God helps us in our time of Distress

"The troubles of my heart are enlarged; bring me out of my distresses" Psalm 25:17

Our heart can tell us a lot about our mental, physical and spiritual health when faced with opposition. It's a great indication of how well we handle the various pressures we face in life. Health concerns, financial hardships, family issues or ministry related stresses can all bring unwanted trouble to our hearts. Some of us try to figure things out on our own before seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Our first response should always be prayer. It is in our intimate and sacred time with the Lord we will find genuine help. God will direct us where to go, who to speak to and what we need to do. Moments of distress cannot be handled alone. We need his presence to steady our hearts and relax our minds. Otherwise we will give into negative thoughts and behaviors. It’s in these instances the enemy will capitalize on our fears and anxieties. We desperately need the Holy Spirit to help us navigate out of the looming darkness of our thoughts and circumstances and into God's illuminating light. Think of God’s light as gravity; the closer we get to it the more we will be pulled to the truth. The daunting cloud of our stress will begin to dissipate.

Although our hearts are full with emotions that make us feel like they are raging out of control; the truth is we are in control when we place our confidence in God. The only way we can overcome our fears and anxieties is to take back our confidence and place it where it belongs...in God's capable hands.

We have the power to speak not only to our situations but also to our emotions. If we can control our emotions we are able to think clearly, pray fervently and hope with joy that whatever we face is turning around for our good. Why? Because the word of God clearly states that he is not only working things out for our good...but when it's all said and done his plan is going to make our way prosperous.

Hold on to this truth...God is a deliverer. Think of how he has shown up in your life. Recall all of your victories, count all of your blessings big and small and take rest in his ability to do it again! Turnover all of your stress to God. Lay your cares, fears, doubts and your sins before him. Bear your heart, tell him you need his divine intervention and trust that we will do what only he can do. In return, if you are willing to receive it... you will obtain the grace to endure, the peace that your heart longs for, and the assurance that he is in control.

#freshmanna #freshmannainspired #thatmannafromheaven #dailymanna #godisourhelper

Take a moment to Meditate!

As you approach a new week carve out 10 minutes to mediate on the goodness and faithfulness of God. Every minute spent on centering your attention will center you throughout your day to help you focus on your priorities and what is important. You will notice that your attitude will shift back into alignment with God's plan for your day. Let everything you do this week glorify God.

Scripture of the Day:

Psalm 145: 10-11

"All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord,

and all your saints shall bless you!

They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom

and tell of your power"

There are so many ways that we can bless the Lord! Can you think of one way you can bless the Lord? Tell us how you bless the Lord.

#freshmanna #freshmannainspired #thatmannafromheaven #mydailymanna

Lordship

"But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have..." 1Peter 3:15 Our understanding of God will always be challenged by life experiences. It is in those instances we need to ensure that our minds are fully made up about the God we serve. If we know him we will not allow what we are faced with to consume our faith. To be fully persuaded and intentional about God is to confess his lordship over your life everyday. Lord is defined as someone or something having power, authority, or influence; a master or ruler. Take a moment to think about that. Can you say that Jesus is the only person that is positioned in your life as Lord? Are you allowing or confessing other things to be lord over you? What have you given power, authority or influence in your life? If Jesus is not assuming his rightful place on the throne of your heart then this is the perfect time to dethrone what is sitting in his place! It's time to dismantle and disallow everything that is ruling in your hearts that is not the Spirit of God. Now is the time to give an eviction notice to everything that is getting in the way of Jesus having complete influence in your life. Nothing should be able to compete with your faith in God. The seat of your heart must belong to the authority of Christ and not at the mercy of anyone or anything else. Your confession of faith, hope and trust in God must be daily. When you decide to speak God's word over your life you make a decision to trust him and not your fears. We should approach God with gratitude and thanksgiving at all times even in difficult seasons. Confess his goodness every single day and be willing to share your faith with anyone who desires to gain the hope you carry.You will open the door to evangelize every time God expands your testimony.

#freshmanna #freshmannainspired #thatmannafromheaven #mydailymanna