Manna for Your Morning

“And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life—this is indeed a gift from God. God keeps such people so busy enjoying life that they take no time to brood over the past.” — Ecclesiastes 5:19-20 (NLT) Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. (1 Timothy 6:17 NKJV) Instead of brooding over the past, take the steps today that are headed in the direction of where you want to be tomorrow. However, the reality is you have no idea where your life will take you tomorrow. You are like a mist that appears one moment and then vanishes another. (See James 4:14 VOICE) But those who die in the LORD will live; their bodies will rise again! Those who sleep in the earth will rise up and sing for joy! For your life-giving light will fall like dew on your people in the place of the dead! (Isaiah 26:19 ...

The fifth time, Sanballat’s servant came with an open letter in his hand, and this is what it said: “There is a rumor among the surrounding nations, and Geshem tells me it is true, that you and the Jews are planning to rebel and that is why you are building the wall. According to his reports, you plan to be their king.”“They were just trying to intimidate us, imagining that they could discourage us and stop the work. So I continued the work with even greater determination.” — Nehemiah 6:5-6, 6:9 (NLT) The enemy will always try to hinder or stop the work of Yahweh. It is a good work Yahweh is doing in you and through you. As we yield to the Holy Spirit, He will equip us to fulfill the good plan and purpose God has for us. Despite the hardships and challenges you face, don’t let the enemy discourage you or distract you and cause you to drift away from what Yahweh has for you, nor from what He has called you to accomplish. I am sure of this very thing—that He who began a good work in you...

But now, O LORD, You are our Father, We are the clay, and You our potter; And all of us are the work of Your hand. — Isaiah 64:8 (NASB) In Revelation 22:17 (NLT), the Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” Let anyone who hears this say, “Come.” Let anyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of life. When we come to the LORD, may we present to him a heart that is open and pliable. Let your heart be molded by His love, gentleness, kindness and compassion. May it be filled with His peace, patience, goodness, and faithfulness. Receive the joy of His Presence. With our heart in the hands of the Potter, we will be the unique masterpiece He created each one of us to be.

God makes everything come out right; he puts victims back on their feet. He showed Moses how he went about his work, opened up his plans to all Israel. God is sheer mercy and grace; not easily angered, he’s rich in love. — Psalm 103:6-8 (MSG) God said to Joshua, “ No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you. ” (Joshua 1:5 NLT) Just as God was with Joshua, He is with you and He causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)

Yet, O LORD, You are our Father; We are the clay, and You our Potter, and we all are the work of Your hand. — Isaiah 64:8 (AMP) May we be pliable in the hands of the Potter. We are not our own, for we were bought with a price (the precious blood of Jesus). (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you, but be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think. This will empower you to discern God’s will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in his eyes. (Romans 12:2 TPT) As we discern God’s will and flow with His Spirit, we will live beautiful and satisfying lives. Jesus came that we may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows]. (John 10:10b AMP)

Never doubt God’s mighty power to work in you and accomplish all this. He will achieve infinitely more than your greatest request, your most unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination! He will outdo them all, for his miraculous power constantly energizes you. Now we offer up to God all the glorious praise that rises from every church in every generation through Jesus Christ—and all that will yet be manifest through time and eternity. Amen! — Ephesians 3:20-21 (TPT) Never doubt the Most High God or His mighty power. He is ABLE! James 1:6 says, he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. Being undecided makes you become like the rough seas driven and tossed by the wind. You’re up one minute and tossed down the next. (James 1:6b TPT) Stand strong in your commitment and loyalty to God. In Luke 22:32, Jesus prayed for believers, that our faith would not fail. And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work...

Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. — 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT) We’ve been surrounded and battered by troubles, but we’re not demoralized; we’re not sure what to do, but we know that God knows what to do; we’ve been spiritually terrorized, but God hasn’t left our side; we’ve been thrown down, but we haven’t broken. (2 Corinthians 4:7-9 MSG) In the midst of troubles and trials, admit your weakness and rely on the power of Christ to work through you. God already knows how to handle every challenge that confronts you, and He has not left your side. Amen.

Then he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel saying, ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of hosts. — Zechariah 4:6 (NASB) Whatever assignment God has for you today, let the power of His Holy Spirit work in you and through you, to accomplish His perfect will. “The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” (Deuteronomy 31:8 NASB) Be strong and courageous and go in the strength of the Lord, our God. God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us. — Ephesians 3:20 (MSG)

Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume that you know it all. — Proverbs 3:5-7 (MSG) We are so prone to want to do things our own way, but even Jesus said, “ Truly I tell you, the Son is not able to do anything on his own, but only what he sees the Father doing. ” (John 5:19 CSB) Listen for God’s voice in all you do and let His Word speak to your heart. For His ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts higher than our thoughts. (Isaiah 55:9) Reject any thoughts or words spoken to you that do not line up with the Word of God. The Word that goes forth from God's mouth will not return to Him void. It will accomplish what He desires. It will do the work He sent it to do. (Isaiah 55:11). Amen!

Whatever you do [whatever your task may be], work from the soul [that is, put in your very best effort], as [something done] for the Lord and not for men, — Colossians 3:23 (AMP) In all that we do, let us not do the bare minimum just to get by. Work from the heart in whatever God has called you to do, giving it your very best. Remember, you are not doing it alone. The Holy Spirit dwells in you and enables you to fulfill the plans of purpose of our heavenly Father. Whatever we do, let's do it willingly and joyfully with the LORD, the source of our help, this brings glory to God's kingdom.

“ If you work the words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who dug deep and laid the foundation of his house on bedrock. When the river burst its banks and crashed against the house, nothing could shake it; it was built to last. But if you just use my words in Bible studies and don’t work them into your life, you are like a dumb carpenter who built a house but skipped the foundation. When the swollen river came crashing in, it collapsed like a house of cards. It was a total loss. ” — Luke 6:48-49 (MSG) In Luke 6:47 (MSG), Jesus said: “ These words I speak to you are not mere additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundation words, words to build a life on. ” Let us build our lives on Jesus, the Living Word, the strong foundation. When we build on Jesus, the solid Rock what is built will last forever.

He who watches the wind [waiting for all conditions to be perfect] will not sow [seed], and he who looks at the clouds will not reap [a harvest]. — Ecclesiastes 11:4 (AMP) When the clouds are full of water, it rains. When the wind blows down a tree, it lies where it falls. Don’t sit there watching the wind. Do your own work. Don’t stare at the clouds. Get on with your life. (Ecclesiastes 11:3-4 MSG) If we wait for perfect conditions before we do what God calls us to do, the enemy will see to it that never happens. We are a called and chosen generation. Answer the call of God now. Do what He has called you to do. Live and Give! Sow into His kingdom by using the talents and abilities He has given you, to bear fruit for our Father’s Kingdom.

“ Take a good look at my servant.     I’m backing him to the hilt. He’s the one I chose,     and I couldn’t be more pleased with him. I’ve bathed him with my Spirit, my life.     He’ll set everything right among the nations. He won’t call attention to what he does     with loud speeches or gaudy parades. He won’t brush aside the bruised and the hurt     and he won’t disregard the small and insignificant,     but he’ll steadily and firmly set things right. He won’t tire out and quit. He won’t be stopped     until he’s finished his work—to set things right on earth. Far-flung ocean islands     wait expectantly for his teaching. ”  — Isaiah 42:1-4 (MSG)  Jesus is Lord of all. Acknowledge His power, authority, and majesty. He is our mighty Advocate. We can trust in and rely on Him, the truly righteous One. With all that has gone wrong in the world, He’ll set everything righ...

O LORD, how long shall I cry, and You will not hear? Even cry out to You, “Violence!” And You will not save. Why do You show me iniquity, and cause me to see trouble? For plundering and violence are before me; There is strife, and contention arises. — Habakkuk 1:2-3 (NKJV) Habakkuk 1:3 (NLT) says, “I am surrounded by people who love to argue and fight.” When strife and contention arises, let us continue to call upon the LORD and abide in His perfect peace. Check out the LORD’s reply to Habakkuk’s plea, “Look among the nations and watch— Be utterly astounded! For I will work a work in your days which you would not believe, though it were told you.” (Habakkuk 1:5 NKJV) No matter how circumstances appear, may we remember that the LORD is doing a work in our midst, and He is faithful to complete it. The LORD's purpose and His plan will prevail. We have Jesus, the Prince of Peace and Savior of the world. “ Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, becau...

Though I am surrounded by troubles, you will protect me from the anger of my enemies. You reach out your hand, and the power of your right hand saves me. The LORD will work out his plans for my life— for your faithful love, O LORD, endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for you made me. — Psalm 138:7-8 (NLT) You may be surrounded by troubles today, but be confident that the LORD will work it out. The LORD’s plan and purpose for your life will prevail over the evil one. Though you walk in the midst of trouble, He is with you and will protect you. Because of His faithful love, He will not abandon the works of His own hands.

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” — Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG) Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. Jesus is a gentleman. He does not force Himself on anyone. He simply invites us to come to Him. He invites us to walk and work with Him, side-by-side. Engage with Him, and learn from Him. But first He says, “get away and take a real rest.” When we unplug from all the daily demands and turn a deaf ear to the voices of this world, we can truly rest. As we keep company with Jesus, we can learn from the Master, how to live freely and lightly. The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my stre...

My people will live in safety, quietly at home. They will be at rest. Even if the forest should be destroyed and the city torn down, the LORD will greatly bless his people. Wherever they plant seed, bountiful crops will spring up. Their cattle and donkeys will graze freely. — Isaiah 32:18-20 (NLT) It is the heart of our Heavenly Father to bless His people and the work of their hands. He is not a hard man, as the man who received one talent in Matthew 25:24, believed Him to be. For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. (Psalm 91:3-4) Even when you walk through the darkest valley, do not be afraid, for He is close beside you. His rod and staff protect and comfort you. (Psalm 23:4) Surely His goodness and unfailing love will pursue you all the days of your life, and you will live in the house of the LORD forever. (Psalm 23:6) ...

“Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” -Matthew 11:28-30 NLT When Jesus tells us to put His yoke on, it's a proposition to work together, side-by-side.  He doesn’t want us to report to work for Him everyday like He's a hard task master with a whip.  He invites us to walk with Him and work with Him as He helps us and shows us how to fulfill the Father's great plan for our lives. When we stop trying to force our way and walk in rhythm with Jesus, His yoke will feel easy and light and not cumbersome. 

Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD. — Psalm 27:14 (NLT) Sometimes, we look at situations and try to judge them prematurely. While we only see a fraction of what is going on, God is at work behind the scenes bringing everything together for His good purpose and plan. Don’t critique the masterpiece before it is complete. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. (Romans 8:28 NLT). The element of time is involved in this process. So after we have done all that He instructed us to do, let us wait patiently and watch with expectation to see God work things out in wonderful ways that only He can.

For the thing I greatly feared has come upon me, and what I dreaded has happened to me. — Job 3:25 (NKJV) Why did Job live in fear? Job 1:10 says, God made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he had on every side. He blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions increased in the land. Instead of walking around in fear and dreading what may come, we can thank God that no matter what comes, He is with us and He is for us. God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). First John 4:18 says, there is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear. The love God has for us in Christ Jesus is the most perfect and powerful love of all. Have no fear, our God is near.  As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds His people from this time forth and forever (Psalm 125:2). The LORD will bless His people with peace. (Psalm 29:11)