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.”
In a recent message, minister Keith Butler reminded us of the prime importance of using the name of Jesus. The following are some scripture references:
…spoken by Jesus:
“Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 10:32-33
“Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.” Matthew 18:5
“For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20
“And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life.” Matthew 19:29
“Now John answered Him, saying, ‘Teacher, we saw someone who does not follow us casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow us.’ But Jesus said, ‘Do not forbid him, for no one who works a miracle in My name can soon afterward speak evil of Me. For he who is not against us is on our side.’” Mark 9:38-40
“For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.” Mark 9:41
“He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” Mark 16:16-18
“And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a little child and set him by Him, and said to them, ‘Whoever receives this little child in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me. For he who is least among you all will be great.” Luke 9:47-48 “And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.” John 14:13-14
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“Now as the lame man who was healed held on to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the porch which is called Solomon’s, greatly amazed. So when Peter saw it, he responded to the people: ‘Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go. But you denied the Holy One and the Just, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses. And His name, and faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.’” Acts 3:11-16 NKJV
“Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, ‘Rulers of the people and elders of Israel:If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well, let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.’” Acts 4:8-12
“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:5-11
“The Lord is my shepherd: I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.” Psalm 23:1-3
For resources by Keith Butler, visit: www.keithbutler.org
…and/or click on “View All Programs,” then find “Live Your Faith” at: www.govictory.com
ALL HAIL THE POWER OF JESUS’ NAME
All hail the power of Jesus’ name! Let angels prostrate fall; Bring forth the royal diadem, and crown Him Lord of all; Bring forth the royal diadem, and crown Him Lord of all.
Ye chosen seed of Israel’s race, Ye ransomed from the fall, Hail Him who saves you by His grace, and crown Him Lord of all; Hail Him who saves you by His grace, and crown Him Lord of all.
Let every kindred, every tribe, On this terrestrial ball, To Him all majesty ascribe, and crown Him Lord of all; To Him all majesty ascribe, and crown Him Lord of all.
O that with yonder sacred throng, We at His feet may fall! We’ll join the everlasting song, and crown Him Lord of all; We’ll join the everlasting song, and crown Him Lord of all!
And I will do [I Myself will grant] whatever you may ask in My name [as presenting all that I AM,] so that the Father may be glorified and extolled in (through) the Son.John 14:13, The Amplified Bible
In Jesus’ Name. It’s more than a phrase we tack onto the end of our prayers. All that God is and does is represented in the Name of Jesus. The Amplified Bible says when you ask in His Name, you present your requests to the Father on the basis of all that Jesus is. So you can boldly expect to have those requests granted—not because you’re worthy, but because He is!
What’s more, the Name of Jesus carries authority over all other names. In Philippians 2:5-11, the Apostle Paul tells us, “God also hath highly exalted him [Jesus], and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth.”
In spite of all the Word of God has to say about the power of the Name of Jesus, most believers don’t seem to put much stock in it. They’ll pray in the Name of Jesus, then turn right around and say, “I sure hope God answers that prayer.” They don’t realize that if they only had the faith to believe it, Jesus’ Name alone carries enough clout to guarantee their prayers will be answered.
They even let religious slang rob them of the power of using that Name. I’ve heard many a well-meaning believer end his prayer with the phrase, “For Jesus’ sake.” But Jesus didn’t say to pray for His sake. He said to pray in His Name.
I used to make that mistake myself. One night I was praying because I was suffering from a stomachache. “Oh, for Jesus’ sake,” I prayed, “heal my stomach.”
After I’d said that a few times, the Lord spoke up on the inside of me. Wait a minute, He said, whose stomach is hurting here, Mine or yours?
“Mine!” I answered.
Then He very plainly said, In that case, pray for your stomach’s sake, in My !Name!
Jesus’ Name. Dig in to the Word and find out just how much power and authority it really carries. Then use that power every time you pray. Stop hoping God will answer and start expecting Him to cause every circumstance in your life to bow its knee in honor of that glorious Name!
Reprinted with permission from Kenneth Copeland Ministries
…you may like to begin your day with the worship song, “Good, Good Father” (as sung by Chris Tomlin, found on You Tube)
“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. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:16-17
“For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.'” Romans 8:15
“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are.” 1 John 3:1
“In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.” Ephesians 1:5
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We, too, can go from the garden tomb, a place that had seen God’s glory, to tell all the world of what Christ has done–this world’s greatest love story. “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.
Good, Good Father co-written by Pat Barrett and Tony Brown
Oh, I’ve heard a thousand stories of what they think You’re like; but I’ve heard the tender whisper of love in the dead of night. And You tell me that You’re pleased, and that I’m never alone.
You’re a good, good Father… It’s Who You are, It’s Who You are, It’s Who You are, and I’m loved by You.
It’s Who I Am, It’s Who I Am, It’s Who I Am…
And I’ve seen many searching for answers far and wide; but I know we’re all searching for answers only You provide… ’cause You know just what we need before we say a word.
You’re a good, good Father… It’s Who You are, It’s Who You are, It’s Who You are, and I’m loved by You.
It’s Who I Am, It’s Who I Am, It’s Who I Am…
You are perfect in all of Your ways, You are perfect in all of Your ways, You are perfect in all of Your ways… to us.
Oh, it’s love so undeniable, I can hardly speak… peace so unexplainable, I can hardly think, as You call me deeper still, as You call me deeper still, as You call me deeper still into love, love, love…
You’re a good, good Father… It’s Who You are, It’s Who You are, It’s Who You are, and I’m loved by You.
It’s Who I Am, It’s Who I Am, It’s Who I AM…
You’re a good, good Father… It’s Who You are, It’s Who You are, It’s Who You are, and I’m loved by You.
It’s Who I Am, It’s Who I Am, It’s Who I Am…
You are perfect in all of Your ways, You are perfect in all of Your ways, You are perfect in all of Your ways… to us.
Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, ‘Who is on the Lord’s side?’” …from Exodus 32:26 KJV
The one true God is on OUR side, for JESUS’ BLOOD has been applied.
No good thing will be denied… for we are standing on the GOOD LORD’S side.
The devil’s power has been defied through JESUS’ BLOOD-BOUGHT OVERRIDE.
Heaven’s windows have been opened wide… As we give, every blessing will be supplied.
Jesus, the Good Shepherd, is our faithful guide and Prince of Peace–in His peace, we abide.
Sins and sicknesses have been cast aside. By His stripes, Christ healed His church–His bride.
If the trustworthiness of God’s Word is being denied, we know and say, instead, that God has never lied.
God’s angels support us, traveling far and wide, hearkening to His Word, which is their constant guide.
For the persecuted, we pray that God will turn the tide, bringing daring help and angels to come alongside.
The world hated Jesus, and He Himself warned that believers, by the world, would also be scorned.
For the enemies of the Gospel, who’ve been deceived, we pray they’ll find the King, on whom they must believe.
From the Lord’s hand, the born-again believer can’t be snatched… Eternal life is ours by Jesus’ name and blood, which are unmatched!
P. A. Oltrogge
“And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. I and My Father are one.” …spoken by Jesus in John 10:28-30
“For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.” Psalm 84:11 KJV or Psalm 34:10
“‘Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,’ Says the Lord of hosts, ‘If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it.’” Malachi 3:10
“…it is impossible for God to lie….” (from Hebrews 6:18)
“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.” Psalm 103:1-5
“The Lord executes righteousness and judgment and justice for all who are oppressed.” Psalm 103:6
“Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.” Psalm 103:20
“But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5
“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.” …spoken by Jesus in John 15:18-19
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” …spoken by Jesus in Matthew 3:43-45
“And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and are in him that is true, even in his Son, Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.” 1 John 5:20 KJV
“Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11
“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12
“Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised…”) Hebrews 10:23 KJV
Scriptures: NKJV or as noted
The poem above was inspired by poetic words written by Trina Hankins in Mark Hankins’ book, “The Spirit of Faith” available at: http://www.markhankins.org
If you have made Jesus your Savior and Lord, then, as a child of God, you can make the title, above, your confession of faith over your daily life. I like to emphasize that He is my Good Shepherd… “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” John 10:11 (and John, chapter 10, 1-30)
And speaking of God’s mercy, the following is from Faith to Faith, the devotional book by Kenneth and Gloria Copeland and is…
Reprinted with permission from Kenneth Copeland Ministries
“I beseech thee, show me thy glory.” Exodus 33:18
What would you say is the single, most outstanding thing about God? What’s His most important characteristic? Some people would say it’s His power. Others, His holiness. But God Himself would give a different answer.
You can find that answer in Exodus 33. There Moses is asking God to show him His glory.
Now the word glory could literally be translated “heavy weight.” It refers to the heaviest, biggest, grandest thing about someone. It’s the sum total of their worth.
So what Moses was actually saying was, “Lord, I want to see the weightiest thing about You. I want to know Your grandest attributes.” What did God say to him in response?
Chapter 34:6-7 tells us, “The Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin.”
Just think about that! When Moses asked God to show him the most important thing about Himself, God showed him His mercy.
That means if you and I are to imitate God (Ephesians 5:1) we must major in mercy too. Mercy, goodness, forgiveness and compassion must mark our behavior above all else.
Major on mercy and others will see the glory of God in you.
Kenneth Copeland
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“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.” Psalm 23 KJV
“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
…free to be shared…written by Kim Potter, A New Thing Ministries…
No Harvest
In these days of tough economic times, many people are wondering how they are going to make it through. Grocery prices are crazy and gas prices are even worse, in some states they are approaching critical levels. People are concerned about their finances and I can understand that.
As Christians, we must remember, regardless of what is going on in the world, we serve a God that has no lack. The word of God teaches us that there is a separate economy based on faith and obedience that never fears a recession.
We are in a different kingdom; we live in the Kingdom of God and His ways are not our ways. His ways are higher than ours. He shows us through His word how to live in an economy that will remain stable as long as we are obeying the word of God.
Sowing and reaping are the supernatural ways the Kingdom of God works. Most of the time it makes no sense, but I can say from experience, it is the only way to live, especially in times like this.
But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. As it is written: “He has dispersed abroad, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God. (2 Cor 9:6-11)
God makes it clear that the cycle of seedtime and harvest is how His kingdom works. It also makes it clear that there is no harvest without first planting seed.
We can pray, dance, sing and shout for a harvest but it will not come until we first plant seed. Luke 6:38 says;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.
As I was writing this today, I felt the Lord dropped something in my heart and said, “Tell them to try Me.” I laughed out loud.
This takes me to Malachi 3:10.
Now, I know many people do not believe tithing is for today. I have listened to those teachings, and I can see how you feel that way – however, I can only say how I have lived my life and giving is how I have lived my Christian life. Whether you call it tithing or giving, I think we need to obey God and what HE tells each of us to do. And the truth will always remain; there is NO harvest if there is NO seed. That is just a simple truth.
So, the only time in the Bible I can find where God says test me or try me in this is in Malachi 3:10.
Bring all the tithes (the whole tenth of your income) into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and prove Me now by it, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
I am not saying you must tithe – that is between you and God, but I am saying, if you want to see a harvest, you must first sow. If you want to see the windows of heaven open over you, you must give God something to work with.
My heart is to see the church thrive. In their health, finances and family.
That is what I cry out for. That is my prayer for each one of you.
I don’t want to see anyone lack or struggle to make ends meet and God has provided a way for us to thrive. Today, I encourage you to search through the Bible and find out what God says about prospering and then obey His word. May you be blessed beyond measure as you do.
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Ministries to consider: your local church http://www.anewthingministries.com http://www.ctvn.org (funds needed to continue broadcasting) ministries previously mentioned on this blog… or other “good ground” ministries you know of and are blessed by
What should I do, Lord Jesus, this day? The first thing, for sure, is to stop and pray. Then listen to “hear” that still, small voice before I make even one first choice.
May I find how to serve You every day by seeking You early for Your pathway. What I think of doing may need to be set aside in order to help others with a heart opened wide.
And let me not miss telling those I meet how to find their Lord and their Savior, who is so good and kind. For there are many people with an emptiness inside that can only be filled when You come to abide.
Then, too, some who know You may be facing a trial; help me to encourage, that it’s only for a while. For You, Lord, are good and want them to be blessed, with all of the things that work out for their very best.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Thy word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them and they follow Me.” John 10:27
“Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4
“A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.” Psalms 34:19 (NIV)
Also Luke 11:13; John 14:26; John 16:7; Romans 8:14; 1 Corinthians 10:24
“The counsel of the Lord stands forever, The plans of His heart to all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, The people He has chosen as His own inheritance.”
The following is from yesterday’s Give Him 15, by Dutch Sheets, if you missed it:
…let me remind you that we are conducting another nationwide prayer gathering of the Ekklesia on Friday, October 30th. My brother, Tim, will once again host it in Middletown, Ohio, and the same team that participated in the similar prayer event on August 14th will join us, along with a few more. We will livestream it, as always, and thousands will participate. Together, we will exercise our authority for Jesus and His Kingdom, releasing His influence into our nation. Don’t miss it!
Colorado wonderfully displays its yearly golden glow, which is grandly reflected in the aspens before the coming winter’s snow.
Backed by the beauty of mountains, seen most everywhere, our thoughts turn to the Creator amidst the fresh but chilly air.
There’s nothing like going on a hike when golden leaves start falling down–it gives a great refreshing from the busyness of town.
To join up with a friend, as leaves on a trail crunch under our feet, is the perfect combination to make for a day that is complete.
Creating the image of a snow shower, the wind in the trees takes leaves of gold, and shakes them loose in a golden “rain”–they’re unable to keep their hold.
We’re blessed to suddenly hear the sound of a nearby flowing brook, which reminds of our thirst for the living God, as shared in His holy book.
At times, along the trail, various kinds of wildlife do cross by us. Such scenes foster the serenity which brings relief from things that try us.
All the surrounding beauty remains in our hearts when we depart–to return again to home, while we say, “My God, how great Thou art!”
P. A. Oltrogge
“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?” Psalm 42:1-2 NIV
“The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us.” Acts 17:24-27 NIV
“God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, (Jesus Christ) whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.” Hebrews 1:1-4 NKJV
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…Let’s continue to join in praying today and every day for our wonderful country, the USA. Father, deliver us from evil…as said in Your beautiful prayer. Thank You for strengthening all those who work with You to right wrongs...
“For the word of the Lord is right, and all His work is done in truth. He loves righteousness and justice; The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.
“The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; He makes the plans of the peoples of no effect. The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations.
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He has chosen as His own inheritance.
“Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His holy name. Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us, just as we hope in You.” …verses from Psalm 33
