“…Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of Hosts.” Zechariah 4:6 NKJV
It’s not by might, nor by power, but by the Lord’s Spirit…As a spring shower causes the sprouting of seeds in the earth— so, also, by His Spirit, comes the “new birth.”
We look to you, Lord, for those for whom we pray… It’s by your awakening, that they’ll find the Way. We trust, Lord, for your Spirit to fall afresh… You’ve said you would pour it out upon all flesh.
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
“Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: ‘Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.’” John 17:1-3
“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” …from Acts 4:8-12, on Jesus Christ of Nazareth
“Sanctify them by Your truth. Your Word is truth.” spoken by Jesus in John 17:17
“Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!”words of Jesus in John 4:35
“God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in times past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds, who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.” Hebrews 1:1-4
The God’s Word translation reads “He holds everything together by His powerful words….”
Does something in your life need to be upheld or held together? Trust the One, who holds all things together….
Jesus upholds you by the word of His power…
“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.” John 1:3-5
“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.” John 14:1
“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
In this account, Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues; and it was on a Sabbath day.
A woman was there who, for eighteen years, had had an infirmity caused by a spirit—she was bound by satan that way.
She was bent double and was totally unable to straighten up at all.
But she made her way over to Jesus, upon His invitation and call.
“Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity,” He said, laying His hands upon her—immediately she became erect.
She began to glorify God that Jesus’ ministry had had such a powerful effect!
But due to rigid adherence to the Torah, a synagogue official could only “see” the Law.
Jesus should not have healed on the Sabbath, he indicated. All he could see was this “flaw.”
In the face of such a miracle, he still, obviously, wasn’t persuaded.
His only desire seemed to be that Jesus’ act of love should be degraded.
Jesus then called him a hypocrite, saying that he, and the other synagogue officials, would untie their own oxen or donkeys on the Sabbath to lead them to some waters.
How much more, then, was it right for Him to heal, even though on a Sabbath, this woman, who was one of Abraham’s daughters.
After Jesus had said these things, his opponents were put to shame…
while, for the glorious things He was doing for others, the people were giving Him great acclaim.
As believers, we, too, are heirs of Abraham; and on any night or day…
the Lord, who never slumbers or sleeps, will hear and answer us whenever we pray.
P. A. Oltrogge
“And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to promise.” Galatians 3:29 NASB
“…He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” Psalm 121:3-4 NASB
As believers, we’re aware of the importance… of following “the inward witness,” which is so vital to our well-being and to our necessary spiritual fitness.
If we believe in the goodness of God and that our Shepherd knows what’s best, then it follows that by praying and following His lead, we’ll be on the highest and most certain quest.
To put it in God’s words, you are His son, when you’re someone who is Spirit led. Make it your desire to do the will of the Father; and, with the faith food of His Word, be fed.
Wait for His peace regarding decisions; never go against what God has said in His Word. It’s a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path, whereby your success is established and assured.
If our lives, in some instances, seem to be off course, and that things aren’t turning out right, it could be that we’ve not been walking by faith, but, instead, just by our own sight.
Wise men (and women and even children) still seek the Lord today, it’s said. Thankfully, He’s the God of another chance– so seek Him strongly in the days ahead.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Seek the Lord while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near.” Isaiah 55:6 NASB
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7 NKJV
“For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” Romans 8:14 NASB
“But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His Name.” John 1:12 KJV
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV
“Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105 KJV
“The entrance of Your words gives light…” Psalm 119:130 NKJV
“But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. Galatians 4:4-7 KJV
“Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 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 3:12-14 NKJV
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in him.’” Lamentations 3:22-24 NRSV
It can be difficult not to be anxious when a problem seems very intense. But keeping faith in the God of the Bible (and the universe) is the only thing that makes sense.
Cast your worries and cares, that the Lord knows of, over completely upon Him, trusting He knows how to work things out, even if, to you, hope seems dim.
Believe in the mercy and grace of God as expressed through Jesus, His Son…who went about healing and doing good, sharing God’s love with everyone.
Close the door on all fear–speak the promises of God, which make the believer secure. Remember we’ve a covenant with God through Christ’s blood–of that fact, we can always be sure.
Cry out to the Lord if things are overwhelming–Peter did, in a time of fright. Jesus reached out and kept him from sinking during his walk on the water that night.
God created all of the mountain peaks and sends flowers to bloom on a plain. He made the vast waters of the oceans–yet designed the intricacies of the human brain.
From mountain heights to the deep sea depths, He put everything together… Jesus said, “Have faith in God.” Rely on His peace through whatever storm that you weather.
P. A. Oltrogge
And a postscript: At those times of anxiety, worry, or doubt, believe for the good that GOD’s bringing about.
To some, these thoughts might sound simplistic, but they’re based on words that are God’s. “For with God nothing will be impossible.” He can help us against all odds.
Scriptures that encourage:
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Meditate on These Things
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy–meditate on these things.” Philippians 4:6-8
“Because of this oath, Jesus is the one who guarantees this better covenant with God. There were many priests under the old system, for death prevented them from remaining in office. But because Jesus lives forever, his priesthood lasts forever. Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.” Hebrews 7:22-25 NLT
“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7
“When I cry out to you, then my enemies will turn back; This I know, because God is for me.” Psalm 56:9 (and many other scriptures, especially in the Psalms, on crying out to the Lord)
“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
“Only be strong and very courageous….” Joshua 1:7
“So Jesus said to them, ‘Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.’” Matthew 17:20
“For with God nothing will be impossible.” Luke 1:37
“Then He (Jesus) went up into the boat to them, and the wind ceased. And they were greatly amazed in themselves beyond measure, and marveled.” Mark 6:51
“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.” John 14:12
Love, with no definite expression of outward action or word, isn’t love at all–since, by our hearts, nothing is “heard.” Kind words, loving service, time spent together, a gift, or a tender touch– without these things tangible, we can’t really feel love much.
Just like most plants need regular sunshine and water, we need regular caring expression from friend, spouse, son, or daughter. Mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters can affirm and encourage– we all can, for this world holds much that can discourage.
Friends and family are meant to uplift us and be a fortress in life; and when loving gestures abound, there will be little, if any, strife. When love is firmly founded thereby, we’ll be ready to reach out to those needing love from us whom we may meet on a daily route.
Jesus also said that we should love those who don’t love us back; sometimes, such love can move relationships onto the right track. At times, we must look past the things in some that seem odd– we may need to pray for the grace of the unconditional love of God.
For that love has been found to lead others to tangibly feel the love of the heavenly Father in a way that is real.
P. A. Oltrogge
“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 5:5
“These things I command you, that you love one another.” John 15:17
“Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4
“Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another, not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.” Romans 12:9-11
“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32
“And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise. But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful just as your Father also is merciful.” Luke 6:31-36
“Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” 1 John 4:11
…and a few of the many outreaches of the love of God:
“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
Our Lord Jesus doesn’t do things for us in a manner that’s halfway. We need to keep that in mind in regard to that for which we pray.
Just as He provided Peter with a net-breaking, miraculous catch, or made a few fish and loaves into an enough-for-a-multitude batch…
and as He healed the blind man who first saw men as trees that were moving, Jesus went on to heal the man’s sight totally, His “completion” power proving.
Still today, He’s with us always, not doing things by half-measure; but He desires to see us whole, for that’s always His Father’s will and pleasure.
And for any kind of “answer to prayer” that doesn’t seem quite right, we wait upon the Lord for His very best, for His is the power and might.
Remember the wedding banquet in Cana, where the best wine served was the last. It was Jesus’ miraculous touch that caused the first wine to be outclassed.
Let’s be assured He will answer our prayers in a way that’s truly complete, thereby displaying to all, once again, that Jesus secured the devil’s defeat.
P. A. Oltrogge
See Mark 8 for the feeding of four thousand and the instance of the blind man receiving full sight. John 2:1-11 tells of Jesus turning water into wine.
“And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” John 1:16-17
“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
“But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil.” 1 John 3:8 NLT
“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.” …spoken by Jesus in John 16:23-24
“…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
And Jesus’ words on the cross, “It is finished!” were words of completion of the will of God and His Father’s calling upon His life.
“But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.
“Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” Romans 8:25-32
“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
“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you with all joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ….” Philippians 1:3-6
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
“Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!” …from Psalm 107
“And Jesus called a little child unto Him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, ‘Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.’” Matthew 18:2-5 (KJV)
A heart that is very tender, like that of a little child, is needed to perceive God’s chosen Lamb, who was perfect and undefiled.
Sweetly, Jesus came, long ago, as a baby on the hay; and, tenderly, He calls to each person yet today, to recognize God’s pathway to the Way, the Truth, and the Life, for eternity and, also, in this present world of strife.
Jesus laid down His life on a cross, and rose again so that we can be free, to draw from His strength in our own lives, helping others to also see–that they can be restored, to a heavenly Father who is gracious, to lead them in this life and then to a heaven, fair and spacious.
There will be room there for any person, who, like a little child, took…the gift freely offered by Jesus Christ, as recorded in God’s Holy Book.
Remember, please, its warning–not to be too “wise,” but to take of the offer that is proper in His Father’s eyes. Harden not your heart, for you’re meant to be relieved, of search for Truth by any other, than by Christ, in whom we’ve believed.
P. A. Oltrogge
“That is why the Holy Spirit says, ‘Today when you hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts as Israel did when they rebelled, when they tested me in the wilderness. There your ancestors tested and tried my patience, even though they saw my miracles for forty years.’” Hebrews 3:7-9 NLT
“So God set another time for entering his rest, and that time is today. God announced this through David much later in the words already quoted: ‘Today when you hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts.’” Hebrews 4:7 NLT
“Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” spoken by Jesus in Matthew 11:28 NASB
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:5-7 KJV
“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” John 17:17 KJV
“And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 NKJV
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones.” Proverbs 3:5-8 NKJV
“Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them. Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’ When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.” Matthew 19:13-14 NIV
“Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world–our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” 1 John 5:1-5 NKJV
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23 NKJV
The Porch of the Lord 