Morning Manna

"For the time being no discipline brings joy, but seems grievous and painful; but afterwards it yields a peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it [a harvest of fruit which consists in righteousness--in conformity to God's will in purpose, thought, and action, resulting in right living and right standing with God]." -- Hebrews 12:11 AMP

Abba, living in the land between for almost a year, I understand more and more that this is training ground. Thank You for reminding me that You see, You hear, and You are concerned for my well-being. What a comfort!

Your Word says in that the final outcome of discipline is right believing and right living. The Greek shows that the word discipline means "education" or "training". We are being trained as Your children in the school of Life. Life Abundant was deep within Jesus' purpose for us and Your Holy Spirit, the Teacher and Revealer of Jesus, is our Guide.

I can relate to discipline as it comes to exercise. I know that it is good for me, but it sure is hard! I find it particularly hard to run. It is definitely not my favorite part of my regimen; however, I understand the benefits. I strongly dislike the treadmill before, but am happy after. I endure the pain, I despise it...but it brings me joy to know that my body submitted to its exercise education. It's necessary for me to tread on that mill over and over again. I can't say that with each time it has gotten easier, but I can say that my endurance has been stretched.

Your discipline in my life is a rescue mission. Your training in my life is for the road ahead. Your education of my heart is for my benefit. Your Hand in my life stretches, equips, and strengthens me to produce a bountiful harvest for Your Glory.


May I submit to the rough terrain in the land between and welcome Your Work of Grace and Peace in my heart.

Have Your Way...

Morning Manna

"Do not gather and heap up and store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust and worm consume and destroy, and where thieves break through and steal. But gather and heap up and store for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust nor worm consume and destroy, and where thieves do not break through and steal." -- Matthew 6:19-20 AMP

Abba, it's funny how most times a treasure on earth is shown (i.e., movies, books, etc.), there's a picture of a skull, there's greed, and fighting over ownership. Hmmm. Interesting!

Jesus taught His disciples to store treasures in Heaven. He came from Heaven and knew that treasures on earth do not exist in Heaven, they do not translate or have any worth.

You use three examples of treasure lost...

1) Moth - In those days, because cloth was heavily prized and displayed to show a family's wealth and standing, the moth could eat a family poor...literally overnight!

2) Rust - In those days, gold and silver was also a representative of a family's wealth. And rust could eat right through both.

3) Thieves - In those days, the houses were made from clay and/or stone and were very vulnerable to thieves. The word "thief" in this verse is "klepto" in the Greek such as "kleptomaniac". So, stolen, and stolen, and stolen...over and over again.

Abba, maybe Jesus was teaching this to His disciples because He did not want them to arrive to Heaven empty-handed and brokenhearted. I believe in His Kindness, He was advising them to stray from striving all of their lives, to stray from proving their worth on earth, to stray from living consistently bankrupt of what truly matters.

Thank You, Holy Spirit, for literally taking my face and turning it to behold Jesus...simplifying my focus this morning to what truly matters. Help me to grasp this Truth.

Seeking Him first and not worrying about all the added things...for they will come in their season and appointed time.

Morning Manna

"And He said to them, How many loaves do you have? Go and see. And when they [had looked and] knew, they said, Five [loaves] and two fish. Then He commanded the people all to recline on the green grass by companies. So they threw themselves down in ranks of hundreds and fifties [with the regularity of an arrangement of beds of herbs, looking like so many garden plots]. And taking the five loaves and two fish, He looked up to heaven and, praising God, gave thanks and broke the loaves and kept on giving them to the disciples to set before the people; and He [also] divided the two fish among [them] all. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve [small hand] baskets full of broken pieces [from the loaves] and of the fish." -- Matthew 6:38-43 AMP

Abba, what strikes me about this passage today is that You asked the disciples what they had in their hands. You didn't refer them to find the solution in a book they had read, a sermon preached the previous week, or a miracle they had recently witnessed. You asked them what they had in their hands at that moment.

I'm consistently amazed at how You encourage me! What little I have, in Your Hands, is much. By Your Grace, nothing that I do or can take credit for, You multiply what I have. You are my Jehovah Jireh.You love to provide for my needs.

Jesus, Your realm is the realm of faith, not the realm of feelings. For my feelings take me on a never-ending, always-looping roller coaster ride.

You caused the people to rest in fat pasture. You knew there would be a need. You already had a plan. A lesson of faith for Your disciples to learn.

Today I'm reminded to look beyond what I have in my hands. See with my eyes of faith.

Leaning on You rather than my own understanding.

Morning Manna

"Whoever will humble himself therefore and become like this little child [trusting, lowly, loving, forgiving] is greatest in the kingdom of heaven." -- Matthew 18:4 AMP

Abba, I'm really good at complicating, over-analyzing, and reading into things...all of these, at times, are detrimental to my Faith because they are based on what I see or feel. I spend hours upon hours arranging the scenarios trying to figure out - more often than not - the worst possible outcome, and at times, the best. I'm just being honest...You know how I am.

I desire to travel my life journey with a light heart.Teach me, Holy Spirit, to let go and let You! I wholeheartedly admit that I can only travel light in Your Strength...there is no other way.

Teach me, Jesus, to lean into You. Teach me to avoid the snares of the enemy. Teach me, Lord, to recognize unnecessary entanglements.

Little children naturally trust. Little children natural believe that their needs are met. Little children naturally believe they are amazing and loved...like duh!

Oh the cares of this life are chokingly deceitful...for what truly matters is living for the eternal.

Humbling myself under the care of Your Wings is an act of Grace. Understanding that You have gone before me, have experienced every trouble, have met every need, and have conquered every fear causes me to rest.

Faith of a little child...Jesus loves me this I know...this I pray today.

Morning Manna

"They looked to Him and were radiant; their faces shall never blush for shame or be confused." -- Psalm 34:5 AMP

Abba, when I look to You, You never turn away Your Face. There is no rejection in You, for You have suffered rejection at its highest level in my place.

Your Face is radiant with welcome. Your Face is inviting, brilliant, understanding, and gracious.

You are my High Priest forever. You empathize with the ups and downs of this life. I have a High Priest who perfectly understands my heart.

You are the Author and the Finisher of my faith, who knowing the end result of Your Substitutionary Sacrifice, endured the cross and the shame with joy...then You sat down...it is Finished!

There is no shame in Your Name...from Law to Love I will remain.

Morning Manna

"Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me." -- Psalm 23:4 AMP

Abba, the valley takes me to Higher Ground in You. The valleys are necessary channels of travel  - and growth - in my life. Oh how I most often resist and dread this path.

David was intimately aware of a shepherd's responsibilities and therefore penned Psalm 23 with acute awareness of Your Care for him, You care for us.

A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 by W. Phillip Keller has been a wonderful instrument of understanding. Keller, who grew up amongst sheep herders in the hills of East Africa and later was a rancher himself, delves deep into describing shepherd management. I enter in and out of Keller's book as needed, as necessary, for refreshing reminders of Your Grace.

Although the valley contains rough terrain, there is abundance of water, rich vegetation and pasture, and shade. The shepherd goes before the sheep to investigate the ground. He will not lead the sheep into the valley unless he is certain they will be safe...safe from wild beasts and extreme weather. Through the valley the sheep are led gently...they are not hurried...they are encouraged to rest.

Thank You for reminding me this morning, Great Shepherd, that the valleys are purposeful and a necessary avenue towards the final destination.

I need not fear...for You are with me.

Morning Manna

"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, so that we're free of worry on Judgment Day—our standing in the world is identical with Christ's. There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life—fear of death, fear of judgment—is one not yet fully formed in love." -- 1 John 4:17-18 MSG

Abba, You invite me to come to You as little child...eyes wide opened, sparkly, eager, fearless. Somehow life has a way of fogging, clouding out, expectancy and joy.

You assure me that You will never fail me nor abandon me. You nailed my biggest fears...literally.

There is no fear in love. You invite me to trust You. You invite me to be free from worry. You invite me to lean into Your Bosom as one whom Jesus loves. You invite me to enter into True Rest.

When fear has the run of the house, the roof caves in and the walls come crashing down. There is no Peace. When Love has the run of the house, we boldly and confidently say, The Lord is my Helper! Shalom in the home.

I need not fear exposure, condemnation, or judgement. You have suffered all these things in my place. Your substitutionary sacrifice offers me a Better Way to live. You are so kind.

I am the Righteousness of God in Christ...atonement has been made. The feasting begins...

Morning Manna

"And he shall be like a tree firmly planted [and tended] by the streams of water, ready to bring forth its fruit in its season; its leaf also shall not fade or wither; and everything he does shall prosper [and come to maturity]." -- Psalm 1:3 AMP

Abba, You are so kind to provide Your Children with Promises from Your Word. Beyond that, You are Faithful and Just to complete what You have started.

Psalm 1:3 is a very specific promise and I hold this Scripture deep in my heart. This Word is a Gift to me. Your Word brings such Hope to my life.

I pray that in due season a great Harvest will be revealed and reaped. Until then, I ask You for the Strength to believe Your Word with all of my heart. I pray for Strength to keep Your Word in my mouth and to speak words that compliment that which You are doing behind the scenes.

I cling to what You Have Said will take place at the appointed time within the appointed season.

Teach me about seasons, Lord...teach me how to flourish as I wait for You.

Morning Manna

"I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love; I lifted the yoke from their neck and bent down to feed them." -- Hosea 11:4 NIV

Abba, You are not a hard master. You are gentle, meek, and lowly in heart. You are kind, generous, and all-together lovely.

"We are only meant to wear the yoke that leads us to freedom. The yoke of Christ is kind." -- Beth Moore

I'm overwhelmed by Your Kindness in this Scripture. You lean down and take off the hard yoke. You replace the hard yoke with cords of loving-kindness. You are my provider, the Bread of Life...the only meal that truly satisfies.

I'm reminded, Jesus, of the wedding cords that are traditional in some cultures. A three strand cord is not easily broken! You tie me with cords that will not tear. They are gripped in Your Hands, yet they do not yank my neck nor crush my jaw.

Your ties, Your Bonds of Love, lead me. You want me to want to walk with You...You do not force me.

You will never let me go!

I am amazed at Your Love for Your People Israel. Oh how they bucked, pulled away, yanked hard at Your Cords of Love. Yet, Grace super-abounded...Your Unusual Kindness prevailed.

May I surrender to Your Cords of Love for me. Yes, Lord, tie them around my shoulders and lead me into Your Everlasting Arms.

Pull me close, lead me, walk with me in this season.

Morning Manna

"To everything there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven." -- Ecclesiastes 3:1 AMP

Abba, what You are showing me this morning is that seasons and times are not the same thing...although they work together, they are distinctly different.

A season is like a song and time is a note within that song. There is an appointed stanza where that note will play and fulfill its purpose amongst the composition piece. If the note plays out of rhythm, the song doesn't sound quite as beautiful as it was purposed to sound.

To everything there is a season. There is a beginning and an end, although sometimes they seem afar off. And within any season, there are appointed times for specific events.

I fee like, Lord, that the wind that blows bringing the change of the seasons is the waiting. Your Holy Spirit, Your Wind, opens the doors of a new season and closes the doors of a season past.

The theme in my heart is seasons. Strengthen my heart with Your Rest and Patience. Your Hand is at work behind the scenes.

Change is in the air...

Morning Manna

"She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness." -- Proverbs 31:26 NKJV

Abba, thank You for using Your amazing servant Beth Moore to encourage my heart. She passionately shared Your Word for Your Daughters yesterday.

I confess, I entered that event completely worn out, tired...over everything and just about every one. In Your Loving-Kindness and Tender-Mercy, You held me close. Through the times of worship, through the teaching, through the conversations, my heart was captivated by Your Beauty. Beholding You, I am changed.

It surely did not take me long to be unkind, that's for sure. Before I even walked in the door last night, I had already done the exact opposite of the Truth that I had focused on all day.  However, I would not allow the enemy to steal what I learned from You yesterday. No condemnation in Christ...I am not a failure.

Today my hearts request is that You would continue to teach me, show me, encourage me to be kind. I want the Torah of Kindness on my tongue. I want to be a gracious woman. I cannot abide in Grace without You.

May my mouth be filled with Your Wisdom, may my words be seasoned with Your Grace, and may Your Kindness be the editor by which I share my heart with others.

Morning Manna

"And she had a sister named Mary, who seated herself at the Lord's feet and was listening to His teaching. But Martha [overly occupied and too busy] was distracted with much serving; and she came up to Him and said, Lord, is it nothing to You that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me [to lend a hand and do her part along with me]! But the Lord replied to her by saying, Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; There is need of only one or but a few things. Mary has chosen the good portion [that which is to her advantage], which shall not be taken away from her." -- Luke 10:39-42 AMP

Abba, You are calling me today to take a seat, relax, and listen. You have invited me to sit at Your Feet to worship. I am willing.

As I attend the Beth Moore event today, I thank You that You have already set a table for me there. You have already prepared a five-course meal to feed my hungry heart. You have already set aside Your Word and Your Servant to speak to thousands of women today. I am blessed to be one of them. I am blessed to be Joann, a woman whom Jesus loves.

You are so kind to speak to me in pictures. Yesterday, You gave me the image of Martha and Mary. I know that You are inviting me to set aside my "kitchen duties" and enter into rest.

I accept Your invitation and as I prepare to leave this morning, my heart cries for a filling, a renewal, to take place today. The "dailies" sure can drain and deplete.

Fill my well, I pray. Cause me to worship You in spirit and in truth.

Morning Manna

"I once was young, now I'm a graybeard— not once have I seen an abandoned believer, or his kids out roaming the streets. Every day he's out giving and lending, his children making him proud." -- Psalm 37:25-26 MSG

Abba, You are fiercely protective of my family and I. As The Ruler of the Kingdom of Heaven, You provide for our every need. Provision is within the very thread of Kingdom Principles.

Today I pray for my husband and the work of his hands. Bless him in the city and in the country. Bless his coming out and his going in. May he have the Jesus touch - everything he touches heals, grows, prospers.

- Bless his speech, his thoughts...may he have the Mind of Christ.  
- Bless his fatherhood...may he encourage, love, and support his daughters.
- Bless his husband-hood...may he be strengthened in our marriage and future.
- Bless his body...may he be in good health and prosper, even as his soul prospers.
- Bless his relationships...not only those through personal ministry, but also those on the outside.
- Bless his leadership...may he lead like Jesus led.

Overwhelm him with Your Grace...unmerited favor. As he honors You, you will bless his wife and his children. We call him blessed!

Teach me to unconditionally love, respect, and honor the man You have chosen for me...my best friend.

He is Your Gift to me.

Morning Manna

"But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." -- Isaiah 40:31 NIV

Abba, You have used this Scripture to encourage me over and over again. Each time it is like a cool breeze in the hot summertime. I never get tired of this Scripture bubbling up in my heart!

I love the image of the eagle. There is something majestic about them...strong and fierce. Yet, there is a season where the eagle looks the exact opposite. During the eagle's molting season, they lose their flight feathers and appear weak and scraggly. However, during their molting season, they literally experience a rebirth...their youth is renewed.

Oh how I love Your Promises. During seasons of pruning and redirecting, You renew my strength! Things get slimmed down and stripped, yet it is purposeful. You have an end picture in mind, and although I cannot see what I will look like in the end, I trust Your design for my life.

My hope, my strength, my energy is found in You.

Have Your Way today...

Morning Manna

“You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him. -- Matthew 7:10-11 NLT

Abba, the Message translations ends verse 11 by saying, "So don't you think the God who conceived you in love will be even better?" So beautiful!

Even on my worst day, Jesus, I still provide for my girls. Regardless of my personal issues, I provide for my daughters...I will not turn them away.

Abba, what You are showing me is that as I raise them up to You in prayer, You will provide for their every need for You truly conceived them in Perfect Love. Your Perfect Love casts out any fear in my heart that my daughters will miss out or fall through the cracks of life.

If I will sacrifice my needs in order to provide for their needs, how much more does Your Sacrifice cause them to reign in this life! They are princesses in Your Kingdom and You are a Righteous and Loving King. No one in Your Kingdom does without.

I trust You to grow my daughters in Grace. I trust You to grow them in the knowledge of You. I trust You to grow them as You grew...in wisdom and stature, and favor with God and men.

Precious Jesus, my daughters are Yours. They are in Your Lovable and Capable Hands...the absolute best place to be, the better place.

Have Your Way in their hearts today.

Morning Manna

"...Our daughters as sculptured corner pillars hewn like those of a palace." -- Psalm 144:12 AMP

Abba, You have designed my daughter's in a very specific, planned-out way...Your Way. You have a special place where they will flourish.

I pray that they will fulfill this Scripture by Your Holy Spirit. May they be cornerstones in Your House. May they grow up and grow strong. May they find their place in Your Palace, for they are princesses.

I pray that You will prepare their hearts to support, respect, and honor their future husbands...Proverbs 31 women. May they find their place alongside their princes. Unite them in the Bonds of Love.

You have designed each of our daughters by Your Intricate, Lovable, and Capable Hand. You are precise and do not error. You are the Potter...we are the clay.

Have Your Way in our girls, Jesus. Draw them to Your Heart and may the realize all of their dreams by Your Strength.

Morning Manna

"Now [in Haran] the Lord said to Abram, Go for yourself [for your own advantage] away from your country...." -- Genesis 12:1 AMP

"So Abram departed, as the Lord had directed him...." -- Genesis 12:4 AMP

"Now there was a famine in the land...." -- Genesis 12:10 AMP

Abba, Abraham was a man of great faith and I am inspired by his ultimate trust in Your Plan for his life.

You asked Abraham to leave his country and he obeyed, but was he surprised to find that after Your promises of multiplication, fame, good success, and protection (v. 2-3), he was met with famine?

I am thankful that You show the human side of Abraham. You show us how in his fear, he told a lie about his wife. They were half-siblings, so it wasn't a total lie, but a lie never the less. You show that Abraham felt the pressure of his circumstance and in self-preservation, did what he thought would save his life. And this wasn't the only time he lied! Yet, in Your Bountiful Grace, You fulfilled Your Promises.

Oh Abba, I'm on a new journey...have been on it for some time now. Out of obedience, following Your Voice. You promise to take care of me. Yet, I must confess, this journey has been very hard.

There are times my heart cries, "What in the world?" In Your Patience, You comfort the ache. You comfort the desire for respite.

Abraham had to subtract and divide in order to multiply. I suppose that I must follow Your Lead and his example. Your Love for me is my Strength.

I'll stay on the journey. I'll pray so very much. I'll keep heart until the end.

Morning Manna

"...And be not grieved and depressed, for the joy of the Lord is your strength and stronghold." -- Nehemiah 8:10 AMP

Abba, You are showing me that in the journey of life, I must find Joy. For the Joy of the Lord IS my strength. Honestly, I have found this hard to understand and grasp until this week.

Thanks to Your incredible and anointed servant, Kim Walker, I'm beginning to see the Light. In her beautiful song, Show Me Your Glory, there is a part where she sings of the Joy of the Lord. What I'm beginning to understand is that - You find Joy in me...that gives me strength. I am the delight of Your Heart and I belong to You! Knowing, grasping, this I can say without fear, "Show me Your Glory!" I can pray, "Show me my glory", the part of Your Divine Plan for which I was created.

When I join in praise with Kim Walker/Jesus Culture...in my car, on the treadmill, in my home office, I am overwhelmed by Your Love for me. My heart is truly strengthened by the One that I Love.

Grasping the width, depth, length, and height - an Ephesians 3:18 kind of Love - the wellspring of Joy begins to fill my heart!

I belong to You, I belong to You, I belong to You...My Strength in life is I am Yours!

Morning Manna

Abba, just before bed last night, You ministered to my heart through the following devotion from Joy for the Journey - A Woman's Book of Joyful Promises. May the Scriptures and words shared bless my friends today in Jesus Name.

"Commit your works to the LORD, and your thoughts will be established." -- Proverbs 16:3 NKJV

"This is the day the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." -- Psalm 118:24 NKJV

"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." -- Ephesians 2:10 NKJV

Blessings in Your Daily Tasks

Anne Morrow Lindbergh observed somewhere in her timeless little book, Gift from the Sea, that most of us don't really mind pouring our lives out for a reason. What we do resent is the feeling that it is being dribbled away in small, meaningless drops for no good reason.

For me, one of the greatest frustrations of walking through the "dailiness" of my life as a Christian is that I don't always get to see how the bits and pieces of who I am fit into the big picture of God's Plan. It's tempting at times to see my life as a meal here, a meeting there, a carpool, a phone call, a sack of groceries -- all disjointed fragments of nothing in particular.

And yet I know I am called, as God's child, to believe by faith that they do add up. That in some way every single scrap of my life, every step and every struggle, is in the process of being fitted together into God's huge and perfect pattern for good.

Claire Cloninger
When God Shines Through

Morning Manna

"But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve...But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." -- Joshua 24:15 NIV

Abba, this is my prayer - that my family will serve You and no other. My prayer is that my daughter's not only serve You while under our roof, but continue their journey with Christ long after they are on their own. I place them in Your Lovable and Capable Hands.

Your Word says in Romans 2:4 that it is Your Kindness that leads us to repentance. Oh what a Truth! Looking back on our family's history, You have been SO Good and SO Kind! Even as recent as yesterday, I was nearly in tears at Your Goodness and Your Work behind the scenes. You truly take such wonderful care of us...You never miss a thing.

Gracious Jesus, I pray that You will lead our family. Great Shepherd, draw us to Your Heart. Bring our daughters to a place of personal acknowledgment, acceptance, and reliance of Your Grace, Your Hand, in their lives. May they know You in a deep and very personal way, the Better Way.

Loved beyond measure, I will serve You all the days of my life.

Morning Manna

"I am the Gate. Anyone who goes through me will be cared for—will freely go in and out, and find pasture. A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of." -- John 10:9-10 MSG

 Abba, the lion comes to devour, but You come to give Abundant Life!

Jesus, You are the Keeper of the sheep, the Great Shepherd, and You lay down Your Life for the Sheep. Back in those days, the shepherd of the sheep would literally lay down on the ground as the gate for the sheep. Any sheep would have to go through the shepherd to exit the pasture and any animal wanting to harm the sheep would have to deal with the shepherd first.

Haven't You done this for us? Haven't You laid down Your Life for me? Haven't You placed Yourself as the Guardian of my life? Won't the enemy of my soul, the devouring lion, have to contend with You first?

Thank You, Shepherd of my heart, for getting in harms way. Thank You, Living Savior, for repairing the breach.

You are the Gate...I am a sheep of Your Pasture.

Morning Manna

"I WILL lift up my eyes to the hills [around Jerusalem, to sacred Mount Zion and Mount Moriah] -- From whence shall my help come? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip or to be moved; He Who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand [the side not carrying a shield]. The sun shall not smite you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all evil; He will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore." -- Psalm 121:1-8 AMP

Abba, You who keeps me never slumbers, nor sleeps. Your ever-watchful eye does not lose focus on my life.

I'm awake at 3:00 am because my daughter's tummy was feeling yucky. We called upon You and You were right there for us.You brought Peace in the midst of the storm.

This Psalm - 121 - brings great comfort to my heart. Nothing gets by You, Jesus...You are by my side at all times. You are by my family's side as well. You are on night duty...You are on day duty!

Thank You for reassuring me that I am not alone. You are so patient. You are so kind. It is Your Nature to walk alongside me at my pace. You don't rush my understanding of Your Truth. You lead me, You guide me, to still waters. You restore my soul.

Thank You that we call upon Your Name and are saved...we are safe under the shadow of Your Wings.

Morning Manna

"In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides]." -- Ephesians 6:10 AMP

Abba, in the first 9 verses in Ephesians 6, Paul shares a list of admonitions...instructions for children, parents, masters, servants. Then, Ephesians 6:10 is the conclusion of that list -- Be strong in the Lord! It is amazing to me that he is writing this letter from prison...that makes me stand at attention. It's as though Paul says, "Listen, if I could tell you one thing, it would be this...and here's how to do it."

Then, Paul sets out 9 verses about relationship. Children, this is how to get along with your parents. Parents, this is how to get along with your children. Masters, this is how to treat your servants. Servants, this is how to treat your masters. And how will you do all of this? In the Strength of the Lord.

In order to fulfill my part as a parent, to take Paul's advice, I must find my Strength in Christ so that I can do all things. In order to tenderly bring up my children in Christ, I must rely on Him to quicken and equip me with Wisdom, Knowledge, Discernment. I must open my ears, open my heart, for His Guidance.

Then, Paul shares in verses 11 - 17, to put on the complete Armor of God in order to stand against the enemy of our souls. He concludes his mentoring advice in verse 18 saying, "Pray and don't stop praying!"

Jesus, You have defeated this enemy and concluded Your Battle with, "It is finished!"

I ask You for Strength to put on the complete Armor of God and fight for the relationships in my life...for my children, for my marriage, for my voice. In Your Strength, I'll pray and won't stop praying!

I am empowered by my Union with You. I draw my Strength from Your Boundless Might.

Infuse my heart, by the Power of Your Spirit, with unyielding resolve.

I cannot do this alone...You will never fail me nor abandon me.

Morning Manna

"Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart." -- Psalm 37:4 AMP

Abba, searching for, understanding, and articulating the desires of my heart is a journey. I believe that the journey to desire is one full of hope.

I've been challenged to answer three questions about Desire...

1) What do I deeply desire to bring to this world?

2) What is the contribution that I long to hear that I have made?

3) What am I doing when I sense God's pleasure and presence in my life?

Pondering my answers to these questions is causing me to rethink many things. I am pursuing You for clarity, passion, and renewed purpose.

The life of ought is a soul-killing life. -- John Eldredge

Help me to watch my attitude about engagement. I want my heart to follow my obedience. I believe that duty + obedience - relationship = heart failure.

Reconnecting with the "why's" of my current season sheds light and reconnection with The Sacred Romance, the epic story that You are writing about me. It's big-picture thinking.

Pursuing Your Heart about my heart...what do I desire?

Morning Manna

"And prove Me now herewith...." -- Malachi 3:10 KJV



Abba, there's only one Way, one road, to Hope and that's Jesus!

Stopping for a little perspective is good. A little perspective goes a long way!

You ask us to prove You. Because I know that You are a God of Your Word, I boldly approach Your Throne of Grace in my time of need. We are truly stepping out in faith...trusting You to supply all of our need according to Your Heavenly Warehouse.

Open the Windows, the Gates, the Ceiling of Heaven and pour out Your Grace to overflowing. Make us expand our borders. Cause us to expand our boundaries and enlarge our territory for Your Glory!

Awaken the desires of my heart. Laser focus what my true desires are in line with my ultimate purpose in this world.

Awaken my story and bring Hope...for Your Glory, I pray.

Morning Manna

"For He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [ Assuredly not!]" -- Hebrews 13:5 AMP

Abba, You and I have been sealed in Covenant by the Blood of Your Precious Son. Together Forever!

You know that the root of my fears is abandonment...this has been something that I have fought in Your Strength all of my life. Thank You for reminding me that I am in Your Grip of Grace. I am in the hold of Your Strong, Plump, Warm Hands.

You will not relax Your Hold on me. Not only do You hold my hands, You are holding them tight. And although You know my propensity to resist Your Grip, You hold my hands firmly, yet without causing me pain...You don't crush my fingers, cramp my hand, or cause the tips of my fingers to change color. You hold my hands in Confident and Faithful Love.

Hebrews 13:5 is a significant verse not only in my life, but in my daughter's as well. This Precious Scripture is written on our hearts as a result of our story. We cling to Your Heart towards us, "I will never fail you nor abandon you."

What a comfort indeed...to know that I am in Your Grip. Three times You repeat Yourself, the One who in one Word formed the Heavens. Yes, it will most likely take three times and then some for me to believe, to grasp, that I am wanted, that I am lovable, that I am Your Bride.

Your End Picture for us...You and I in Eternal Covenant and Wedded Bliss. I am looking up.

Through the fire and through the storm...in every high and every low...Lord, You never let go of me.

Morning Manna

"On that same day [when] evening had come, He said to them, Let us go over to the other side [of the lake]. And leaving the throng, they took Him with them, [just] as He was, in the boat [in which He was sitting]. And other boats were with Him. And a furious storm of wind [of hurricane proportions] arose, and the waves kept beating into the boat, so that it was already becoming filled. But He [Himself] was in the stern [of the boat], asleep on the [leather] cushion; and they awoke Him and said to Him, Master, do You not care that we are perishing? And He arose and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, Hush now! Be still (muzzled)! And the wind ceased (sank to rest as if exhausted by its beating) and there was [immediately] a great calm (a perfect peacefulness). He said to them, Why are you so timid and fearful? How is it that you have no faith (no firmly relying trust)? And they were filled with great awe and feared exceedingly and said one to another, Who then is this, that even wind and sea obey Him?" -- Mark 4:35-41 AMP

Abba, most often the storm rages in my mind. Some days the storm is a simple rain shower and other days its a downright squall. I awoke at 4:30 am today with so many thoughts swirling in my mind and heart. Of course, in my pride, feeling like I was responsible for total resolution. Feeling like I was responsible to calm the waves of restlessness, the winds of adversity, and the noise of the enemy.

You know I'm a picture person, Jesus. You created me that way. Thank You for bringing to my heart the picture of You on the boat in the midst of the sea. You calming the storm. Peace be still! 

Although in Your Flesh You napped on the boat to recover from Your busy day, Your Heart was wide awake.You shepherded Your Flock all day long - healed the sick, shared the Love of Your Father, were pulled and tugged on by the throng. Yet, The Truth is that You never slumber nor sleep. You are my Vigilant King.

O me of little faith!

This morning You say, "Peace be still!" to my mind and heart and I am calmed. This morning You say, "I will never fail You nor abandon You" and I am comforted. This morning You say, "My Grace is sufficient for You" and I know that we will get to the other side together.

I am not alone...Peace be still!