Come to me all of you who are weary and burdened,
and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

I’d like to share again a report from the ministry that Marian Alvarado has related. After telling of some encouraging details on helping some of the homeless people who attend Timothy’s Ministry gatherings, she shared the following:

MIRACLE STORY IN WILLIAM’S LIFE

Wow! Such an amazing day last Friday! As always, we went around our table and each person shared their name and shared whatever was on their heart or a prayer request. A man who looked familiar said, “Do you remember me? My name is William, and the last time I was here at this table was 5 years ago!” I recognized him but didn’t remember his story.

He said, “The last time I was here, in 2019, I wanted to end it all when I woke up in the morning, but ‘something’ told me to come to Tim’s House instead.” He said, “I was an addict and lived in an SRO in a bad neighborhood surrounded by drugs and bad people; and during the Bible Study, something that was read from the Bible just hit me in my heart for the first time and I knew it was God.” He said, “At the end of the Bible Study, you asked if anyone needed prayer, and I came over to you and I told you that I felt like ending it all and that I was an addict, and you and a few others prayed over me.”

William said, “After you prayed, I said that if you could find a place for me to get help, I would go that day.” He reminded us that I called the Salvation Army in Chicago, but they were filled. He said that I then called the Salvation Army in Waukegan; and not only did a person answer the phone on a Friday afternoon but said, “There is a bed available for William if he can get here by 5 p.m.” William remembers that I got $10 out of my purse and gave it to Valerie and Bill and a few others and asked them to walk with him to the train and not give William the money directly. He chuckled as he remembered the ‘humbling’ moment of not being trusted with the $10, but said, that was a good thing, and said that saved his life. He got into the Salvation Army that day, got sober, and from there got a job, and now has a car, is working full time, and this is the first time we heard anything from him in 5 years (other than a call on the day he checked in)!

He said “It’s the power of God that I have stayed sober for 5 years and I have a new life! With a huge smile on his face he said, “I read the Word of God every day and God has kept me sober, and the best part is that I have a personal relationship with Jesus!” William said he had a plan that morning (before ‘something’ told him to come to Tim’s House) of how he would ‘end it all,’ but God had another plan for his life! Wow!

There was so much joy and applause and encouragement around our table on Friday just seeing and feeling the love and power of God including the two women and two men who prayed over him and escorted him to the metra train with the $10! His story gave so much hope to others in the room because he has not only been sober for 5 years, but he has been working in ‘shipping and receiving’ full time and has his own apartment and a car and completely stepped out of poverty and homelessness as well. Thank you to everyone for all of your prayers and support so that we can keep helping the people God brings to us! 

Visit: http://www.timothysministry.org

“The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in the Prophets:

“Behold, I send My messenger before Your face,
Who will prepare Your way before You.”
“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord;
Make His paths straight.’ ”

Mark 1:1-3 NKJV

John, whose message was repentance, was clothed with camel’s hair; and locusts and wild honey were, of necessity, his taste. People throughout Judea and those from Jerusalem came out to where he was based.

They sought to be baptized by John in the Jordan river, for the remission of their sins. But he spoke of One mightier coming, who would baptize with the Holy Spirit, which is where Mark’s story (account) of Jesus begins.

At that time, Jesus from Nazareth of Galilee came, and was baptized there, also, by John. When He came up out of the water, the heavens parted, and the Spirit descended upon…

this Son of Man and only begotten Son of God. Mark wrote that the Spirit came down “like a dove.” “You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” were His Father’s words from heaven above.

Immediately afterward, the Spirit drove Jesus into the wilderness, where, for forty days…He was tempted by Satan, but never failed–Jesus always fully adhered to His Father’s ways.

After John was wickedly put into prison, Jesus began preaching the gospel in Galilee. He told the people to repent of their sins, and that it was through Him that they could be set free.

As Jesus walked by Galilee’s sea, he saw Simon and Andrew casting out a fishing net there. He told them He would make them fishers of men–the gospel would be theirs, as well, to share.

They left their nets to follow Him–then Jesus called James and John, two more. Leaving their father, Zebedee, and others in the boat, they joined the Lord upon the shore.

Heading into Capernaum, Jesus entered into the synagogue on the Sabbath to teach. He taught as One having authority, not as the scribes, when they would “preach.”

There was a man there, possessed with an unclean spirit, who cried out, “Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did you come to destroy us? I know who You are–the Holy One of God!” he said in an evil tone.

Jesus rebuked him and commanded the unclean spirit to be quiet and that it was to come out. Then the unclean spirit convulsed the man and left him, after it had made a defeated shout.

Everyone was amazed that Jesus could cause evil spirits to obey His bold command. Immediately His fame spread in Galilee–throughout all of that region’s land.

After that incident, Jesus entered the house of Simon, where Simon’s mother-in-law was lying down ill. Jesus took her by the hand and lifted her up–the fever left her, for Jesus was carrying out His Father’s will.

To Jesus, that evening, after sunset, all who were sick or demon possessed were brought. The whole city was actually gathered there, for they’d heard of the miracles that He’d wrought.

The next morning, long before daylight, Jesus went out to a solitary place to pray. So Simon and others searched for Him. “Everyone is looking for You,” they told Him; but Jesus wasn’t led to stay.

“Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth,” He said. And He preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, casting out demons in more towns that were ahead.

At one point a leper came to Jesus, saying, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.” Jesus was moved with compassion and touched him, saying, “I am willing. Be cleansed.” Immediately, the leprosy was no longer seen.

Jesus warned him to say nothing to anyone but to go and show himself to the priest. But the man went out and shared his story freely–he was so happy at having been released.

Then, Jesus could no longer openly enter the city, but had to go out to a deserted place. But people kept coming to Him from every direction, having heard He was pouring out God’s goodness and wonderful grace.

Poetry by P. A. Oltrogge (after the beginning Scripture verses)

“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

…and the following are from the book of Acts:

“Then Peter opened his mouth and said: ‘In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all—that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they killed by hanging on a tree. Him God raised up on the third day, and showed Him openly, not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God, even to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.’” Acts 10:34-43

“And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples he said to them, ‘Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?’ So they said to him, ‘We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.’ And he said to them, ‘Into what then were you baptized?’ So they said, ‘Into John’s baptism.’

“Then Paul said, ‘John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.’ When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.” Acts 19:1-5

Scriptures: NKJV

by Angela Robinson

Lasting Fruit Through Every Season 

Flourishing isn’t the absence of hardship. It is the fruit of a life deeply rooted in Christ. This month, discover why God often does His greatest work beneath the surface and how abiding in Him produces lasting fruit through every season.

As I prayed about the month of July, I kept sensing the Lord drawing my attention to one word: Flourish.

At first, I imagined fields of wildflowers, lush gardens, and vibrant life. But the picture the Lord kept bringing before me looked very different.

I believe the Lord is inviting His people to redefine what flourishing truly looks like. The world often measures flourishing by visible success, comfort, or thriving circumstances. Yet throughout Scripture, God consistently begins His greatest work beneath the surface. Before fruit appears, roots must grow. Before beauty is revealed, foundations are strengthened. His measure has always been different.

Perhaps that’s exactly where many of you find yourselves today—waiting and wondering. You know God has called you, yet the next step isn’t clear. I believe this is where He is inviting you into deeper trust, deeper faithfulness, and greater dependence on His timing.

I’ve found that it’s often right in the middle of the mess that God quietly reminds me He has never left the construction site. My prayer is that, in your own season, you’ll be surprised by unexpected reminders of His faithfulness—little glimpses of His presence that assure you He is still at work.

A Different Picture of Flourishing

Our home is currently in the beginning stages of restoration after a burst water line flooded part of our home. Every day, crews continue removing drywall, exposing studs, and assessing what was damaged. It’s loud, dusty, and unfinished.

Every day reminds me that restoration often looks messier before it looks beautiful. When I pictured a flourishing season, I imagined thriving blooms. But the Lord quietly whispered, “You’re looking at the flower. I’m looking at the roots.” (Photo via Unsplash)

The Lord is teaching me something I don’t want to forget. Flowers don’t flourish because everything around them has been restored. They flourish because their roots have found life. Sometimes flourishing doesn’t begin with flowers. Sometimes it begins with studs.

Perhaps you’ve been wondering why growth has felt slow. Maybe you’ve questioned the waiting or wondered if God has forgotten you. I don’t believe He has. I believe He is profoundly present in the in-between, strengthening what will sustain you, long before He reveals what will flourish.

Planted Beside Living Water

“That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season.” (Psalm 1:3 NIV)

Healthy trees don’t flourish because they never experience storms. They flourish because their roots know exactly where to find nourishing life. The same is true spiritually. Your circumstances change. Seasons come and go. Your journey with Christ takes you through mountaintops, valleys, and wilderness seasons. But when you delight yourselves in God’s Word, and your life remains planted beside living water, you begin drawing peace instead of panic, hope instead of fear, and truth instead of comparison.

Many of you pray for flowers while God is faithfully growing roots. Roots aren’t glamorous (framing and studs aren’t either), but they are essential. They develop quietly in hidden places where no one applauds progress. Yet every branch, every leaf, and every piece of fruit depends on what is happening beneath the surface. It’s up to you to trust His presence even when you can’t see Him. 

God never promised that droughts wouldn’t come. He doesn’t promise there won’t be heat. He does promise that when your roots remain connected to Him, difficult seasons won’t determine your fruit. Some of the strongest Believers you know aren’t people who avoided hardship. They’re people who learned where to keep their roots. Flourishing isn’t the absence of adversity; it’s the presence of living water.

Abide and Bear Fruit

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.” (John 15:5 NIV)

Jesus never told you to chase the fruit you will bear. He simply invited you to remain. The invitation He gives is an intentional, daily choice that you get to make to stay connected to the One who gives you life. The fruit you long to see—love, joy, peace, wisdom, faithfulness, and spiritual maturity—isn’t something you manufacture through striving. It is the natural overflow of a life rooted in Christ and growing in relationship with Him. (Photo via Unsplash)

Planted for His Splendor

“They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor.” (Isaiah 61:3 NIV)

Have you ever taken a walk through a forest? Or camped out beneath the majestic trees? We’re not big campers over here, but we do love to travel and hike the national parks. Forests teach you that an oak doesn’t become strong overnight. It takes place year after year, storm after storm, and season after season when its roots grow deeper. 

This waiting season you’re experiencing? I believe it’s because God isn’t raising His people to bloom for a moment; He is cultivating people that will stand firm, offer shade to others, bear lasting fruit, and display His glory for generations.

Maybe your life feels more like exposed studs than a finished home this season. Maybe you’ve been praying for flowers while God has been faithfully growing roots. Don’t mistake hidden growth for God’s absence. He is strengthening what will sustain you long before He reveals what will flourish. Stay planted. Keep abiding. Trust what God is growing beneath the surface. His glory will be displayed in your life!

July declarations:

• I am planted beside living water, and my roots run deep in Christ.

• I will flourish in every season because the Lord is my source.

• God is producing lasting fruit in my life for His glory.

Shared from: http://www.elijahlist.com

Does this world seem like a desert–parched and offering little shade? Thank God, we have an oasis, when our minds on Christ are stayed.

It’s there, we find “living water,” through God’s Holy Spirit and His Word. Why struggle, as if in a desert, when the “rain” of God has occurred?

It’s said that very little water can cause desert seeds to flourish. Likewise, you can be revived–just one word from God can nourish.

Troubles can bombard our minds through circumstances or daily news, so turn to the life-giving Word of God, the blessed oasis that’s yours to use.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee; because he trusteth in Thee.” Isaiah 26:3 KJV

“Jesus answered and said to her, ‘If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.’” John 4:10 NASB

“Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles.” Psalm 119:50 NLT

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105 NKJV

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NKJV

“Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, having been born again, not with corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever…. 1 Peter 1:22-23 NKJV

“But Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.’” Mark 10:27

…visit:  www.govictory.com

“But as it is written, eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.”
1 Corinthians 2:9 KJV

Verse 10 goes on to say, “But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.” So, while the text is referring to wisdom from and things revealed through the Holy Spirit, the 9th verse does make one think of the almost hard-to-comprehend beauty, glory, and peace of our heavenly home and destination. Thus, these thoughts:

Eye hath not seen, nor ear yet heard,
neither our hearts, says God’s Holy Word,
have envisioned the things which the Lord has in store
for all those who will meet Him on heaven’s shore.
A river like crystal and a Main Street of gold
are just some of the beauty that we will behold.
But, then, best of all, at last we will view—
our Savior, Jesus Christ, Faithful and True.
Though we face trials down here on this earth,
they’re nothing compared to heaven’s great worth.
You’re more than a conqueror—He gives you His grace,
both now and in eternity’s unfathomable place.

P. A. Oltrogge

“And I saw heaven opened; and behold, a white horse, and He who sat upon it is called Faithful and True; and in righteousness He judges and wages war.” Revelation 19:11 NASB

“The foundation stones of the city wall were adorned with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation stone was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, chalcedony; the fourth, emerald; the fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, topaz; the tenth, chrysoprase; the eleventh, jacinth; the twelfth, amethyst. And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: each one of the gates was a single pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass. And I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God, the Almighty, and the Lamb, are its temple. And the city has no need of the sun, or of the moon to shine upon it, for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb.” Revelation 21:19-23 NASB

“And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.” Revelation 22:1 KJV

“In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” John 14:2 KJV

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God.” Romans 8:18-19 NKJV

“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:37-39 NKJV

I know that my Redeemer lives!
What comfort this sweet sentence gives!
He lives, he lives, who once was dead;
he lives, my everliving head!

He lives triumphant from the grave;
he lives eternally to save;
he lives all-glorious in the sky;
he lives exalted there on high.

He lives to bless me with his love;
he lives to plead for me above;
he lives my hungry soul to feed;
he lives to help in time of need.

He lives to grant me rich supply;
he lives to guide me with his eye;
he lives to comfort me when faint;
he lives to hear my soul’s complaint.

He lives to silence all my fears;
he lives to wipe away my tears;
he lives to calm my troubled heart;
he lives all blessings to impart.

He lives, my kind, wise, heav’nly friend;
he lives and loves me to the end;
he lives, and while he lives, I’ll sing;
he lives, my Prophet, Priest, and King.

He lives and grants me daily breath;
he lives, and I shall conquer death;
he lives my mansion to prepare;
he lives to bring me safely there.

He lives, all glory to his name!
He lives, my Savior, still the same.
Oh, the sweet joy this sentence gives:
I know that my Redeemer lives!

Samuel Medley, Author; J. Hatton, Composer

…and we share the love of the Lord through contributing to ministries which help others of which you’re aware, creating a little bit of heaven on earth for those who need help

The Bible is widely spoken of, yet many people haven’t actually “heard”
of much that’s written within its pages. Lord, wake them to Your Word.

For it’s written that it’s the scriptures that make us “wise unto salvation.”
Lord, we pray, You’d wake people to Your Word throughout ours and every nation.

Send laborers across the paths of those whose hearts You will have prepared
to be ready to receive the Gospel invitation, which those laborers will share.

We thank You, Father, for Your great love and for the Holy Spirit’s power
to draw souls to Jesus, our Savior and Good Shepherd, in this important hour.

P. A. Oltrogge

“And he (Jesus) said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.”
Mark 4:9 KJV

“And continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;

“And that from a child thou hast learned the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”

2 Timothy 3:14-16 KJV

“Therefore, said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.”
Luke 10:2 KJV

“And on the Sabbath day we went out of the city to the riverside, where prayer was customarily made; and we sat down and spoke to the women who met there. Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul.”
Acts 16:13-14 NKJV

Eye to Eye, Facing the Consequences of Dividing Israel

(Book, by William Koenig, available at Amazon)

The following description is from FlashPoint, where the book is also available: http://www.fparmy.com

What happens when nations turn their backs on Israel?

In Eye to Eye, respected White House correspondent and international analyst William Koenig presents a compelling examination of the relationship between U.S. foreign policy toward Israel and significant events that have impacted America. Through years of research, documentation, and firsthand observations, Koenig explores a fascinating pattern between efforts to pressure or divide Israel and subsequent economic, political, and natural crises affecting the United States.

Drawing from Scripture, historical records, and contemporary events, Eye to Eye challenges readers to consider God’s covenant with Israel and the importance of standing with His chosen nation.

Whether you’re passionate about biblical prophecy, current events, world affairs, or understanding Israel’s role in God’s plan, this eye-opening book provides valuable insight into one of the most important issues facing our generation.

In this book, you’ll discover the biblical foundation for God’s covenant with Israel; historical examples connecting U.S. policy decisions and national events; the significance of Israel in end-times prophecy; insight into current geopolitical developments through a biblical lens; why standing with Israel matters now more than ever.

At FlashPoint, we believe understanding Israel’s place in God’s plan is essential for believers seeking to navigate today’s rapidly changing world. Eye to Eye is a powerful resource that will strengthen your understanding of Scripture, deepen your faith, and equip you to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

Stand with Israel. Understand the times. Strengthen your faith.

For further thought and prayer: http://www.givehim15.com

_________________________

“Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.’”  Luke 2:10

“Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father.  You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.’” John 4:21-23