Morning Manna
Start each day with encouragement from God's Word. Morning Manna is a brief, Scripture-centered devotional designed to strengthen your faith, deepen your walk with Christ, and prepare your heart for the day ahead. In just 5–10 minutes, Pastor Woody Posey shares biblical truth, practical application, and heartfelt prayer to help you grow closer to Jesus. Whether you're beginning your morning, taking a lunch break, or winding down in the evening, these daily devotions will remind you that God's mercies are new every morning and His Word is sufficient for every season of life.
*"Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." — Matthew 4:4 (KJV)
Morning Manna
Following Christ Means Surrendering Your Plans
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We walk through John 6:14-15 after the feeding of the five thousand and confront how easy it is to praise Jesus while still trying to control Him. We ask why we follow Christ and choose surrender over a faith built on getting our way.
• the crowd’s praise after the miracle and why recognition is not surrender
• the attempt to make Jesus king by force and the motives underneath it
• the difference between wanting Jesus’ rule and wanting His usefulness
• the cross before the crown and why God’s timing cannot be rushed
• heart-level questions that expose whether we seek blessings or the Lord
• practical takeaways: trust God’s timing, examine motives, make Jesus King daily
Welcome And Scripture Reading
SPEAKER_00Welcome to Morning Manna, where we begin each day by feeding on the living word of God. Thank you for joining me as we continue our verse by verse study through the Gospel of John. I am your host, Pastor Woody Posey. Today's scripture is John chapter 6, verse 14 through 15. After Jesus miraculously fed the five thousand, the crowd responded in a way that seemed honorable, but Jesus knew their hearts. These two verses remind us that following Christ must be based on his will, not our own expectations.
Opening Prayer And Heart Check
SPEAKER_00Let's begin in prayer. Heavenly Father, thank you for the privilege of opening your word today. As we study this passage, help us to examine out our own hearts. Teach us to follow Jesus for who he truly is and not merely for what He we hope He will do for us. May our lives be surrendered to your perfect will. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
The Miracle And The Prophet Claim
SPEAKER_00Our passage begins immediately after Jesus fed five thousand of the people, with five barley loaves and two small fish. The people had witnessed something they could not explain. Verse fourteen says, Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of truth, that prophet that should come into the world. For the first time many openly acknowledged that Jesus was a promised prophet spoken of by Moses. They recognized that something extraordinary had happened. But recognizing Jesus is not the same as surrendering to Jesus. Many people admire Christ, many people respect his teachings, many people appreciate his miracles, but true faith goes beyond admiration, it leads to obedience.
When People Try To Use Jesus
SPEAKER_00Verse fifteen reveals what was really happening in the hearts of the people. When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone. The people wanted Jesus to become their king, but not because they wanted his rule over their hearts. They wanted him to overthrow the Roman government. They wanted political freedom, they wanted someone who could keep their stomachs full and solve all their earthly problems. In other words, they wanted a king they could use for their own purpose. Jesus refused. He had not come merely to wear an earthly crown, he had come to bear a rugged cross. Jesus knew that the crown would come, but only after the cross. The Father's plan could not be rushed or redirected by public opinion. How often do we try to tell God how he should work? We pray for him to solve problems immediately, we ask him to change our circumstances according to our plans, but God's ways are always higher than ours. His timing is always perfect. Jesus would indeed be king, but first he had to become the sacrifice for our sins. Without the cross there could be no salvation. Without the resurrection, there could be no victory.
Why Do I Follow Jesus?
SPEAKER_00The passage challenges us to ask an important question Why do I follow Jesus? Is it only because I want to answer my prayers? Beep beep back up edit. Is it only because I want him to answer my prayers? Is it because I want his blessings? Or do I love him simply because he is my Savior and Lord? There is nothing wrong with bringing our needs to Christ. In fact, he invites us to do so, but our relationship with him must be deeper than what he can give us. Real disciples follow Jesus in season of abundance and in seasons of hardship. We worship him not only for his gifts, but because he alone is worthy. The crowd fooled one another, but they did not fool Jesus. He perceived their motives immediately. The same is true today. Jesus knows why we come to him. He knows our fears, he knows our struggles, he knows our desires, and he lovingly calls us to a deeper faith, a faith that seeks his will above our own. When Christ becomes king of our hearts, every area of our lives comes under his authority. Our family, our finances, our ambitions, our future, everything belongs to Him. What does this short passage teach us? First, don't confuse admiration with for commitment. Many admire Jesus, but true disciples surrender to him. Second, trust God's timing. The crowd wanted us immediate back up beep beep edit back up. The crowd wanted an immediate kingdom. God had a greater plan through the cross. Third, examine your motives. Ask yourself whether you're following Christ only for what he can do or because he is worthy of your complete devotion. Finally, make Jesus King of your life today. Not just King on Sunday in the morning, not just king during difficult times, but king every day in every decision and in every part of your life.
Closing Prayer And Final Challenge
SPEAKER_00Father, thank you for sending Jesus not only to be our King, but also to be our Savior. Forgive us when we've been more interested in your blessings than in your presence. Help us to follow Christ with sincere hearts. Teach us to trust your timing, submit to your will, and worship you simply because you are worthy. May Jesus truly reign as King in every area of our lives. We ask these things in His precious name. Amen. Thank you for joining me for today's episode of Morning Manna. As you go through this day, remember this question. Am I asking Jesus to follow my plans or am I following his? May we always seek his kingdom before our own, his will before our desires, and his glory above everything else. Until next time, keep your eyes on Christ, keep your heart surrendered. Remember that the King who refused the earthly crown now reigns forever as King of kings and Lord of Lords. God bless you and have a wonderful day.