Manna for Your Morning

It’s not that I’ve already reached the goal or have already completed the course. But I run to win that which Jesus Christ has already won for me. Brothers and sisters, I can’t consider myself a winner yet. This is what I do: I don’t look back, I lengthen my stride, and I run straight toward the goal to win the prize that God’s heavenly call offers in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12-14 (GW) Congratulations! You may have overcome many obstacles this year, but the important thing is that you persevered and made it through. Praise the Lord! As we look forward to the New Year, may we resolve to get rid of everything that slows us down, especially sin that distracts us. Let us run the race that lies ahead of us and never give up (Hebrews 12:1, GW). Run straight toward your goals, jump over any hurdles and keep your eyes on JESUS. Run to win! Complete the course!

Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11 (NIV) As we begin the countdown to 2012, the above passage of Scripture gives us some things to aim for in the coming year. First, we are instructed to rejoice. Let us be joyful. The joy of the Lord is our strength. Second, strive for full restoration, in every area of your life. Allow God's healing power to complete His perfect work in you. Next on the list is to encourage those in your life, daily. How good is a timely word! (Proverbs 15:23). The fourth thing is to abide in the peace, harmony and love of God. Amen.

That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are quite small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever! So we don’t look at the trouble we can see right now; rather, we look forward to what we have not yet seen. For the troubles we see will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NLT) Don't give up! The troubles you see right now will soon be over. Look beyond the difficulties and see the VICTORY the Lord has prepared for you. Look forward to that which has yet to be seen, because we have a great big God, and He's doing great big things!

There is surely a future hope for you,  and your hope will not be cut off. Proverbs 23:18 (NIV) No matter what disappointments and heartache you experienced in 2011, surely there is a future hope for YOU. The LORD has plans to prosper you and not to harm you (Jeremiah 29:11). Smile at the future, knowing that your hope will not be cut off. May He give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed (Psalm 20:4), in the new year!

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7 (NLT) Are you worried, anxious or allowing cares to weigh you down? Give them all to God. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” You do not have to be weighed down with cares. Cast them on the Lord because He cares for you. May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way (2 Thessalonians 3:16).

Then the glory of the LORD went up from the cherub, and paused over the threshold of the temple; and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was full of the brightness of the LORD’s glory. Ezekiel 10:4 (NKJV) Just as the glory of the LORD filled the temple in Jerusalem, He now dwells in us. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). Open the door and be filled with His light and His love. Glow brightly with the glory of the LORD!

For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11 (NKJV) Let’s not do Christmas today. May we BE Christmas, not just today, but each and every day God gives us breath. Be love . Be patient and kind . Let us be givers, like Jesus. Give forgiveness and grace . Embody the spirit of Christ. Always be filled with peace and joy . Merry Christmas!