Manna for Your Morning

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. — Ephesians 6:10 (NKJV) We experience our greatest strength when we acknowledge our human weaknesses, and fully rely on God, —His power, His wisdom and His strength. In His strength you can crush an army; with God you can scale any wall. “God’s way is perfect...” (2 Samuel 22:30-31 NLT). Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith…(1 Peter 5:8-9 NIV).

  Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. — Ephesians 5:1 (NLT) Just as little girls like to wear their mother’s make-up and put on their shoes, let us clothe ourselves in the garments of our heavenly Father and walk in the light as He is in the light. As He is love, let us be love to others, including our enemies. Be the love that covers a multitude of sins and sees the best in others instead of their flaws. As our heavenly Father freely gives grace, mercy, and kindness, let us do likewise. Just as peace, and joy abound in His Presence, may our hearts and minds stay in His perfect peace and bountiful joy.

...looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. — Hebrews 12:2 (NKJV) Jesus looked beyond the pain and suffering of the cross for the joy that was to come in fulfilling the Father's plan. No matter how hopeless the situation may appear at any given moment, do not lose heart. God has a plan for you that is good. Fix your eyes on Jesus and keep your hope in Him alive. This hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love (Romans 5:5 NLT).

…far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. — Ephesians 1:21 (NKJV) God raised Christ from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places (Ephesians 1:20). Praise God that we are in the One, who is far above all principality, power, might and dominion. Jesus is above every name that is named.  Christ rules! He is above every sickness, disease, lack, and any other mountain that stands before you. Put all your trust, confidence and hope in the Lord of lords and the King of kings. Call on the name of Jesus. When we keep Him at the center of our lives, the impossible becomes possible, the dead is made alive, the weak become strong, and defeat is turned into victory!

You can tell for sure that you are now fully adopted as his own children because God sent the Spirit of his Son into our lives crying out, “Papa! Father!” Doesn’t that privilege of intimate conversation with God make it plain that you are not a slave, but a child? And if you are a child, you’re also an heir, with complete access to the inheritance. — Galatians 4:6-7 (MSG) What a rich inheritance we have received in Christ! As children of Almighty God, He has given us full access to His glorious kingdom. He has not held anything back. For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17 NLT). It is an absolute privilege to live in His Presence, full of the power that brought Jesus back to life. Surely, He who conquered death, will enable us to be victorious over the challenges we encounter.

The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. — Psalm 23:1-3 (NLT) As we continually look to the LORD, our Shepherd, we shall not be in want. He is our Source. He is the answer to every challenge. When we are still, and rest in His Presence, He renews our strength and refreshes our souls. Follow Him and He will show you the path that leads to a more abundant life. May our lives bring glory and honor to His name.

Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. — Colossians 3:14 (NLT) Do you want to live in perfect harmony and unity with others? Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you (Colossians 3:13 MSG). And clothe yourself with love. In order to love others with the unconditional love we receive from God, we must spend time drawing closer and closer to our heavenly Father. He is love. His constant flow of perfect love, fills our cups to overflowing and gives us an abundance to share with others. Colossians 3:14 NKJV says, love is the bond of perfection. Love is the glue that will bind and hold us together according to God's perfect plan.