emotions

Fresh Manna
by Pastor Tim Burt

Have you ever woke up in the morning and felt like it was going to be a bad day before you even got out of bed? You slept lousy. You dreamt weird pizza dreams. You look in the mirror and are discouraged at what you see. You put on outfit that you just can’t seem to coordinate. You mind is screaming—You look ugly. You didn’t get any sleep and you won’t make it through the day. Your life is pathetic. So, if you have, then let me ask you—who would be behind that kind of day’s start and those kinds of thoughts, God or Satan? As a Christian, the beauty of God-given discernment is that the Holy Spirit within you can help you figure out the answer to that question.

If you’ve ever spent any time learning the character of God, then you’d know God wouldn’t be behind that kind of start to your day. He wouldn’t be behind those kinds of thoughts. Satan would! That is Satan’s character. He’d love to bombard you with discouragement of all kinds—helping you wish you’d never woken up.

We all experience days where everything seems to create pressure. Conflicts with your spouse, you overslept, the kids are whiny and uncooperative, your running behind, and you have a huge day ahead of you. You feel discouraged and pressures want to break you down before you’ve really even started!

If we cave in to our feelings in times like that and let our emotions match our circumstances, the day will go from bad to worse in record time. It’s at times like that you have to look in the mirror and shout Stop! I am a child of God. His grace will give me the strength and wisdom I need for this day. Jesus paid the price for me to be blessed! Galatians 3:11 says that God’s children “…live by faith.” Satan, I refuse to look at the circumstances that surround me and let you dictate my emotions. 2 Corinthians 5:7 says that I “walk by faith, not by sight.” God has made His grace abundant for me and He is with me and will turn this day around as I apply my faith. Satan, I rebuke you and your lying discouragement in Jesus name. Get out!

Now as you are still looking in the mirror say, See! Things are getting better already! Redo you hair. Put on a different outfit. Let it be good enough. Know that God’s favor and grace will fill the gap and shortcomings you see in yourself. Start singing about how good God is to you! Make up a song and sing about His goodness. Make yourself laugh. Put on a smile. Look back in that mirror, smile and say, I’m look better already! I’m going to have a good day in the Lord. His favor is upon me. He will bless everything I diligently put my hand to! Praise the Lord!

Why can and would you do such a thing? Because of who you are! People who don’t know Jesus get up believing they are a victim of their feelings and whatever comes their way that day. That is not the case with you. That is not who you are. You are God’s child. Romans 8:16 says, “The Holy Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” As a child of God He has given us His name over the enemy in this earth. James 4:7 (NLT) says, “So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

You may think, That’s pretty hard for me to believe. Who am I to do these things? Exactly! That is the thinking of people that DON’T know who they are in Christ. Until you know who you are, you’ll never step out in faith believing God is in you and wanting to work through you. Even when you do begin to take steps of faith, they might initially feel more like steps of hope. Hope helps you push the starter! Faith keeps you moving in who God says you are! When that does happen, you’ve become a threat to Satan. You will no longer be his whipping boy. Negative situations will no longer control you or your emotions. You’ll rise up in God’s grace and turn things around!

Should I tell you more? I’ll pick up here next time. For today, know that God wants to bless you and create an expectation within you that powers your faith to handle any temporary pressures or issues that come against you. If your day doesn’t start the way it should, take back your day in Jesus name and put it on track! Own your day! Live it with joy! It’s your heritage in the Lord! And remember these words. 1 John 4:4 (NLT) “But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory… because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.” More next time…

Psalm 118:24 (NIV) “This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

In His love,
Pastor Tim Burt

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If your heart has been touched by God’s love through Fresh Manna, would you like to help Pastor Tim reach others also? Please prayerfully consider donating. No gift is too small.

Timothy Burt

Daily Devotionals and Inspiration to Encourage Your Heart

Part One: Have a Better Day!

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