Manna for Your Morning

I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. — John 17:15-16 (NASB1995) As ambassadors of the Kingdom of God, we are not to adapt to the ways of this world. We are to become progressively more and more like our heavenly Father. For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Romans 14:17 NLT) Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. (1 Corinthians 6:9-10 NASB1995) In Luke 17:21 (NKJV), Jesus said: “the kingdom of God is within you.” …what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, “I will dwell in th...

Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ ... — Ephesians 5:1-2a (NLT) Instead of copying the ways of this world, may we imitate the ways of our heavenly Father. The Message Bible says, “Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn’t love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that.” (Ephesians 5:1-2) The Amplified Bible tells us to walk continually in love [that is, value one another—practice empathy and compassion, unselfishly seeking the best for others]… (Ephesians 5:2). Amen!

Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. — Romans 12:1 (NASB) Sacrifice involves giving up something valued for the sake of something else regarded as more important or worthy. To worship God, we must give up our fleshly desires and worldly ways, to embrace His ways and become a true reflection of our awesome God. Jesus sacrificed His life for us, what are you willing to give? God wants all of you, not just a mouth or a foot. Let your whole body be a vessel God can use for His glory. May we use our minds to meditate on His Word and gain understanding by letting it seep into our hearts. Let the words that come out of our mouths be full of life and spoken in kindness that others will be drawn to the Lord. May we lift our hands to praise Him and use them as an extension of His love and compassion to the world around us. May we faithfully put one foot in f...