Manna for Your Morning

From the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been a shelter for me, a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings. Selah — Psalm 61:2-4 (NKJV) Our heavenly Father dwells in a higher place. His ways higher than our ways, and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. He is higher than any mountain that stands before us. When we take refuge in the shelter of His wings, we rise above the circumstances of this world. Dwell in the secret place of the Most High. He is our shelter from the enemy. It is God who arms me with strength, and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of deer, and sets me on my high places. ( Psalm 18:32-33 NKJV )

God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home and mature in us… — 1 John 4:17 (MSG) If we love one another, God dwells deeply within us, and his love becomes complete in us—perfect love! (1 John 4:12 MSG). Let the love of God be fully formed in you by taking up permanent residence in Him and allowing Him full access to every area of your life. As we open our hearts to God, the flow of His love from us to others will be constant. When people say or do something that offends us, we are able to respond with the love that God has poured into our hearts. It's God's amazing love that heals our hurts and strengthens our spirits. It's His perfect love that brings unity to the family of believers and draws unbelievers closer to Him. The command we have from Christ is blunt: Loving God includes loving people. You’ve got to love both (1 John 4:21 MSG).

This is the day which the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it. — Psalm 118:24 (NASB) When we let go of the regrets of yesterday and the worries about tomorrow, we are free to enjoy the present moment God has for us today. This is the day He has made. Every day of your life was recorded in His book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. (Psalm 139:16). So, do all things without complaining and disputing, (Philippians 2:14). Instead rejoice and be glad for the new mercies and compassions, the LORD poured out on you this morning. He has packed this day full of purpose and power just for you. Amen.

I have written to you who are God’s children because you know the Father. I have written to you who are mature in the faith because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning. I have written to you who are young in the faith because you are strong. God’s word lives in your hearts, and you have won your battle with the evil one. — 1 John 2:14 (NLT) At every stage of our spiritual growth, there are two things that help us gain victory over the evil one: God's Word and His Presence. As we allow the Word of God to live in our hearts, we have an indispensable weapon that is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword. In addition, our fellowship with God enables us to gain victory over the Evil One. (1 John 2:14 MSG). When we stay closely connected to the Father, following Him every step of the way, our battles belong to the LORD and He always leads us in triumph in Christ. (2 Corinthians 2:14). Hallelujah!

But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. — Acts 20:24 (NKJV) Don’t be moved by the events that take place here on earth. They are here for a moment in time. God has given us a firm place to stand —on His Word, with all of His precious promises. His Word is truth and it lasts forever. Aim to finish your race and do it with joy. As we complete our course, He is with us and in His presence is fullness of joy. We can also rejoice in the fact that Jesus has already given us the victory. Amen!

In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. — 1 Peter 5:10 (NLT) You may feel like you're in between a rock and a hard place, but do not lose heart or become discouraged. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all (2 Corinthians 4:17 NIV). Whatever the current challenge, it will come to pass and our Heavenly Father will restore, support and strengthen you. No weapon formed against you will prosper. (Isaiah 54:17). What the enemy meant for evil, God will use for good. Amen!

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! — Isaiah 26:3 (NLT) We are instructed to cast our cares on the LORD because the act of throwing them will get them as far away from us as possible. As we cast all our cares on God, we acknowledge that He is able and admit that we are not. When we focus on solving problems, our thoughts become problem-centered. A mind focused on the cares of this life will cause anxiety, frustration and impatience. However, when we cast all our cares on our heavenly Father and focus on His mighty power and His unfailing love for us, our minds will be God-centered. This empowers us to stand strong in faith and trust God, no matter what. A mind centered on God will remain in perfect peace and full of joy. Fix your thoughts on Him today and release the power of God to work in your life!