Manna for Your Morning

Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth.  "Follow me," Jesus said to him, and Levi got up, left everything and followed him. Luke 5:27-28 (NIV) As true disciples of Jesus, we must leave everything and follow Him. In order to follow Jesus, we must keep our eyes on Him. Even when you don't understand the direction He is taking, keep putting your feet in His footsteps. When He stops, wait on the Lord. If you run ahead of Him you may take the wrong path and get lost. Just follow Jesus. Love, Jackie

When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time. Luke 4:13 (NIV) Jesus was out in the desert for forty days being tempted by the devil. Jesus came against the devil by speaking the Word of God and the devil left him until an opportune time. The devil prowls about like a lion looking for someone to devour. When he comes your way, be prepared to speak the Word and He will flee. Love, Jackie

Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, "Rabbi!" and kissed him.  The men seized Jesus and arrested him. Then everyone deserted him and fled. Mark 14:45-46, 50 (NIV) There is nothing like the sting of betrayal or the pain of being deserted by those who professed to love you, but even Jesus Christ experienced betrayal and desertion. We can take comfort in knowing our heavenly Father will NEVER leave us or forsake us. He promises to be with us in the fiery flames and in the stormy flood waters. Praise the LORD! 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) People often ask "What would Jesus do?" The Scripture above shows what Jesus did when he was deeply distressed and troubled (Mark 14:33) because He knew it was time for Him to go to the cross and experience separation from the Father for the 1st time as He took on the sins of the world.  First, Jesus humbled Himself before the Father by falling to the ground. Second, He prayed. He acknowledged the power of Abba Father, that everything is possible for Him. Jesus spoke His desire and then submitted to the will of our heavenly Father. When we are overwhelmed with the issues of this life may we follow in the footsteps of Jesus. Amen. Love, Jackie

Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything - all she had to live on." Mark 12:43-44 (NIV) Do we give to God that which costs us nothing or do we make a sacrifice when we give? Jesus wants us to give our all, not just financial resources, but everything we hold dear. When we put it in the hands of the Lord and focus on Him, He blesses us with even more, souls that prosper, overflowing joy and peace, healthy bodies and sound minds. Put everything you have on the altar of God today and store your treasures in heaven.  Love, Jackie 

"And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins." Mark 11:25 (NIV) When someone has hurt us or offended us in some way, it may be difficult to think about forgiving them. However, we can choose to forgive the person and ask God to help us forgive from the heart. Let it go. Remember all you have been forgiven of and imitate our heavenly Father. Love,  Jackie

Jesus asked the boy's father, "How long has he been like this?" "From childhood," he answered. It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us." "If you can?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes." Mark 9:21-23 (NIV) Have your prayers ever included the words, "if you can"? Let us remember, with God ALL things are possible. When Jesus says, "everything", He means it. When the situation before you seems impossible, believe it is POSSIBLE, and seek GOD for the answer. Love, Jackie