Manna for Your Morning

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. — Philippians 2:3-4 (NKJV) In the world, people put themselves first and insist on having things their own way. Selfish ambition and vain conceit are often rewarded. However, in the family of God, we are to follow the ways of our heavenly Father. His ways are higher. In God's house, we humble ourselves and value others, just as Jesus sacrificed His life for us. Let us forget ourselves long enough to lend a helping hand (Philippians 2:4, The Message).

So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man. — Acts 24:16 (NIV) May we be like the Apostle Paul, and do our absolute best to maintain a clear conscience in the sight of God and people. That means we walk in God's ways, loving all people and showing partiality to no one.  We bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone (Colossians 3:13). And we do not let any unwholesome talk come out of our mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen (Ephesians 4:29). Amen!

Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. — Hebrews 12:14 (NIV) It is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:16) God has called us with a holy calling. Let us strive to live holy lives. Just as you used to offer yourselves as slaves to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer yourselves as slaves to righteousness leading to holiness (Romans 6:19, NIV). We are to be presented to Jesus as a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that we should be holy and without blemish (Ephesians 5:27, NKJV). Let us press on to maturity and holiness!

But You are holy, enthroned in the praises of Israel. — Psalm 22:3 (NKJV) Praise the LORD! For it is good to sing praises to our God; For it is pleasant, and praise is beautiful (Psalm 147:1). No matter what mayhem comes, continue to sing praises to the LORD Most High. His Presence inhabits the praises of His people. And in His Presence, the mountains before you will melt like wax (Psalm 97:5). Let everything that has breath praise the LORD!

These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. Therefore many of them believed, and also not a few of the Greeks, prominent women as well as men. — Acts 17:11-12 (NKJV) Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character (Acts 17:11, NIV). They listened eagerly to Apostle Paul’s message, then they searched the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. As a result, many of them believed. When we hear the Word of God preached, may we also search the Scriptures daily, so that we may believe and know the truth. For false christs and false prophets will rise and show signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect (Mark 13:22).

Having received such a charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.  — Acts 16:24-25 (NKJV) Paul and Silas had their clothes torn off, were beaten with rods and then thrown into prison, yet at midnight, they were praying and singing praises to God. They did not get caught up in doubt, unbelief or fear. On your worst day, when it seems as though the enemy has you imprisoned, what sounds come out of your mouth? Hebrews 12:1 says, we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses. Let us fight the good fight of faith by praying and praising God always, no matter what the circumstance. You don't know whose salvation is hanging in the balance as they see and hear your faithfulness or lack of it. Amen!

And I will give them one heart [a new heart] and I will put a new spirit within them; and I will take the stony [unnaturally hardened] heart out of their flesh, and will give them a heart of flesh [sensitive and responsive to the touch of their God], — Ezekiel 11:19 (AMP) A stony heart is a stubborn heart that insists on doing things it's own way. When we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we are a new creation and we receive a new heart. We receive an undivided heart of flesh, that is full of life, and the power of God's Holy Spirit. May we submit our minds and our flesh, to this new heart that stays sensitive and responsive to God's touch.