Monthly Archives: July 2020

An “Easy” Meditation

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“Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?” Jeremiah 32:27 NKJV

There’ve been times when one of the biggest mistakes that I have made…
is to think that something’s just too hard, even after I’ve prayed.

“Is there anything too hard for Me?” the God of all creation asks.
Of course not. He’s the Champion of creative miracle tasks.

In Bible scene after scene, we see situations that are an example.
Recalling the hand of God in them, His help was more than ample.

The Bible speaks of some difficult times, ahead of Jesus’ return;
but we’re to share about victory in Him, so that others still can learn.

More need to trust in Jesus, our Savior, amid the world’s distress;
and we, as believers, know…that God’s deepest desire is to bless.

“EASY” is the encouraging word that my thoughts, in faith, should take.
That which seems insurmountable to me–for God, is “a piece of cake!”

P. A. Oltrogge

The last few words of this poem have been used by Ashley and Carlie Terradez of http://www.terradezministries.com in referring to the ease with which God can do the seemingly impossible. Their daughter, Hannah, was rescued from dying when very young. A video of that story is at “About Us” on the website. Carlie’s book, “Miracles Made Easy” can also be obtained there.

“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

“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in tbe Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20 NKJV

“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3 NKJV

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The Courage of Esther

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by L. Mudrak
Guest Contributor

Today I’m writing about the story of Esther, who was a queen. She had been appointed queen during the reign of Xerxes, (in some texts Ahasuerus) and she hadn’t revealed what her nationality or family background was. Her “royalty” came in later, however. King Xerxes’ right-hand man, Haman, had decided the Jewish people would be killed. Esther was a Jew, but she was queen. Here was her chance to be bold.

Now Esther’s cousin, Mordecai, was deeply saddened by this edict and decided that Esther needed to do something about it. It was her “job” to save the Jews. This story is in Esther 4-7. You can read all of the book of Esther in a short amount of time if you would like to read the whole story.

“All the king’s officials and the people of the royal provinces know that for any man or woman who approached the king in the inner court without being summoned, the king has but one law: that he be put to death. The only exception to this is for the king to extend the gold scepter to him and spare his life. But thirty days have passed since I was called to go to the king.” Esther wanted to remind Mordecai what the rule was.

Mordecai replied, “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house, you alone of all the Jews, will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?”

The pressure is really on Esther because she knows that what Mordecai said is true. There is no safety from Haman, who is out to destroy all the Jews. She knows she needs to step up and help her people. Now that’s a burden!

Esther tells Mordecai to have the people fast, along with her, and she will go to the king. “And if I perish, I perish.” That is bravery most of us don’t have.

Esther dressed in her royal robes and stood in the court to approach the king. He favored her and liked the way she looked, so he extended his gold scepter. It was going to be okay to speak to him. The king said, “Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given you.”

Esther has a banquet and the evil Haman comes along with the king. Here is where her bold request is made. “If I have found favor with you, O king, and if it pleases your majesty, grant me my life–this is my petition. And spare my people–this is my request. For I and my people have been sold for destruction and slaughter and annihilation. If we had merely been sold as male and female slaves, I would have kept quiet, because no such distress would justify disturbing the king.” When the king asked who was behind this, Esther revealed that it was Haman. He knew, at that point, that he would now die. In fact, he was hanged for his evil plan.

The Jews were spared. Esther’s life was spared. God intervened for them through her courage. This is also where the tradition of Purim, a joyous feast on the fourteenth of the month of Adar (Hebrew calendar) happens every year. The Jews were spared death, and celebration of it is still held today.

Have you been bold enough to step up and speak up for those who are being abused or threatened? Have you stood up for a child who is hungry or isolated in this world? It will take the nerves of Esther to do it. Some things are easier to stand up for than others. We are all responsible for those around us–the poor, the elderly, the abused, the neglected, and the sick. If you see something that you know is wrong, you just can’t stand there and do nothing. Now is your chance to act–as Esther did.

Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” God will give you the strength you need. God will hear your plea. God will help you be bold when it’s needed.

I’m putting on my Esther robes….

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Those with us are more…

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“Therefore he sent horses and chariots and a great army there, and they came by night and surrounded the city. And when the servant of the man of God arose early and went out, there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots. And his servant said to him, ‘Alas, my master! What shall we do?’

“So he answered, ‘Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’ And Elisha prayed, and said, ‘Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.’ Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” 2 Kings 6:14-16 NKJV

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When troubles surround, look to the beauty of a flower.
Its magnificence reminds us of our creative God of power,
who stands with us against those who would seek to defeat us.
At the point of our need, God and angel armies meet us!

There are more who are with us than those who oppose–
and our deliverer is the King. From the grave, He arose!
There’s no other name under heaven higher on which to call.
Jesus Christ is our Redeemer, Mighty God, and Lord of all!

P. A. Oltrogge

“The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my strength, in whom I will trust, my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.” Psalm 18:2 KJV

“I sought the Lord and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears…
The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them.” Psalm 34:4, 7 NKJV

“Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.” Psalm 103:20 KJV

“Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord my God, You are very great: You are clothed with honor and majesty, Who cover yourself with light as with a garment, Who stretch out the heavens like a curtain. He lays the beams of His upper chambers in the waters, Who makes the clouds His chariot, Who walks on the wings of the wind, Who makes His angels spirits, His ministers a flame of fire.” Psalm 104:1-4 NKJV

“Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.

“And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.”
Ephesians 1:15-23 NKJV

“Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them…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. Thus 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.” from Acts 4:8-12 NKJV

“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 NKJV

“And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written:
KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS”
Revelation 19:16

As Simon Peter may have remembered…

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I once said to the Master, Jesus, “Go away from me Lord, for I am a sinful man!” Yet, I was forgiven by Him and blessed to be a part of His Father’s redemptive plan.

I remember when Andrew came to me with some news that truly amazed–that by way of John the Baptist, he had found the Messiah, who was to be praised!

Jesus became our teacher, and we left our nets to follow Him. This meant leaving our daily livelihood, so we weren’t simply doing so on a whim.

No, we knew that this was big. We began to see many miracles taking place–miracles of healing, provision, and protection were wrought by Him, revealing to all God’s grace.

The lame, the blind, and the deaf were finding that the Master was always willing. We disciples saw Him calm the sea during a storm that had been frighteningly chilling.

Another time, faith arose within me to walk towards Him upon the sea. He quickly saved me from sinking below the depths when fear had gotten the better of me.

Once, Jesus took me with James and John on a destined mountain climb, where He was transfigured before us–Elijah and Moses appeared at the time.

I suggested that three tabernacles be built for each, not knowing just what to say. Then a cloud came around us with a message from God on that remarkable day.

It was the voice of His Father in heaven, telling us that this was His beloved Son, and that we should listen to Jesus–His raiment was white as no launderer could have done.

Just as quickly as it had begun, the experience ended and we were alone. We often could expect the unexpected–such was His ministry’s tone.

HIs raising of Lazarus from the dead wasn’t envisioned by any of us disciples, though. Imagine our reaction when we saw death reversed to loose Lazarus and let him go.

I once gave the Lord the use of my boat, for Him to minister from to those on shore…only to be given back the catch of a lifetime–He gave back to us always more!

“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God!” I declared to Him one day. He said His Father in heaven had revealed that truth to me about the Son, who had taught us all to pray.

At the Passover meal, I was taken aback when Jesus came to me to wash my feet. I allowed Him, though, for He said to be a part of Him, it was a duty I needed to let Him meet.

What a blessed remembrance, to have spent that time with the Lord in the upper room…before His betrayal and crucifixion and eventual resurrection from the tomb.

Of course, I felt remorse for my own denial of Him–my boasted loyalty and support having failed. But afterwards, I came to my senses, realizing that I was one…for whom, to the cross, He’d been nailed.

We disciples were so happy when He appeared to us after His glorious resurrection–and later were so glad to spread the news that Jesus is Lord…by the promised Spirit’s direction.

I loved to tell of Him throughout the following years and was always looking toward…that time of my reunion with Him, the Master and Teacher whom we all had adored.

P. A. Oltrogge

On Speaking to “Mountains”

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“And Jesus answering saith unto them, ‘Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass, he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.’” Mark 11:22-24 KJV

Was Jesus talking about actual mountains?

No, but Jesus knew we would have problems that would need to be removed…
That’s why He said to “say unto this mountain”–that by our words, this could be proved.

Speaking to adverse circumstances is something that we, as believers, can do,
for these were Jesus’ instructions to His disciples; and He never said anything untrue.

“It is written,” were the words that He would use–then He quoted right from a scripture. We can follow His example, thereby causing a “mountain” to no longer be a “permanent” fixture.

Jesus spoke unto the fig tree, and to the sea in the midst of a stormy blast. He spoke to people who had died, when the time for their healing had passed.

“Saying unto this mountain” is our “good fight of faith” stand, to use to effect the well-being and blessed future which God has said He’s planned.

People will faithfully take a medicine, as a doctor prescribes they should do.
Likewise, faithfully taking God’s medicine (His Word) will change that “mountain view.”

Speaking, hearing, and meditating upon the Word will cause a mountain’s transition. Don’t let the naysayers influence you to quit or cause you to change your position.

Jesus blessed the loaves and fish; He thanked God before Lazarus was raised.
An important part of speaking to a mountain is that God should first be praised.

Sometimes we need to pray in the Spirit, which is God’s supernatural gift,
before we’ll see greater progress in causing a stubborn mountain to shift.

We’re not to doubt in our hearts, though doubt may try to enter through a thought. Resist it and negative thinking, for speaking to “mountains” is a principle which Jesus, our Lord, taught.

P. A. Oltrogge

In Mark 11:25-26, Jesus goes on to state the importance of forgiveness and so, in sharing the above, it should be added that we should remember that and be walking in love towards others:

“And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.” Ephesians 5:2 NKJV

Then…

“…believe that ye receive”…from Mark 11:24

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23 NKJV

“We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe and therefore speak.” 2 Corinthians 4:13 KJV

“For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.” Hebrews 4:12-13 NLT

“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:12 NKJV

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Proverbs 18:21 NKJV

“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.” Luke 10:19 NKJV

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:2-4 NKJV

“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world–our faith. And who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? This is the one who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ; not with the water only, but with the water and with the blood.” 1 John 5:4-6 NASB

“The hills melted like wax at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.” Psalm 97:5 NASB

“But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” Jude 1:20 NKJV

Exodus 15:1-2; 2 Samuel 22:4; Psalm 100:4; Psalm 106:1; Proverbs 4:20-22; Jeremiah 1:12; Acts 16:25-26; 2 Corinthians 2:14; Hebrews 12:2; Hebrews 13:15

*In A Better Way to Pray, by Andrew Wommack, there is a complete chapter entitled, “Speak to Your Mountain.” In another chapter, Andrew shares the story of his son being raised from death back to life. As he said on his daily program, the book is not about the exact right way to pray, but about some ways he has found that have proved to be better in his own life. The book is available at http://www.awmi.net as well as The New You and the Holy Spirit.

Kenneth Copeland has shared the story of how some pastors and believers in Germany, encouraged by Kenneth Hagin’s book on the authority of the believer, in addition to praying, began speaking to the “mountain” of the Berlin wall, which existed at the time, to be removed, and, in time, saw it come down. The book, The Believer’s Authority is available at http://www.rhema.org

At times, it may be that after speaking to a “mountain,” God will show you a course of action to take regarding its removal. If any type of ailment is a mountain in your life, Andrew’s book and website with healing testimonies are very encouraging. And the Copeland’s magazine, Believer’s Voice of Victory, has featured many healing stories. I like the ones where people immersed themselves in the Word and saw their mountains move. (See archive post, Immersion in God’s Word, for some healing scriptures…and recorded scriptures can be found at You Tube.)

Angels on Assignment

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The delicate beauty of this Queen Anne’s lace
was designed by the Lord, who gives amazing grace…
Those who make Jesus their Lord, gain the gift of salvation;
and angels are assigned to minister to them in every nation.
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When Joseph, betrothed to the virgin, Mary, learned that she was pregnant, a situation troubling for him to understand,

an angel in a dream revealed to him that the child had been conceived by the Holy Spirit, for the Savior’s birth which God had planned.

At Jesus’ birth, in Bethlehem, then, the skies were filled with rejoicing angels of great number,

appearing to shepherds, keeping watch over their flock, amid people’s nighttime slumber.

Again, in a dream, an angel spoke to Joseph, to flee to Egypt to escape Herod’s attack,

until he would tell him, at a later time, when and where it would be safe for them to come back.

As an adult, and after His baptism by John, Jesus experienced a time of temptation.

He fasted in the wilderness and withstood the devil’s taunts. Then angels ministered to Him after its duration.

Much later, at prayer in Gethsemane’s garden, Jesus began to feel very great distress

about fulfilling His Father’s will at the cross. So His Father sent an angel there to bless,

strengthen, and comfort Him…as the time for His trial and crucifixion had begun to loom.

Perhaps the angel reminded Jesus that He would be raised up—in victory over the tomb.

Scripture states that Jesus endured the cross because, ahead, He could see the joy—

He would be loved as our Redeemer…from the devil’s works, which He had come to destroy.

Upon His resurrection, heaven sent angels to greet early mourners at the tomb’s site,

to tell them that Jesus had been raised from the dead, dispelling any sorrow they’d had or fright.

Then, we read in Acts, of when Simon Peter, the Lord’s disciple, had been wrongfully jailed,

that God sent an angel to work a jailbreak, proving that Peter’s brethren’s prayers hadn’t failed.

And the apostle, Paul, was on a ship to Rome, sailing in a turbulent storm at sea—

when an angel appeared to him with a message, that no loss of life would there be.

Angels are noted throughout scripture. They minister to the heirs of salvation.

As believers, we are recipients of their aid, and they serve throughout every nation.

I thank the Lord for their service, for their presence as we walk life’s many trails.

I can think of times past when I sensed their protection. Through faith, prayer, and their help, God’s Kingdom never fails.

P. A. Oltrogge

References: Matthew 1:18-24; Matthew 2; Luke 2:1-20; Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 1:9-12; Luke 22:41-44; Hebrews 12:2; 1 John 3:8; Matthew 28:1-10; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:11-13; Acts 12; Acts 27:23-25; Hebrews 1:13-14

“I sought the Lord and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears…
The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them.” Psalm 34:4, 7 NKJV

“Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.” Psalm 103:20 KJV

“Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord my God, You are very great: You are clothed with honor and majesty, Who cover yourself with light as with a garment, Who stretch out the heavens like a curtain. He lays the beams of His upper chambers in the waters, Who makes the clouds His chariot, Who walks on the wings of the wind, Who makes His angels spirits, His ministers a flame of fire.” Psalm 104:1-4 NKJV

“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. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.’” Luke 2:10-12 NKJV

“Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven. For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.” Matthew 18:10-11 NKJV

“…looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2 NKJV

”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 NKJV

“Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?” Hebrews 1:13-14 NKJV

“For He shall give His angels charge over you , to keep you in all your ways.” Psalm 91:11 NKJV

“Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; Praise Him in the heights! Praise Him, all His angels; Praise Him, all His hosts! Praise Him, sun and moon; Praise Him, all you stars of light!” Psalm 148:1-3 NKJV

Blessed by his Story and Songs

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Likely, many of you have already heard the story of Christopher Duffley, but if any of you have not, you may enjoy going to his website, http://www.christopherduffley.com or looking up his singing on You Tube, where he sings such songs as “Open the Eyes of my Heart,” (when he was so very young), “I Can Only Imagine,” “This is Amazing Grace,” and others.

Have a blessed day!

His Sheltered Ones

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The Bible says God is a shelter for us.
Could He ever be a shelter that leaks?

Hardly, since He made the planets and stars
and wonderfully built all the mountain peaks.

Under His wings, there’s strong shelter,
even in situations that are dire.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego
were sheltered by Him in the midst of fire.

Daniel, thrown into the lions’ den,
and Noah, obeying and building an ark…

Both were sheltered by Almighty God
in two different circumstances that were dark.

Likewise, today, we need a shelter
in perils and plagues that could distress.

As Christians, we become sheltered ones,
under the wings of the true God who loves to bless.

P. A. Oltrogge

“For You have been a shelter for me, a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in your tabernacles forever; I will trust in the shelter of your wings. Selah.” Psalm 61:3-4 NKJV

“They have taken crafty counsel against Your people, and consulted together against Your sheltered ones….Let them be confounded and dismayed forever; Yes, let them be put to shame and perish, that they may know that You, whose name alone is the Lord; are the Most High over all the earth.” Psalm 83:3, 17-18 NkJV

“Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies; In You I take shelter.” Psalm 143:9 NKJV

“The Lord also will roar from Zion, and utter His voice from Jerusalem; The heavens and earth will shake; But the Lord will be a shelter for His people, and the strength of the children of Israel.” Joel 3:16 NKJV

and Psalm 91 NASB:

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most high will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!”

For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper, and from the deadly pestilence.

He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.

You will not be afraid of the terror by night, or of the arrow that flies by day;

Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, or of the destruction that lays waste at noon.

A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not approach you.

You will only look on with your eyes, and see the recompense of the wicked.

For you have made the Lord, my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place.

No evil will befall you, nor will any plague come near your tent.

For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways.

They will bear you up in their hands, lest you strike your foot against a stone.

You will tread upon the lion and cobra, the young lion and the serpent you will trample down,

Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name.

He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him, and honor him.

With a long life I will satisfy him, and let him behold My salvation.

poem postscript:
(Some might ask, what about those persecuted for their faith in Christ? Surely, the Lord has helped/helps them in trouble in supernatural ways. We do earnestly pray for them, at this moment, for deliverance from their enemies, and that those who persecute will find Jesus Christ, the true God, themselves.)

“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” John 17:3 NIV

The Powerful River

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“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear…” 1 John 4:18

Are you at a point where fears are trying to dominate your thinking?
Or are you in a situational “boat” that makes you feel as though you’re sinking?

Then let this scripture permeate your thoughts, to make things perfectly clear,
that “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.”

God’s perfect love surrounds you like pleasant views down a wilderness river.
Knowing you’re afloat on the river of His perfect love has great power to deliver.

P. A. Oltrogge

“And we have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. By this, love is perfected with us, that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love. We love, because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:16-19 NASB

“How precious is Your lovingkindess, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of your wings. They are abundantly satisfied with the fulness of Your house, and You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures. For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light.” Psalm 36:7-9 NKJV

“…and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fulness of God. Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:19-21 NASB

“There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, The holy dwelling places of the Most High…The Lord of hosts is with us, The God of Jacob is our stronghold.” Psalm 46:4 and 7

further encouragement:
http://www.moorelife.org “Faith in the Power” series
(Click on “Word Supply,” “Series,”
and then “Alphabetical List”)

Photo/Unsplash

Meditation of the Heart

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“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14

The Bible is very explicit about the importance of the words that we speak.
But keeping the meditation of our hearts acceptable to God is something we should also seek.

Are the meditations of your heart more like worry or negativity in recent days? Think, instead, upon God’s promises, thanking Him, and rejoicing in Him always!

P. A. Oltrogge

“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” Philippians 4:4 NKJV

“But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.” Psalm 1:2 NKJV

“But to the Son (Jesus) He says:

‘Your throne, O God, is forever and ever;
A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom.
You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness;
Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You
With the oil of gladness more than Your companions,'”
Hebrews 1:8-9 NKJV

Postscript:

Worry or complaining are draining;
Praising is life-giving and joy-raising!

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Photo/Porch of the Lord