Monthly Archives: April 2023

Get Your Hopes Up

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Be blessed to hear “Get Your Hopes Up,” a present series at http://www.covenantfamily.cc

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life.” Proverbs 13:12

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

If you’re pressed for time, Part 2 seemed especially encouraging to me, though both are good…

(P. A. Oltrogge)

Messages by Pastor Keith Eggert,
of Covenant Family Church (Click on “Media”)

“Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.” Psalm 42:11

…praying for you, a follower/friend of this blog….

God’s Perfect Love in an Imperfect World

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“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:18-19 NKJV

Let God’s perfect love cast out any and all fear. Jesus said to have faith in God and to be of good cheer!

Anxiety in the heart weighs it down. Thank the Lord for answered prayer, instead–that He is turning things around…

Reversals may not seem possible, the world being an imperfect place…but, remember, where sin abounded, there did, much more, God’s amazing grace!

P. A. Oltrogge

“Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, But a good word makes it glad.” Proverbs 12:25 NASB

“Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together. I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me.  He freed me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:3-4 NLT

“But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.’” Matthew 14:27

“Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 5:20-21

“… I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. 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 16:32-33

“I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.” John 10:14-15

“So Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Have faith in God.'” Mark 11:22

“Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.” Psalm 42:11 and 43:5

Yours is the Good Shepherd…

Out of the darkness, into His light

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Jesus was teaching in the temple when some scribes and Pharisees approached, bringing a woman who’d been caught in adultery, who they thoroughly had reproached.

Setting her down before Him, they brought up the command that she be stoned; and what were His thoughts on that—should Moses’ law now be condoned?

Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground, as though He didn’t hear. Soon the woman would find, through Christ, her deliverance from a death fear.

So when they persisted in asking Him, she surely was fearing the worst. But He said, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.”

He again stooped down to write—perhaps knowledge of the sins of those accusing. They began to all leave, then, one by one, knowing their own sins they couldn’t be excusing.

Jesus stood up then, seeing only the woman, left there in the midst of the crowd. He asked her where her accusers had gone, their condemnation having been so loud.

“Has no one condemned you?” Jesus asked. “No one, Lord.” Not one of them had stayed. Then He said He didn’t either, but to go and sin no more. She received pardon despite having strayed.

After this event, Jesus declared that He was this world’s light…and that those who follow Him will not walk in darkness but, through Him, will “see” to live right.

P. A. Oltrogge

(poetically related from reading the actual account in John 8:1-12)

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Truth be told…

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“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” John 17:17

Truth be told…
God’s Word is “gold.”

To it, strongly, we must hold…to see the answers to our prayers unfold.

When doubt tries to make us conform to its mold, the promises in God’s Word are what we need to behold.

In it, His account of creation is told; and throughout the Holy Bible, His Son, Jesus, is extolled.

We’re to share His love with others–their hearts to enfold. He wants all to find His love, so our love must be bold.

May we, too, as believers, declare and rest assured…that there’s nothing more trustworthy than God’s Holy Word….

for truth be told…
God’s Word is “gold”…

yet it’s greater than and more to be desired than gold!

P. A. Oltrogge

“As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.” Psalm 18:30 

“The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever. The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them Your servant is warned, and in keeping them, there is great reward.” Psalm 19:9-11 NKJV

“For the word of the Lord is right; and all his works are done in truth.” Psalm 33:4

“My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.” Psalm 62:7-8 NLT

“He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.” Psalm 107:20

“Jesus said to him, ‘If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.’” Mark 9:23 NKJV

“For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.” Mark 11:23-25 NKJV

“They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. And for their sakes, I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.” John 17:16-19 NKJV

“For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us—by me, Silvanus, and Timothy—was not Yes and No, but in Him was Yes. For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.” 2 Corinthians 1:19-20 NKJV

“Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.” 2 Thessalonians 3:5 NKJV

“And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 3:15

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:12-15

“So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary.” Hebrews 6:18-19 NLT

“Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised)” Hebrews 10:23

“Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.” Hebrews 10:45-36

“And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.” 1 John 3:23-24

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. 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.

“He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.” John 3:14-21 NKJV

…the world needs the truth–the Holy Bible holds the principles of right living and the way of salvation through Jesus Christ, our Lord…

Scriptures: KJV or as noted

In Everything, Give Thanks

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When it looks to you, at times, like there’s simply no way out, let thanking God, the Father, be your sure and chosen route.

When it seems that pressing problems have no known solution, let thanking the Lord turn any worries into a grace revolution.

Paul and Silas were imprisoned but raised their praises high–then found they were delivered, with praise their only cry.

When the way seems very foggy and you’re tempted to despair, just know, though you can’t yet see it, the victory is there.

A great principle of the Bible is to walk by faith and not by sight–so thank God for His presence when it’s dark and you need His light.

Like a pilot relies on instruments through weather good or bad–let thankfulness be the “instrument” with which your life is clad.

P. A. Oltrogge

Acts 16:23-40:
“But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them; and suddenly there came a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison house were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s chains were unfastened.” (25-26)

“But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 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. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:14-17 NKJV

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7 NKJV and Hebrews 11:1

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
1 Corinthians 15:57

For your interest:

http://www.dynamisworldministries.com

“In That Day” and in Jesus’ Name

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“And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you. Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” John 16:23-24

What did Jesus mean when He said “in that day…”? Well, He was telling His disciples that He would be going away.

He was going to Calvary, and He was going to die; but He would be raised from the dead and ascend on high.

There, in heaven, He would sit down at His Father’s right hand; and a new day–a New Covenant or Testament would become their brand.

He had met the needs of many and His disciples each day the same; but when He was gone, they were to start praying to the Father in His Name.

That Name would take the place of Him personally doing God’s will. Miracles, signs and wonders, through that Name would be available still.

That our joy may be full, Jesus said, “Ask, and you will receive” — We are “IN” “In that day.” His power’s here, through those who believe!

P. A. Oltrogge

“And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents, and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.’

“So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.”
Mark 16:15-20 NKJV

This post was inspired by a devotional written by Kenneth E. Hagin, founder of Rhema Bible Training Center, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.

resources:  
http://www.rhema.org
http://www.kcm.org
http://www.awmi.net

God’s Flower of “Brass”

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…We’re a little past Easter, but this hasn’t been shared for some time. Perhaps it may bless someone still today…

The Easter lily with its trumpet-like flower
is a pure white tribute to Christ’s cleansing power.
It heralds, through its trumpet, His resurrection–
and that now we are made clean through His life of perfection.
That’s why you see the lilies on each Easter day,
and you can “hear” the song, which they yearly play.
The winter of separation from our heavenly Father is ended.
Through all Jesus did, that relationship is mended.
The heavens are telling of the glory of God–
while other flowers join the symphony, coming up through the sod.
These proclaim His handiwork, and even the stones cry out.
The sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him we, too, can spread about.
This Jesus is the Lord of all new birth,
being the firstborn from the dead, God’s Son of great worth.
There were none that did good, no, not one–
until God, in His love, sent us His only Son.
Perhaps there’s a lily representing the cleansing of your soul;
if not, just surrender your heart to be on God’s roll.
Then at Easter, consider the lilies and pray all will “hear”
God’s wonderful proclamation for why they appear.

P. A. Oltrogge

“The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.” Psalm 19:1

“But thanks be to God who always leads us in His triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.” 2 Corinthians 2:14

“Then, as He was now drawing near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen, saying: ‘Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!’ And some of the Pharisees called to Him from the crowd, ‘Teacher, rebuke Your disciples.’ But He answered and said to them, ‘I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out.’” Luke 19:37-40 (New King James)

“And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood.” Revelation 1:5

“…There is no one who does good, not even one.” Psalm 14:3 and Psalm 53:3

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. 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 3:14-17

…Have a blessed week!

Our Christian Walk is Really a Marathon

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“…The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does. The Lord upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.” Psalm 145:13-14 (New International Version)

by J. Vetter, Guest Contributor

Perhaps that’s where I first went wrong–believing walking with the Lord was just that–only a walk. Lately, it seems like the speed has increased, and I have to run to keep up! There have been a few times I’ve “hit the wall” too. So I searched out what it means to run a marathon.

First, you need to train–not just any way you want to, but by listening to experts and following a schedule. Then, you need to eat the correct foods, drink appropriately, and learn to pace yourself.

But the most important thing is realizing you will “hit the wall” sometime during your race; and that doesn’t mean it’s over. It means if you keep on going, you will make it! Others go through this and still finish the race.

Legend has it that marathons got their beginning when a Greek messenger was sent from the town of Marathon to Athens, announcing that the Persians had been defeated in the Battle of Marathon. He ran the entire distance without stopping, and then burst into the assembly exclaiming, “We have won!” before collapsing and dying.

We, too, have a message–that we have won–and to proclaim it fully, we have to die to only focusing on ourselves or the problem or, better put, the magnitude of our race.

One of the walls we hit in our Christian race is discouragement. There are times when we feel nothing is changing and our prayers are not being answered. Perhaps an affliction increases its grip with a fury that cries “unfair.”

We may think our race is just our own, but the Christian race is also a team effort. We’ve got to take a drink from that brother or sister on the sidelines. We’ve got to cheer and encourage others in their race and be able to accept words of encouragement from others along the road. One of the interesting aspects of participating in a marathon is that few people enter expecting to win. Their goal is to finish.

Another wall is believing the lie that we really can’t make it. I listened carefully to the interview with Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger as he described what he felt when he realized his plane was about to crash land in the Hudson River (January, 2009). His initial reaction was that he couldn’t believe this was happening to him. However, on the heels of that thought, he also proclaimed, “I was sure I could do it.” He was a man confident of his training and his experience. Because he was at the helm, 155 people survived that day. Incidentally, he also gave credit to the crew, passengers, and the first responders by sharing his belief that the miraculous outcome was a team effort.

Another stumbling stone is fear. Perhaps the fear of making a mistake. I believe a person who is afraid of making another mistake won’t make any significant steps further in his race. That’s why we are told in scripture to forget the past. “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14 (New King James Version)

Sometimes during our struggles, we forget the message of Hebrews 12:2-4, “Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how He did it. Because he never lost sight of where He was headed–that exhilarating finish in and with God–He could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now He’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourself flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility He plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!” (Message Bible)

Race on!

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 Terradez Ministries 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 & Healing Made Easy” can also be obtained there. They emphasize that their ministry is about empowering believers to walk in the promises of God. It’s found at http://www.terradezministries.com

“He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.” Romans 4:20-21 

“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

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

“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 the 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

“The Lord is good, and His mercy endures forever!” Psalm 136:1

At their ministry site, you can read “According to His Word” and other featured articles of encouragement.

I am praying for you, one of 400 plus people who receive posts of this blog. Thank you for your participation as a recipient. I appreciate your prayers, as well. God bless you….

Come Boldly to the Throne of Grace

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“Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:1-5

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

…in Matthew 15 and Mark 7, we read of a woman whose daughter was demon-possessed:

Great crowds of people came to see Jesus and to hear His every word…

and to possibly receive of the mighty miracles of which they all had heard.

In Matthew 15, we read of a Gentile woman of Tyre and Sidon who came.

Great was her hope to receive, for her daughter, even of crumbs, through Jesus’ name.

When Jesus said that He’d been sent only to the sheep of Israel who were lost,

she spoke with courage–refusing the thought that her daughter should remain storm-tossed.

“Oh, woman, great is your faith.  Let it be to you as you desire,” Jesus said.

Likewise, in a trial, we can believe…to see God’s grace to help us through instead.

P. A. Oltrogge

Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, help me!” But He answered and said, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.”

And she said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered and said to her, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour.

Matthew 15:25-28

Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus…. 

Hebrews 3:1

Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. 

Hebrews 4:14-16

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful….Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise. 

Hebrews 10:23, 35-36

We walk by faith, not by sight…keep looking to God for things to be made right.

When what you see does not agree with what He has promised, then “be like a tree…”

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,
And whose hope is the Lord.
For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters,
Which spreads out its roots by the river,
And will not fear when heat comes;
But its leaf will be green,
And will not be anxious in the year of drought,
Nor will cease from yielding fruit.”  Jeremiah 17:7-8