Let “Ask, and it will be given to you,” and “Seek, and you will find,” and “Knock, and the door will be opened to you,” often come to mind.
God has so many possibilities, when we are thinking there are none– The disciples were distraught at Jesus’ death ’til they beheld the risen Son.
When hope seems to have ended, remember your mighty God’s deeds. He’s a “beyond all that we ask or think” God, who supplies beyond our needs.
So be blessed to be a blessing to others as God pours out His love. Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father of lights above.
P. A. Oltrogge
“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 3:20-21 NKJV
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” James 1:17KJV
“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. Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him? Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:7-12 NKJV
A certain woman of the city heard that Jesus was at the home of Simon, a Pharisee. So she came with an alabaster flask of ointment–her sins had weighed her down very heavily. Her tears washed Jesus’ feet, which she kissed and wiped with her hair–then anointed them with the oil–all tokens of the love she had come there to share.
Simon’s thought was that Jesus should have known that she was a woman to shun. If Jesus was truly a prophet, he would not have permitted her because of the things she’d done. Jesus then told him a story of two debtors, freely forgiven of debts of lesser and greater amounts. It was an explanation to Simon of a sinner’s gratefulness–her debt of sin was large (and, therefore, so was her love) by all accounts.
Jesus expressed appreciation for her kisses and for the tears that she had shed. “Your sins are forgiven” and “Your faith has saved you; go in peace,” He said. Those who sat at the table with Him began to discuss that, saying “Who is this?” His forgiveness of her sins was an authoritative statement they really couldn’t dismiss.
…from John 12:1-8 (in Bethany at the home of Lazarus, Martha, and Mary)
In a second narrative, six days before Passover, the scriptures tell of Mary– who used spikenard, a costly oil–the fragrance of which, the entire house would carry. After supper, there in Bethany, she anointed Jesus’ feet, also wiping them with her hair. Judas then asked why the oil hadn’t been sold and the money been given to the poor–not that he actually did care.
Jesus told Judas to let her alone for she had kept the oil for His burial day. “For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always,” was what He had to say.
…from Matthew 26:6-13 and Mark 14:3-9 (in Bethany)
A similar occurrence at the house of Simon the leper, Matthew and Mark record, was that of a woman who took spikenard, pouring it, this time, upon the head of Jesus, her Lord. There were some who, like Judas, criticized her, saying that the oil might have been sold for the poor. But Jesus said she had done this for His burial, speaking of her with grace, and that in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, she would forever have a place.
Today, God is pouring out His love and the Holy Spirit upon each open heart. May we fill our own “alabaster jars,” with love for Him, and eagerly do our part. There’s a world of people Jesus died for, and many are in great need. Guide and strengthen us, Lord, as we seek to be Your servants, caring with both word and deed.
We thank You for Your great sacrifice; we thank You for Your steadfast love. We appreciate so much what it cost You to visit us from heaven above.
P. A. Oltrogge
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love. By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” 1 John 4:7-11
“Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8
“And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly I say to you inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’” Matthew 25:40 (and verses 31-46) NKJV
“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
“Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments, and abide in His love.” John 15:9-10
Help me, Father in heaven, to be mindful of what Your Word has said–that my words shouldn’t be critical of others, but they should bless instead. If someone’s ways seem contrary to mine, or if they’ve hurt me in some way, every person is still made in Your image–I must show love towards them and pray.
A forest spring doesn’t flow with waters that are both bitter and fresh; likewise, help me in “keeping under” any wrong attitudes of my flesh. A fig tree doesn’t produce olives, and figs don’t come from a grapevine; neither should judgmental words towards others come from these lips of mine.
The same lips that praise my God, should speak with His love; and I should be kind, in turn. Purity, being peace loving and gentle, willing to yield to others, are things that I must learn. With humility that’s gleaned from Your wisdom, I’ll avoid jealousy and selfish ambition, for You’ve said that disorder and evil of every kind come from either condition.
I should be full of Your mercy, showing no favoritism, and always be sincere–Planting seeds of peace, I’ll reap a harvest of righteousness–all truths that You’ve made clear.
P. A. Oltrogge
“And just as you want people to treat you, treat them in the same way.” words of Jesus in Luke 6:31
“People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? No, and you can’t draw fresh water from a salty spring.
If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.
“But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.” James 3:7-18 NLT
“Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and He will grant you His blessing. For the Scriptures say, ‘If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.’” 1 Peter 3:9-12 NLT
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)
I like to think of the butterfly, a high-flying creation of beauty…
that once was a lowly caterpillar, but destined for the unique duty,
of submitting to the Creator’s perfect will, and a higher design.
This may be compared to the lives of believers–even yours and mine.
Once, we were living low, though we may not have thought it so…
then recognized our need to be forgiven and be transformed to grow
into new creations with a very high call–to go throughout the earth,
in order to share with others, for God, the joy of obtaining “the new birth.”
P. A. Oltrogge
” …he who loses his life for My sake will find it.” …words of Jesus from Matthew 10:39 (NKJV)
“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 (NASB)
” ..’Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature.’” …Jesus’ words from Mark 16:15 (NKJV)
“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)
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23 (RSV)
Be blessed to read of praise reports at http://www.josephprince.org under “Blog” and then “Praise reports” for great encouragement regarding many situations of life. I’m thanking the Lord, that His goodness and mercy are following you this day. His banner over you is love….
with thanks to God, that He’s making things right.
For God, there is nothing that is too hard.
Rely on that truth in any regard.
Pray and obey, as the Lord leads;
meditate on His Word, from which wisdom proceeds.
It may take some time to see right come about…
Just remember He’s faithful and reject any doubt.
There are times in our lives that seem dark and bad,
but keep trusting God, our Father. He’s the very best Dad!
P. A. Oltrogge
But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir. Galatians 4:4-7 NLT
Before reading this poem, “God is Good, All the Time,” I want to recommend a most encouraging true account told in the book, Healed Overnight by Amy Keesee Freudiger. You can read an overview of her book when you visit Amy’s website at http://www.HealedOvernight.com
God is Good, All the Time
…from Luke 13:10-17
In this account, Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues; and it was on a Sabbath day.
A woman was there who, for eighteen years, had had a sickness caused by a spirit—she was bound by Satan that way.
She was bent double and was totally unable to straighten up at all.
But she made her way over to Jesus, upon His invitation and call.
“Woman, you are freed from your sickness,” He said, laying His hands upon her—immediately she became erect.
She began to glorify God that Jesus’ ministry had had such a powerful effect!
But due to rigid adherence to the Torah, a synagogue official could only “see” the Law.
Jesus should not have healed on the Sabbath, he indicated. All he could see was this “flaw.”
In the face of such a miracle, he still, obviously, wasn’t persuaded.
His only desire seemed to be that Jesus’ act of love should be degraded.
Jesus then called him a hypocrite, saying that he, and the other synagogue officials, would untie their own oxen or donkeys on the Sabbath to lead them to some waters.
How much more, then, was it right for Him to heal, even though on a Sabbath, this woman, who was one of Abraham’s daughters.
After Jesus had said these things, his opponents were put to shame…
while, for the glorious things He was doing for others, the people were giving Him great acclaim.
As believers, we, too, are heirs of Abraham; and on any night or day…
the Lord, who never slumbers or sleeps, will hear and answer us whenever we pray.
P. A. Oltrogge
“And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to promise.” Galatians 3:29 NASB
“…He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” Psalm 121:3-4 NASB
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name throughout the earth! Your glory is sung above the heavens. From the mouths of little children and infants, you have built a fortress against your opponents to silence the enemy and the avenger.
Psalm 8:1-2 GW
When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
Psalm 8:3-4 KJV
When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers— the moon and the stars you set in place— what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them?
Psalm 8:3-4 NLT
The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, Slow to anger and great in mercy. The Lord is good to all, And His tender mercies are over all His works.
All Your works shall praise You, O Lord, And Your saints shall bless You.
Psalm 145:8-10 NKJV
1 Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory in the heavens. 2 Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. 3 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, 4 what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?
5 You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor. 6 You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet: 7 all flocks and herds, and the animals of the wild, 8 the birds in the sky, and the fish in the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas.
9 Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
Psalm 8, NIV
from the worship song… How Majestic is Your Name by Michael W. Smith
O Lord, our Lord How majestic is your name in all the earth O Lord, our Lord How majestic is your name in all the earth…
O Lord, we praise your name O Lord, we magnify your name Prince of Peace, Mighty God O Lord, God Almighty!
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
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
John 3:16 NKJV
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. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
1 John 4:9-11 NKJV
For I know the thoughts that I have toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:29-30
Since Jesus said His yoke is easy and that His burden is light, I shouldn’t let things that seem worrisome keep me up in the night.
I need to cast on Jesus all of my worries and cares instead, for He lovingly said that He has numbered the very hairs of my head.
If I’m worrying, I’m saying that God isn’t really big enough to handle or resolve problems that, to my mind, seem so tough.
Can’t He who created your own brain know better what to do? Consider that and believe that it’s His ability that will see you through.
Why not fully release to God the things that you’ve prayed about? Put all your confidence in Him and leave no room at all for doubt.
When he who tempts with fear is urging you to be distraught, just say, “I’ve cast my cares on Jesus,” by the faith that He has taught.
Then go ahead and rest in His love–know it is done and give Him praise. Remember He leads in green pastures where His sheep may safely graze.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7 NKJV
“Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” Luke 12:6-8 NKJV
“Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?” Jeremiah 32:27 NKJV
“But Jesus looked at them and said to them, ‘With men this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible.’” Matthew 19:26 NKJV
“…looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…” Hebrews 12:2 NKJV
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures….” Psalm 23:1-2 NKJV
“In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:6, 7
“Now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now we know in part, but then I shall know fully, just as I also have been fully known.” 1 Corinthians 13:12
(A poem on renewal of hope after experiencing loss or a setback to faith.)
You came through difficult days–at times you felt vulnerable and disappointed. But, remember, you’re a child of God, and you’re still very much anointed.
Philippians 4:13 says you can do all things you’re called to do– Just keep your eyes fixed on Jesus–that’s Hebrews 12:2.
God is totally for you–His Word has made it clear. Don’t let past adversities cause you to doubt or fear.
We don’t fight against flesh and blood, but it’s a spiritual battle we wage; Holding fast to your confidence is vital–it’s not time to disengage.
“Onward Christian soldiers, marching as to war, With the cross of Jesus going on before.”
That’s an old familiar hymn sung down through the years; And you have carried on so bravely, though sometimes there were tears.
As you continue in God’s Word, it will be a lamp unto your feet And a light unto your path, bringing fellowship that’s sweet.
In studying the Bible, you’ve come to understand That all that is good is from the Father’s hand.
Jesus went about healing, showing the Father’s true heart. He commanded the waves to be calm and the winds to depart.
The Old Testament account of Joseph tells of much that he withstood; But from what was meant for evil, God brought forth only good.
So keep listening to the Holy Spirit and using God’s Word as you pray; It’s the trustworthy sword of our armor–don’t let the enemy have any other say.
Plead the blood of Jesus…For our well-being, He was scarred; Stay strong in your precious faith in His Word, knowing it will guard.
A beautiful chapter of promise is Psalm ninety-one; We can claim it at each daybreak and even when the day is done.
Surely, you’ve gone through a hard place; but you’ll find by remaining bold And confident in the Lord, Jesus Christ, your faith will be greater than gold.
“In the world you have tribulation, but…I have overcome the world,” Jesus said. Stand firm in that truth and you will find that God has wonderful things still ahead.
P. A. Oltrogge
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
“Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mine; and acts upon them, may be compared to a wise man, who built his house upon the rock. And the rain descended, and the floods came; and the winds blew, and burst against the house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded upon the rock.” Matthew 7:24, 25
“…rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer.” Romans 12:12
“This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil, where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.” Hebrews 6:19-20
“Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation, or shifting shadow.” James 1:17
“Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God, who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge.” 2 Corinthians 1:21-22
“But thanks be to God who always leads us in His triumph in Christ….” 2 Corinthians 2:14
Psalm 91 (entire Psalm)
“that being justified by His grace, we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:7
Book or CD recommendation at http://www.billyebrim.org under “Store,” …”The Authority of the Believer and How to Use It” and other insightful materials.
Photo/Unsplash by David Marcu Piatra Craiului Mountains, Romania
The earliest believers suffered persecution–a man of God, Stephen, was put to death. Though scattered, they continued to share about Jesus, the Master, who gives to all of us breath.
We read on…of the evangelist, Philip, in the book of Acts and chapter eight. His desire to share about Jesus was greater than any fears he might have had for his own fate.
He’d gone to the city of Samaria and preached there, doing many miraculous signs. He had cast out demons and healed the lame, leaving a very joyful city behind.
Having heard of the new believers in Samaria, Peter and John had arrived as well. They prayed and laid hands on the believers–and upon them, the Holy Spirit fell.
An angel of the Lord then instructed Philip, to head south on the desert road…that ran from Jerusalem to Gaza, where he saw a man soon, and his journey slowed….
Philip walked alongside the man’s chariot, at the Holy Spirit’s leading. This man was the treasurer of Ethiopia, and from the book of Isaiah, he was reading.
He’d been to Jerusalem to worship and was on his journey from there of return. But, obviously, he had a hunger about God, and Philip was to help him learn.
“Do you understand what you’re reading?” Philip asked, wanting to be his guide. The man replied that he needed help, and invited him to come up and sit alongside.
This was the passage of scripture he’d been reading:
“He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; And as a lamb before its shearer is silent, So He opened not His mouth. In His humiliation His justice was taken away, And who will declare His generation? For His life is taken from the earth.”
The Ethiopian asked Philip for clarification as to whom this text referred. Then Philip told him the good news of Jesus, the Savior–the first time that he clearly had heard.
Philip undoubtedly told him about baptism in water and of the Holy Spirit being outpoured. The man believed the gospel, and his own baptism was what he then eagerly looked toward.
As they rode along, they came to some water and stopped, because this man recognized…that it was the perfect opportunity for them to get out so he could immediately be baptized.
Regarding it, Philip said, ‘”If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God”–so there was no reason for delay.
When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord took Philip supernaturally away. The Ethiopian never saw him again, but he went home rejoicing in the Lord that day.
P. A. Oltrogge
Above scripture: Acts 8:32-33 NKJV
And then he (Jesus) told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned. These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages. They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won’t hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed.”
When the Lord Jesus had finished talking with them, he was taken up into heaven and sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand. And the disciples went everywhere and preached, and the Lord worked through them, confirming what they said by many miraculous signs.
The Porch of the Lord 