Author: The Manna Chef

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Why Is This Fire Seven Times Hotter?

The Manna Chef

Have you ever experienced a time when you stood up for what you knew was right and you were walking in obedience to the Lord, and things still seemed like they were getting worse?  Like every time you turn around, something is happening that you have little or no control over?  Or maybe it’s the Job moment when all of the news is bad news at one time?  Those experiences can be very disheartening; I’m not going to even pretend that they aren’t.  But God promised to be with us always.  And He is not a man that He should lie. 

Life is composed of twists and turns that can really take our breath away, but God promised that all things will ultimately work out for our good.  It’s so important to fully grasp onto that.  Sometimes things don’t feel good, but God is good.  When things go awry, and at some point they will, know that God is good and that He has the final say—always.  Recently, I talked to God about the Hebrew boys and the fiery furnace, and I’d like share a few things with you and hopefully encourage your spirit today.

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When You Feel Like You’re on Empty

The Manna Chef

Have you ever experienced a moment when it seems like there is so much going on around you that you cannot catch your breath?  Many of us pour out all the time, but what happens when there’s no one around you to pour back in?

In a dream recently, God showed me an open area with fountains all around me.  He had strategically placed them to refresh me along the journey.  It was amazing; it made me think about the many times I’ve just felt exhausted while I was really trying to walk the way God has called me to walk.  And I realize that He has always been right there to pour back into me, even when I didn’t recognize Him at that moment.

God promises to never leave us nor forsake us.  (I used present tense purposely because it’s an everyday promise.)   He tells us, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”  (Matthew 11:28 NLT)  But we have to take the time to be still long enough to receive that rest and to be refreshed.  Of course, Jesus is our Living Water—the well that will never run dry.  But God has also called some of His children to be spiritual fountains who pour into others along the way.  It’s not an easy assignment though.  When you carry this anointing, you have to spend time with the Lord and allow Him to fill your cup.  And you will need your cup to overflow, so stay in His presence no matter what!  It’s also important for you to recognize other fountains that can pour into you when you do become weary, because we live in fleshly bodies that do actually get tired sometimes.

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When They Just Don’t Want to Know

The Manna Chef

Why is it that when someone is suffering, everyone assumes that it is punishment as a result of sin?  People spend a lot of time trying to figure out your situation and often come to the wrong conclusions.  John 9:1-7 gives us an account of Jesus healing a man who was born blind.  Even the disciples thought the blindness was a result of sin (either the man or his parents).  Jesus assured them that no one had caused the blindness:  God allowed it so that His glory would be on full display.  That’s right; some of the tests that you encounter are simply to allow God’s glory to be seen in your life.  When challenges arise, it’s not always because you’ve done something wrong.  The enemy berates us and tries to make us think that God is on His throne waiting to beat us down.  But that is not the God we serve.  He is not just going about trying to find people to punish.  Sometimes He puts you on display for His glory to manifest.  He actually chooses you for some tests and has already given you the victory.  You just need to trust Him and obey.

John 9 continues to paint the picture of how the people reacted to the man who was healed:

8 His neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging asked, “Isn’t this the same man who used to sit and beg?” 9 Some claimed that he was.

Others said, “No, he only looks like him.”

But he himself insisted, “I am the man.”

10 “How then were your eyes opened?” they asked.

11 He replied, “The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see.”

Now, these folks had known him all his life, but for some reason, they seem to have trouble believing that his condition has changed.  Believe it or not, some people would rather you stay in a state of distress and brokenness than to see you delivered.  Instead of celebrating the miracle, they were too busy trying to figure out how he was healed.  The man told them about Jesus.  That’s what we should do without hesitation; point them right to Jesus.  But, be warned…not everyone will celebrate your miracles and blessings. 

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This Time, You Might Have to Get Your Feet Wet

The Manna Chef

God is calling us to newer heights.  He is calling us to the unfamiliar and to uncharted territory.  This time, where you are headed may not look like what you have been used to, and it’s by design.  To go where you’ve never been you have to do what you’ve never done. 

Before God delivered the children out of Egypt, we know they became fearful and they grumbled.  But God was still faithful, and He moved in supernatural fashion for them. 

Exodus 14:13-16

13 And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. 14 The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.”

15 And the Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward. 16 But lift up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it. And the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.

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Speak the Word Only

The Manna Chef

Let me ask you something, do you really believe the Word of God?  Do you believe that God is Who He says He is and that He will do what He said He will do?

God led me to a very familiar passage to remind me of just how effective His Word is in my life:  Matthew 8:5-13.  (I’m going to share with you a few verses at a time to paint the picture that He revealed to me.)

Verses 5-6: Now when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented.”

This Roman officer approached Jesus and pleaded with Him.  “Jesus, my servant is at home sick, paralyzed in terrible pain.”  He explained the condition to Jesus because He knew that Jesus could take care of the problem.  (Are we taking our problems to the One who can actually solve them?)

Verse 7: And Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.”  See, Jesus responded to the man’s request.  He heard the plea and was moved to act.

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