Monthly Archives: January 2024

His Strength Supply

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“The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise Him.” Psalm 28:7 NKJV

The Christian who needs strength relies, daily on the strength which God supplies….

Thank you, God, for sending Jesus for us all, to pay the ransom for our souls–redeeming us from man’s fall.

Thank you, God, for mighty angels that are mine; and thank you–for this earthly body made so fine.

Thank you, Father, for my heart’s strong and steady beat; and thank you for good health–from my head down to my feet.

Thank you that you’re there, if I come under attack. Thank you, Good Shepherd, that you’ve always got my back.

Thank you that I can look for miracle answers to come my way, for problems that seem difficult, for you hear me when I pray.

Thank you, Jesus, for your promise of a blessed, abundant life. Thank you, too, that you taught us to keep from strife.

Thank you for giving servants who teach your Word for these days. Thank you for their anointing and that they emphasize your praise.

Thank you, Lord, that as I seek to follow after you, a goodly harvest is produced in everything I do.

P. A. Oltrogge

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1 NKJV

“Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world.” 1 John 4:17 NKJV

“The Lord God is my strength, and He has made my feet like hinds’ feet, and makes me walk on my high places.” Habakkuk 3:19 NASB/Ryrie

“Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded.” 2 Chronicles 15:7 KJV

“Beat your plowshares into swords and your pruninghooks into spears: let the weak say, I am strong.” Joel 3:10 KJV

“He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might, He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:29-31 NKJV

“No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And their righteousness is from Me,” says the Lord.” Isaiah 54:17 NKJV

“The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace.” Psalm 29:11 NIV

“Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” Psalm 103:1-5 NKJV

“For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.” Psalm 139:14 NKJV

“…for in Him we live and move and have our being….” from Acts 17:28 NKJV

“I will lift up my eyes to the hills–From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2 NKJV

“Blessed be the Lord, because He has heard the voice of my supplication. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart exults, and with my song I shall thank Him. The Lord is their strength, and He is a saving defense to His anointed. Save Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance; be their shepherd also and carry them forever.” Psalm 28:6-9 NASB/Ryrie

“My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are life to those who find them,
And health to all their flesh.” Proverbs 4:20-24 NKJV

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 NASB/Ryrie

“…Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!’” Nehemiah 8:10 NLT

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. Whoever speaks, let him speak, as it were, the utterances of God; whoever serves, let him do so as by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:10-11 NASB/Ryrie

“My flesh and my heart may fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26 NASB/Ryrie

“With a long life I will satisfy him, and let him behold My salvation.” Psalm 91:16 (and all of Psalm 91, regarding angelic protection, no plague, etc.)

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 NKJV

“Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:10-12 (and the following verses on the full armor of God) NASB/Ryrie

“The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy; I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” John 10:10-11 NASB/Ryrie

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” Psalm 1:1-3 KJV

“Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou goest.” Joshua 1:7 KJV

“Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. 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 5:1-2 NKJV

“The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore.” Psalm 121:7-8 NKJV

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“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:16-17 NKJV

“…being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus….” Romans 3:24 NKJV

Visit: http://www.faithschool.org

Photo/Unsplash…Lake Louise, Canada

Compassionate Words from Jesus…

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Let’s consider just a few Bible accounts that give some tender words (followed by His caring action) that Jesus said:

A widow, out of Nain, came in contact with Jesus on her only son’s burial day.
“DON’T CRY” were the compassionate words that she heard Jesus say.

News came to Jairus of his ailing daughter that would cause him to grieve;
but Jesus encouraged him, “DON’T BE AFRAID ANY LONGER–ONLY BELIEVE.”

When a leper asked if Jesus was willing to cleanse him of that blight…
Jesus said, “I AM WILLING,” and He touched him, delivering him out of his plight.

Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever, so hear Him regarding your cares:

“Don’t cry”

“Don’t be afraid any longer–only believe!”

and “I am willing”

…are words that Jesus, our compassionate Lord, still shares.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, and forever.”  Hebrews 13:8 NKJV

“When the Lord saw her, his heart overflowed with compassion.  ‘Don’t cry!’ he said.  Then he walked over to the coffin and touched it, and the bearers stopped.  ‘Young man,’ he said, ‘I tell you, get up.’  Then the dead boy sat up and began to talk!  And Jesus gave him back to his mother.”  …from Luke 7:11-17 NLT

“While He was still speaking, they came from the house of the synagogue official, saying, ‘Your daughter has died; why trouble the Teacher any more?’  But Jesus, overhearing what was being spoken, said to the synagogue official, ‘Do not be afraid any longer, only believe.’”  Mark 5:35-36 …and Jesus raised her up (through verse 43) NASB-Ryrie

“And behold, a leper came to Him, and bowed down to Him, saying, ‘Lord, if you are willing, You can make me clean.’  And He stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, ‘I am willing, be cleansed.’  And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.”  …from Matthew 8:1-4 NASB-Ryrie

“The Lord will give strength to His people; The Lord will bless His people with peace.” Psalm 29:11 NKJV

“Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits–who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion….”  Psalm 103:2-4 NIV

“I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.” John 10:14

Time to Prime the Pump

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The following is shared as per directions at http://www.anewthingministries.com

by Kim Potter

Sometime last year, one of our prayer partners sent me an email with a word she said was from the Lord. It was Prime the Pump.

I really didn’t know exactly what it meant; therefore I looked up a simple definition of the phrase. Here is what I found. 

Prime the pump – stimulate or support the growth or success of something by supplying it with money.

That definition seemed to apply to me at the time because I was facing a financial challenge. Therefore, I did what this word said, and I sowed a seed. I supplied the need with money, to stimulate its growth. 

2 Cor. 9:10 says, “Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness.” Multiplication was exactly what I needed so I sowed toward the financial need, hereby, priming the pump.

Just a few days later, a much-loved partner sent me a personal gift. It said, “this may not cover the need, but I felt led to prime the pump.” Hmmm. There were those words again.

To prime the pump, I have found, can mean many things. Naturally speaking, if a well is not pumping, it is dry or has lost pressure. We must do something to get it to have enough pressure again to pump water. Most often, we must pour water in the well and then it will flow freely again.

Spiritually speaking, it can mean we need to sow a seed toward a need and expect God to honor His Word and multiply the seed sown.

Or it could mean we need to sow the Word of God into our heart to prime the pump for healing. 

Is there is an area in your life that you are believing God for, maybe healing, financial security, restoration of family or even peace of mind? Does it feel your well is dry in that area? Perhaps it feels like the answer to that issue is being delayed or maybe you feel it will never be fulfilled. God is faithful. Perhaps you simply need to prime the pump. 

If it is a financial issue, seek God and ask if He wants you to sow a seed. Also, look up scriptures concerning the promises of God for finances. Begin to declare them over your life. Daily speak them daily until they become a part of you. Until they freely flow out of your mouth.

If it is a health issue, search the Word of God for scriptures and promises pertaining to healing and wholeness. Declare them over yourself and your family daily. Take communion. Receive all Jesus paid for at the cross.

If it pertains to your family, your children, the Bible is filled with promises concerning your family. God is a covenant keeping God and He will save and restore your family. Dig through the Bible and find God’s promises concerning your children and your family – declare them over your children daily. Refuse to speak anything negative over them, only what God says about them. 

Today, I believe God is urging us to prime the pump, in whatever ever area it needs priming. Perhaps it is pouring the Word of God into your heart until only the Word flows forth and that it flows forth with such pressure it removes everything standing in your path.

John 7:38 says, “He who believes in Me [who cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Me] as the Scripture has said, from his innermost being shall flow [continuously] springs and rivers of living water.” (Amp.) Prime your pump today and let His living water flow continuously through you – to the very point of breakthrough.

Confession to speak over your life:

While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest will not cease. I have seed in the ground. I sow seeds of love, peace, harmony, forgiveness, compassion, and money; and declare that I reap what I sow. I pray to the Lord of Harvest and expect a harvest on every seed sown. I give to the poor, and I know that God will repay me. I sow into the kingdom, for the gospel’s sake, and I expect a hundred-fold return. I am a giver therefore I walk daily, under an open heaven. God makes all grace, every favor and earthly blessing come to me in abundance so that I always, under all circumstances, no matter the need, am self-sufficient, I possess enough to require no aid or support and I am fully furnished in abundance for every good work and charitable donation.

 Gen 8:22, Gal 6:7, Mat 9:38, Proverbs 19:17, Mark 10:30, Mal 3:10, 2 Cor. 9:8

Israel in our prayers

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…from Mike Evans:

The war Israel is fighting to survive continues to spread. This week the warning sirens sounded in Haifa—far away from Gaza. That is because the threat Israel faces is not just in the south. To the north, Hezbollah forces in Lebanon are increasing their attacks on the Jewish people. We must prepare in advance to meet the urgent needs that will follow, and we must raise $250,000 to provide food, medicine, clothing, and more to those impacted by the war. So far 55 friends have given $4,010 toward this goal, so we still need $245,990.

Iran is using its terror proxies to tie Israel’s hands as a way of protecting its nuclear weapons program. The mullahs in Tehran hope to exhaust both Israel and the West, and they also hope to influence the election in November. Above all, they are trying to stall any action against their nuclear program until they can complete their deal with Russia to have a shield Israel will not be able to attack. Any day they could order an attack from the north, telling Hezbollah to use the 150,000 missiles and 100,000 terrorists in a strike on Israel that would leave half the nation living in bomb shelters.

Everything we are seeing in the news is part of prophecy. And God is calling us to take a stand like Esther of old to deliver His Chosen People. I will be traveling to the north of Israel as soon as we have the funds in place to launch this new effort. The chairman of our board of directors, retired General Yossi Peled is there right now. We must not fail to answer God’s call. We must act now.

To help through prayer/donation, visit:

http://www.jerusalemprayerteam.org

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You’re likely aware of ministries helping Israel, among which also is:

http://www.cbnisrael.org

There, you can donate and/or find “25 Ways to Pray for Israel”

A Pro-Life Message and Words of Jesus (John 16:21)

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…On this day of the annual March for Life:

“A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world.” John 16:21

“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”  John 10:10… and “Thou shalt not kill.” Exodus 20:13

The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy–

those who the Master designed to bring joy.

Over 63 million abortions since Roe v Wade–

all have gone against what God forbade.

Life, sweet life, was changed, instead, to death,

in defiance of the Creator, who gives us breath.

Through prayer, some children escaped that fate,

by a mother’s change of heart before it was too late.

May those who continue to promote pro-choice

think of their own births, which gave them a voice.

They can be glad their mothers saw things through

to give to them the life that their Creator said was due.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you…” from Jeremiah 1:5

“For You formed my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother’s womb.
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.
My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.
And in Your book they all were written,
The days fashioned for me,
When as yet there were none of them.” Psalm 139:13-16

“There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.” Proverbs 6:16-19 NIV

“The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us.” Acts 17:24-27 NIV

Scriptures: NKJV or as noted

Many of you may have seen this previously; but for those who may have not, here again is a wonderful true story on adoption versus abortion:
http://www.ilivedonparkerave.com

Healing from Life’s Disappointments

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by Rich Miller

(from CBN.com and encouraged to be shared)

Remember as children how often we were told that we could be anything we wanted to be? Taking people at their word, I was convinced I would one day play in the NFL or NBA. I was also good at spelling; therefore, I truly believed I would win the National Spelling Bee after winning our elementary school contest. I ended up misspelling the first word I was given! Life sure has a way of knocking us down from our dreams of grandeur.

We can all attest to life turning out much differently than what we thought. The last few years, the Lord has had my wife and I on a journey of healing from some major disappointments. As Christians, it’s easy to suppress or bury emotional pain and move on. It takes truly feeling safe with God to bring Him our pain and disappointments and trust He will patiently bring us to a place of healing. I’ve heard that if we don’t take time to process emotional pain, our bodies will begin to grieve physically. How many of us have been walking around with physical pain that was rooted in emotional trauma? 

I was recently struck with an example from the life of Joseph in the Bible. His life reads like a cinematic production: twists and turns, amazing highs, heart-wrenching lows. Favor and success, lies and deception, Joseph experienced the whole gamut. Through it all, God’s sovereign hand was leading Joseph into a destiny that only God could have planned. 

I’ve read his story many times and always found it captivating. Yet, I was freshly impacted by the many emotions his father Jacob must have endured. Can you imagine the years of grief and disappointment Jacob (Israel) dealt with during the years he believed that Joseph was dead? Scholars believe it was over 20 years between when Joseph was sold into slavery and reunited with his father. Did Jacob blame himself for sending Joseph to check on his brothers, resulting in what he was told was Joseph’s death? (Genesis 37:12-35) 

Proverbs 13:12 (NIV) tells us, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” Jacob experienced years of hopelessness and sorrow; he also experienced the revival of his soul upon hearing Joseph was alive:

So they went up out of Egypt and came to their father Jacob in the land of Canaan. They told him, “Joseph is still alive! In fact, he is ruler of all Egypt.” Jacob was stunned; he did not believe them. But when they told him everything Joseph had said to them, and when he saw the carts Joseph had sent to carry him back, the spirit of their father Jacob revived. And Israel said, “I’m convinced! My son Joseph is still alive. I will go and see him before I die.” (Genesis 45:25-28)

Jacob’s spirit revived, inferring that at one point it had been dead. He had known sorrow that no parent should have to endure – the death of a child. Now, he was experiencing unspeakable joy!

While we may never experience a reunion like Jacob’s, the Lord is just as committed to turning our sorrow into joy. (Isaiah 61:1-3) We can’t prevent many of life’s disappointments, but we are safe to trust God with the pain that comes from them. Are there disappointments that you have not felt safe to share with God? Be honest with Him, He wants to heal you. Like Jacob, He will revive your soul! 

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Rich Miller is the Manager of Digital Interactions in the Prayer Center and has been with CBN since 2011. He and his wife live near Columbus, OH and enjoy the outdoors, watching crime dramas and playing video games. An avid history buff, Rich loves studying church history and the parallels we can draw to modern day Christianity.

Scripture is quoted from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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Breakthrough Over the Blues

Perhaps you’ve experienced disappointments…
I know that others and I have, too.
But when I recall precious moments I’ve had,
I can no longer stay feeling blue.

Realize this old world with its trials
can’t keep you from all that delights.
Disappointments may occur, but some very nice gifts
will come through from the Father of lights.

P. A. Oltrogge

“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 1:17 KJV

“I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord
In the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:13-14 NASB

photo/Porch of the Lord

A Song in the Snow

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“I know all the birds of the mountains….” Psalm 50:11

“Offer to God thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the Most High. Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.” Psalm 50:14-15

There isn’t any situation of which God, the Father, doesn’t know. He cares for the little birds in the midst of the winter snow.

Right in the midst of worrisome trouble, He’s the One upon whom to call. Deliverance is ours through prayer to Him, in the name of Jesus, who is Lord of all.

Let every care be cast aside–it’s in the shelter of the Most High that we abide.

P. A. Oltrogge

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust.'”  Psalm 91:1-2 (Protection from plague, pestilence, and peril is proclaimed in the entire Psalm)

“I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4

“So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7 NLT

“What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.” Matthew 10:29-31 NLT

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.” John 14:13-14

“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. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” John 16:23-24

“Never worry about anything. But in every situation let God know what you need in prayers and requests while giving thanks.” Philippians 4:6 GW

“Turn all your anxiety over to God because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 GW

“But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ–He is Lord of all–that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached.” Acts 10:35-37

“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Galatians 6:9

“Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He delivered them out of their distresses.” Psalm 107:6

“The Lord upholds all who fall, and raises up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look expectantly to You, and You give them their food in due season. You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.” Psalm 145:14-16 (and all of Psalm 145)

“Bless the Lord, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:
Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
The Lord executes righteousness
And justice for all who are oppressed.” Psalm 103:1-6

“Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it, with thanksgiving.” Colossians 4:2

Scriptures: NKJV or as noted

Looking to Jesus, Our King of Kings

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I’m so glad God’s given us His Holy Word, though many seek its exclusion. Is it any wonder, then, when we hear their views, which have obvious confusion?

They see evil as good and wrong as right, rejecting the Bible as their guide. They need to recognize Jesus as Lord and turn from the one who has lied.

Then there are those who do revere God, but who haven’t yet found the way…the truth, and the life, revealed through Christ–for them, we also pray.

It’s evident that there are just two kingdoms–one of darkness and one of Light. It truly is the time of decision–men must choose to be on the side that’s right.

So, we pray for their awakening by God’s Spirit and for the restoration…of common sense, love for and obedience to God, in this and every nation.

God’s Word proclaims that, in the last days, He will pour out His Spirit on all flesh. With that promise of His grace, we persevere–with faith renewed and hope afresh.

P. A. Oltrogge

“But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

“And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; and they shall prophesy.” Acts 2:16-18

“…’Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of Hosts.”
Zechariah 4:6 

“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” John 14:6

And in John 8:42-47, Jesus speaks of the devil as being “a liar and the father of it.”

“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” …said by Jesus in John 10:10

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 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 12:1-2

See the prayer directive today at http://www.givehim15.com

God, who made the earth, is still speaking of “the new birth”

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“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105…the Holy Bible, the best of all books!

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Recently one morning, in opening a can of coffee, its grounds wafted a pleasant scent, which made me think of all the good things that, to us on earth, our God has sent.

There are various types of teas and great varieties of healthful vegetables and of fruit…and many other foods of which to partake, that to each person’s taste, will suit.

Consider the different kinds of apples, yet just one fruit–or even the many grains. Rye, wheat, spelt, oats, barley, quinoa, and more…are grown upon the plains.

God made so much that pleases. People enjoy mountain-skiing and the snow, while others prefer to swim, surf, fish, or boat on the lakes or oceans to which they go.

Speaking of snow, how about the seasons–winter, spring, summer, and fall?  Some favor one season over another, while many of us appreciate them all.

Think of the trees, (maples, hickories, oaks, and more), the plants and flowers, the variety of fish to view or catch, and enjoyment of pets in our daily hours.

Most often, we think of dogs and cats; but, of course, there are others on the earth–horses and farm animals abound, and zoos celebrate an endangered species’ birth.

God’s given us birds of great variety…we love to hear their early morning singing. And we’re thankful for the bees and the wonderful honey that they’re still bringing.

How about the divine or natural things He provides for health that give us aid?  In God’s Word is “health;” while from herbs or plants, helpful things are made.

It’s hard to end the list–necessary insects, or the beauty of each different gem.  Diamonds, emeralds, rubies, garnets, sapphires, and topaz are just some of them.

And, oh, He made great variety in people, who, really, are of the same race…some things make us different, but all ancestry back to Adam/Noah can be traced.

If God so generously stocked this earth with unique and special varieties galore, just think of what His designs must be in His beautiful heaven that are in store!

But there is one thing God hasn’t varied–the way of salvation–only One way will do.  The way, the truth, and the life…Jesus, You said no one comes to the Father, but by You…

The Father is offering new birth to all.  Through Jesus Christ our lives are blessed. Of all the gifts we’re offered by God…Jesus, His only begotten Son, is His very best!

P. A. Oltrogge

“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6

“Jesus answered, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.’” John 3:5-8

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:16-17

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8

“He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:10-13

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” James 1:17 KJV

“My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart; for they are life to those who find them,
and health to all their flesh.” Proverbs 4:20-22

Scriptures: NKJV or as noted

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One last thought is of variety in music. The Psalms say to praise God with a new song.  Varied instruments are used, and the list of hymns of praise has become quite long.

The following is a vital hymn….

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

His oath, His covenant, and blood,
Support me in the whelming flood;
When every earthly prop gives way,
He then is all my Hope and Stay.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh, may I then in Him be found;
Clothed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne!
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

Written, 1834 by
Edward Mote
Composed, 1873 by
John Stainer

A Rose in the Rain

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When facing difficulties…

Beloved, to God, you are His rose in the rain; and don’t ever think He doesn’t feel your pain. Trials aren’t sent to us by the Lord–No, they’re deep rivers that He alone helps us ford.

The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy, but we’ve got God’s Word to foil the thief’s ploy. God’s promises are sure–He never has lied; and the desire of your heart will surely be supplied!

With our eyes on God’s Word, we persevere. We know this fulfillment is already here! For faith says right now what isn’t seen with our eyes, because we know that our God has heard our hearts’ cries.

A rose in the rain, but you’re hardy and strong—You trust in God’s Word and in Him to Whom you belong. There’s an answer in God for every problem we face; so we thank You, Heavenly Father, for the answer by Your grace.

P. A. Oltrogge

…and for any men reading this, you could be compared to a strong tree that is able to weather storms…

“The righteous cry and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” Psalm 34:17-19

“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” spoken by Jesus in John 10:10

“Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

“Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” Ephesians 6:10-20 

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7

“Only be thou strong and very courageous….” Joshua 1:7

I’m praying for you, dear reader of this blog….