AMP) Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering...

So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son. — John 1:14 (NLT) Christ Jesus makes His home among His people. He dwells within us. He is full of unfailing love and faithfulness. That means that His love will never fail us. If everyone in your life deserts you, know that the Lord will stand by you. If you're not feeling loved by the Lord, then you have been listening to the lies of the enemy. Nothing will ever stop His flow of love to you. We do not have to earn His love. He loves us because it is who He is. No matter how you feel emotionally or how circumstances may appear, continue to rely on His love. Everyone who confesses that Jesus is God’s Son participates continuously in an intimate relationship with God. (1 John 4:15 MSG) And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. (1 John 4:16 NIV)

And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people. — Matthew 4:23 (NKJV) Jesus never changes. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8). He is still Healer. And one of the things I love about Him, is that He meets us where we are. The woman with the issue of blood, purposed in her heart that she had to push through the crowd and grab a hold of His garment to receive her healing. (Luke 8:40-42). The man that was lowered through the roof on a cot was helpless and hopeless and had to rely on the faith of his friends, but Jesus still healed him. (Mark 2:4-5). The centurion knew that all Jesus had to do was speak a word and his servant would be healed. (Matthew 8:8). Jesus wants you to live a healthy and abundant life, —healed and whole, body, soul and spirit. Exercise the level of faith you have and our loving, compassionate Savior and Heal...

The Master said, “Martha, dear Martha, you’re fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing. One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it—it’s the main course, and won’t be taken from her.” — Luke 10:42 (MSG) Don’t get so worked up about the events of this world. The worries and distractions of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and will cause you to become unfruitful. (Matthew 13:22). May we be like Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. (Luke 10:39). Why consume an unhealthy snack, when you can feast on a full course that will sustain you and give you strength? Choose Jesus, the main course! He is the bread of life. (John 6:48).

And they overcame and conquered him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, for they did not love their life and renounce their faith even when faced with death. — Revelation 12:11 (AMP) What Jesus went through was not for himself. He suffered, bled and died for us. Maybe what you are going through today, or have gone through in the past, is not about you. Even when faced with death, hold on to faith. God can use the land of your suffering to bring about great blessing and much fruit. Your greatest struggle becomes your story. Our stories may vary, but if we persevere to the end, Jesus has ensured victory for us all. Endure the hardship, and you will overcome and conquer all! Share your story. Your testimony will give others hope that they too will see the LORD’s goodness here in the land of the living. (Psalm 27:13)

Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word. Reassure me of your promise, made to those who fear you. — Psalm 119:37-38 (NLT) The Holy Bible is a love letter from God, full of promises He makes to His Beloved, that’s us. His wonderful Word gives us life. It strengthens us and revives us. (Psalm 110:25, 28). The Word of God is our comfort in affliction (Psalm 119:50). His word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Forever, His Word is settled in heaven (Psalm 119:89). When we stand on His Word, we are standing on solid ground. May we  meditate on it day and night. (Psalm 119:105)

In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. — Psalm 5:3 (NIV) Some people expected to touch the hem of the Lord’s garment and they were made perfectly well (Matthew 14:36). The centurion requested Jesus just speak a word and his servant was healed (Matthew 8:8, 8:13). He is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us (Ephesians 3:20 NIV). What is your level of expectancy? “You will never rise above your highest level of expectation.” —Pastor Jeff T. Osborne. When you have done all you can do, look to the LORD and wait expectantly. My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him (Psalm 62:5 NKJV).

She had a sister, Mary, who sat before the Master, hanging on every word he said. But Martha was pulled away by all she had to do in the kitchen. — Luke 10:39-40 (MSG) Jesus told Martha she was anxious and troubled about many things; (Luke 10:41 AMP), but Mary chose that good part. Be careful not to let the cares of this world distract you and pull you away from daily sitting at the feet of Jesus and listening to His teachings. He has the words of eternal life (John 6:68). And His word has given us life (Psalm 119:50). Hang on to every word.

Jesus left that place and went to the vicinity of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know it; yet he could not keep his presence secret. — Mark 7:24 (NIV) Jesus is Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us (Matthew 1:23). His presence is not meant to be a secret. His presence destroys yokes and breaks bondages. He sets captives free. Tell others what He has done for you. We overcome by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of our testimony. (Revelation 12:11). Because we have His light in us, we are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden (Matthew 5:14 NLT). Come out of hiding and declare the wonderful works He has done in your life.

Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.’ ” — Matthew 4:10 (NKJV) In Genesis 3, when the devil approached Eve, she began to question God and thus fell into the trap of the enemy. Satan tempted Jesus three times and each time, Jesus responded with “it is written,” and the devil left Him (Matthew 4:11). We overcome by the word of our testimony; respond to the enemy by speaking the Word of God. It is the sword of the Spirit and it’s alive and active. Confront the lies of the enemy, with the Word! Death and life are in the power of your tongue (Proverbs 18:21).

When Jesus saw him coming he said, “There’s a real Israelite, not a false bone in his body.” Nathanael said, “Where did you get that idea? You don’t know me.”  Jesus answered, “One day, long before Philip called you here, I saw you under the fig tree.” — John 1:47-48 (MSG) Don't be like Nathanael and think for one moment that Jesus doesn’t know you. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God (John 1:1). Jesus was with God when He chose you before He laid down the foundations of the world. He was there when the Father formed you in your mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13). Not only does He know the real you, He died and was resurrected to pay the price for your sins and reconcile you back into fellowship with our heavenly Father. In addition to all of that, JESUS LOVES YOU! (just the way you are). How awesome is that?

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims peace, who brings glad tidings of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!” — Isaiah 52:7 (NKJV) Be the one who brings the Good News into your atmosphere. Instead of the gloom and doom we hear in the worldly news, be the bearer of good news. Proclaim and promote peace with God and with everyone who comes your way. Bring to others, the message of God’s amazing love that He has poured into your heart. Tell others about the good things that God is doing in your life! We overcome by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of our testimony (Revelation 12:11). Amen!

Is anything too hard for the LORD? — Genesis 18:14 (NKJV) With God all things are possible (Mark 10:27 NKJV). Keep your hope in Him alive. There is a time and purpose for everything that happens in our lives. Each one of our days were recorded in His book, before one of them came to be (Psalm 139:16). He recorded the days of our preparation, our times of waiting, the times of testing and faith-building. The days of our troubles were written in His book, as well as the days of our deliverance. It will all come together for good, in God’s perfect timing. Don’t give up on God! Every word He has spoken to you will come to pass. Until then, seize this day for His purpose and glory!

The war between the house of Saul and the house of David lasted a long time. David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker.  — 2 Samuel 3:1 (NIV) In 1 Samuel 16:13, David is anointed as king and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward, but he had to endure many trials before the Word of the LORD was fulfilled and he became king. In the meantime, the wars he fought made him grow stronger, instead of weakening him. The battles we fight may last a long time, but God is faithful. His word that goes out from His mouth will not return to Him empty, but will accomplish what He desires and achieve the purpose for which He sent it (Isaiah 55:11). Amen! May we grow stronger and stronger as we fight the good fight of faith!

But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. — John 10:2-3 (NKJV) I wonder if the secret to the popularity of Starbucks is that they call their customers by name instead of a number.  Our longing to be known and feel special, is a perfect complement to God's desire to have a personal relationship with each one of us. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, calls His own by name. Another person, whether pastor, priest or parent, can only tell you about God. The way to know Him and develop a personal relationship with Him is to consistently have that one-on-one time with Him. As we spend time in prayer, in His Word, and in worship, we nurture an intimate relationship with the Lord that grows deeper each day. Jesus is calling your name. Just come and keep coming.

This is my comfort and consolation in my affliction: that Your word has revived me and given me life. — Psalm 119:50 (AMP) God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us (2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NLT). God comforts us with His Word. Death and life are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21 NKJV). May we not only speak the Word of God into our lives, but also into the lives of others that they be comforted and revived.