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.”
“The wages of sin is death,” but God, our Father, be praised… for “The gift of God is eternal life in Christ,” who from death to life was raised!
Without having been “born again,” we are subject to sin, death, and strife; but upon receiving Him, our hearts are changed, to want to walk in newness of life!
What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? 3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
5 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. 7 For he who has died has been freed from sin. 8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, 9 knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. 10 For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. 11 Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. 13 And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.
15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not! 16 Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? 17 But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. 18 And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. 19 I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness, and of lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness.
20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21 What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. 22 But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6
And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:1-10
In John 3, Jesus told Nicodemus that a person must be born again, and He said:
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. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
Editor’s note: Below is a powerful prophetic word received by Tim Sheets on August 24, 2014, and originally published by The Elijah List on September 9, 2014. Tim felt led to reshare it during his latest ElijahStreams interview. He conveyed that the Lord had been stirring this prophecy in him for the last twelve years, but that it had recently been set on fire and made alive inside of him because of the times we are currently living in.
_________________________
A New Roar Will Be Heard from My Tribe
The alarm clock of Heaven is now ringing on the nightstand of a sleeping Church: Time to rise, time to rise to the occasion… time to get up! The Lord says, “I have lions hidden in My remnant, not wolves. They will now rise to patrol and remove the defeated ones—wolf packs—that have come to scatter My flocks. My lions will be fierce, bold, aggressive, and unintimidated. They will not flinch when adversaries advance. They will stand strong,” says the Lord, “and fearless.”
“A new roar will be heard from My tribe announcing territorial dominion. A roar claiming geographical and spiritual jurisdiction shall now sound from My remnant—a roar establishing that the throne of the territory is occupied and guarded. A rule against Hell’s power shall be sounded. A roar of authority in My name shall come against Hell’s intrusions. My called-out ones, My sent ones, will now become step-forward ones.
“They will move forward in My power. They will manifest their rights as sons and daughters of God, ruling and reigning with Me. As intended, My heirs are stepping from the shadows of cultural bondage. They shall now display disdain of enemy princes, mights, thrones, dominions and rulers of darkness. No longer will they compromise in shared rule—no longer settling for cohabitation, no longer accepting shared occupancy.
“Passive appeasement has now been replaced with backbones of steel, lips set on fire with Holy ingots, and a shout of the King is in their voice indeed. Jericho’s shout decree is in their mouth. Determined faith shall now be seen in My faithful ones as they march to remove demon philosophies and doctrines of devils from the land. No shared rule,” says the Lord.
“My rule, My rule shall prevail. My words shall prevail. Power to prevail is being poured out. Power to prevail is soaking My remnant. Power to overcome Hell’s strategies, power to overcome demon doctrine and rebel government, power to more than conquer demon tactics is being released. Those who stand with Me shall see Hell’s fire misfire.
“So arise and rule. Rise and roar with My authority. I will fill your enemy’s mouth with sand and their hearts with quicksand. They will find themselves stuck in their own mire. Roar with My freedom. Roar with My liberty. Let rejoicing roar out of Zion. March in to battle with confident peace.
My Shaking Will Open Ancient Wells of Revival
“Great revival fire will now begin to burn through intercession-soaked regions as My awakening begins to roll. The regions will now become activated by My glory. My shaking has come. I am shaking earth. I am shaking Heaven. Walls, strongholds, obstacles, and Hell’s defenses are being shaken down, and My remnant is being shaken free. My shaking will open ancient wells of revival. The revival in the womb of My intercessors will now be birthed.
“The revivalist mantle is descending upon My righteous evangelists. The fire shut up in their bones will now become words of fiery passion. With My Gospel, I will shake open the capped wells of evangelism. I will shake open the ancient healing wells. Miracles will multiply. My angels are pumping those wells and they are opening new wells, new roads, new inroads, new mantles, new vision, new harvest. Behold I will do a new thing, and you will see it. Now it will spring forth.
“Because your cries have come before Me, because you have pursued My presence,” says the Lord, “because your worship has become sweet savor, the Lord of Angel Armies decrees over His remnant people: You shall now begin reality church. No more acting, no more actors, no more pretending. Real church, real disciples, real Christianity, real worship, real power, real glory, real miracles, real healings. It is ordained reality church.
“I am now removing arrows shot into My royal priesthood—arrows of betrayal, arrows of Jezebel, arrows of Absalom, arrows of deceit and gossip borne by lying spirits, arrows shot by those bound by religious demons. I Your God am removing arrows. You will be free. You will be healed. You will be restored, and you will be on fire with My presence, for I have said I will make My ministers a flame of fire. It is ordained. Your place of pain shall now be gain, and where you reign, you will rise and rule with Me.
“I am now coming to My remnant. And I am now coming as Lord Sabbaoth, Lord of Angel Armies. Because of alignment with My purpose, I will now align My hosts to assist aggressively. There is now a convergence of the angel armies and the Church’s prayer army into a divine coalition, the coalition of My willing—those who run to battle not from it.
“My earth and My Heaven’s armies will now challenge thrones of iniquity, thrones of idolatry, thrones of rebellion, thrones of witchcraft, thrones of humanism and antichrist dominions. Battalions are dispatched and await the decrees of My word through the saints to overthrow iniquitous thrones, so My saints can sit with Me.
“My greatest campaign on earth is due. Decree it,” says the Lord. “Align your words with Mine, and angel forces shall align with you. Align with angel forces in your regions, and I will accelerate an alignment within your nation. Yes, revival is now. The harvest is now,” says the Lord. “Victory is now,” says the Lord. “Arise and pursue My cause. Arise and roar. Arise and fight. Arise and shine. Your light has come, and the glory of your God shines upon you.”
_________________________
Dr. Tim Sheets is an apostle, pastor, and author based in southwestern Ohio. A graduate of Christ For the Nations Institute in Dallas, Texas, he returned to Ohio in 1979 to pastor The Oasis, a CityGate Church, in Middletown, Ohio. The site is one of the largest in the Cincinnati-Dayton area and is host to many ministries/conferences. His vision is to raise up people who will authentically demonstrate the Church on the earth and passionately evangelize the world. His heart is for awakening and reformation in America.
“By faith, the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been encircled for seven days. By faith, Rahab the harlot, did not perish along with those who were disobedient, after she had welcomed the spies in peace.” Hebrews 11:30-31
Joshua, the son of Nun, Moses’ servant, was the one chosen after Moses’ death to lead the Israelites into the promised land, by direction of God’s own breath.
“Only be strong and very courageous…and meditate on the law day and night.” These instructions were given by God to Joshua, so that events would turn out right.
Joshua told the officers to tell the people–that they should begin to prepare, to move on out in three days time, knowing God’s faithfulness would surely be there.
A “mountain” that needed to be overcome was the turbulent Jordan River for one– then the great walls of the city of Jericho needed to be conquered before their work would be done.
Joshua sent two men there as spies, and they came to a house built on the city wall. Rahab hid them in the house, from the King’s spies, who wanted to search it all.
Later, letting Joshua’s men down from a window, she had them swear that her favor would be returned. They promised her that a scarlet cord in her window would be a sign of the protection she’d earned.
They arrived back at the Israelite camp, with confidence that the country would be theirs. But how the people and animals would cross the rushing river became the next item of their cares.
Joshua, however, trusted in God, and gave the order for the priests to lead the way. They carried the ark of the covenant in and, thus, the waters were miraculously kept at bay.
Safety was afforded for all to cross over–then Joshua said a stone should be gathered for each one…of the twelve tribes of Israel. The stones were needed to build a memorial of what their God had done.
Then came a time of consecration, and they remembered the Passover–another instance of God’s delivering hand. The day after that, just before God’s manna ceased, they began to partake of some of the produce of the land.
As Joshua contemplated the attack on Jericho, he suddenly beheld a man with a sword…drawn in his hand; and he proclaimed to Joshua that he was captain of the host of the Lord.
He told him to remove the sandals from his feet, for he was standing on holy ground. Joshua did so immediately, knowing it was a heavenly visitation; and he already had bowed down.
Joshua was obedient to follow the Lord’s instructions and, therefore, said there should be seven…priests to march with trumpets of rams’ horns, followed by the ark of the covenant–the presence of the God of heaven.
Armed soldiers were part of the procession as well, as had been originally planned out. They all made the journey around the Jericho city walls, once for six days throughout.
On the seventh day, they marched around seven times–then the priests made their trumpets blow. Next came the much anticipated “Shout!”–after which, those great walls were laid low.
The Israelites marched in, captured and burned the city–but Rahab was remembered and spared. And, in Joshua, the Lord had provided a strong new leader–his fame only with Moses was shared.
To be strong and courageous and depend on God’s anointing is vital to remember still today. “Shout! For the Lord has given you the city!” reminds of “walls” that will come down after we pray.
…which, of course, includes worship and praise!
(Quote by Kenneth E. Hagin: “Praise gets the job done!”)
P. A. Oltrogge
(from the book of Joshua)
The Amplified Bible, Classic Edition, notes that the man with a sword, who proclaimed he was captain of the host of the Lord, according to various Bible scholars, was believed by them to be “the Son of God Himself.”
The Amplified Bible writes that “Whether the divine messenger was an angel or the pre-incarnate Christ is not clear from the Hebrew text; however, the message of godly assistance and pending victory was made clear to Joshua by the encounter.”
You may enjoy hearing Guy Penrod, Shout to the Lord, on You Tube
The Enemy Says, “Defeat,” but God Says, “Victory”!
I heard the Lord say to me, “Block out the noise and the shadows. The enemy is trying to intimidate you, but keep your eyes on Me. Keep your ear tuned to My voice. There is much noise, accompanied by terrifying shadows that are attempting to cause My people to despair and fear. But do not back up or back down. This is the hour to take ground! You will see victory in the valley!The enemy says, ‘Defeat,’ but I say, ‘VICTORY’!
“For I am bringing you through the valley,” says the Lord. “The valley is not your destination; it is the place where I will demonstrate My power. What looked like the place of your greatest battle will become the place of your greatest victory. What the enemy intended to use to intimidate you will become the very ground where you watch your giant fall.
“Do not allow what you see to become louder than what I have spoken. The shadows may appear large, but remember, a shadow has no substance. The enemy has magnified what he wants you to fear, but I am exposing his intimidation. Keep moving forward! Keep believing! Keep declaring what I have said! The promises that I have made have not changed!”
Psalm 23 Is a Template for Where You Are Headed
Psalm 23 is one of the most quoted and beloved passages of Scripture in the Bible. However, I want you to discover a powerful truth revealed in the fourth verse:
“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.” (Psalm 23:4 KJV)
Notice that David declared that he was walking through the valley of the shadow. In other words, he was prophetically declaring what God had already spoken: the valley of shadows was not his final destination. Later in the passage, David reveals where he was headed: “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies” (Psalm 23:5 KJV).
The devil would love for you to become so afraid by the shadows you see that you give up in the valley. But God says, “Get ready! You are about to see the greatest victory of your life. There is a table prepared for you!” Moreover, He doesn’t stop there. After the valley, you will come out with a fresh anointing so great that your cup will run over! (Photo via Pexels)
The Noise of the Enemy Is an Opportunity for Your Victory
Furthermore, the Lord instructed me to tell His people, “Block out the noise!” There is a lot of demonic chatter that has been sent to stop you from fulfilling His purpose for your life. However, the same frequency that causes some to run away in fear hits the ears of others and causes them to rise up and fight.
In 1 Samuel 17, we read that David was sent on a mission from his father, Jesse, to check on his brothers who were facing a battle with the Philistines. David did not realize that God had actually set him up for a battle that would bring elevation and deliver a nation.
Israel was camped on one mountain, and the Philistines were camped on another, with a valley in between them. For forty days, the giant Goliath would march in the valley, mock the God of Israel, and challenge the men of Israel to come and fight with him. His vast size and the noise of his words caused the Israelite army to tremble in fear. But when the sound of his mocking hit the ears of David, faith, not fear, arose within him.
Everyone heard the same giant, but David heard him differently. The army heard a reason to retreat. David heard a cause to advance. The army saw the size of Goliath. David saw the greatness of his God. The army heard the noise of intimidation. David heard an opportunity for victory!
Before David ever released a stone, he released a declaration: “This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand” (1 Samuel 17:46 KJV). David answered the enemy’s noise with the word of the Lord!(Photo via Pixabay)
Even now, I hear the prophetic word of the Lord saying to you, “In this season, when the enemy is stirring up noise to cause you to back down, you will not retreat! Neither the size of the opposition, nor the shadow blocking the light, nor the sound of the noise can stop what God has promised you.
“The valley that was supposed to be the place of David’s defeat, instead became the place of his victory. He entered that valley as a shepherd boy, but he came out with the anointing of a warrior, carrying the evidence that the giant had fallen. The valley became the place of his elevation!”
This Is Your Hour to See Victory in the Valley
Hear the word of the Lord: “The shadow may look intimidating, but it cannot stop My light. The giant may be loud, but he cannot cancel My word. The valley may look threatening, but it will not become your grave. It will become the place of your victory!
“You are not fighting for victory; you are standing in the victory that I have already secured for you. So, block out the noise. Ignore the shadows. Keep your eyes on Me. Keep your ear tuned to My voice. Keep moving forward and take the ground I have promised you.
“You are coming through the valley. The giant is coming down. The table is already prepared. Your head will be anointed with oil, and your cup will run over! This is your hour to see VICTORY IN THE VALLEY!”
_______________
Article shared from Elijahlist
Andrew Towe is an emerging prophetic voice to this generation! Andrew preaches the Word of God with fire, inviting God’s manifested presence to fall, with signs and wonders occurring in his services. He has also authored a new book titled, “The Triple Threat Anointing.” Andrew and his wife Brooke are the lead pastors of Ramp Church Chattanooga, and they reside in Chattanooga, TN along with their two children. Andrew travels extensively, preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Wherever he ministers, lives are changed, faith is strengthened, and expectation is ignited.
We praise You, Lord Jesus, and push away any gloom, for You are the Victorious One who was raised from the tomb.
You give hope that’s not wishful thinking but is joyful expectation. We’re more than conquerors always because of Your dedication.
You’re seated at the Father’s right hand—the place that was due…to the One who was so obedient to Him—He calls You Faithful and True.
We’re “above” any circumstances, not “under,” because Your power–and the name of the Lord Jesus is our shelter and strong tower.
P. A. Oltrogge
“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come, He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2:4-7
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy, He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ….” 1 Peter 1:3 (NIV)
“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.” Romans 8:31-34
“But in all these things, we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.” Romans 8:37
“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.” 2 Corinthians 2:14
“…so much the more also Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant. And the former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers, because they were prevented by death from continuing. But He, on the other hand, because He abides forever, holds His priesthood permanently. Hence, also, He is able to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:22-25
“…we have such a high priest, who has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, a minister in the sanctuary and in the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man.” Hebrews 8:1
“But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, by as much as He is also the mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted on better promises.” Hebrews 8:6
“(The Coming of Christ) And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war.” Revelation 19:11
“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe.” Proverbs 18:10
“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.” 1 John 5:14-15 (NKJV)
Scriptures NASB, NASB/Ryrie, or as noted
…according to the Word in Romans and Hebrews, above, you don’t face any trial alone…Jesus is interceding for you at the Father’s throne…
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
“Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.’” John 3:3
Noteworthy articles today at Mario Murillo Ministries, (He has introduced a new hat (MAKE AMERICA BORN AGAIN), A New Thing Ministries, and, as always: http://www.givehim15.com
Jesus distinguished the state of people’s hearts in receiving God’s Word, as seed sown….in the following way. A sower goes out to plant his seed….
The seed falls sometimes onto the roadside, or onto where mostly rocks are found. At times, it falls among thorns; but, at other times, it falls on the good ground.
So those hearts considered as “the roadside,” hear the Word but the devil snatches it away. Therefore, as it’s sown, we must pray that people really “hear” what God has to say.
Some do hear it with joy, (“rocky soil”) but their grasp of the gospel isn’t of great duration….for in time of temptation or trial, their belief has no depth for either situation.
The seed that’s fallen among thorns exemplifies those who let other things…such as cares, riches, or pleasures of life choke the Word, and they lose the benefits it brings.
But when the Word falls onto good ground–these are hearts where it will endure…to bring about fruit that will last. Their hearts are earnest, virtuous, and favor what’s pure.
So help us, Lord, daily, to attend to Your Word, thereby giving it firmer root…and then find Your opportunities to serve, with Your love, bringing forth precious fruit.
P. A. Oltrogge
…shared in best detail by Jesus in Luke 8:4-15 NASB (also in Matthew 13 and Mark 4)
Now when a large crowd was coming together, and those from the various cities were journeying to Him, He spoke by way of a parable: “The sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell beside the road, and it was trampled underfoot, and the birds of the sky ate it up. Other seed fell on rocky soil, and when it came up, it withered away because it had no moisture. Other seed fell among the thorns; and the thorns grew up with it and choked it out. And yet other seed fell into the good soil, and grew up, and produced a crop a hundred times as much.” As He said these things, He would call out, “The one who has ears to hear, let him hear.”
Now His disciples began asking Him what this parable meant. And He said, “To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest they are told in parables, so that while seeing they may not see, and while hearing they may not understand.”
“Now this is the parable: the seed is the word of God. And those beside the road are the ones who have heard, then the devil comes and takes away the word from their heart, so that they will not believe and be saved. Those on the rocky soil are the ones who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and yet these do not have a firm root; they believe for a while, and in a time of temptation they fall away. And the seed which fell among the thorns, these are the ones who have heard, and as they go on their way they are choked by worries, riches, and pleasures of this life, and they bring no fruit to maturity. But the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word with a good and virtuous heart, and hold it firmly, and produce fruit with perseverance.
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
My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are life to those who find them, And health to all their flesh. Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life. Proverbs 4:20-23
If you visit Mario Murillo Ministries, you can learn about his latest tent meetings in New York–an outpouring of blessings.. God bless you today…
Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.
Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Philippians 4:4-8 KJV
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength:
“Blessed is that man who makes the Lord his trust, And does not respect the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies. Many, O Lord my God, are Your wonderful works Which You have done; And Your thoughts toward us Cannot be recounted to You in order; If I would declare and speak of them, They are more than can be numbered.” Psalm 40:4-5
“But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I maydeclare all Your works.” Psalm 73:28
“In the day of my trouble I will call upon You, For You will answer me. Among the gods there is none like You, O Lord; Nor are there any works like Your works.” Psalm 86:7-8
“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
“I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.” Psalm 118:17
____________________
When we declare the works of the Lord over any situation, we’re applying the greatest power…of the Lord of all creation!
In earth, the sky, and seas, His wonderful works are displayed… and His Word is at work within our lives the moment we have prayed.
P. A. Oltrogge
Hold on to what God says; keep saying it, and this will keep you on course. . . WHILE IT RELEASES HIS POWER! (Quote from a message by Dutch Sheets)
“The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry.” Psalm 34:15
“He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.” 1 John 3:8
“In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Himthrough faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.” Colossians 2:11-15
“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ…” Philippians 1:3-6
“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13 KJV
“For it is [not your strength, but it is] God who is effectively at work in you, both to will and to work [that is, strengthening, energizing, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose] for His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13 AMP
“Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” words of Jesus, in Luke 10:19
“Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4:7
“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
“The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord’s doing; It is marvelous in our eyes.” Psalm 118:22-23 (Jesus is our Cornerstone!)
“For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth.” Psalm 139:13-15 NASB
“For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think,according to the power that works in us,to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:14-21
“And he (Jesus) saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!” Matthew 8:26-27 KJV
“But I have a greater witness than John’s; for the works which the Father has given Me to finish—the very works that I do—bear witness of Me, that the Father has sent Me.” words of Jesus in John 5:36
“So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11
Men with wrong beliefs had plans to carry out a terrible mission–one that God, who is love and promotes love, would never, ever commission.
Among the other flights that fateful morning was Flight 93. The day was 9/11, the date of the 2001 attack on America, the Land of Liberty.
Now, the site of its crash is a peaceful place, where out of great respect, people come to remember the lives lost and take time there to reflect.
So many heroic deeds were done that day, and the following days, on behalf of others. People rushed to help, acting as true American sisters and brothers.
There was an outpouring of patriotism and a turning of hearts to God. Our minds recall that day again, in gazing at what is now just a field of sod.
The severe tragedies in New York City and in Washington D.C.–made all Americans grieve for the precious individuals lost, who they’d no longer be able to see.
U.S. flags were proudly displayed everywhere, and prayers were intensified. May such love for our fellow man and for America forever remain and abide.
“Oh, say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave, o’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?” In God we must always trust…for it is He who is able to save!
P. A. Oltrogge
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.” 1 John 4:7-9
From Acts 4: Peter said, regarding the name of Jesus Christ… “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12
“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
“Seek the Lord while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near.” Isaiah 55:6
“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
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” Matthew 5:9
“A nation without wise leaders will fall. Many good advisers make a nation safe.” Proverbs 11:14 ERV
Genelle Guzman-McMiillan, the last survivor pulled from the World Trade Center rubble, reflects on her experience in BGEA’s “A Day That Changed Our Lives Forever” (Courtesy Billy Graham Evangelistic Association) at:
…also called Kinnereth, Lake of Gennesaret, and Sea of or Lake Tiberias
I’ve not ever visited the Holy Land of Israel or viewed Galilee’s beautiful sea, but I can visualize the prominence of its waters in Jesus’ life and ministry.
Peter, Andrew, James, and John made their living there–then suddenly were called to follow the Messiah, after which they experienced some miraculous catches hauled.
Near to its shores, five thousand men, and women and children, were divinely fed through a little boy’s blessed lunch of just two fish and only five loaves of bread.
After leaving Nazareth, Jesus settled in Capernaum, which lies beside its waters; and Mary, of Magdala, a seaside town, became one of God’s beloved daughters.
We know that Jesus walked on its waves; and Peter did, too, to some degree. Another time, the disciples called on Jesus to save them when it became a raging sea.
Jesus told His disciples to cross over it at times in following His Father’s direction. And from a mountain above it, He shared The Beatitudes–a major spiritual reflection.
You may not have seen the Sea of Galilee, that Jesus and the disciples traveled along; but you can experience the Spirit’s “living water,” which is God’s gift to make us strong.
P. A. Oltrogge
Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If any man is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being shall flow rivers of living water.’” But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. John 7:37-39
Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. John 16:7 KJV
But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth. Acts 1:8 and all of Acts 2
When Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message. And all the circumcised believers who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out upon the Gentiles also. Acts 10:44-45
So I say to you, ask and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him! Luke 11:9-13
The Porch of the Lord 