Manna for Your Morning

Know, too, that wisdom is good for your soul: if you find it, your reward will be a bright future and an enduring hope! — Proverbs 24:14 (VOICE) Why is it that when we don't know what to do, asking God seems to be the last resort? Let God and His Word be your first resource. If you are facing a situation that has you perplexed, heed the words of James 1:5, If any of you lacks wisdom [to guide him through a decision or circumstance], he is to ask of [our benevolent] God, who gives to everyone generously and without rebuke or blame, and it will be given to him. (AMP). Wisdom involves having the correct knowledge and understanding when and how to apply it.  Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth. (Proverbs 4:5 NKJV)

Only fear the LORD, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you. — 1 Samuel 12:24 (NKJV) When we stop to consider what great things the LORD has done for us we are compelled to love and serve Him with all of our hearts. He forgives all our sins and heals all our diseases. He redeems our lives from the pit, and crowns us with lovingkindness and compassion. He fills our lives with good things. (Psalm 103:3-5) He rescues you from hidden traps, shields you from deadly hazards. His huge outstretched arms protect you— under them you’re perfectly safe; (Psalm 91:3-4 MSG) He chose you and called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. (1 Peter 2:9) Amen and Hallelujah!

Then Samuel said to the people, “Do not fear. You have done all this wickedness; yet do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart. And do not turn aside; for then you would go after empty things which cannot profit or deliver, for they are nothing.” — 1 Samuel 12:20-21 (NKJV) When we turn away from following the LORD, to seek something in this world, it is a futile pursuit. Don’t go back to worshiping worthless idols (anything we put before God), that cannot help or rescue you—they are totally useless! (1 Samuel 12:21 NLT). In Philippians 3:8 (NLT) the Apostle Paul says, “Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ.” The Amplified Bible says, it is a priceless privilege and supreme advantage to know Christ Jesus… (Philippians 3:8 AMP). May we chase after God and make developing an in...

So they inquired further of the LORD, “Has the man come here yet?” And the LORD answered, “He is there, hiding himself by the provisions and supplies.” — 1 Samuel 10:22 (AMP) Saul knew God chose him to be king, but he went into hiding instead. Was he afraid to step into the position God had for him? We have all been called by God. He has a plan for each and every person He created. Are you hiding from the call God has on your life? No good soldier of Christ goes UA (unauthorized absence). Don’t let fear keep you from walking in His perfect will and fulfilling the purpose and plans He has for you. Why settle for less, when God offers you the absolute best? Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. ( Ephesians 4:1 NLT )

“And don’t worry about those donkeys that were lost three days ago, for they have been found. And I am here to tell you that you and your family are the focus of all Israel’s hopes.” — 1 Samuel 9:20 (NLT) Saul went to Samuel to inquire about his lost donkeys, but God brought him to that place, at that particular time for a greater purpose. In 1 Samuel 9:19 (NKJV), Samuel answered Saul and said, “I am the seer. Go up before me to the high place, for you shall eat with me today; and tomorrow I will let you go and will tell you all that is in your heart.” The next morning Samuel took a flask of oil, and anointed Saul as ruler over the Israelites. While you may be worried about the intricate details of your day-to-day life, God has a larger perspective. And He is more concerned with getting you prepared and in the proper position to go to the high place He has for you. It’s time to get out of the valley of decision. Press on through the wilderness and dwell in your land of promise. ...

But as for your donkeys that were lost three days ago, do not be anxious about them, for they have been found…  — 1 Samuel 9:20 (NKJV) Saul and his servant went from town to town searching for his fathers lost donkeys. (1 Samuel 9:3-4). Then they decided to see the man of God, so he could tell them which way to go. When they came to the prophet, Samuel told Saul his donkeys were found before Saul had a chance to ask him. What are you anxiously searching for, in place after place or person after person? Whatever you have lost, you will find exactly what you need in our heavenly Father. He is the ultimate Provider. If you are looking for love, peace, joy or hope, look no further. It is found in Jesus. He is our hope and joy. He brings healing and wholeness. He fills our hearts with His love and peace. Jesus is the Way! Be found in Him today.

So the children of Israel said to Samuel, “Do not cease to cry out to the LORD our God for us, that He may save us from the hand of the Philistines.” — 1 Samuel 7:8 (NKJV) In 1 Samuel 7:9, Samuel gave the LORD a burnt offering and cried out to Him for Israel, and the LORD answered him. So the Philistines were subdued, and they did not come anymore into the territory of Israel (1 Samuel 7:13a NKJV). Don’t ever stop calling upon the LORD. When we call upon Him, He will answer. (Jeremiah 33:3) First Thessalonians 5:17 (AMP) tells us to be unceasing and persistent in prayer. Let's not just pray for ourselves and the challenges we face, but also for our families, friends, co-workers, neighbors, nation and the world. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. (James 5:16 NLT). But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown...