Manna for Your Morning

And he said, “I have been very zealous for the LORD God of hosts; because the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.” — 1 Kings 19:14 (NKJV) When you're on fire for God and doing all that He calls you to, the enemy will take notice. After the prophet Elijah had a great victory, Jezebel threatened to take his life. He hides in the wilderness, where he prayed that he might die (1 Kings 19:4). Elijah was in such a distressed state that he believed he was the only one left serving God. In reality God had reserved 7,000 loyal servants, in Israel (1 Kings 19:18). Don’t let the enemy give you the wrong perspective. You are never alone. Our awesome God is our constant companion and mighty King.

Jesus told them a story showing that it was necessary for them to pray consistently and never quit. — Luke 18:1 (MSG) Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not lose heart. In 1 Kings 18:43, the prophet Elijah prayed for rain. He sent his servant to look for rain. Six times the servant came back and said “There is nothing.” And seven times Elijah said, “Go again.” The seventh time, the sky became black with clouds and wind, and there was a heavy rain (1 Kings 18:45). Things may not happen in the timeframe of your choosing but continue to pray consistently and don’t lose heart. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. (James 5:16).

You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You. — Isaiah 26:3 (AMP) We can have perfect and constant peace as we center our thoughts on the LORD (not our problems). Think about His faithfulness, His goodness and His mighty power. Stay mindful of our awesome God, and all the wonderful works He has done in our midst. May we be fully committed to the LORD and be completely confident that He is able to take care of everything that concerns us.

Then Elijah stood in front of them and said, “How much longer will you waver, hobbling between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him! But if Baal is God, then follow him!” But the people were completely silent. — 1 Kings 18:21 (NLT) Our God is so gracious, He gives us the freedom to make choices. He sets before us life and death, blessing and cursing; Then He gives us the right answer and says “choose life, that both you and your descendants may live,” (Deuteronomy 30:19). At any given moment, we can choose to follow God, our flesh, the world, or the devil. When it comes to making choices, don’t remain speechless. We believe, therefore we speak (2 Corinthians 4:13), and we follow through with the corresponding actions. Stop hobbling and being double-minded. Stand up straight and firm. Let every decision you make be, to follow God on the path of life, not just for you, but for the next generation.

And it will be that you shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.” So he went and did according to the word of the LORD, for he went and stayed by the Brook Cherith.. . — 1 Kings 17:4-5 (NKJV) The prophet Elijah did as the LORD told him, and the ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and in the evening; and he drank from the brook (1Kings 17:6). Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? (Luke 24:38) God fed Elijah in the middle of a barren desert. Surely, your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him (Matthew 6:8). Never doubt our great big GOD, just do as the LORD has instructed. Wherever He has called you, He will supply. He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20).

“He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him..” — Psalm 91:15 (NAS) The Most High God promises to be with us in trouble. He is intimately involved in everything that concerns you. Let His Presence keep your inner being calm and in perfect peace, despite outer chaos. Instead of holdong onto your problems with such intense focus, embrace His Presence, and keep your eyes on the Lord. There is power in His Presence to break every bondage and stronghold. In His Presence, mountains melt like wax. In His presence is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11). Always be aware of His Presence. He is with you every moment of every day.

He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler. You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, — Psalm 91:4-5 (NKJV) There will be days when our enemy will send his flaming arrows our way. First Peter 4:12 says, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you (1 Peter 4:12 NIV). However, we can find protection under the wings of our heavenly Father. His truth is our shield. It will extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. When the enemy tells you, "it's impossible" lift up your shield of truth —all things are possible with our great God!