Over the years, life brings to us many goodbyes, which is why it’s so important that we become wise, gaining life and death perspectives, as seen through Jesus’ eyes. He’s Savior, Lord, and King–and He never lies.
He wants us to understand before our lives are done, that there’s a heaven to gain and a hell to shun. He said heaven could be ours–that it’s a beautiful place–reserved for those who trust in Him and is offered by God’s grace.
“Absent from the body…present with the Lord” is the promise and future that we can look toward, for when the time comes for us to leave the earth. This is for anyone who has received Him through “the new birth.”
Life in this world is certainly a temporary thing; but, thank God, through Christ’s redemptive work, death has lost its sting. Seeing Jesus face to face and reunions with loved ones gone…will, one day, follow our own “goodbyes,” a glorious new dawn!
P. A. Oltrogge
“So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 (NKJV)
“…in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago, but at the proper time manifested, even His Word, in the proclamation with which I was entrusted according to the commandment of God our Savior; to Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.” Titus 1:2-3 (NASB)
“In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” John 14:2 (NKJV)
“And Jesus said to him, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.’” Luke 23:43 (NKJV)
“You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way.” Matthew 7:13 (NLT)
See the story of Lazarus and the rich man in Luke 16.
“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)
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born not of blood, not of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:12-13 (NASB)
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8 (NKJV)
“We are confident, I say, and willing to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:8 (NKJV)
“O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 1 Corinthians 15:55 (NASB)
“Fresh as a dewdrop,” My Word is to you. Go to it daily and find things new. You’ll find the familiar in it as well– Of comfort, wisdom, and truth it will tell. At times, for direction, it gives a faith hint, Bringing light to your path like a dewdrop’s glint. Fresh as a dewdrop, I want to impart More of its treasures into your heart. Like finding the dewdrops, you can depend On My being there always to instruct and befriend.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Thy Word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105 KJV
“I will never forget Thy precepts, for by them Thou hast revived me.” Psalm 119:93 KJV
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort….” 2 Corinthians 1:3
“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5
“And the Word became 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 NKJV
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” John 14:26 NKJV
“Sanctify them in the truth; Thy word is truth.” John 17:17 KJV
“…I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20
“You will keep in perfect and constant peace the one whose mind is steadfast [that is, committed and focused on You—in both inclination and character], Because he trusts and takes refuge in You [with hope and confident expectation].” Isaiah 26:3 AMP
“Such hope [in God’s promises] never disappoints us, because God’s love has been abundantly poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:5 AMP “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? Who will bring charges against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, but rather, was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.” Romans 8:31-34
We read of Jesus, before His trial and crucifixion, being with His disciples in the garden of Gethsemane:
Luke 22:41-44
“And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, ‘Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.’ Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.”
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We see Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane…praying, as He was facing His destined, brutal coming adversity.
His agony was so great about what was soon ahead, that His sweat became like great drops of blood that were being shed.
But God had an angel appear to Him in the midst of His distress…to strengthen Him for the task whereby the whole world would be blessed.
Perhaps you are in a situation that is causing you to fear… Know that the Lord sends you an angel, though you may not see him appear.
Lord, thank you for angelic help and for bolstering us with your Word…and giving us a sense of YOUR presence and love, of which we can always be assured.
P. A. Oltrogge
“…For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” from Hebrews 13:5
“Are they (the angels) not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?” Hebrews 1:14
“For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.” Psalm 91:11 (and all of the Psalm)
“Hear my cry, O God; attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” Psalm 61:1-2
“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” Matthew 1:23 KJV
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you…For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior….” Isaiah 43:2, 3 NKJV
“Only be thou strong and very courageous….” Joshua 1:7 KJV
“Then my enemies will be turned back in the day when I call. This I know, that God is for me.” Psalm 56:9
“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
“Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 RSV
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.” Matthew 28:19-20
“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
“As the Father loved Me, I also have 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
(Scriptures: NKJV or as noted)
…praying for the followers and friends of this blog…
The following encouraging article is by Kim Potter, www.anewthingministries.com
Last week, while I was walking through my kitchen one morning, I felt the Lord speak to me about a situation I had been praying about. My initial reaction wasn’t positive. I found myself murmuring to the Lord, saying, “God, I have done that, and I have done this; I have done all I know to do.” At that moment, a scripture came to my mind.
And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. (Luke 5:5)
Let’s look at this conversation between Peter and Jesus in the Amplified version of the Bible.
When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon (Peter), Put out into the deep water, and lower your nets for a haul. And Simon (Peter) answered, Master, we toiled all night, exhaustingly and caught nothing in our nets. But on the ground of Your word, I will lower the nets again.(v.5-6)
Peter had been fishing all night long and was completely exhausted. Despite his hard work, he caught no fish. As the sun began to rise, the last thing he wanted to do was try again. He longed to go home and sleep off his discouragement and disappointment. However, at Jesus’ request, he chose to obey.
The word, nevertheless, means…in spite of.
Peter said, “Even though I have worked hard all night and I’m completely exhausted, all I want to do is go home and sleep. Despite the fact that the fish aren’t biting, I will do it because you said so.”
Oh, if we could all have that attitude. It was the exact attitude I needed that morning as the Lord spoke to me.
Hebrews 3:14 says, For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end.
The New Living translation says it like this; For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ.
Do you remember when you first learned that you could walk in healing and wholeness? Or when you heard that you could live in debt freedom and abundance? Can you recall when you first discovered all the promises the Bible offers through the cross of Christ?
Do you remember the hope that once blossomed within you? Recall that feeling of expectation! That is the confidence you must maintain until the very end. And that, my friend, can prove to be quite challenging.
The Bible states that unrelenting disappointment makes the heart sick, and I can personally relate to that scripture. When we encounter one disappointment after another, it impacts us and weighs heavily on our hearts. We become discouraged and start to feel like Peter—despite our hard work and efforts, we still do not see any victory.
However, just like Peter, we must declare, “Nevertheless, Lord, because of YOUR WORD, I will press on.” And we must choose to believe as firmly as when we first heard the promise—firmly to the very end.
If you feel in your heart that you have done all you can do today, stand firm. Trust in His Word and refuse to believe anything that contradicts the Word of the Living God. Keep your confidence strong until the end. Like Peter, declare, “Nevertheless, at Your Word, God, I still believe.” He who promised is faithful.
“And He (Jesus) said to them, ‘What are these words that you are exchanging with one another as you are walking?’ And they stood still, looking sad. And one of them, named Cleopas, answered and said to Him, ‘Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem and unaware of the things which have happened here in these days?’” Luke 24:17-18 (NASB)
“And beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures.” Luke 24:27 (NASB) (from the account, after Jesus’ death and burial, of the walk to Emmaus by Cleopas and another, who met the risen Lord on their walk, verses 13-32)
There’s nothing like ENCOURAGEMENT when the way seems hard–
There’s nothing like its bolstering to keep a day (or life) from being scarred.
A word of praise can be depended upon to keep enthusiasm or creativity flowing,
causing a downcast countenance to be one that’s actually “glowing.”
There’s nothing like a caring friend who sends a note or gives a call.
There’s nothing like an encouraging word to keep us from a downfall.
There is an enemy in the world, who wants to ruin God-given potential,
which is why a word of praise from someone is often vital and essential.
Cleopas, while on the road to Emmaus, was talking with his friend
about the recent discouraging facts–on Christ’s life having come to an end.
Then later, when they were joined by Jesus, the Lord opened up their eyes
to the truth of His resurrection–likewise, we need the truth that God supplies.
Of course, the Lord is always there for us, speaking by His Spirit and His Word–
but through friends or even strangers, He can also often be “heard.”
So, as you look around to start your day, be attentive if God is showing to you
someone who needs encouragement–let His supportive words be flowing through you.
P. A. Oltrogge
Depiction of Jesus, with Cleopas and another disciple on the road to Emmaus…
“Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but a good (encouraging) word makes it glad.” Proverbs 12:25 AMP
“…lo, I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually—regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion], even to the end of the age.” from Matthew 28:20 AMP
“Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 RSV
“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward.” Psalm 127:3
Today, there are those who are marching, to yearly point the way…
that children are a great blessing, for God has something to say.
The fruit of the womb is a reward, the Bible has beautifully stated…
Yet since there are so many abortions, that truth is highly underrated.
Father, open people’s eyes to see in each child their beauty and their love…
Every good and perfect gift comes down from you, the Father of lights above.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” James 1:17
“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.” words of Jesus in John 16:21
I once said to the Master, Jesus, “Go away from me Lord, for I am a sinful man!” Yet, I was forgiven by Him and blessed to be a part of His Father’s redemptive plan.
I remember when Andrew came to me with some news that truly amazed–that by way of John the Baptist, he had found the Messiah, who was to be praised!
Jesus became our teacher, and we left our nets to follow Him. This meant leaving our daily livelihood, so we weren’t simply doing so on a whim.
No, we knew that this was big. We began to see many miracles taking place–miracles of healing, provision, and protection were wrought by Him, revealing to all God’s grace.
The lame, the blind, and the deaf were finding that the Master was always willing. We disciples saw Him calm the sea during a storm that had been frighteningly chilling.
Another time, faith arose within me to walk towards Him upon the sea. He quickly saved me from sinking below the depths when fear had gotten the better of me.
Once, Jesus took me with James and John on a destined mountain climb, where He was transfigured before us–Elijah and Moses appeared at the time.
I suggested that three tabernacles be built for each, not knowing just what to say. Then a cloud came around us with a message from God on that remarkable day.
It was the voice of His Father in heaven, telling us that this was His beloved Son, and that we should listen to Jesus–His raiment was white as no launderer could have done.
Just as quickly as it had begun, the experience ended and we were alone. We often could expect the unexpected–such was His ministry’s tone.
HIs raising of Lazarus from the dead wasn’t envisioned by any of us disciples, though. Imagine our reaction when we saw death reversed to loose Lazarus and let him go.
I once gave the Lord the use of my boat, for Him to minister from to those on shore…only to be given back the catch of a lifetime–He gave back to us always more!
“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God!” I declared to Him one day. He said His Father in heaven had revealed that truth to me about the Son, who had taught us all to pray.
At the Passover meal, I was taken aback when Jesus came to me to wash my feet. I allowed Him, though, for He said to be a part of Him, it was a duty I needed to let Him meet.
What a blessed remembrance, to have spent that time with the Lord in the upper room…before His betrayal and crucifixion and eventual resurrection from the tomb.
Of course, I felt remorse for my own denial of Him–my boasted loyalty and support having failed. But afterwards, I came to my senses, realizing that I was one…for whom, to the cross, He’d been nailed.
We disciples were so happy when He appeared to us after His glorious resurrection–and later were so glad to spread the news that Jesus is Lord…by the promised Spirit’s direction.
I loved to tell of Him throughout the following years and was always looking toward…that time of my reunion with Him, the Master and Teacher whom we all had adored.
P. A. Oltrogge
Sea of Galilee today…also called Kinnereth, Lake of Gennesaret, and Sea of or Lake Tiberias
“Have you entered the treasury of snow…?” Job 38:22
“He gives snow like wool…” Psalm 147:16
Like a fine diamond falling down from the sky…
is each unique snowflake that passes by.
God’s the divine artist behind their design…
Of His creativity, they’re a sure sign.
Children especially love it when He sends them down…
Usually they come softly, without a sound.
But then we hear the children out at play,
rejoicing and shouting that “It’s snowing today!”
It’s a picture of sparkling beauty in the moonlight’s glow…
when the ground has been covered with a blanket of snow.
Snowflakes have been captured with a camera lens…
the little fine diamonds that our Creator sends.
P. A. Oltrogge
Snowflake glowing on dark textured background. Macro photo of real snow crystal: big stellar dendrite with glossy, flat surface, thin, complex arms and tiny bubbles of frozen rime across the crystal.
“In the beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself. He was [continually existing] in the beginning [co-eternally] with God. All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him not even one thing was made that has come into being. In Him was life [and the power to bestow life], and the life was the Light of men.” John 1:1-4 AMP
“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
“Come now, and let us reason together,” says the Lord, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18 NKJV
“Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he created the universe. The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven. This shows that the Son is far greater than the angels, just as the name God gave him is greater than their names.” Hebrews 1:1-4 NLT
...the poem, above, was written to showcase the beauty in a snowflake’s design, pointing to the Lord, and the joys many of us recall of the enjoyment of snow as children, or even for those who ski or simply love its beauty…
(photo attribution, top, unknown, but appreciated…Bottom photo by Alexey Kljatov-Pixels Real Snowflake 2018-12-26)
“Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?” Jeremiah 32:27
I believe in the God of miracles, is a good thing to frequently say, especially when we know the Lord wants us to have confidence after we pray.
I believe in His miracles, though things can seem contrary or dark. I believe in miracles, even when the “kindling” isn’t showing a spark.
I believe in God’s miracles…of provision, protection, and to see healings. I believe in His miracles, shows we’re not giving in simply to feelings.
I believe in miracles, as shown in the Bible through and through. I know that miracles still happen–that they’re meant for believers today, too.
I believe in God’s miracles, though afflictions can be harsh and persistent. I believe in miracles; therefore, my faith in Him can be equally insistent.
I believe in seeing miracles, even when patience is sometimes needed. Believing in God and His power and love…can keep us strong until adversity’s receded.
I believe in miracles, because I’ve had some God-given ones prior. I believe in the power of Jesus’ name–that name, of which there’s none that’s higher.
Yes, I believe in Jesus, the miracle worker, who was called a Nazarene. With our expectation in Him, and all that He’s already done, miracles are sure to come on the scene.
P. A. Oltrogge
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. ….And the Word became 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 1:1-5, 14
“…how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.” Acts 10:38
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8
“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
“Now thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.” 2 Corinthians 2:14
“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.”…words of Jesus in John 14:1
“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
“For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.” 1 Thessalonians 2:13
“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
“Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:38
“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:9-10
“Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart.” Luke 18:1
“You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4
“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen” Ephesians 3:20-21
“And Peter, remembering, said to Him, ‘Rabbi, look! The fig tree which You cursed has withered away.’ So Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Have faith in God. 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. And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.’” Mark 11:21-26
“Philip said to Him, ‘Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works.’” John 14:8-10 (NKJV)
“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.” John 15:7-8
“And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” John 17:3 NKJV
“The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, oh Lord, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands.” Psalm 138:8
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” James 1:17
You’re cared for by My angels, who daily surround; and as you seek for Me daily, you know I’m easily found.
I appreciate what you do to help and encourage others, thereby building up the faith of your sisters and brothers.
And your prayers are so important to all people of the earth; they bear fruit in helping many to find the “new birth.”
I’ve given you the Holy Spirit to comfort and guide you. He is wonderfully present, living inside you.
I’m your shelter and shield…have faith and not fear. Emmanuel, God is with you…My love is steadfast and near.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” Matthew 1:23 KJV
“And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.” John 14:16-17 NKJV
“Jesus answered and said to him, ‘If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.'” John 14:23 NKJV
The Porch of the Lord 