“When Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His disciples over the Brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which He and His disciples entered. And Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place for Jesus often met there with His disciples. Then Judas, having received a detachment of troops and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. Jesus therefore, knowing all things that would come upon Him, went forward and said to them, ‘Whom are you seeking?’ They answered Him, ‘Jesus of Nazareth.’ Jesus said to them, ‘I am He.’ And Judas, who betrayed Him, also stood with them. Now when He said to them, ‘I am He,’ they drew back and fell to the ground.” John 18:1-6 NKJV
On the night of His betrayal, Jesus permitted Himself to be found. In the presence of the great I AM, the “pursuing” soldiers fell to the ground.
After they revived, He let them lead Him to that for which He’d been born. Willing to do His Father’s will, He yielded to undeserved scorn.
Whippings, mocking, thorns, and then being nailed to Calvary’s cross—All of this He endured as a Shepherd, so that sheep need not be lost.
P. A. Oltrogge
“…for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10 NKJV
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” John 10:11 NKJV
“Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.” John 10:17-18 NKJV
“…We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.” Psalm 100:3
From His grand and glorious home in heaven—a place of comfortable rest,
Jesus came down to this earth on a mission, so that mankind could be blessed.
During the last supper with His disciples, likewise, He got up from a comfortable place, to give Himself to serving.
Just as He would be stripped and crucified soon, so He set aside His garments, girding Himself with a towel, to cleanse the undeserving.
Pouring water into a basin, He began to wash and wipe the disciples’ feet.
But Peter failed to understand this requirement that Jesus was wanting to meet.
“Never shall you wash my feet!” were his immediate words—an outflow from Peter’s heart.
But Jesus said to Peter that unless He washed them, then, with Him, he would have no part.
At that, Peter told the Lord to wash not only his feet, but also his hands and his head.
So sincere was Peter’s desire to please Him, that he quickly permitted Him to do so instead.
Jesus continued, speaking of being made clean, but said that not all of them were clean.
In his relationship with the Lord, Judas would betray Him, letting Satan come between.
When Jesus shared that one of the disciples would betray Him, the others wondered which one this meant.
Then Jesus gave the dipped bread to Judas, revealing that betrayal was his intent.
Quickly, Judas turned away from the Lord and went out into the dark of night—
as many still choose darkness today, sadly, resisting Jesus’ love and Light.
Just as Peter would have had no part with Christ, likewise, it’s the same today…
If anyone doesn’t receive the cleansing from Jesus’ poured-out blood, which takes our sins away,
they will have no part with Christ, our Lord and Savior, who, by His example, taught…
that we, also, should serve one another with love and humility, having received the redemption that He bought.
Jesus loved His disciples to the end; He died for us all, having laid aside His glory.
And, as at that Passover meal, when His task was finished, He sat down…but now He’s seated at His Father’s right hand, in completion of this true redemption story!
P. A. Oltrogge
…the above, from John 13…
“And so when He had washed their feet, and taken His garments, and reclined at table again, He said to them, ‘Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord; and you are right for so I am. If I, then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master; neither one who is sent greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.’” John 13:12-17
“And sitting down, He called the twelve and said to them, ‘If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all, and servant of all.’” Mark 9:35
“And while they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and after a blessing, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, ‘Take, eat, this is My body.’ And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you; for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins. But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.’ And after singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.” Matthew 26:27-28
“…For, indeed, Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.” 1 Corinthians 5:7 NKJV
“He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21
“This Jesus God raised up again, to which we are all witnesses. Therefore having been exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured forth this which you both see and hear. For it was not David who ascended into heaven, but he himself says, ‘The Lord said to My Lord, sit at My right hand, until I make Thine enemies a footstool for Thy feet.’ Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you crucified.” (words of Peter from Acts 2:32-36)
“Therefore, having obtained help from God, to this day I stand, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said would come—that the Christ would suffer, that He would be the first to rise from the dead, and would proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles.” (Paul, speaking to King Agrippa in Acts 26:22-23) NKJV
“But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.” 1 John 1:7-10 NKJV
“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace, which He lavished upon us….” Ephesians 1:7-8
“‘Come now, let us settle the matter,’ says the Lord. ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.’” Isaiah 1:18 NIV
Jesus’ blood, the cleansing flood…
O victory in Jesus, My Savior, forever. He sought me and bought me With His redeeming blood; He loved me ere I knew Him And all my love is due Him, He plunged me to victory, Beneath the cleansing flood.
(from the hymn, Victory in Jesus, by Eugene Bartlett, Sr.)
“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57
“Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the Lord.” Psalm 134:2
from John, chapter 12:
…six days before the Passover:
Jesus came to Bethany, where He’d recently raised Lazarus from the dead; so Martha prepared Him a supper where He, Lazarus, and others were fed. Lovingly, Mary took costly perfume of pure nard and anointed Jesus’ feet. She then wiped them with her hair, a gesture Jesus lauded as sweet.
Judas rebuked it as being wasteful; but Jesus knew that which was lying ahead–it was an anointing upon His body before His crucifixion and resurrection from the dead. A large crowd of the Jewish people came out to the town of Bethany that day, to see Jesus, and Lazarus, too–as news of his resurrection had traveled a long way.
The chief priests didn’t like this at all, and putting Lazarus to death was their thought. They were losing many because of this miracle, which Jesus’ power had wrought. The next day, those who had come for the feast learned Jerusalem was then on Jesus’ route. They took branches from the palm trees to wave–“Hosanna!” was the chorus they began to shout.
Further, they loudly cried out, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord; even the King of Israel!” They thought an earthly King was what history would record. Humble and riding on a requested donkey that had never been ridden before, Jesus entered Jerusalem, amidst their praise, knowing what was really in store.
For just outside of Jerusalem, on a hill called Golgatha, a cross would hold…the precious body of our Lord Jesus Christ, and another Kingdom’s story would unfold. There, He would sacrificially die for all mankind, bearing all of sin’s disgrace. But in three days, He would rise and return to His Father in Heaven, in order to prepare us a place.
You see, Jesus Christ IS the King of Kings, as sung in the glorifying Hallelujah Chorus. Those who are His, praise Him still with joy–both now and in the Eternal Kingdom yet before us.
P. A. Oltrogge
“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
Excerpt from Handel’s “Messiah,” “The Hallelujah Chorus” “For the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! The kingdom of this world Is become the Kingdom of our Lord, And of His Christ, and of His Christ; And He shall reign forever and ever, Forever and ever, forever and ever; King of kings, and Lord of lords!”
“After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.’” Revelation 7:9-10
“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe.” Proverbs 18:10 NASB
Whenever there’s a “darkest hour,”
the name of Jesus is our strong tower.
When things are rough and are looking bleak,
it’s then that faith must confidently speak.
All things are possible with our God…
He makes flowers to rise through the stubborn sod.
God hasn’t given us a spirit of fear–
the message from Him is to be of good cheer!
We often want to be able to see the victory first,
but faith sees a good outcome when things seem at their worst.
Look past any image that speaks of defeat.
See (and say) it as God sees it–your victory’s complete!
P. A. Oltrogge
“But Jesus looked at them and said to them, ‘With men this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible.’” Matthew 19:26
“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. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.’” …from Mark 11:20-26
“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.” …spoken by Jesus in John 16:33
“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” Acts 2:36
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:1-5
““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
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7
“For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Galatians 3:26-29
“Therefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and 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 (NASB)
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7
“…looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith….” …from Hebrews 12:1-3
“YouareofGod, 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
“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
…the poem, below, was written as a confession of faith, which any believer could use….
“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
God has given me a spirit of power, and of love, and of a sound mind…
When I thank Him for His goodness, that’s what I will always find…(His goodness)
The Old Testament account of Joseph tells that he was sold to be a slave;
but his faith in God’s trustworthiness sustained him with courage to be brave.
Never a day goes by me, or a night when I need to sleep,
that His love isn’t reigning over me–I trust His promises, He’ll keep.
The Lord is a refuge and stronghold in trouble, the Word of God has declared.
So we pray, believing for His goodness unto those who may have despaired.
Even in dark days that are clouded with wars or rumors of a war…
abiding in Him, it’s a good fight of faith–the cross of Jesus has gone on before!
P. A. Oltrogge
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7
“But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:11-12
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23 RSV
“The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” Psalm 9:9 NIV
“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57
“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
“Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance.” Psalm 42:5
“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:37-39
“I would have despaired had I not believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for and confidently expect the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for and confidently expect the Lord.” Psalm 27:13-14 AMP
“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.” John 15:5-7
Onward, Christian soldiers, Marching as to war, With the cross of Jesus Going on before. Christ, the royal Master, Leads against the Foe; Forward into battle See His banners go! Onward, Christian soldiers, Marching as to war, With the cross of Jesus Going on before.
2 Like a mighty army Moves the Church of God; Brothers, we are treading Where the saints have trod. We are not divided, All one body we, One in hope and doctrine, One in charity. Onward, Christian soldiers, Marching as to war, With the cross of Jesus Going on before.
3 Crowns and thrones may perish, Kingdoms rise and wane, But the Church of Jesus Constant will remain. Gates of hell can never ‘Gainst that church prevail; We have Christ’s own promise, And that cannot fail. Onward, Christian soldiers, Marching as to war, With the cross of Jesus Going on before.
4 Onward, then, ye faithful, Join our happy throng, Blend with ours your voices In the triumph song: Glory, laud, and honor Unto Christ, the King; This thro’ countless ages Men and angels sing. Onward, Christian soldiers, Marching as to war, With the cross of Jesus Going on before.
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.” Psalm 23 KJV
(The hymn, Onward, Christian Soldiers, was written in 1864 by Sabine Baring-Gould, and the music composer was Arthur S. Sullivan)
Today I have responsibilities that call; I may not be able to get to them all.
I like to think back on visits I’ve made to peaceful wooded paths or a quiet glade.
At such places, it’s natural to pause and reflect on the Lord, our Creator, and give Him respect.
But amidst crowded sidewalks or busy streets, I can praise you, God, and remember our “retreats.”
P. A. Oltrogge
“And He (Jesus) said to them, ‘Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.’….” Mark 6:31 NKJV
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29 NKJV
“The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.” Psalm 29:11 NIV
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee.” Isaiah 26:3 KJV
“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39 KJV
“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 NKJV
Exodus 33:14; Psalm 23; Psalm 91; Psalm 119:105; John 14:27; John 20:21
Have you experienced some wounds that are deep? Trust your Abba, Father–His promises He’ll keep…
He redeems you from distress or any kind of destruction. Look to Him and listen for His wisdom and instruction.
He’s stated that He’s numbered even the hairs upon your head. He’ll give to you renewed hope as you seek to be Spirit led.
With love and with compassion, He heals the brokenhearted; His faithfulness to care for His children has never departed.
Cast all your cares upon Him–then, you’ll have nothing to fear. As you draw close to Him, He’s promised to also draw near.
God’s plans for you are of well-being, and not of things bad. He’s your loving Abba, Father–the very best Dad!
P. A. Oltrogge
“Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, ‘Abba, Father.’” Galatians 4:6 NIV
“For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear; but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.’” Romans 8:15 NKJV
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” Psalm 34:18 NLT
“Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” Proverbs 30:5 NIV
“But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: Ye are of more value than many sparrows.” Luke 12:7 KJV
“For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.” 2 Corinthians 1:20 NKJV
“But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all your works.” Psalm 73:28 NKJV
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you….” James 4:8 NKJV
“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 5:6-8 NKJV
“For I know the thoughts that I have toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13 NKJV
“Jesus said, ‘Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’” Matthew 19:14 NIV
“And He said, ‘Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me, nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.’” words of Jesus to His Father in Mark 14:36 NKJV (His obedience to and trust of His Father’s plan brought us eternal life.)
“Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He saved them out of their distresses. He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare His works with rejoicing.” Psalm 107:19-22 NKJV
“Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” Psalm 31:24 NKJV
“But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope. The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:21-23 RSV
“…For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” Romans 5:5 NLT
“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 4:15-16 NKJV
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor, he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” words of Jesus in Luke 4:17-19 KJV
…for an insightful message on the Father’s correction, Proverbs 3:12, visit “Read Today’s Devotional” at: http://www.josephprince.org
I believe you, God, for every good and perfect gift; for doubting that would cause me to be adrift on the devil’s sea of unbelief, with its dangerous waters and treacherous reef. Your yoke is easy and Your burden is light. I believe Your Word and reject any fright. You’ve promised to shepherd me each new day– With Your rod and Your staff, You’ll lead the way. You’re the Light of the World, I can’t go wrong– I can do all things in Him Who makes me strong. Strong I am, and it’s easy to receive– for You have said, just pray and believe. Your help is sure, and you’ve said I can command victory over the enemy by Your mighty hand!
P. A. Oltrogge
“Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands.” 1 Samuel 17:47
“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
“Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.” James 1:17
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My load is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
“The Lord is my shepherd…He leads me…He guides me…Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me…Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life….” (from Psalm 23)
“And He said to them, ‘I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:18-20
“Again therefore Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world; he who follows Me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12
“I can do all things in Him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
“Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they shall be granted you.” Mark 11:24
See also the following regarding God’s mighty hand:
trusting in the name and shed blood of the Holy One…
If anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation.
Through Him, we’re victorious in any situation.
Despite sins, mistakes, or things we’ve done wrong,
He is our success. In Him, we are strong.
P. A. Oltrogge
“For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:17
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.” Ephesians 1:3-6
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” Ephesians 6:10
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.
“Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:17-21
“For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:9-14
“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit.” Psalm 34:17-18
“…And His Name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, MIGHTY GOD, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6…
It’s important to contemplate the “BIGNESS” of our God. That’s a rarely used word, as some have considered its usage to be odd.
But BIGNESS is very appropriate for Almighty God’s description. And, for the renewing of our minds, it’s an excellent prescription…
to keep us from thinking small, when the works of our God are VAST. Trees, mountains, planets and the stars by His words were cast.
The Israelites were enabled to cross over the Red Sea upon dry land, when the waters were parted by Moses’ reliance on God’s victorious hand.
God’s GREATER power delivered three men from Nebuchadnezzar’s furnace fire. They didn’t even smell of smoke despite going through something that dire.
And the GREATNESS of God’s merciful love was plainly displayed…when all of mankind’s sins on His own beloved Son were laid.
“He who has seen Me has seen the Father,” are words that Jesus said. That BIGNESS was displayed when He raised Lazarus from the dead.
And many other difficulties brought before Jesus turned out to perfection—but the GREATEST triumph of all was at the moment of Jesus’ own resurrection.
So let’s remember the BIGNESS of our MIGHTY GOD in heaven—in every situation—even BIG forgiving—seventy times seven!
And remember to give as BIG as you can to others who have needs. “He who waters will himself be watered.” There’s blessing in such deeds.
The WIDENESS of His mercy, the BIGNESS of His heart…Don’t think small when thoughts that are BIG are what God wants to impart.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?” Jeremiah 32:27
“Oh how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You in the presence of the sons of men.” Psalm 31:19
“The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; He makes the plans of the peoples of no effect. The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He has chosen as His own inheritance.” Psalm 33:10-12
“For the Lord Most High is awesome; He is a great King over all the earth.” Psalm 47:2
“Sing out the honor of His name. Make His praise glorious. Say to God, ‘How awesome are Your works! Through the greatness of Your power, Your enemies shall submit themselves to You. All the earth shall worship You and sing praises to You; They shall sing praises to Your name.’ Selah” Psalm 66:2-4
“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.” Psalm 103:2-4
“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.” John 3:16
“…and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.” 2 Corinthians 5:15
“You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4 NASB
“The generous man will be prosperous, and he who waters will himself be watered.” Proverbs 11:25 NASB
I believe in miracles, because I’ve had some God-given ones prior. I believe in miracles, are words that encourage and lift us higher.
And I believe in Jesus, the miracle worker, who was called a Nazarene. With our expectation in Him, and what He’s already done, miracles are sure to come on the scene.
…whatever the pain or problem, tell Him you’re trusting in His bigness over it…
The Porch of the Lord 