Manna for Your Morning

“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” — Luke 6:27-28 (NIV) When we restrain that fleshly inclination to strike back at those who come against us, and instead, love them with the unconditional love God has given to us, we allow His light to shine through us and draw others into His kingdom. Our peace is not based on the condition that people treat us the way we think they should. True peace and fullness of joy comes when we walk in the will and ways of our heavenly Father. In Luke 6:46, Jesus asks, “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?”

In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. — Psalm 5:3 (NIV) Some people expected to touch the hem of the Lord’s garment and they were made perfectly well (Matthew 14:36). The centurion requested Jesus just speak a word and his servant was healed (Matthew 8:8, 8:13). He is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us (Ephesians 3:20 NIV). What is your level of expectancy? “You will never rise above your highest level of expectation.” —Pastor Jeff T. Osborne. When you have done all you can do, look to the LORD and wait expectantly. My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him (Psalm 62:5 NKJV).

Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; — Psalm 139:23 (NKJV) The LORD, examines our hearts and knows everything about us. He knows when we sit down or stand up. He knows our thoughts even when we are far away (Psalm 139:1-2 NLT). Our heavenly Father knows the heavy burdens we carry. He tells us to cast all our anxiety on him because he cares for us (1 Peter 5:7 NIV). Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, (Proverbs 12:25a NKJV). Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; (Philippians 4:6 NKJV)

“Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.” — Luke 1:45 (NKJV) Those who believe the Word of the Lord are blessed. “For with God nothing will be impossible.” (Luke 1:37 NKJV). No word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment (Luke 1:37 AMP). His word does not return to Him void. He causes the barren to conceive. He gives life to that which is dead. Your situation is not too difficult for God to handle. Only believe and stand on His Word.

Rejoice and exult in hope; be steadfast and patient in suffering and tribulation; be constant in prayer. — Romans 12:12 (AMP) Keep your hope in God alive. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. Proverbs 10:28 says, the hope of the righteous will be gladness. As you face various trials, let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. (James 1:4). And devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart (Colossians 4:2 NLT). Instead of a prayer time, have a prayer life. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. (James 5:16b)

Cause me to hear Your loving-kindness in the morning, for on You do I lean and in You do I trust. Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk, for I lift up my inner self to You. — Psalm 143:8 (AMP) Each day the LORD pours his unfailing love upon us, (Psalm 42:8a NLT). He crowns us with lovingkindness and tender mercies (Psalm 103:4b NKJV). Because His lovingkindness is better than life, our lips shall praise Him (Psalm 63:3 NKJV). His lovingkindness and His truth continually preserve us (Psalm 40:11b NKJV). Because His love never fails, we can lean on Him and trust Him. Open your ear to hear His voice, He calls each one of us by name. Lift up your soul to the LORD and He will show you the way.

And He was saying, “Abba! Father! All things are possible for You; remove this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what You will.” — Mark 14:36 (NASB) May we be so connected to the heart of the Father, that it's always about what He wills and less about what we want. Let us realize that everything is indeed possible for God and He loves us so much, that the path He tells us to walk on will always be the absolute best for us, even though, it may not appear that way. There are things we wish He would remove from our lives, but it's all according to His will and in His appointed time. Be committed to the cause of fulfilling the call of God for your life. Surrender your heart, your will, surrender your all, for His greater and higher purpose. Jesus gave His life on the cross and reconciled humanity back into fellowship with the Father. What great things will come out of your life, as a result of your obedience and sacrifice?