The following is the story of Rev. E. P. Scott and the hymn, “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name,” (written by Edward Perronet).
This beautiful hymn on the power of Jesus’ name was used by a missionary; and he found it to tame… a known, dangerous tribe, which he was endeavoring to reach, in the Indian subcontinent, where he desired to teach.
He wanted to share Jesus, of whom they’d not heard, knowing that “Go into all the world” was the Lord’s Word. Though warned by some friends against going to that area of land, he followed the Holy Spirit, regardless, and met with a band…
of warriors, who surrounded him, pointing their spears. But he took out his violin, actually, despite obvious fears. He began with the words, “All hail the power of Jesus’ name.” To that name, “let every kindred, every tribe” lay claim!
Having closed his eyes while singing, in their language, the song, upon opening them, it was clear that Jesus’ name had been strong. God’s Spirit, thereby, had quenched any dreaded attack; they’d lowered their weapons–shedding tears, sensing their lack.
For the following two years, the minister taught his new friends of Jesus, the Savior, on whom the soul’s cleansing depends. Not just for eternity, but God cares for His children here and now. They become heirs through the name, to which every knee should bow!
P. A. Oltrogge
“Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11 NKJV
“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 NKJV
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ALL HAIL THE POWER OF JESUS’ NAME
All hail the power of Jesus’ name! Let angels prostrate fall; Bring forth the royal diadem, And crown Him Lord of all; Bring forth the royal diadem, And crown Him Lord of all.
Ye chosen seed of Israel’s race, Ye ransomed from the fall, Hail Him who saves you by His grace, And crown Him Lord of all; Hail Him who saves you by His grace, And crown Him Lord of all.
Let every kindred, every tribe, On this terrestrial ball, To Him all majesty ascribe, And crown Him Lord of all; To Him all majesty ascribe, And crown Him Lord of all.
O that with yonder sacred throng, We at His feet may fall! We’ll join the everlasting song, And crown Him Lord of all; We’ll join the everlasting song, And crown Him Lord of all!
Picture great crowds, coming to be taught… Picture the sick, whom others had brought. Picture them healed through miracles wrought By Jesus, God’s Son, Whom so many had sought.
Picture a day where the sun was getting low. “Hear” the disciples saying they just didn’t know… How the people would eat—and should be told to go; But picture a lad with loaves and fish that would grow.
“Listen” to Jesus say, “Bring them here to me…” Picture loaves and fish multiplied by His decree, With five thousand being fed, at a cost that was free, And full baskets left over before the disciples put out to sea.
Picture Jesus sending the multitudes away, Going up to the mountain by Himself to pray–- Then joining the disciples, through water and spray, On the fourth watch of the night, just before day.
Picture Peter bravely wanting to join the Lord, Picture him boldly stepping overboard; Then see his faith waver as sea and wind roared– Picture him sinking but, by Christ, being restored.
Picture your own life and remember these things; Remember that “greatness” to small things Christ brings. Look to the Lord for your faith to take wings, As you walk on life’s waters with the King of Kings.
Lilian B. Yeomans, a medical doctor in the early 1900’s, told the story of a missionary, a woman who had come down with a severe case of smallpox. The following is the story of her healing from that disease.
The Lord gave this woman a vision…of two “baskets” of prayer and praise. Each of us has such baskets, to which we contribute, in either of those ways.
So, her prayer basket on problems was very full, almost to be spilling out, while her praise basket was only half full, due to neglect and, often, her doubt.
While prayer can be effective and fervent, there’s an enemy who opposes. Praise to God is also of great power; and, to Him, it’s as fragrant as roses.
Dr. Yeomans called it “The Praise Cure,” to which there is no expense. She said it would work in every case, which, by Biblical examples, makes sense.
God told the woman to fill up her praise basket, making it heavy with praise and song. As she did that, the problem basket eventually “lifted” in her life, removing what had been wrong.
Though the doctor had told her to rest quietly, she’d kept up her praises and singing. Even nurses who were attending to her decided to join in, keeping her bedroom ringing!
So if on some matter, you feel distraught, with a problem that seems very hard– turn to praise, as did that woman. The affliction ceased, and it left her unscarred.
Praise the Lord!
P. A. Oltrogge
If you do an internet search, you can find a more detailed version of this poetic account. Look for: Mark Hankins The Praise Cure Lilian B. Yeomans
I’m thanking the Lord today for His presence, love, compassion, and power in your life. Choosing a favorite worship song blesses Him and enhances your hope and trust in Him in the midst of a difficulty.
“Oh, sing to the Lord a new song! For He has done marvelous things; His right hand and His holy arm have gained Him the victory.” Psalm 98:1
“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.” Psalm 100:4-5
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16
“Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.” Hebrews 13:15 (Scriptures NKJV)
“Top of the morning” to you, on this St. Patrick’s Day! May all of God’s wonderful blessings graciously come your way.
It’s said that St. Patrick used the shamrock, which has leaves of three, as an illustration to the Irish people of God’s holy Trinity.
Just as a shamrock is composed of three separate leaves, yet is one– the almighty God of the Bible is the Father, Holy Spirit, and the Son.
Shamrocks have been associated with “luck,” but God’s promises are sure. While shamrocks cannot last, God’s loving kindness will forever endure.
Today is a day when many will turn to thoughts of the Emerald Isle; but may we daily be sure to turn our thoughts to the Lord for a while.
And on a day when some may be thinking of “wearing the green,” may the people of God reflect His joy, which is the best thing to be seen.
P. A. Oltrogge
“…for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10
“For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost, and these three are one.” 1 John 5:7 KJV
Of the Word, Jesus, it’s written: “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 KJV
Mark 12:28-30; John 14:6; John 14:9; 1 John 1:1-4; John 1:1-5
Please, dear friend, be rich towards God, thinking not only of your own pursuits; But think about turning your heart to Christ and others, putting down good spiritual roots. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, but forfeits his own soul? Helping others spiritually and in tangible ways is God’s plan, in which we’re all to have a role.
Have you spoken to Jesus in a personal way today, or do you just run out to meet the day? A relationship with Him makes a difference for the better–it’s wise to take time to pray. One day Jesus will be coming back in glory and will repay His saints for selfless deeds. Not only for that reason, but for the joy that’s returned, ask Him to show you another’s needs.
God’s not against your having enjoyment of certain things… But doesn’t want you to miss the fulfillment which living for Him brings.
P. A. Oltrogge
“For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and will then repay every man according to his deeds.” Matthew 16:25-27
“But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared? So is the man who stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” Luke 12:20-21
“Knowing What Belongs to Us” by Kenneth E. Hagin is a booklet which shares the benefits we have, in turn, as believers…available at http://www.rhema.org under “Bookstore” and emphasizes Ephesians 1:3, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.”
Reprinted with permission given from Zola Levitt Ministries….
The following is an essay on the most asked question that comes to Zola Levitt Ministries during the season of Lent/Easter, when you may ask it yourself.
Friday to Sunday?
QUESTION: If the Lord was crucified on Friday and rose on Sunday, how could that encompass three days and three nights?
ANSWER: The Gospel accounts indicate that the Lord was crucified on Friday at 9:00 a.m. and taken off the cross at 3:00 p.m. His body was prepared for burial and interred at sundown the same day, which was the beginning of the Festival of Unleavened Bread. The Lord then arose on Sunday morning after sunup.
According to the modern way of counting, this spans barely two days. Yet that time period seems to disagree with Jesus’ earlier prediction:
“For as Jonas (Jonah) was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” Matthew 12:40
The prophecy can be understood when we examine the Jewish way of counting days and nights. We must recall that the Jewish day always starts at sunset, so that Friday really begins on Thursday evening (a fact that is reflected in the language of Genesis–“the evening and the morning” are the first day). The second day, then, begins at sundown on Friday and continues through the daytime on Saturday. Finally, Sunday begins at sundown on Saturday and stretches through Saturday night and the daylight hours of Sunday, making the third day. Since the Jews counted any portion of daylight as a full day, then Friday morning through Sunday morning would have been seen as three complete days and nights.
People have sometimes struggled to move Passover (the “Last Supper”) back one day in order to get three days and three nights the way we would count them in the Western world, but that would be inaccurate. Even in the Western world we begin each day on the night before at midnight, so the concept is not strange to us. Supporting this understanding of the Lord’s crucifixion on a Friday (against those who claim that it happened on a different day) is the centuries-long history of Christians celebrating Good Friday, not “Good Thursday” or “Good Wednesday.” This evidence indicates that we can trust the accuracy of the Bible’s account, and also confirms that knowing the Jewish roots of Christianity can open a deeper understanding of God’s Word.
Do the Gospels Disagree on When Jesus Died?
QUESTION: Did Jesus celebrate the Passover and die on Passover day, or did He celebrate and die on the day before? Matthew, Mark, and Luke say He died on Passover day, but John seems to claim that He celebrated and died the day before the Passover. Why the difference?
ANSWER: The difference between John’s Gospel and the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) regarding the Passover and death of Jesus is attributable to the fact that two systems were used at that time for reckoning Passover day. The Judeans used a method of reckoning different from the Galileans (Matthew, Mark, and Luke). The Galileans and Pharisees measured days from sunrise to sunrise, whereas the Judeans and Sadducees used the sunset-to-sunset reckoning in John’s Gospel.
“And the evening and the morning were the first day.”–Genesis 1:5
Thus, Jews from Galilee celebrated their Passover on Thursday evening, with Passover day starting at sunrise Friday morning. Jews in Judea and Jerusalem, however, celebrated Passover on Friday evening at sundown. Consequently, according to John and the Jews in Judea, Jesus’ celebration on Thursday and death on Friday before sunset occurred on erev Pesach (the eve of Passover), because Passover started for them at Friday’s sunset.
The Galilean method used by Jesus and His disciples would have the Passover Lamb slain and Last Supper on Thursday, 14 Nissan. The Judean method used by John would have the Passover Lamb slain on 15 Nissan.
Most scholars agree that because of the two different methods of timekeeping, there were two days for the slaying of the lambs, which makes sense given the number of lambs being slaughtered. That task couldn’t be done in a single day.
There is no contradiction; the Gospels reflect the two different chronological systems for determining the Passover.
The capital of the Assyrian Empire was Nineveh, and the Assyrians showed no mercy to those they overtook in any conquest.
God told His prophet, Jonah, that he should go to them, telling them to repent for their sins and idolatry, at the Lord’s request.
Jonah didn’t want to do this. They were Israel’s enemies; and, in his own way of thinking, they deserved to be punished without being warned.
So he set off for the seaport of Joppa and boarded a ship due to sail to distant Tarshish–the mission for God being thereby scorned.
Jonah went below and soon fell fast asleep, while the crew, above on deck, began to grapple with a storm that had begun to grow.
They tried very hard to keep things on course, but eventually decided the way to survive was that much of the cargo they’d have to forgo.
They perceived that such a fierce storm had something to do with God and began to pray to “gods” which they’d known by hearsay.
That didn’t prove to help and they thought of the passenger who’d come aboard, all the while they were dealing with wind, waves, and spray.
The captain went below and found, despite the storm, the new passenger asleep; and he woke him to pray to his “god,” or they’d all be lost.
A decision was made to cast lots to see who was to blame for the trouble, and they came up with Jonah as the cause of their being storm-tossed.
Jonah admitted to being a Hebrew from Israel–one who worshiped the true God who’d made heaven and earth, but whom he’d disobeyed.
He said he’d run away from a God-ordained task. The storm was surely because of that–and, therefore, a decision had to be made.
The only way to stop the storm’s fury, he said, was to throw him overboard; but the sailors ignored that, not wanting to do such a cruel act.
They tried taking to the oars, which ultimately didn’t work; so they finally took Jonah at his word, so their ship could remain intact.
They prayed that Jonah’s God wouldn’t harm them for taking the measure, but went ahead and tossed him over the threatened boat’s side.
Then the winds began to die and the waves to calm…. They gave thanks and honored his God on the deck in awe, that the storm did, in fact, subside.
As Jonah began to tumble down into the depths of the water, he knew he needed to call on God to rescue him from the harrowing situation.
So God appointed a great fish, of His design, to come and scoop him up in its mouth, providing an unusual underwater way station.
“I called out of my distress to the Lord, and He answered me. I cried for help…from the depth of Sheol, Thou didst hear my voice,” Jonah said.
“Water encompassed me to the point of death. The great deep engulfed me.” But his salvation was from the Lord, whom he thanked for life instead.
After three days and nights, God commanded the fish to release Jonah out onto the dry land; and he heard the Lord say that Nineveh was still on His mind.
The message to repent before forty days’ time or God would punish them and their city was to be presented to all. This time Jonah went, but never whined.
Well, the people’s hearts were receptive to the message that Jonah brought; and from the King down to the least, they fasted from water and bread.
They were repentant and called on God that He might relent and not harm them after all–and God, in His mercy, didn’t do what Jonah had relayed that He had said.
This displeased Jonah, who hadn’t had a heart for the people from the beginning of the assignment. He told God that He was too gracious as far as he could tell–
“a compassionate God, slow to anger, abundant in loving kindness, and one who relents concerning calamity.” (It was Jonah’s anger that began to swell.)
The Lord asked Jonah if he had good reason to be angry; but Jonah simply exited the city to watch if their repentance would last, or if God might yet send destruction.
After all, he felt the Ninevites didn’t deserve any mercy since they’d not shown any themselves. He kept fuming since he’d followed God’s every instruction.
While he was outside the city waiting to see if God would send, at least, some punishment to it, God provided a plant there to shade him from the sun.
This pleased Jonah very much. But God had a lesson in mind and sent a worm to destroy the plant the next morning, and its leaves withered to none.
Again, Jonah became upset and complained that his life wasn’t even worth living. Then, the Lord said that if he was sad about a mere plant’s death,
which he hadn’t even created, wasn’t He, as the Lord of creation, justified in caring about 120,000 persons to whom He’d given breath?
So we see that God uses messengers to cause men to repent and turn away from wrong–that there loom consequences to ignoring the true God and His ways.
But He does this out of the love He has for those whom He’s designed and created, simply wanting them to come under His kindness and blessing all of their days.
Thank God, there are many “Jonahs” today, sharing the message that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. More eager to do so than Jonah, they hope to reflect…
the love and mercy of the Lord themselves–and that God’s words through the Bible reveal that Jesus Christ is faithful, and so worthy of every person’s respect.
P. A. Oltrogge
Just as Jonah was in the belly of the fish for three days and three nights, Jesus said that would be the “sign” to “this generation.” He said this, knowing and meaning He would be put to death on a cross for the sins of mankind and would be in the grave for three days and three nights, but would be resurrected then, with the accomplished, triumphant message that salvation is of Him, Jesus Christ. He told the crowds, “Something greater than Jonah is here!” And so, He is here today. May this present generation fully embrace the message of His life, death, and resurrection and offer of forgiveness and abundant life now and for eternity.
“And as the crowds were increasing, He began to say, ‘This generation is a wicked generation; it seeks for a sign, and yet no sign shall be given to it but the sign of Jonah. For just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so shall the Son of Man be to this generation. The Queen of the South shall rise up with the men of this generation at the judgment and condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and behold, something greater than Solomon is here. The men of Nineveh shall stand up with this generation at the judgment, and condemn it because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and behold, something greater than Jonah is here.’” (words of Jesus, from Luke 11:29-32 and Matthew 12:38-41)
“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
“He isn’t really being slow about His promised return, even though it sometimes seems that way. But He is waiting, for the good reason that He is not willing that any should perish, and He is giving more time for sinners to repent.” 2 Peter 3:9 The Living Bible
“He is merciful and tender toward those who don’t deserve it; He is slow to get angry and full of kindness and love.” Psalm 103:8 The Living Bible
“For God has shut up all in disobedience that He might show mercy to all. Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God. How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!” Romans 11:32-33
“The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works.” Psalm 145:9 NKJV
Sometimes a part of creation may catch your eye… creatures that are bold or others that are shy.
Some keep us company, like a good dog or cat… they can be a calming friend with whom to “chat.”
The flowers of the field, the birds of the air… Jesus noted over all of them His Father’s care.
The Lord is so creative, and YOU are His design… unique and special to Him and, through Him, you shine!
P. A. Oltrogge
“You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous–how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.” Psalm 139:13-16 NLT
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do men light a lamp, and put it under the peck-measure, but on the lampstand; and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 NASB
“The wicked flee when no one is pursuing, but the righteous are bold as a lion.” Proverbs 28:1 NASB
I once saw a film clip about a shepherd of today. It showed an imposter calling for the sheep to come his way.
But the sheep went on grazing, just as if they couldn’t hear. Then their true shepherd called. His voice, to them, was clear.
It was amazing to watch them immediately flock to his side. Likewise, we flock to our true Shepherd, protector, and guide.
At times, a voice that is dangerous will come to us in disguise. But the voice of our Shepherd, Jesus, and His truths make us wise.
P. A. Oltrogge
“And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” John 10:4-5
“I am the good shepherd; and I know my sheep, and I am known by my own.” John 10:14
“…For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” Hebrews 13:5
“The wise in heart will receive commands….” Proverbs 10:8
“The law of the wise is a fountain of life, To turn one away from the snares of death.” Proverbs 13:14
“But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.” from one of the parables in Matthew 25 (verse 4)
Scriptures NKJV
Refer to: www.sidroth.org for an interview with Tracy Eckert on hearing Jesus, our Good Shepherd’s, voice and other insights. Other excellent interviews are also featured.
“…For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.” 1 John 3:8
If you’ve prayed about something but find yourself yet, at times, about to panic,
trust that God’s power and plans can’t be outdone by schemes that are satanic.
Jesus came and destroyed the works of the devil, carrying out what God had assigned.
He took our punishment, so we could be restored to God, as was originally designed.
Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection from the grave brought about the devil’s defeat–
Now we enforce that, declaring its truth, in the midst of any challenges we may meet.
We’re not in faith if we’re worrying–so when the enemy suggests his superiority,
express your thanks and praise to God, thereby showing the devil’s defeat and inferiority.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men.” Psalm 107:8, 15, 21
Count Your Blessings
When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed, When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, Count your many blessings, name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
Refrain: Count your blessings, name them one by one; Count your blessings, see what God hath done; Count your blessings, name them one by one; Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.
Are you ever burdened with a load of care? Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear? Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly, And you will be singing as the days go by. [Refrain]
by Johnson Oatman, 1897
…always meditate on and speak God’s powerful Word!
“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
“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
The Porch of the Lord 