Manna for Your Morning

From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. Psalm 61:2-3 (NIV) The LORD is our rock and we can take refuge in Him. It is wise to build the foundation of our lives on the rock. He is strong and will not be moved. In Him we have victory against our enemy. Love, Jackie

Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. " Abba , Father," he said, "everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will." Mark 14:35-36 (NIV) Our Christian walk always boils down to obedience. To claim being a Christian is supposed to mean we are consistently growing to be more and more like Him everyday. Jesus was obedient to the Father in all ways, even to the point of death. In the process of writing my second book I often struggle with three simple little words of direction I received from God, "Tell your story."  Almost every time He puts something on my heart to include, something which I have conveniently forgotten, I go through this tug-of-war moment because it is something I would rather leave out. This morning I said to God, "This is hard." And He reminded me obedience wasn't easy for Jesus. Why should it be easy for me? So I en...

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1-2 (NIV) Imitate God and live a life of love. God showed His love by sending His only Son to die for our sins. Jesus loved us and gave His life to save us. Love is characterized by giving and serving, by putting the needs of others before your own, by sacrifice. May we always walk in love with those God has placed in our lives.   Love, Jackie

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12 (NIV) Believers are to be patient in affliction. We are to persevere through the struggles we face without complaining or murmuring. The Word tells us the trials we go through on this earth are light and momentary. Let us wait patiently for the deliverance of the LORD and while we wait, praise Him. In peace and patience, Love, Jackie

Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall. Psalm 55:22 (NIV) Whatever concerns you have weighing heavy on your heart were not meant for you to hang on to. The LORD wants you to cast all your cares on Him. Put your burdens in the hand of the LORD and trust Him to take care of them. Instead of worrying, thank God for the victory in that situation. Love, Jackie

I said, "Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest - I would flee far away and stay in the desert; I would hurry to my place of shelter, far from the tempest and storm." Psalm 55:6-8 (NIV) Can you relate to the above words of King David? I have been there. Thank God, we have a place to go when our desire is to flee far away. We can run into the shelter of the Most High God. We can dwell in the shadow of His wings. He is our hiding place. Love, Jackie

God looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand any who seek God. Psalm 53: 2 (NIV) The LORD says when we seek Him with all our heart, we will find Him. Let us earnestly seek the LORD while He may be found. His eyes continually search the earth to strengthen the hearts that are fully committed to Him. Love, Jackie