A place of refreshment, the porch of the Lord…
Pull up a chair, take in spiritual air.
Jesus always has time, and His is the power–
Receive there His touch in this end-time hour.
Like Mary, take time to sit at His feet;
Come to His porch for relief from life’s heat.
Only one thing is needful and truly can please–
His Word and His presence, felt on each breeze.
He offers living water, quenching everyone’s thirst;
And that’s yours there daily, by seeking Him first.
There’s joy on His porch, with your sisters and brothers,
As you find your needs met while caring about others.
The healing and peace which only Christ can bring
Are found there at all times—an everlasting spring.
Taste there His love, so generously poured;
Your “cup will run over” on the porch of the Lord.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, ‘Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.’ And Jesus answered and said to her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things; But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.'” Luke 10:38-42 NKJV
Jesus Christ of Nazareth had taken His destined place
On a cruel cross upon a hill–for the task He’d been born to face.
His sinless life had made Him the chosen Lamb of God–
Though now He sits at God’s right hand and bears a Shepherd’s rod.
Three days after Christ’s burial, and just at the brink of dawn,
Some, in love, had come to the tomb and had found that His body was gone.
But the pain of their grief concerning His death had then given way
To amazing angelic tidings on that glorious Resurrection day! Jesus, the Man on the center cross, on the hill of crucifixion had been
The focus of God’s judgement upon all of mankind’s sin.
But now, with joy, the angels reminded that just as He had said, Jesus, God’s Son, had risen in victory, up from the dead!
His Father’s gracious plan of redemption for all people had been met;
And, therefore, all of their sins, a holy God could now forget!
There’s just one requirement remaining; and it’s your choice–
To believe in your heart He’s Savior, and confess it with your voice.
Angels rejoice in heaven over one sinner who’ll repent,
And put their faith in Jesus Christ–the One Whom God has sent.
P. A. Oltrogge
“…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus….” Romans 3:23-24
“For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Romans 10:10
“In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Luke 15:10 (NASB)
“For He says: ‘In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you.’ Behold, nowis the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2
“Therefore, I will divide Him a portion with the great, and He shall divide the spoil with the strong, because He poured out His soul unto death, and He was numbered with the transgressors, and He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.”
Isaiah 53:12
Scriptures: NKJV or as noted
Resurrection references: Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20
Christ and the Rich Young Ruler by Pauline Voorhees Eikenberry
A rich young ruler, with eternal concerns, made a mental list–
Then sought out Christ to see if there was anything he’d missed.
In contemplating heaven, he hoped he’d done God’s will
By following His laws, from his youth, but wondered still.
He addressed Christ as a good teacher, but didn’t realize
That Christ wasn’t just a good teacher, but God before his very eyes.
He asked the Lord what he could do to aid him on eternity’s quest,
And Jesus confirmed that to keep the commandments is best.
The young man replied he’d done that from as early as he could recall–
Then Jesus told him of his need to follow Him and surrender all.
His wealth and possessions had become too strong of a hold
And kept him from seeing the purity of God’s desires–true gold.
With sadness, the ruler left because he couldn’t see the reward.
He hadn’t yet grasped the higher life offered through Christ, the Lord.
You see, making Christ your Lord doesn’t actually cost–in fact, it pays,
With dividends of God’s blessings throughout all your days.
The greatest blessing of all is getting to know God as you should–
A loving heavenly Father whose care and plans for you are good.
Then, committing your life and resources, in faith, as He leads
Will help you to reach exactly those He knows of who have needs.
God knows that when possessions become your highest treasure,
You’ll fail to find the things that He knows are of greater measure.
Christ looks for our faith and love for Him and where our loyalty lies;
Let’s not fail to see that investment in His Kingdom is certainly wise.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Now behold, one came and said to him, ‘Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?’ So He said to him, ‘Why do you call me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But, if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.’ He said to Him, ‘Which ones?’ Jesus said, ‘You shall not murder; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; honor your father and your mother; and you shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ The young man said to him, ‘All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?’ Jesus said to him, ‘If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.’ But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.”
“By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life.” Proverbs 22:4
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.” Psalm 110:10
“Oh, fear the Lord, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him.” Psalm 34:9
“The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore.” Psalm 121:8
“The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.” Proverbs 15:3
“Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them, for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6
“In the way of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death.” Proverbs 12:28
“The ear that hears the rebukes of life will abide among the wise. He who disdains instruction despises his own soul, but he who heeds rebuke gets understanding. The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom, and before honor is humility.” Proverbs 15:31-33
“In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, and His children will have a place of refuge.” Proverbs 14:26
“The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him.” Proverbs 20:7
“The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate.” Proverbs 8:13
“He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13
“There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots. The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.
“His delight is in the fear of the Lord, and He shall not judge by the sight of His eyes, nor decide by the hearing of His ears; but with righteousness He shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; He shall strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, and with the breath of His lips He shall slay the wicked. Righteousness shall be the belt of His loins and faithfulness the belt of His waist.”
Isaiah 11:1-5
Scriptures NKJV
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Perhaps you may already know of Genavieve Linkowski. If not, may want to do an internet search for some of her music. She records such songs as “Holy Forever,” “How Great is Our God,” “Battle Belongs,” “The Goodness of God,” “Way Maker,” “I Know a Name,” “Living Hope,” and others. God bless you today/always, dear followers of this blog…
P. A. Oltrogge
“But I have trusted in Your mercy; My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, Because He has dealt bountifully with me.” Psalm 13:5-6
“Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises!” Psalm 47:6
As I went into intercession early this morning, I heard the Spirit of Revelation speaking concerning the nation of Israel as they crossed through the Red Sea, and I heard these words: “When the nation of Israel reached the halfway point in crossing the red sea, just imagine the great walls of deep blue water towering above them on either side. The sheer magnitude of what stood before them must have been overwhelming—even faith testing! Yet the same God who had parted the waters before them was the God who would hold back the waters until every last one had crossed over!”
And as I heard those words, I began to see by the Spirit a powerful prophetic parallel and timeline concerning the nation of America and the critical MIDWAY POINT that the nation now finds itself standing in! I understood by the Spirit that the greatest testing of faith can often come not at the beginning of the crossing but in the middle, when there is no going back to what was, and the fullness of what God has promised has not YET been laid hold of!
The Deep Blue Waters That Tower Above You Shall Not Overtake You!
Suddenly I heard the Spirit say, “Remnant America, keep the faith! Do not allow the pressure of the midway point to cause you to doubt the promise of God! Your midway is not your end, your in-between is not your final destination, and the deep blue waters that tower above you shall not overtake you! You have not come this far to be swallowed up by the very waters that I have commanded to stand still!
“Did I not make a way where there was no way? Did I not part the waters before your feet? Then do not fear the great walls that stand on either side of you, for the waters remain under My command! (Photo via Pixabay)
“I say, keep moving forward! Do not look back, do not allow the intimidation of what surrounds you to cause you to lose sight of what I have set before you! The halfway point is not the finishing line! For I am the God who begins and the God who completes, the God who opens the way and the God who brings My people through!
“Remnant America, keep your eyes on the promise, for you are crossing over to take possession of your God-given inheritance! He who began a good work in you shall be faithful to complete it.”
Do Not Confuse the Pressure of the Crossing with the Failure of the Promise
As I continued to pray, I was reminded that Israel did not cross the Red Sea because the waters were no longer a threat, but because the power of God was greater than the waters that surrounded them! And I believe this is a powerful word of encouragement to the praying remnant in America at this critical midway point! DO NOT CONFUSE THE PRESSURE OF THE CROSSING WITH THE FAILURE OF THE PROMISE! The same God who brought Israel out of Egypt was faithful to bring them through the Red Sea and onward toward the land of promise!
“Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6 KJV)
“The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall HOLD YOUR PEACE.” (Exodus 14:14 KJV, emphasis added)
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Veronika West has been anointed and appointed by God as a prophetic voice to the nations. Veronika has a heart to see everyone in the body of Christ fully activated and released in their kingdom identity, purpose and destiny. Being born and raised in Africa, she also has a passion for deliverance ministry and seeing the hand of God set free the captives that are bound. She enjoys teaching the Word of God through practical application and supernatural impartation. Veronika heads up Ignite Ireland Ministries, and currently teaches a broad range of prophetic truths to those who are actively seeking to walk in deeper realms and dimensions of the prophetic ministry and office. Veronika is married to Andrew West, and together they have two children.
…in these days when many are struggling regarding provision, we pray for them and for wisdom regarding this for our government…the following tells of a Biblical account on the blessing of the Lord through giving…
According to the word of the Lord, the prophet, Elijah, journeyed to a brook, which was called Cherith, east of the Jordan–and from its waters he took.
God told him to look to the ravens, for His provision of meat and bread. Both in the morning and in the evening, Elijah was thereby fed.
But there was no rain in the land, for Elijah had prayed for its delaying–to prove that his was the true God, not Baal, as King Ahab was saying.
The waters of the brook didn’t last then, so he needed again to move. God told him to go to Zarephath, where His provision again He would prove.
Elijah saw there a woman gathering sticks, a widow, as God had said. He called to her, asking for water. Then, he also asked her for bread.
She replied she had only a little flour in a bowl and a little oil in a jar. The sticks were for a fire to cook a bread cake, which wouldn’t go very far.
She had thought she and her son would eat it and then prepare to die. To her surprise, Elijah said that was the reason that God had sent him by.
He told her God wanted to provide for her, and her flour and oil wouldn’t fail. Sharing with him first, as a prophet of God, was all that it would entail.
So she did as Elijah had told her, serving the food first to him and then herself and her son. She believed and trusted in God, that their lives weren’t over and done.
Day followed day and they always had meals–her supply was not diminished. It’s a Biblical lesson of security through faith–we’re blessed before God is finished.
During Jesus’ ministry, a little boy’s lunch, of fishes and loaves that seemed few, became more than enough when blessed by Him; and He blesses giving the same today, too.
P. A. Oltrogge
(from 1 Kings 17)
“For thus says the Lord God of Israel, ‘The [bowl of flour shall not be exhausted, nor shall the jar of oil be empty, until the day that the Lord sends rain on the face of the earth.’ So she went and did according to the word of Elijah, and she and he and her household ate for many days. The bowl of flour was not exhausted nor did the jar of oil become empty, according to the word of the Lord which He spoke through Elijah.” 1 Kings 17:14-17
“And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want….” Psalm 23:1
“Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:38 NKJV
“But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass by justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone.” Luke 11:42 NKJV …and Matthew 23:23
“The generous man will be prosperous, and he who waters will himself be watered.” Proverbs 11:25
“While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.” Genesis 8:22
Lord, Make me an instrument of Your peace. Where there is hatred–let me sow love, where there is injury–pardon, where there is doubt–faith, where there is despair–hope, where there is darkness–light, and where there is sadness–joy.
Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console; to be understood, as to understand; to be loved, as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive– it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
“I will lift up my eyes to the hills– From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2
Lord, you are the source of my help on any given day. You made the heavens and the earth–On you, my hope will stay.
I will look even to the hills–On their horizon, I’ll always see, through the eye of faith, my Savior, heading down with help for me.
P. A. Oltrogge
“He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel Shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; The Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, Nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in From this time forth, and even forevermore.” Psalm 121:3-8 NKJV
“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.” Psalm 91:1-2 NKJV (and entire Psalm)
“Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden, the God who is our salvation. God is to us a God of deliverances; and to God the Lord belong escapes from death.” Psalm 68:19, 20 NASB
“Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands.” 1 Samuel 17:47 (words of David to the Philistine, Goliath)
“And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint…” words of Jesus, in Luke 18:1 KJV
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21 NKJV
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” words of Jesus in John 14:27 NKJV
…our help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth–in whom we’ve placed our faith and who we look to, pray to, and offer our praise. Jesus is Lord!
A statement that’s sometimes made, which needs to be corrected…is “We are all God’s children.” Not true–but by those words, it seems to be suggested.
That we’re all created by God is a fact that’s certainly true. But to become a child of God requires something every person must personally do.
“But as many as received Him (Jesus), to them gave He the right or power…to become the children of God”–an offer that, when accepted, becomes your most blessed hour.
Jesus said to Nicodemus, a teacher of Israel, that a man must be born again. He had visited the Lord in the night, having seen the miracles He’d wrought among men.
And Jesus told a group of Pharisees plainly that they were of the devil, their father. If they were already God’s children, then why did He die for them or even bother?
No, He was sent to die for the sins of anyone living here on the earth–the firstborn among many brethren, Christ became Man through the virgin birth.
Obedient to His Father’s plan, Jesus paid the ransom for our restoration…to relationship with the Holy One–for those who believe, from out of every nation.
“I ascend to My Father and your Father, and My God and your God,” Jesus said. They’re still words that speak of “Family” to those who’ll believe that He rose from the dead.
No, we can’t all be called God’s children until we’ve put faith in His Son. That’s the defining moment when a new life, as God’s child, has begun.
P. A. Oltrogge
But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name…. John 1:12
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name…. John 1:12 KJV
There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:1-3
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16…and see all of John 3
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17
Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.’ ” John 20:17
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV
For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Romans 8:29
Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me. Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word. You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources for he is a liar and the father of it. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me. Which of you convicts Me of sin? And if I tell the truth, why do you not believe Me? He who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God.” John 8:42-47
Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. Romans 8:12-17
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Christian minister Kenneth E. Hagin quote: Yes, God is the Creator of all mankind, but a man must be born again to become His child. He is God to the world, but Father only to the new creation man…
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
If a thought, upon arising, says that every hope is gone, remember that the Lord’s mercies are new at every dawn.
If moments from the past come to mind that weren’t the best, think only of those times when you just knew that you were blessed.
And instead of sad lamenting over any “milk” that has been spilled, think expectantly about the future and God’s promises being fulfilled.
Make prophetic declarations that will inspire you on your way. Death and life are in the power of the tongue…you can have what you say.
P. A. Oltrogge
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23 RSV
“Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:12-14 NKJV
Often referenced by Rev. Kenneth E. Hagin, were Mark 11:22-24. He therefore believed in the power of our words and taught, “You can have what you say.” See: http://www.rhema.org
“So Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.’” Mark 11:22-24 NKJV (and 25-26 on forgiveness)
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Proverbs 18:21 NKJV
“Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.” Proverbs 16:24 NKJV
”(The Lord) crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” from Psalm 103 NKJV
Oh say does that star-spangled banner yet wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial — Uncommon Valor was a Common Virtue
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“Moreover it is required in stewards that a man be found faithful.” 1 Corinthians 4:2
In contemplating the conflicts in which thousands of Americans fought, sustained injuries, or died…it’s sad to say that far too many citizens don’t use the examples of those courageous Americans as a guide.
For instance, it’s been reported that millions (many Christians among them) don’t even register to vote, or vote, in our elections. Obviously, what others sacrificed hasn’t impacted them to serve their country through this simple act, making wise selections.
God desires for us to have righteous leaders, saying that righteousness exalts a nation. Such a small service of prayerfully voting can make a difference in our country’s, and the world’s, complex situations.
May God’s people be impressed about the urgency–that they’re in a spiritual war; and be reminded that this freedom they have is what others fought for and so many died for.
Today we honor those who laid down their lives, even though they may not have always felt very brave at all. Now, lay down the thought that your vote doesn’t matter and answer the voting-for-righteousness call.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” Proverbs 14:34
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He has chosen as His own inheritance.” Psalm 33:12
“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” John 15:13
“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle—I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying—a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.” 1 Timothy 2:1-7
“Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” 2 Corinthians 3:17
“The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” from James 5:16
“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” Luke 18:1 NIV
Wise leaders will pray and know this:
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.” Psalm 111:10 and Proverbs 9:10 on “knowledge of the Holy One”
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5
“Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.” Psalm 20:7
“You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4
Our lives can be challenging when trials come but we have inside, the Greater One. The Spirit that raised our Lord from the dead has given life to us–now we can be Spirit led.
Men always should pray and not lose heart; and meditation of God’s Word is also our part. With “It is written,” Jesus spoke the Word… He was our example, so let the scriptures be heard!
When Jesus had risen, and stood before the disciples alive He still had to dispel doubts, with which they began to strive. He asked why they were troubled, with doubts assailing the heart… He’s saying the same today to us, so let all doubt depart.
God is faithful to keep His Word, the scriptures firmly declare… Trust and believe He has the answer to your every earnest prayer!
P. A. Oltrogge
“And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.” Romans 8:10-11
Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart….” Luke 18:1
“Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.” James 5:16-18
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“Now as they said these things, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, ‘Peace to you.’ But they were terrified and frightened, and supposed they had seen a spirit. And He said to them,‘Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.
“When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet. But while they still did not believe for joy, and marveled, He said to them, ‘Have you any food here?’ So they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish and some honeycomb. And He took it and ate in their presence.” from Luke 24:36-43
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“Have faith in God.” …from Mark 11:20-24
Now when people take an oath, they call on someone greater than themselves to hold them to it. And without any question that oath is binding. God also bound himself with an oath, so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that he would never change his mind. So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. Jesus has already gone in there for us. He has become our eternal High Priest in the order of Melchizedek.” Hebrews 6:16-20 NLT
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.” Hebrews 11:1-3
“Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.” Hebrews 11:11 KJV
“Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven. Your faithfulness endures to all generations; You established the earth, and it abides.” Psalm 119:89-90
After the rain, the sun will come out… Of the Lord’s faithfulness, we must not doubt.
Rain is most often a life-giving thing… May the “rains” of life be faith-strengthening.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”
“But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:21-23 RSV
“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from the hand of the enemy….” Psalm 107:1-2
“Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness.” Psalm 107:8-9
“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” James 1:2-3 NASB
“Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart….” Luke 18:1
Jesus said: “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.” …from Matthew 7:24-29
“Did I not make a way where there was no way? Did I not part the waters before your feet? Then do not fear the great walls that stand on either side of you, for the waters remain under My command! (Photo via Pixabay)
