My Manna

LOVE HOPES
 March 18, 2021  My Manna 

Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him. For the help of His countenance. (Psalm 42:5, 11)

God’s love moves us to believe that God will see us through the worst of times. Let’s see how the power of hope worked in the believer who wrote Psalm 42.

The psalmist seems to be a believer in exile, perhaps a prisoner of war in a strange land.
Is he being punished by God? Maybe, but we can’t be sure. Maybe it’s just one of the tragic
consequences of living in a world in which innocent people often suffer as a result of the decisions, right or wrong, of other people.

How is the psalmist doing? He is often lonely, anxious, and depressed. He longs to be back among his people and in his homeland, worshiping God “with shouts of joy and thanksgiving.”

But here he is, an outcast mocked by his enemies, who say to him all day long, “Where is your God?”

What does this believer do to lift his spirit from the pit of despair? Again and again the
psalmist says to his soul: “Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”

Dear friend, no matter what you are going through, keep on putting your hope in this great truth: Nothing in all creation – not even death – “will be able to separate (you) from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:39).

Read Psalm 61:5-8:
My soul, wait silently for God alone,
For my expectation is from Him.
He only is my rock and my salvation;
He is my defense;
I shall not be moved.
In God is my salvation and my glory;
The rock of my strength,
And my refuge, is in God.
Trust in Him at all times, you people;
Pour out your heart before Him;
God is a refuge for us. Selah
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for your love that moves me to the hope that you will never leave or forsake me. I’m waiting for your deliverance and delight. I’ll not be put to shame.
Work through me to share this hope with the hopeless.

[size=48]My Manna


"But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be . . . lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God." 2 Timothy 3:1–2,4.

Has there ever been a more pleasure-mad culture than ours today?

It seems that we can't be entertained enough.

We have continuous media coming our way with constant imagery and sounds, all things that are supposed to bring us pleasure.

In fact, some people would say:
"For me, life means living for pleasure. You know, it's all about having a good time. It's all about the weekend. It's all about the next party. It's all about the next thrill in life."

That philosophy is nothing new.

The apostle Paul's contemporary, the emperor Nero, believed that the purpose of life was to live as an unbridled beast in pleasure, passion, and parties.
And that is exactly how he lived.

There also was a Greek philosophical group at that time who called themselves the Epicureans.

Basically, these were people who lived for pleasure.
And we still have people like this today.

In fact, the Bible tells us that one of the signs of the last days is that people will be "lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.." 2 Timothy 3:4.

What a waste to live this way-
- because the Bible says that "she who lives in pleasure is dead while she lives." 1 Timothy 5:6.

The apostle Paul said-
"For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain." Philippians 1:21.

Living for your own pleasure is the least pleasurable thing a man can do.

If his neighbours don't kill him in disgust he will die slowly of boredom and powerlessness."

What do you live for?
What gets your blood pumping?
What would you say is the greatest passion of your life?

Only the person who can say-
"To live is Christ" can also say,
"To die is gain."[/size]

Beautiful Radiance
by MyManna

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it." (Matthew 13:45-46).

The pearl harvesting is an illustration of how the Lord takes us into His "shell" like an irritating grain of sand, and over time, covers us with His beautiful covering, forming us into polished and precious gems for his glory and delight.

This image of sanctification takes the metaphor in one direction:
But here is another interesting thought.

The beautiful pearl inside the oyster cannot be seen or enjoyed without a great price being paid.
The oyster must die.
It must be torn open in order to find the treasure within.

This speaks to me of the original foundation and source of our beauty.

Jesus our Messiah had to be bruised, afflicted, torn and killed so that the beautiful treasures God intended us to be from the beginning, could be discovered and released from the darkness of sin.

Each one of us is a treasure in the Lord's sight.

We are His pearls of great value for which He paid the highest price!

What a great honour, even the greatest honour to be called sons and daughters of the Living God!

Through His sacrifice, we become holy, and obtain the beauty and glory of eternal life.

We so bless the Lord when we radiate the polished beauty He alone can give us.

Our works shine forth before men, glorifying our Father in Heaven and preparing the way for his coming Kingdom.

Let's remember who we are and walk with this beautiful radiance!
There are so many people who need to see, and know Him.

Waiting Time Is Not Wasted Time

by My Manna

For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. (Ps 62:5)

Blessed are all those who wait for Him. (Isa 30:18)

Waiting time is not wasted time if it is spent with purpose.

Waiting time can be frustrating, but not necessarily unfruitful if you are waiting on the Lord. 

We get frustrated because we only have a narrow view of this world. 

But God above sees your life ahead.  He knows what is to follow because He controls the future.

Most of life consists of the routine and mundane.

Yet it is during these times that we are molded and our faith is tested.

When it seems God is not present, will you remain faithful?

When it seems God does not intervene, will you still trust Him?

Can you accept that the routine of your life is what God has entrusted to you?

Nothing spectacular happens.  But nothing bad happens either.

So enjoy everyday life.  Go through the routine for the glory of God.

Whatever you do, do it for the glory of God (1 Cor 10:31).

Thank God for giving you joy and peace while you wait on Him.

Waiting time is time to renew your strength (Isa 40:31).  It is preparation time.

God has something for you after that waiting time.

Abraham waited 25 years before Isaac was born.

Joseph waited 13 years, serving as a slave, and then going to prison before become prime minister of Egypt.

Moses waited 40 years before God called him to deliver the Israelites.

David waited 15 years before becoming king.

Jesus waited 30 years before starting His public ministry.

Waiting time is God's appointed time, not wasted time.

Not My Will, But Your Will Be Done
by MyManna

“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.”  (1 John 5:14-15)

Prayer is not a magic formula.  Some think that prayer changes things.

They say, "I prayed and I received a promotion."  Or "I prayed and the pain went away."

No.  Prayer does not change things.

God changes things.

You can pray a thousand times, but if it is not the will of God, nothing will happen.

Prayer is an expression of our relationship with God.

And this relationship is based on trust in Him.

There are times when He answers our prayers immediately.

Sometimes He does not answer our prayers.

Sometimes He provides, while at other times, He withholds.

Sometimes He heals, while at other times, He does not.

He is testing us.  If there is no healing, will you still love Me? 

God's ways are higher than our ways.

We live by faith, we don’t live by explanations. 

We come to God like children, asking for toys and sweets. 

But God knows what is best for us.

If God acts only when we pray, we will be living in spiritual poverty.

But God is our all-wise Heavenly Father.  He knows what is best for us and He has only good for us.

We do not really know what to pray for.  But God knows our needs before we ask of Him.

Trust in Him.  Trust in His ways and His time.

Our prayer should end with "Not my will, Lord, but Your will." (Luke 22:42).

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." (Prov 3:5,6).

Search Me, O God
by My Manna

But I know! I, the LORD, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve."  (Jer 17:10)

Barnes writes, "A man's heart is an inscrutable mystery. God alone can fathom it."

How does God examines us?

Two ways:

1.  Our motives.

God searches every corner of our heart.  Our intents, purposes, imaginations, desires, plans. 

Nothing is hidden from His sight.

He sees our motives.

Ask yourself:  Why are you doing what you are doing?  Why did you say what you said?  Why do you see something in this manner?

Why are our motives so important?

Because they are the reason why we do what we do.  

2.  Our deeds.

God also tests our actions.

Are we doing what the Lord commands?

Are we praying, listening to Him through His Word, doing good to our neighbors, showing mercy, helping others, sharing Jesus?

It is not enough to say we love Him.  We show our love for Him by our behavior and deeds.

Our motives and deeds go together.  Our motives cause us to act.  Our deeds demonstrate our beliefs.

God sees both.

Make sure our motives and deeds are right before God.

Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!  (Ps 139:23-24)

Praising the Name of the Lord is a Daylong, Lifelong Privilege
by My Manna

From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the LORD is to be praised! (Ps 113:3)

The five W's: who, what, when, where and why to praise God...

Who?

Anyone who reads this psalm is included in verse 1, most specifically, "O servants of the LORD." More than anyone else, the servants of the Lord ought to be involved in the exalted activity of praising God. Each of us who claims to serve the Lord must publicly discharge his or her responsibility. We are best acquainted with the reasons for praising Him, and we are also the best instruments to declare His praise.

What?

The responsibility of the servants of the Lord is simply, "Praise ...the LORD...praise the name of the LORD." The repetition of this phrase in a single verse is not without significance. You would think that we who have been saved by His grace would automatically and consistently praise His name. However this is not the case, for we are frequently slow in praising God for His blessings. Therefore the psalmist finds it necessary to stimulate us, to cajole us; and the repetition of the stimulus calls us to perseverance in sounding forth the praises of God.

When?

To indicate when the servants of the Lord are to be engaged in praising the Lord, the psalmist uses an expression that is more characteristic of the old Greek poets than of the Hebrew prophets. He says, "From the rising of the sun to its going down The LORD's name is to be praised" (Psalm 113:3).

This poetic expression indicates that there is never a time of the day, never a waking hour, never an inappropriate moment, when the servant of the Lord cannot praise His name. We are to begin His praise at the very rising of the sun, early in the morning, and we are to continue that praise until sunset. Praising the name of the Lord is a daylong, lifelong privilege!

Where?

If we are to praise the Lord from the rising of the sun until the going down of the same, where is it that we shall engage in this exalted activity? Since "the LORD is high above all nations, and His glory above heaven," and yet He "humbles himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth," it is incumbent upon us to see that His name is praised wherever His presence is known. Therefore we are to praise His name in the highest heavens and the lowest earth. Just as there is not a waking hour that is inappropriate to praise His name, there is not the slightest place on earth that is inappropriate to the praising of His name. As servants of the Lord, we are to praise Him continually, wherever we find ourselves.

Why?

The reasons for praising the Lord are manifold. He is high above all nations, and His glory is above the heavens. Still He humbles Himself to observe our affairs on earth. He raises the poor out of the dust and the needy out of the dunghill. He makes princes out of paupers and makes the barren woman a homemaker and the mother of children.

Today would be a good day for us to make a praise list. Just as we have a prayer list, Christians ought to have a praise list, a list of reasons for praising the Lord. Begin with His love for you, His death for you, and His salvation of you, and keep listing things for which to praise the Lord from morning to night. Don't be surprised if you have to make a second list, for we have much for which to praise the Lord.

God is Near
by My Manna

The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. (Ps 145:18)

Isn't that a great promise? It's one you can put to work today.

God is near to those who are stumbling.

The LORD upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down. (Ps 145:14)

You may have stumbled and fallen. Perhaps you just didn't do what you should have. Maybe you stumbled in your job, and you are embarrassed and worried about it. Perhaps you have stumbled into sin.

God is near to those who carry burdens. Those who are bowed down with the weight of care can find rest if they will call upon Him.

God is near to those who are starving.

The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season.
(Ps 145:15)

Verse 16 shows how simple it is for God to answer prayer:

You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing. (Ps 145:16)

All God has to do is open His hand to meet our needs today.
The problem is, we often don't open our hearts and cry out to Him.

God is near to those who are seeking.

He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them.
(Ps 145:19)

God is near to those who seek Him with love.

The LORD preserves all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy. (Ps 145:20)

Follow the advice of James:
"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you" (James 4:8).

God is not far from you.

He's waiting for you to take that first step, to cry out to Him and say, "Lord, I want to draw close to You. Here I am."

Have you stumbled? Are you carrying a burden, or are you in need?
He promises to be near to all those who call upon Him.
He neither leaves you nor forsakes you!

Major on Mercy
by MyManna

Moses said, "Please show me Your glory." (Exodus 33:18)

What would you say is the single, most outstanding attribute about God?
What's His most important characteristic?
Some people would say it's His power. Others, His holiness.
But God Himself would give a different answer.

You can find that answer in Exodus 33.
Moses is asking God to show him His glory.

Now the word "glory" could literally be translated "heavy weight." It refers to the heaviest, biggest, grandest thing about someone. It's the sum total of their worth.

What Moses was actually saying was, "Lord, I want to see the weightiest thing about You. I want to know Your grandest attributes." What did God say to him in response?

Ex 34:6-7 tells us, "The Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin."

When Moses asked God to show him the most important thing about Himself, God showed him His mercy.

That means if you and I are to imitate God (Eph 5:1) we must major in mercy too. Mercy, goodness, forgiveness and compassion must mark our behavior above all else.

Major on mercy!
Write 3 names of a friend, family member and a foe today and show your mercy to those persons by phone, post and/or in person.
And they will see the glory of God in you!

The Power of Attorney
by MyManna

I pursued my enemies and overtook them, and did not turn back till they were consumed. I thrust them through, so that they were not able to rise; they fell under my feet. (Ps 18:37-38)

If you've been standing around wringing your hands and worrying about what the devil is doing, it's time you made a switch. It's time you put that devil under your feet!

Jesus has already given you all the power and authority you need to do it.

He's given you the keys of the kingdom.
He's promised you that whatever you declare locked on earth is locked in heaven and whatever you declare unlocked on earth is unlocked in the heavenlies (Matt 16:19).

"Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you" (Luke 10:19).

That means you can speak the Word and bind wicked spirits. You can speak the Word and loose the angelic forces of God to work in your behalf.

You've been given the Power of Attorney that enables you to use the mighty Name of Jesus!
A Name that's above every other name. A Name which will cause every knee to bow--in heaven, in earth, and under the earth! (Phil. 2:9-10)

Don't waste time worrying about the devil!
Take authority over him. Bind the evil spirits that try to destroy your home, your church, your mission and your nation. Loose God's Word in the earth and enforce it with the Name of Jesus.

You hold the keys! Learn to use them and before long the devil will be wringing his hands
worrying about you!

Now-
Speak the Word of God to work on your behalf!

Endless Hope
by My Manna

Is your past preventing you from being a fully devoted Christ follower and a Christian worker? Are you a Christian without honor? Isn't easier to be "Christ-Like" around people who do not know your past? Jesus was in his hometown teaching in the synagogue. The townspeople that he grew up with were listening and were amazed.

But look at the bitter words they lashed out "Isn't the mere carpenter, the one who works with his hands, isn't this the illegitimate son of Mary? Isn't this the guy with the very ordinary brothers and sisters?"

Do people do this to you today? The evil one wants us to live in our past. He wants to remind us of all the excess baggage we are carrying around. God on the other hand wants us to repent and ask forgiveness for our past, and then God forgets and looks forward. God wants us to place our excess baggage at the foot of the cross and leave it there. Never to go back
and claim the sins of our past. Leave them at the cross. Jesus continued to travel throughout the land teaching and performing miracles.

He never looked back.

Do the same. Don't keep looking back at your past forgiven sins, keep looking toward the Cross. The cross of forgiveness, the cross of redemption and salvation.

"A bruised reed He will not break,
And smoking flax He will not quench;
He will bring forth justice for truth."
(Isa 42:3)

With Christ, there is endless hope!
But without Christ there will be hopeless end.

Follow Him!
For-
He knows your future; holds your future and is your future!

Impatient with God?
by My Manna

How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever?
How long will You hide Your face from me?
How long shall I take counsel in my soul,
Having sorrow in my heart daily?
How long will my enemy be exalted over me?"
Psalm 13:1-2

Have you ever been impatient with God?

Impatience is one of our big problems.

It's one thing for us to be impatient with ourselves or with others.

But when we become impatient with God, we should watch out!

Four times in two verses David asked, "How long?"

We're so time conscious today.

We have watches that show us split seconds.

But what do we do with those split seconds? If we save three minutes by taking a shortcut, what significant thing will we accomplish with the three minutes we save?

We expect God to do what we want Him to do--and right now!

But-

He doesn't always act immediately.

Abraham had to wait for 25 years after God's promise before Isaac was born. Isaac had to wait 20 years for his children.

Joseph had to wait 13 years before he was set free and put on the throne.

Moses had a wait of 80 years.

God's schedule is not the same as ours.

Sometimes He waits so that He can do more for us than we expect.
When He heard that Lazarus was dying, our Lord waited until his friend's death before He came. But when He came, He brought a greater miracle and received greater glory.

It is hard to wait on the Lord and for His time.

But we can if we will trust Him and rest on His Word.

Some of your greatest blessings come with patience.

When you must wait for God to act, you can be confident that He knows what is best for you and what will best glorify Him.

Are you waiting for God to act on your behalf?

Align with His timing and rest on the promises of His Word.

Waiting is not a waste!

It will bring a wealth of His blessings to you very soon!



Don’t Expect Defeat
by MyManna

Now four men who were lepers were at the entrance of the city's gate; and they said to one another, Why do we sit here until we die.... So they arose." (2 Kings 7:3,5).

No matter how bad the problem, you may be facing today, no matter how far under the circumstances you may be, in twenty four hours you can be back on top!

"Oh, that would be impossible!"

That's what the Samaritans thought in 2 Kings 7.
Their land was being ravaged by famine. Enemy troops had surrounded them and cut off all source of supply. Mothers were eating their own children just to survive.
But right in the middle of that, the Lord told the prophet Elisha that in 24 hours the whole situation would change. Flour and barley would sell for just a few pennies and there would be abundance for all.

What did God use to turn that situation around?

Four lepers!

Four lepers who, instead of sitting around feeling sorry for themselves and waiting
to die, decided to arise and take their chances in the enemy camp. When they got there, they found it abandoned. All the warriors had been frightened away by the angels of God, and they'd left enough food behind to feed all of Samaria!

Sometimes you and I are like the officials in that story.

We let ourselves be so surrounded with the loud voice of the world that the vision of our victory is pushed out of sight. When that happens, faith and power begin to subside and life caves in on us from every side.

If that's happened to you, stop crying about it.

Stop looking at your problem and feeling sorry for yourself.

That won't change anything!

Get Bible-centered instead of problem-centered.

Just like He did for Elisha, God has given you a word.

He's promised you victory. He's promised to make you an overcomer.

Don't expect defeat!

Rise up in faith. Stand up on God's Word and fight for your life.

Rise up and receive the deliverance of the Lord!

Read 2 Kings 6:24-33; 7:1-20.

Trust and Rest
by MyManna

Trust in the Lord (Psalm 37:3).

The word trust is the heart word of faith.

It is the Old Testament word, the word given to the early and infant stage of faith.

The word faith expresses more the act of the will.

The word belief explains the act of the mind or intellect.

But trust is the language of the heart.

The other has reference more to a truth believed or a thing expected.

Trust implies more than this.

It sees, feels and leans upon a person, with a great, true, living heart of love.

So trust in Him, through all the delays, in spite of all the difficulties, in the face of all the denials, notwithstanding all the seemings, even when we cannot understand the way, and know not the issue; still "trust also in Him, and He will bring it to pass."

The way will open, the right issue will come, the end will be peace, the cloud will be lifted, and the light of an eternal noonday shall shine at last.

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge Him,
and He will make your paths straight".
Proverbs 3:5-6.

Darts of the Devil
by My Manna
 Image processed by CodeCarvings Piczard ### FREE Community Edition ### on 2019-01-07 15:38:32Z | http://piczard.com | http://codecarvings.com
In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one (Eph 6:16).

In Ephesians 6:13, Paul characterizes satan as "the evil one" who attacks believers with flaming missiles.

The Greek word translated "evil one" literally means "bad," "vile," or "wretched." All are apt descriptions of the archenemy of our souls, who seeks to maim and destroy us spiritually.

The term "flaming missiles" pictures one of the Roman weapons of Paul's day: arrows that had pitch-soaked cotton material affixed to their tips. In battle they were set on fire and shot at the enemy. As the arrow hit its target, flaming pitch spread onto clothing and other flammable surfaces. Under such attacks a Roman soldier without a shield was in a perilous situation indeed.

Satan's flaming arrows come in many forms:

Solicitations to impurity, selfishness, doubt, fear, disappointment, greed, vanity, covetousness, and the like. But whatever the specific form, all are seducing temptations aimed at eliciting ungodly responses.

Your God-given faith, based on the Word of God, protects you from such attacks when you elevate God's will above Satan's in your life.

When tempted by satan, Jesus responded by saying in effect, "I will not violate my Father's will by yielding to your devious schemes. In His own time He will feed Me, anoint Me as Messiah, and give Me the kingdoms of the world. I will not elevate your will and timing above His" Matt. 4:1-11.

Jesus could have created food. He is the Messiah and the sovereign Lord over the kingdoms of the world. But He trusted the Father and yielded to His will, even though it meant personal discomfort and, eventually, the cross. When satan saw that Jesus' trust in the Father was unshakable, he left Him v. 11.

The Almighty is My Ally
by My Manna

"But if you carefully obey his voice and do all that I say, then I will be an enemy to your enemies and an adversary to your adversaries. (Ex 23:22)

The Lord Christ in the midst of you is to be acknowledged and obeyed.

He is the vice-regent of God and speaks in the Father's name, and it is ours implicitly and immediately to do as He commands.

We shall lose the promise if we disregard the precept.

Total obedience brings tremendous blessings!

The Lord enters into a league with His people, offensive and defensive.

He will bless those who bless us;

And curse those who curse us!

God will go heart and soul with His people and enter in deepest sympathy into their position. What a protection this affords us!

We need not concern ourselves about our adversaries when we are assured that they have become the adversaries of God.

If God has taken up our fight, we should leave the foes in His hands.

When your foes are fighting against you, actually, they are fighting against God, as He is your shield!

The Almighty Is Our Ally!

So far as our own interest is concerned we have no enemies; but for the cause of truth and righteousness we take up arms and go forth to conflict. In this sacred war we are allied with the Almighty God, and if we carefully obey the law of our Lord Jesus, He is engaged to put forth all His power on our behalf.

Wherefore we fear no man as we fear God only!

Want to praise God and sing for His glory now?

Tarry for His Time
by MyManna

Even when the cloud continued over the tabernacle many days, the people of Israel kept the charge of the LORD and did not set out. (Num 9:19)

This was a test of obedience.

It was comparatively easy to strike tents, when the fleecy folds of the cloud were slowly gathering from off the tabernacle, and it floated majestically before the host.

Change is always delightful; and there was excitement and interest in the route, the scenery, and the locality of the next halting-place.

But, the waiting...?

Then, however uninviting and sultry the location, however trying to flesh and blood, however irksome to the impatient disposition, however perilously exposed to danger, there was no option but to remain encamped.

The Psalmist says, "I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry" (Ps 40:1).  And what He did for the Old Testament saints He will do for believers throughout all ages and for you especially!

Because He is the same yesterday and today and forever!

God often keeps us waiting.

Face to face with threatening foes, in the midst of alarms, encircled by perils, beneath the impending rock.

May we not go?

Is it not time to strike our tents?

Have we not suffered to the point of utter collapse?

May we not exchange the glare and heat for green pastures and still waters?

There is no answer.

The cloud tarries, and we must remain, though sure of manna, rock-water, shelter, and defense. God never keeps us at post without assuring us of His presence, and provisions.

Wait, young man; do not be in a hurry to jump!

Wait, woman; do not rush and push!

Wait, minister, remain at your post!

Wait businessman; do not run at random!

Until the cloud clearly moves, you must tarry for His time has not yet come!

For you know very well:

"... those who wait on the LORD
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint".  (Isa 40:31).

Read Psalm 37 carefully and completely!




Tough Times?
by MyManna

Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! (Psalm 139:23-24)

Have you ever noticed that those who have the most exciting, faith-inspiring testimonies are those who've been under pressure at some time in their lives?

They're the people who stayed faithful when the pressure was on.

They're the people who believed God's promises of safety and security in the midst of desperate crises, dangerous situations, demonic forces, debt crises or terminal disease problems.

When you get into a hard spot, that's not the time to back out on God or blame Him.

It's not the time to step back and reevaluate His faithfulness.

When tough times keep dragging on and the situations around you seem to refuse to get in line with the promises of God, don't reevaluate God!

He's not missing it and He's not failing!

If you're going to reevaluate anything, reevaluate yourself!

Look and see where you have failed.

If you still can't find out what the problem is, tell God, "God, I don't know what's wrong here, and I'm asking You to show me. But one thing I know, the problem's not with You, and I continue to be moved by Your Word and love not by my circumstances."

Then, when He reveals something to you, be quick to make changes.

If you cannot, ask Him to help you make changes.

Stand firm with His grace and to keep honoring God with your words of commitment!

Passing through tough times?

The Lord-

-looks at your pressure.

-looks upon your penitence.

-listens to your prayer.

-And shall liberate you from your problems!

Take No Thought
by MyManna

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  (Phil 4:6)

Not a few Christians live in a state of unbroken anxiety.

And others fret and fume terribly.

To be perfectly at peace amid the hurly-burly of daily life is a secret worth knowing.

What is the use of worrying?

It never made anybody strong; never helped anybody to do God's will; never made a way of escape for anyone out of perplexity.

Worry spoils lives which would otherwise be useful and beautiful.

Restlessness, anxiety, and care are absolutely forbidden by our Lord, who said: "Take no thought," that is, no anxious thought, "saying what shall we eat, or what shall we drink, or wherewithal shall we be clothed?"

He does not mean that we are not to take forethought and that our life is to be without plan or method; but that we are not to worry about these things.

People know you live in the realm of anxious care by the lines on your face, the tones of your voice, the minor key in your life, and the lack of joy in your spirit.

Scale the heights of a life abandoned to God, then you will look down on the clouds beneath your feet.

It is always wrong to be fretting and worrying, questioning and mistrusting.

Can we gain anything by it? Are we not unfit ourselves for action, and unhinge our minds for wise decision?

We are sinking by our struggles when we might float by faith.

Be still and know that your Lord is God!

The Holy One of Israel can and will defend and deliver His own.

We should be sure that every word of His will stand, though heaven and earth shall pass away. He deserves to be confided in.

Return to your rest and lean your head upon the bosom of the Lord Jesus!

Worry about nothing!

But pray about everything!

Perfect Purpose
by My Manna

The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands. (Psalm 138:8)

God has a purpose and a blue print for each of our lives.
We are not numbers in a calculator or a computer!

He has numbered all the hairs on our heads. Matt 10:30.

He knows our names.

God knows our needs today.

We are His personal concern, the work of His hands.

When does God perfect that which concerns us?
When can we expect Him to work in our lives?

When we praise Him.

Verse 1 says, "I will praise You with my whole heart."

Verse 2 reads, "I will worship toward Your holy temple, and praise Your name."

When we take time to worship and praise God, He can perfect that which concerns us.

But if we go our own way, we lose that special blessing from God.

When we pray to Him.

"In the day when I cried out, You answered me, and made me bold with strength in my
soul" v 3.

It doesn't say God changed the outside circumstances immediately.

Instead, He changed the psalmist on the inside. When we worship and cry out to the Lord, He can work on our behalf.

When we proclaim Him.

"All the kings of the earth shall praise You, O Lord, when they hear the words of Your mouth. Yes, they shall sing of the ways of the Lord, for great is the glory of the Lord"
v 4, 5.

Exalting Him to others and glorifying His Holy Name among others should be a natural part of all our communications and conversations.

The God of the universe desires to work personally in your life.

When you worship the Lord by praying to Him, glorifying Him, witnessing for Him and submitting to Him, He works on your behalf.

If you need a reviving blessing today, turn to Him. He will grant it to you!

The Almighty is My Advocate
by My Manna

Plead my cause and redeem me; give me life according to your promise!  (Psalm 119:154)

"The Almighty is my Advocate!" the psalmist says.

You may be going through difficulties. People may lie about you, and uncomfortable situations may arise because they don't like you. Sometimes you are misunderstood and criticized.

You may be going through such an experience today.

But God is with you in the trials of life. When you and I are on trial, He pleads and defends our case.

That's what happened to Paul.

At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. (2 Tim 4:16-18)

God can and will handle the disputes.

When we pray to God and say, "Plead my case," He goes to work. He also can accomplish our redemption, our deliverance. You are not going to be found guilty, and you are not going to lose your job, property, family or ministry.

God sets His people free in the difficulties of life.

That's what happened to David.

When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. (Ps 34:17-18)

God can overcome your discouragements.

When you've been through a tough experience, you feel discouraged and let down.

But God lifts you above discouragement with His reviving power.

When others create difficulties for you, let God handle your dispute.

That's what happened to Jeremiah.

But I will deliver you on that day, declares the LORD, and you shall not be given into the hand of the men of whom you are afraid. For I will surely save you, and you shall not fall by the sword, but you shall have your life as a prize of war, because you have put your trust in me, declares the LORD.'" (Jer 39:17-18)

He will deliver you and lift you above your discouragement.

Likewise, Jesus will plead your case before the Father and forgive you.

Brainwash yourself with the following Word of God:

For the LORD is our Judge,
the LORD is our Lawgiver,
the LORD is our King;
it is He who will save us.
(Isaiah 33:22)

Today, Jesus is pleading your case in heaven. He is your Heavenly Advocate and your High Priest.

He gives you the grace to stay away from temptation and sin. But if you sin, you can go to your Advocate. He will forgive you, cleanse you and plead your case and will give you victory. Because the victory belongs to Him; not to the enemy!

If God is for us, who can be against us? (Rom. 8:31).

Free Your Faith
by My Manna

And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses." (Mark 11:25)

Few people realize just how closely connected faith and forgiveness are.

Jesus taught about that connection in His sermon on mountain-moving faith that's recorded in Mark 11:22-26.

He said, "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And whenever you stand praying, forgive.” (Mark 11:24, 25)

Jesus backed those two sentences up together on purpose.

He wanted us to know that releasing those who have wronged us is fundamental to receiving from God. He wanted to impress on our hearts the fact that we cannot have our prayers answered and hold grudges in our hearts at the same time.

Unforgiveness clogs the faith channel;

And keeps you powerless against the mountains in your life!

If you've been praying for something and you just can't seem to get an answer, check your heart for unforgiveness.

Ask the Holy Spirit to bring any grudge that's hidden there to light.

Unclog the channel of faith and you will soon see things you've been praying for come to pass.

Are you nursing anger and unforgiveness in your heart against any one in your life?

Call or call on that person and say "I forgive you!" and get reconciled very soon.

And then pray for your need.

Read Matthew 18:21-35;

And relate accordingly!

You Did It to Me
by MyManna

The following article is received from one of our contacts.

A young lady named Sally relates an experience she had in her seminary class, given by her teacher, Dr Smith. She says that Dr Smith was known for his elaborate object lessons.

One particular day, Sally walked into the seminary and knew they were in for a fun day.
On the wall was a big target and on a nearby table were many darts.

Dr. Smith told the students to draw a picture of someone that they disliked, hated or someone who had made them angry, and he would allow them to throw darts at the person's picture.

Sally's friend Joe drew a picture of one who had stolen his girl friend.

Another friend Susan drew a picture of his brother who cheated her in her property.

Another person drew a picture of someone who spoiled her moral dignity.

Another person drew a picture of one who black mailed him for a long time.

Sally drew a picture of a former friend, (later became a slanderer) putting a great deal of detail into her drawing, even drawing pimples on the face.
Sally was very pleased with the overall effect she had achieved.

The class lined up and began throwing darts.

Some of the students threw their darts with such force that their targets were ripping apart.

Sally looked forward to her turn, and was filled with disappointment when Dr. Smith, because of time limits, asked the students to return to their seats.
As Sally sat thinking about how angry she was because she didn't have a chance to throw any darts at her target, Dr Smith began removing the target from the wall.

Underneath the target was a picture of Jesus.

Needless to say a hush fell over the room as each student viewed the mangled picture of Jesus; holes and jagged marks covered His face and His eyes were pierced.

And at the bottom the following verse was written:

"'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for Me.' Matthew.25:40.

No other words were necessary; as tears filled eyes of the students, as they focused
only on the mangled picture of Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ said:

"But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful." (Luke 6:35-36).

He Gives More Grace
by MyManna

But He gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (Jas 4:6)

If there is an employee who shows potential and is diligent at his job, we will help him to succeed.

If there is a student who is serious with his studies, we will support him so he can do well in his studies.

I once watched a cooking competition.  One of the judges noticed that a particular contestant was languishing in the middle of the competition.

The judge went over to him and asked him if he was really passionate about winning the competition.  If he wasn't, then he should not be wasting his or the judges' time.  But if he was really keen, then the judges will help him to win.

In the same way, if we are really passionate about winning in life and the going is tough, God will certainly help us.

He shows us His grace so we can succeed.

We should not depend on our strength for it will soon grow weak.  We should not think we can do it on our own.

We need God's favor upon us.  He does not need to help us but because He loves us, He will help us though we do not deserve Him.

We should humble ourselves before God as we carry our burden.

He will show us more attention, so to say, even though His grace is always sufficient for us.

When the burden gets heavier, He will give us more strength, more wisdom, more joy, more peace, more encouragement, more guidance, more blessings, so that we can bear our burden.

So do not grow weary.  He gives you more grace.