My Manna

My Manna

"Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?" Romans 8:35.
One of His greatest promises to us is that nothing can separate us from the love of God. 
No tribulation or distress we might ever suffer can obliterate the power of His love to carry us through!

This tells me so clearly that I cannot read God's love for me by my circumstances alone, and that's often my greatest temptation: 
"How could a loving God allow this to happen to me?" 

But the Lord never promised we would escape hardship, persecution, poverty or danger.
His promise is that His love for us would be greater than any and all circumstances we might have to endure. 

Consider the life of Jesus. 

He went to the cross and died an excruciating death.
He didn't escape difficulties.

He experienced them more than anyone could ever imagine! 
So, allow His death to settle any questions you have about the love of God!

Don't ever judge God's love for you based on circumstances alone-
- but rather evaluate your circumstances from God's point of view: 
Love. 

It's His main motive for everything that happens to you.

1 Puzzle​!​
My Manna

"We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28.

You’ve a 1,000-piece jigsaw ​puzzle

The challenge is going to be enormous and time consuming-
- but you’ll have fun putting all the pieces together. 

As you get started, do you know which part of your new purchase is the most important? 

No, not the first piece. 

Not a corner or edge piece. 

The most important part is the box top, the picture of the completed puzzle. 
Without it, you don’t know how to fit everything together.

Life can be much like a puzzle. 

We find ourselves in various situations that confuse. 
Things don’t fit together. 
Nothing seems to make sense. 

Living like this can lead to discouragement and depression.

When you look at the overall picture found in the Bible-
- life starts to make sense. 

Every piece of life fits together for God’s glory for those who seek His purposes. 

In every triumph and every trial-
God wants to be praised. 

He wants to demonstrate His power, presence, peace and wisdom in every experience you have.

"Father, I believe everything in my life will lead to Your glory. May Your name be praised. Amen!"

My Manna

"​Oh, magnify the LORD with me, And let us exalt His name together.​​"Psalm 34:3​​.​

In the New Testament-
- the word translated "magnify" is the Greek word ​​"​​​​​​​​megaluno." 

It means to make great or enlarge.

We certainly cannot make God any greater-
- but we can perceive Him as greater in our lives. 

In other words, what we think of God can be enlarged.

How can we do this?

What you focus your attention on will seem bigger-
- because you are choosing to let it occupy your time and thinking.

Very small objects can block very large ones. 

A small coin in front of your eye can block the sun from view. 
Yet the sun is infinitely larger than the coin. 

It's the placement in your life that determines how big things seem to you.

An airplane in the sky can look very small-
- though in reality it is huge. 

That is only because you are far away from it.

When Scripture talks of magnifying God-
- we assume it meant they were praising God and talking of His greatness and goodness.

Does God seem big and capable in your thinking? 
If not, then magnify Him!

Do the problems you face seem like giants? 
Then remove your attention and focus from the problems -- de-magnify them -- and focus on the Lord. 

To shrink the problem, magnify the solution.

The more you think about a problem you are facing, the larger it can seem. The more you think about God, what He has created, and all He has done, the smaller the problem will look compared to God.

God​ is greater than any problem or any situation you face. 
You just need to realize it and quit letting the problem be your focus.

Praise God and magnify Him!
S​ay this: 
​"​I will ​​magnify God in my life

MY MANNA
​​I am

"There is no one righteous, not even one." Romans 3:10.

It is relatively easy for us to recognize sin in one another. 
It is much more difficult to recognize it in ourselves. 

Yet Paul writes, none of us is righteous, not even one.

We tend to think of ourselves as the exception-
- but when it comes to sin, there are no exceptions. 

Until we understand the holiness of God-
- however, it is almost impossible for us to clearly see our own sin.

Years ago, the London Times ran an article encouraging its readers to respond to the question-
"What is wrong with the world?"

I am sure the editor must have read the following reply more than once before its profound truth sunk in:

"Dear Sir:
In response to your question, ‘What is wrong with the world?’

​​I am.
Yours truly."

We ARE what is wrong with the world! 

God's standard is absolute righteousness-
- and when we begin to see His holiness, 
- we understand how short we fall. 

No matter how skilled we may be at hiding our sins, we cannot make them disappear. 

Only God is able to save us. 
He has chosen to save us through His son. 

This is why Jesus came and died and rose again to pay for our sins on the cross-
- and to claim His victory over sin and death through His resurrection.

Our sin is the problem. 
Jesus Christ is the solution. 

That is why this message is called Good News!

My Manna

"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit." Titus 3:5.

The outward change is often without the inward-
- though the​​ ​​​​inward change is never without the outward!

People can go through the motions and not necessarily be Christians.

You can pray and not necessarily be a Christian.
You can be baptized and not necessarily be a Christian.
To the best of your ability you can keep the Ten Commandments and not necessarily be a Christian.
You can even believe that Jesus is coming back and not necessarily be a Christian.
People may even make visible changes in their lives and not necessarily be Christians.

There was a rich young ruler who came to Jesus and said, "Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?" Mark 10:17.

Jesus told him, "You know the commandments," and then He listed them.

The young man said, "Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth." v.20.

This guy was basically moral.

He had kept the commandments to the best of his ability.
Certainly he had broken them, but at least he tried.
But then Jesus told him what to do, and he wouldn't do it.
He stopped short of Jesus.

It is not your works that make you saved.
You put your faith in Christ, and then you will see the evidence in your life.

While it is true that faith without works is dead (James 2:20)-
- it could be said that works without faith is also dead.

You may say, "Well, I went to a Crusade" or "I stood up and prayed the sinner's prayer."

That is good, but it doesn't necessarily make you a Christian.
There has to be a movement of your heart toward God.

My Manna

Since eternity past and throughout history-
-the Almighty God has ruled with ​​​​​​​​supreme authority​!​

Nothing is hidden from His knowledge or beyond the scope of His control. 

Because of His sovereignty-
- we who by faith in Christ are part of His family can live with assurance that:

God performs for our good.

Scripture declares that God has the power to work every circumstance in our life into something that is beneficial in His eyes. 

He has the knowledge and power to accomplish it, as well as the desire.
God promises to do this for those who love and belong to Him. Our part is to believe.

God protects us every day.

Scripture declares that “the angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him.” Ps. 34:7.
Apart from His permissive will, nothing can touch God’s children.

When our Father allows painful things to happen, we must trust in His unchanging nature and enduring promises. 

People and circumstances change-
- but the Lord’s good and loving character does not.

God plans our future.

He’s fully worked out a plan for the body of Christ and each of its members—a plan so good that it is beyond imagining. 1 Cor. 2:9. 

We can entrust our future to God because His character and plans are perfect.

Resting in the Lord’s sovereignty will free us from fear and anxiety.

If you lack assurance about any of the points listed above-
- confess your unbelief to the heavenly Father.

Ask His forgiveness, and commit to meditate on His character and promises.
Then you will experience the strengthening of your faith.

My Manna

"Fathers, do not exasperate your children, that they may not lose heart." Colossians 3:21.

​​​​Dads, looking for a little help in being a good father? 

One particular verse from the Bible really helps:
"Fathers, don't provoke your children, instead bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord."

Irritation!
"Don't provoke your children." 
That means don't make unrealistic demands. 

Don't crush their spirit with being overly strict or with passive aloofness. 
Every child has a fragile psyche that needs to be built up and not torn down.

Intention!
"Bring them up in discipline." 
Discipline should be fair and consistent. 

They need to know what the boundaries are and know there are negative consequences if they ignore them. 
This gives children security and it helps them know they are loved.

Instruction!
"...and the instruction of the Lord." 
Discipline precedes instruction--any good teacher knows that. 

But discipline without instruction exasperates children. 
They need Dad to teach them right and wrong, and do it with love.

It's not easy being a good dad but we sure have a great model in our Heavenly Father revealed to us through Jesus.

My Manna

‹Jesus said, "You are to go into all the world and preach the good news to everyone, everywhere." Mark 16:15.

According to an article in Turning Point Daily Devotional, "Fritz Kreisler (1875-1962), the world-famous violinist, earned a fortune with his concerts and compositions, but he generously gave most of it away. 

So, when he discovered an exquisite violin on one of his trips, he wasn't able to buy it. 

Later, having raised enough money to meet the asking price, he returned to the seller, hoping to purchase that beautiful instrument. 

But to his great dismay, it had been sold to a collector.

"Kreisler made his way to the new owner's home and offered to buy the violin. 

The collector said it had become his ​​​​​​​​​​prized possession, and he would not sell it. 

Keenly disappointed, Kreisler was about to leave when he had an idea. 

'Could I play the instrument once more before it is consigned to silence?' he asked.

Permission was granted, and the great virtuoso filled the room with such heart-moving music that the collector's emotions were deeply stirred. 

'I have no right to keep that to myself,' he exclaimed. 'It's yours, Mr. Kreisler. Take it into the world, and let people hear it.

God has given you and me the greatest news and most powerful "music" in the world—the message that Jesus died on the cross to save mankind from the dreadful consequences of sin, so that all who come to him can receive God's forgiveness and His gift of eternal life. 

This is the message Jesus commissioned us to take to the world so everyone, everywhere will hear it and have the opportunity to have their sins forgiven and receive God's gift of eternal life.

"Dear God, please make and use me 'as an instrument' of your love and peace to communicate your great salvation in some way to every life I touch—through being "as Jesus" to all and as opportunity arises share your gospel message of salvation. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus' Name, Amen."

My Manna

"We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us."1 Corinthians 2:12. 
God desires for us to know what He has freely given to us. 
One of the responsibilities of the Holy Spirit is to reveal His plans and purposes to us. 
They may be hidden for a time, but if we seek Him with our whole heart, we can know what He has given to us.
John the Baptist understood this principle. 
When asked if he was the Messiah, he replied, "A man can receive only what is given him from heaven" John. 3:27. 
John understood his role in the Kingdom of God. He came to pave the way for the Messiah; he was not the Messiah himself. 
His ministry on earth was very brief, yet Jesus described his life in this way: "'I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he'" Mat. 11:11.
Once we understand what God has given to us-- we can walk freely in our calling. 
However, if we strive to walk in a role that He never gave us, it will result in frustration and failure. God wants to reveal His plan to us by His Spirit. 
This requires a willingness to seek and accept what He gives us. It may be different from what we thought. It may require adjustments to follow His path for our lives. 
As we learn from the life of John the Baptist, obedience requires death to our own wills.
Ask God to reveal what He has freely given to you. Pray that you receive and embrace only those things He has reserved for you to receive and to accomplish in your life. 
Then you can be assured of a life full of meaning and purpose, and you can look forward to hearing those all-important words someday:"Well done, My good and faithful servant.

My Manna

When you feel deserted-- alone in standing for what's right, read Psalm 12.The emphasis in this psalm is on words, on speaking. First,David speaks in prayer.Vs.1-3.
Where are the godly?People today don't want to take a stand for the truth.But David stood for what is right. Sometimes we feel the faithful have disappeared--those who believe in prayer, giving and commitment.
Today's generation doesn't believe in commitment, especially with our words.
We hear so much empty talk, lies and flattery.Flattery is manipulative, not communicative, like our advertising and some of our preaching. Second,The wicked speak in pride.v. 4.
Never underestimate the power of speech.
Jesus told the truth; His enemies argued.He gave words of life; they rejected Him.He came in love; they crucified Him. One of the evidences that a person is giving the truth of God's Word is that he is rejected. 
People don't want to hear truth unless they belong to truth.John 10:4. Third,God speaks in promise.Vs. 5,7.
His words are pure, not empty lying.v. 6.But the words of the wicked will burn in the furnace.
God's Word is precious, because it cost Jesus' life.
It is proved.v. 6.And permanent.v. 7. He keeps His promises.God knows where His people are, and He helps them."I will arise"; "I will protect"; "I can be trusted".Vs.5-7. So much that is spoken in this world is untrue and empty talk.
Be encouraged that God speaks in promise.His Word is pure and true. When you are surrounded by lies-Rest on the promises of the Bible

My Manna

"The Lord caused the sea to go back…all that night".Exod. 14:21.

There is a comforting message showing how God works in the dark.
The real work of God for the children of Israel-- was not when they awakened and found that they could get over the Red Sea.But it was "all that night."

There may be a great working in your life when it all seems dark.You cannot see or trace, but yet God is working. Just as truly did He work "all that night," as all the next day.The next day simply manifested what God had done during the night. Is there anyone reading these lines-- who may have gotten to a place where it seems dark? You believe to see, but you are not seeing.
In your life-progress there is not constant victory.And all seems dark.
"The Lord caused the sea to go back…all that night."Do not forget that it was "all that night." God works all the night, until the light comes.You may not see it.
But all that "night" in your life, as you believe God, He works.

My Manna

"To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen."Romans 16:27.
In the year 1920, young Oswald Smith stood before the examining board for the selection of missionaries.
He had wanted to be a missionary for as long as he could remember, and for all that time had been crying out to God that He might open a door for him to do so.
Finally, his time had come. There he stood awaiting his destiny.
His long-awaited was about to come...“No.”
Smith had not met the missionary board's qualifications and was turned down for service.
After a time of disappointment-- he decided that if he couldn't be a missionary, he would build a church which would raise up some.
And that is precisely what he did. The church he planted sent out more missionaries than any other church of its time. And God used Oswald Smith mightily for His Kingdom.
This is what happens when we don't let our circumstances rule us. We will always be victorious.
Have you been disappointed recently? Not all our hopes and expectations come to pass like we think they should.
Let's not let it get us down. Surely God has something better!
Continue to seek. Continue to knock. Continue to ask. Continue to get revelation.
We need to walk in victory!

My Manna

"Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." Matthew 7:13-14.
Many people today have essentially believed-- a watered-down gospel that deletes the message of repentance.
They believe in an all-caring, nonjudgmental God-- who requires no repentance or a change in their lifestyle. They will say things like, "I believe in Jesus Christ, but my God is not judgmental. My God would never send a person to hell. But I am a Christian."
Yet they cannot have it both ways. They can't make it up as they go.
There are many people, even in the church, who hold to a watered-down belief.
This diluted gospel may be the most dangerous plague the church is facing today-- because it gives a sense of false assurance to the person who believes it.
The Bible speaks of false prophets who give false assurance.
In Jeremiah 6:14, God says, "They have also healed the hurt of My people slightly, saying, 'Peace, peace!' when there is no peace."
It would be like going to the doctor when you are having a heart attack, and having the doctor tell you, "Oh, you are fine. You are being so dramatic! You will be OK."
There are ministers today who say-"God loves you and everything is fine. You can do whatever you want and live however you want to live. Let's just love one another and have a great time."
But that is a false gospel.

Yes, God loves us. Yes, God receives any person who comes to Him.
But He asks us to repent. He asks us to turn from our sins.
If we are not willing to do so-- then we are not experiencing biblical faith. And thus, we are not going to receive what the Bible describes as genuine salvation

My Manna

“Thomas answered Him and said, ‘My Lord and my God!’” John 20:28 When Jesus appeared to the disciples the first time-Thomas was not there.
They tried to tell him what they had seen-- but Thomas was emphatic, “Unless I see His hands and nail prints and touch Him, I will not believe.”
Much has been made since that time of “Doubting Thomas,” and he has been used in many a sermon regarding the dangers of doubt.
But, maybe we shouldn’t be too hard on him.
If you really think about it-Thomas was not so much doubting as he was grief stricken, angry and sad.
Given the circumstances of the past few days-- how could anyone say that Jesus was alive?
“I’ll believe it when I see it” is more a statement of the reality he knew rather than one of doubt.
But, are we so different? How often have we required some type of proof for our beliefs? Some type of proof that we are loved? You know what the wonderful thing is? God is willing to give us proof of His love.
Christ took the extra step with Thomas and was willing to give him proof.
Now, here is something else that is interesting: Thomas didn’t take the proof he wanted.
In the end, he believes the same way the other disciples believe—by sight. But, Thomas goes on to make the ultimate declaration of faith.
He claims Jesus as his Lord and God. Then, Jesus gives us a great blessing. We are blessed because we believe, even though we have not seen.
Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe We are blessed for believing in Jesus. Think about the beliefs you have that are based on faith – those are blessed.

My Manna

"John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you chose for a time to enjoy his light" John 5:35.
The moon is lovely on a clear night only because it reflects the light of the sun. It has no qualities by itself to reflect its beauty.
Without the sun shining onto its surface, you and I would never see the moon. It would simply be a dark object in the sky.
A diamond is designed to reflect the light to reveal its true value. The cut of a diamond determines its brilliance.
There is no single measurement of a diamond that defines its cut-- but rather a collection of measurements and observations that determine the relationship between a diamond's light performance, dimensions and finish.
Jesus came to bring the light of His love and grace to each of us. However, we are born into a world dulled by the sin created by Adam and Eve that makes our lives dark until we meet Jesus.
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God..." Rom 3:23-24.
Jesus contrasted in many parables that those who allow His life to live in them will live in the light amidst darkness.
When you invite Jesus Christ to live in your heart it is as though a light is shining upon your life in order to reflect the glory of God's Son through you.
Jesus calls you to be a vessel to reflect-- the brilliant light of His love to others.
The workplace is a great place to reflect His glory!
How are your reflective qualities? Ask Him to make your life a continual reflection of His light to others

What matters most
"My Manna"

"Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this." Psalm 37:5.

A great business legend, now retired, agreed to share a dialogue with the students of a prestigious Ivy League business school.

The students hoped to glean from the leader's experience.
And if at all possible, the students hoped to learn the key to success that would help earn them a small fortune.

So all ears were trained when the professor asked the man what the most important life lesson was that he had learned.

The business tycoon said, "The most important lesson I have learned in life is that what I think doesn't matter."

The class was completely surprised by his answer.
The professor countered awkwardly, "Really? Well, that's a pretty surprising comment coming from one of the world's most influential people."

The businessman replied, "That may be so, but when I gave my heart to the Lord, I made Jesus the most important thing in my life. If I had never made one dollar, that would have been okay with me. That was not my goal. The money has never been my goal. My goal was, and still is, to put Jesus first. Do you think I made a mistake?"

The dialogue continued down a much different path than the students had expected.
And, indeed, the students did learn the key to success!

Ask the Lord to show you what matters most to Him and then do whatever He says

My Manna

​
"Before the decree is issued, Or the day passes like chaff, Before the Lord's fierce anger comes upon you, Before the day of the Lord's anger comes upon you! Seek the Lord, all you meek of the earth, Who have upheld His justice. Seek righteousness, seek humility. It may be that you will be hidden In the day of the Lord's anger."​ ​Zephaniah 2:2-3.

In the 1883, Captain Sampson of the British navy witnessed one of the greatest volcanic eruptions in history which took place in Indonesia.

The eruption was so powerful that its shock waves travelled around the world seven times.
The volcano shot miles of debris into the atmosphere which fell to earth as far away as Madagascar – over 2000 miles distance.

Captain Sampson wrote in the ship’s log:
“I am writing this blind in pitch darkness. We are under continual rain of pumice-stone and dust. So violent are the explosions that the ear-drums of over half my crew have been shattered…I am convinced that the Day of Judgment has come.”

These men witnessed something extraordinary, and it caused them to ponder the inevitable question-
Is this the end?
What was the crew thinking and feeling as they were deafened by the massive explosions, and blinded by the clouds of smoke and ash?

To them it must have been as if the sun had become like sackcloth!

Did this experience change their lives?
Were they now powerfully aware of how fragile life is?
Did they suddenly begin to examine what their lives had consisted of up to that moment?

Imagine yourself in that boat as these events are taking place.

Now picture yourself at the present moment-
Are you thinking about what your life has been about, or what it is now?
Are you thinking about what it could be??

wake up!

Recognize that eruptions are already taking place, and these are the Lord's warnings to this sleeping world; warnings that His return is NEAR!

We are privileged to be witnesses and participants in the most extraordinary times as the end of the age draws near.

But God is looking for people who are awake, who are wise, who understand the signs of the times, and who know Him...so they can do exploits and can shine like stars in a darkening world.

Will you be one of them?

M​y Manna

​"Jesussaid, "If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good giftsto your children, how much more will your Father in heaven​ ​give good gifts to those who ask Him!." Matthew 7:11.

Terry was in the habit of praying very specifically for what she wanted.

She told God in great detail about-
- the kind of job,
- the kind of husband,
- the kind of life that she envisioned for herself.

And Terry was frequently frustrated.

One day, a friend suggested that she try a different tack.
Give God a blank sheet of paper, the friend suggested, and let God give you his list for your life.

Not long afterwards-
Terry went back to school—something she hadn't anticipated doing.

And she met a wonderful new man whom she eventually married.
He didn't fit the criteria of her earlier list, but he was everything she wanted in a husband.

When Terry turned her life over to God's will-
God provided for her needs in ways she couldn't have imagined.

There's nothing wrong with asking God for what we would like-
- but to get prayers answered, they need to be in harmony with God's will.

And while "some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers"-
He often does give us the desires of our heart when we pray in ​​harmony with His will​!​

"DearGod, thank You that You hear and answer my prayers. Thank You, too, forthe times You haven't answered my prayers according to my wishes which,if You had, it may have done me more harm than good. Help me to liveand pray in harmony with Your will so that I​ ​can be sure that You will answer my prayers one way or another. Gratefully, in Jesus's Name, Amen."

My Manna

At times, we can be so subtle in dodging personal responsibility that we deceive our own selves into thinking that it’s somebody else’s fault.
Most of us jump into the “blame game” far too eagerly.
The word “accountable” means answerable. Since it contains the word “account,” let’s use the metaphor of bookkeeping to illustrate it.
If I accept accountability, that means I’m willing to let other people “audit my books.”
I’m willing for my deeds to be examined against fair standards of right and wrong, and if the audit shows that I’ve done anything amiss, then I’m willing to compensate anyone who’s been hurt and make restitution to the full extent of my ability.
Accepting accountability requires three things, at the very least.
Conscience. We must admit that there are standards that we’re answerable to and have the humility to be guided by those standards.
Commitment. We must discipline ourselves to demonstrate integrity. That is, we must commit ourselves to doing what’s right and maintain consistency between our principles and our practice.
Courage. We must be willing to accept the consequences of everything we do — and face the firing squad of full justice, if need be.
Accepting full and frank accountability for our own actions is one of the best things we can do for those around us. It’s a gift of great value, and one that’s made all the more valuable by the fact that it’s so rare these days.
When others know that we can be counted on to do our best, and that when we’ve failed to do what’s right, we’ll spend our time making restitution rather than making excuses, they will find a peace and security in their relationship with us that can’t be found any other way.
It’s not a complicated matter, really. It’s just a bit of basic morality, a fundamental principle of right and wrong.
A person may cause evil to others not only by his actions but by his inaction, and in either case he is justly accountable to them for the injury.

GET GOD’S WORD FOR IT

When the devil tempted Jesus, Jesus turned the Word of God on him, saying, “It is written…It is written…It is written…” (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10)

Likewise, should the devil remind you of the pain in your body, say what God’s Word says: “It is written, ‘By His stripes I am healed!’” (Isaiah 53:5; 1 Peter 2:24) And tell Daddy God, “I have Your Word for it and I am standing on Your Word.

I am not trying to be healed. My healing has already happened. I don’t care what this body says. It has to line up with Your Word because by Jesus’ stripes I am healed!”

And if the devil says to you, “Look at the meager balance in your bank account. How are you going to pay your bills?” just say, “I'm not going to worry because I know that my God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19) It doesn’t matter how much I have in the bank. God’s Word tells me that as the need arises, the supply will be there!”

When fear grips you, don’t say to yourself, “This fear is stupid. Come on, what are the chances of it happening to me?” Don’t try to rationalize or reason your fear away. Instead, speak God’s Word into the situation. Say, “It is written, ‘For God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.’” (2 Timothy 1:7) What if the fear returns? Speak God’s Word again. Say, “It is written, ‘For God has not given me a spirit of fear…’”

When the devil tries to deceive you, give him the Word of God. There is something about the Word of God that causes him not to want to hang around those who use it. It reminds him of Jesus, the Word made flesh (John 1:14), who rendered him powerless and of no effect when He said, “It is written…”

Matthew 4:4
…He [Jesus] answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” ..

Matthew 18:3-4
And God said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. . Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

© 2017 Mrs. P's Haven of Refuge

My Manna

"For we are not ignorant of his (Satan's) intentions." 2 Corinthians 2:11.

The form of satanic attack that is probably the most difficult of all to endure is having blasphemous thoughts.

Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones said on this:
"The devil has often plagued some of the noblest saints with blasphemous thoughts-
- blasphemous thoughts about God,
- blasphemous thoughts about the Lord Jesus Christ,
- and blasphemous thoughts about the Holy Spirit."

How horrible and terrifying such thoughts can be.

Sometimes the Devil hurls the most awful words and phrases into the mind.
But again, it is important to see that these do not arise from within the heart of the believer.
They come from the Devil, who is trying to confuse and demoralize you.

How grateful we should be to the saints down the ages who have recorded these satanic attacks-
- for otherwise we would be tempted when experiencing them to believe that they have never happened to anyone else.

Many masters of the spiritual life have described these satanic attacks in great detail-
John Bunyan and Martin Luther being the two best examples.

But how do we deal with these "flaming arrows" of Satan?
What action must we take to repel these devilish attacks?

There is only one answer:
We must take and use the shield of faith.

Faith alone enables us to meet and overcome this particular type of attack.

What we must not do is expose our chests, expecting the breastplate of righteousness to deal with this problem.
Each piece of the equipment is designed to deal with a particular attack.

And the answer here is-
Faith.

My Manna

We who follow Jesus Christ have an enemy-
- and his name is Satan. Mark 1:13.

A created being-
Satan is loose in the world but limited in what he can carry out against us. Job 1:12.

Many people consider him nothing more than a figment of the imagination, which allows him to work undetected.
While he is a defeated foe, he pretends otherwise. John 16:11.

Let’s look at some of Satan’s strategies:

1. To draw us away from God through both direct and subtle means.
2. To dodge God’s purpose in our lives by getting us out of our Father’s will.
3. To deny God His rightful glory and honour, which results from our choosing to live obedient lives.
4. To destroy us in this world.

The Father of Lies uses falsehood, deceit, and temptation as tools for achieving his goals-
- and he has chosen our minds as a battleground. John 8:44.

Why?

Because faulty thinking leads to disobedient behaviour, which impedes God’s purposes for us.
Erroneous ideas produce vulnerabilities like worry or fearfulness, which Satan can exploit to hinder our spiritual progress.

Although setbacks may occur, “greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4.

Scripture says, “Take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Cor. 10:5.

Offer a prayer of surrender:
“Lord, I offer You complete control over my mind. Reveal any thinking that does not agree with Your Word, and teach me Your truth and help me obey you. Amen.”

My Manna

"If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17. This verse says you're a brand new creature if you are in Christ Jesus!The word ‘new' is from the Greek word kainos! It describes something that is brand new or recently made.It also carries the idea of something that is superior. This means when Jesus Christ came into your life-- you were made brand, spanking new! The new you is superior to the old you! In fact-You are so new that this verse calls you a new creature! The moment we receive Christ as Saviour-We should start displaying new attitudes in life,- along with new behaviours and habits. It may take time for these to become established in daily practice.But there should be no doubt that the process is working. New goals.New priorities.New relationships.New emotions.New perspectives.New words.New responses.
New and improved!
Does that describe you?

What a wonderful change-- in my life has been wrought- since Jesus came into my heart!

My Manna

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." 1 Thessalonians 5:11.
Each school year a fifth-grade teacher assigned her students a very special writing assignment.

She asked them to write a nice sentence about each classmate.

It could be something they liked about the person or something they thought the person did well.

The teacher then went line by line and put together a list for each student of all the nice words their classmates had written.

When this special teacher retired, many of her former students, who are now adults, came to her retirement party.

But they carried with them more than just good fifth-grade memories.

One by one, each student took out faded, well-worn sheets of paper...the treasured lists of encouragement.

One woman in her 20s told the teacher that whenever she felt down, she would open her scrapbook and read those words.

A 40-year-old man admitted he carried his list with him in his wallet.

Those positive words left a powerful, lasting impression!

Have you ever had someone say something nice that boosted your spirits or heard a kind word that made you smile?

Maybe you know someone who lives alone.
Imagine how a timely phone call to see how they are would help.

Perhaps writing a note to a friend who is ill might boost their spirits.
There's so much you can do and say today to encourage those around you with the love of Christ!

Thank God for those timely, positive words people have said to you.And ask Him for opportunities where you can encourage others today.