The beauty of this peacock’s fanned-out feathers is a unique display… of one of God’s masterful designs, among the many seen in nature on any given day.
Notice this delicate, little hummingbird and its shade of turquoise blue— Only the Lord Himself could have adorned it with such a lovely hue.
And consider the magnificent body, soul, and spirit He has given to you… The privilege of spending time with our Creator is such an important thing to do.
Jesus emphasized that, certainly, we are of more value than the birds, which makes us eager to meet with Him daily, esteeming His divine words.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face evermore!” Psalm 105:4
“Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” Matthew 6:26
“Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.'” Genesis 1:26
“For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit, and these three are one.” 1 John 5:7
“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.” John 1:3-4
“Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105 KJV
“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. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
“And Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.'” John 6:35
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you….” James 4:8
“Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, ‘Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.’ And Jesus answered and said to her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things; But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.’” Luke 10:38-42
Due to these times when so many need help in various situations, the following is encouragement on giving….
Let those who favor my righteous cause and have pleasure in my uprightness shout for joy and be glad and say continually, Let the Lord be magnified, Who takes pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.
– Psalm 35:27, The Amplified Bible
…by Kenneth Copeland
If traditional religion has taught you that God wants you poor and oppressed, I have good news for you today. The Bible says, “God takes pleasure” in your prosperity. God wants you to prosper!
Not just in the financial realm but in every area of your life…spirit, soul and body.
No matter where you are or who you are, God wants to see you delivered from every adverse situation.
Why? Because He loves you and He has a job for you to do. He wants you to help meet the needs of mankind and He’s smart enough to know that you can’t give away what you don’t have. You can’t give to spread the gospel or buy food for the hungry when you’re broke. You can’t go out laying hands on the sick when you’re lying in a hospital bed. You can’t minister joy to others when you’re being held captive by depression. No! You have to be blessed to be a blessing.
If you really want to tap into the riches of God today, make up your mind to be a blessing to others, and before you know it, you’ll be receiving more from God than you ever dreamed.
That’s what happened to me. I decided years ago, first and foremost, to be a giver. I developed a lifestyle of giving. Today, I literally “live to give.” And I don’t mind telling you, God dumps blessings on me by the truckload!
He’ll do the same for you if you’ll become His servant—if you’ll lay down your time and your money and your love for those who need it. Become a giver—and God will take pleasure in prospering you!
The above is reprinted with permission from Kenneth Copeland Ministries
You can view recent services at Eagle Mountain International Church, which works together with Kenneth Copeland Ministries, at http://www.emic.org
Under “Latest Service” or “More,” then “View all EMIC Services,” are Sunday, March 5th’s message, as well as sessions with minister of healing, Billy Burke, which took place on the 2nd and 3rd of March.
“Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” Psalm 31:24
At this time of Purim, the story of Esther’s role of courage is retold…
As Queen during the reign of Xerxes, she was called upon to be bold.
King Xerxes’ right-hand man, Haman, was plotting to kill the Jews…
Esther was, herself, a Jew, and realized there was no time to lose.
Her cousin, Mordecai, felt strongly that her position as the Queen
was providential for the Jews. On Queen Esther, their destiny would lean.
Mordecai emphasized that she needed to be brave on behalf of them all.
Though not summoned by the King–on him, she would need to call.
Because it was so disastrous to go before the King without him asking,
she told Mordecai to have all of the Jews join her in a time of fasting.
If one entered the king’s court without being summoned, death was established law.
“If I perish, I perish” she said. Yet in her act of coming before him, the King found no flaw.
He extended his gold scepter to her, even promising up to half the kingdom on that day.
She proposed a banquet for him and Haman to attend, where she would have her say.
Ultimately, at the banquet she held, Esther told the King of the evil plans being made…
against her, a Jew, and all of her people, which had caused her and them to be afraid.
King Xerxes asked her, then, who could be so wicked as to devise such a plan–
At that point, she revealed to the King that the wicked Haman was the guilty man.
…the King had Haman, instead, put to death. Through Esther, God’s people were spared. The greater details are in the book of Esther.
Thus, the Jewish tradition of Purim, a joyous feast on the fourteenth of the month of Adar (Hebrew calendar) happens every year, and is still held today. (Chapter 9 tells of the Jews overcoming their tormentors and the establishment of Purim (remembrance) by Queen Esther and by Mordecai, who became prominent in the King’s palace, having, at one time, saved the King from an assassination attempt.)
King Xerxes in the NIV, NLT, GW (named Ahasuerus in other texts)
The account brings to mind, of course, thoughts and scriptures on courage, but also of God’s preservation of the Jews, from whom He brought to us Jesus, our Savior.
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
“But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. I praise God for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?” Psalm 56:3-4 NLT
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” Ephesians 6:10
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“The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham….” Matthew 1:1
“Then the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.'” Luke 1:30-33
Addressing the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well, Jesus said, “You (Gentiles) worship what you do not know; we (Jews) know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews.” John 4:22
“For it is evident that our Lord arose from Judah….” Hebrews 7:14
“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, Lowly and riding on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey.” Zechariah 9:9
“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
“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
Just because something set you back in the past, doesn’t have to mean that that “stronghold” will last.
For God has a strong hold on His sons and daughters, to bring them safely through in crossing deep waters.
As you resist the devil and his every concocted doubt… that evil attack from him must then be on its way out.
Peter left the boat to meet Jesus and walked upon the sea… but fear from a blast of the wind caused Peter’s faith to flee.
He cried out, beginning to sink–then felt the immediate pull of the Lord’s victorious hand on him for a recovery that was full.
Keep a strong hold on what Jesus, our Lord, has said… Replace the devil’s thoughts of fear with faith in God, instead.
Proclaim, “I receive it!” the moment you’ve prayed. Then rest in His peace as your mind on Christ is stayed.
Say unto this mountain, and it will be removed…. especially say the Word–God’s Truth that has been proved!
P. A. Oltrogge
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ….” 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” Psalm 18:2
“The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him.” Nahum 1:7
“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4:7
“But He (Jesus) answered and said, ‘It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you… For I am the !ord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior….” Isaiah 43:2, 3
“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3
“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
“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.” Mark 11:22-24
“As for God, His way is perfect; The Word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.” Psalm 18:30
“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
“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….” Ephesians 6:14-18
“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.” 2 Corinthians 2:14 NASB
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“Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.
“Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out for fear.
“But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.’
“And Peter answered Him and said, ‘Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.’
“So He said, ‘Come.’ And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, ‘Lord, save me!’
“And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’ And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.
“Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, ‘Truly You are the Son of God.'” Matthew 14:22-33
(This occurred after the disciples had just seen Jesus feed a multitude of people from having blessed just five loaves and two fish.) verse 21: “Now those who had eaten were about five thousand men, besides women and children.”
The very hairs of your head are numbered– Jesus shared that thought so we wouldn’t be encumbered with worries and cares that should be laid at His feet, for God knows the best way to make all lives complete. He satisfies the desire of all living things by opening His hand, and with it He brings bountiful blessings beyond what’s desired, for He loves to give even more than the required. To avoid any pitfalls, you need to become sharpened by going to God’s Word daily, therein to hearken. And don’t think, in any instance, His direction will cease– just go by what lines up with His Word and gives peace. For Jesus is the Good Shepherd; He won’t let you down. He has much for you here and then, one day, a crown.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are of more value than many sparrows.” Luke 12:7
“Thou dost open Thy hand, and dost satisfy the desire of every living thing.” Psalm 145:16 KJV
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.” …words of the Lord Jesus in John 10:27-28
“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.” Proverbs 3:5-6
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105 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
“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
“For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness 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 3:14-21
“…Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.’ Revelation 2:10
“So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” words of the Lord from Matthew 6
…below, one of God’s beautifully-crowned flowers….
…an account on the blessing of the Lord through giving…
According to the word of the Lord, the prophet, Elijah, journeyed to a brook, which was called Cherith, east of the Jordan–and from its waters he took.
God told him to look to the ravens, for His provision of meat and bread. Both in the morning and in the evening, Elijah was thereby fed.
But there was no rain in the land, for Elijah had prayed for its delaying–to prove that his was the true God, not Baal, as King Ahab was saying.
The waters of the brook didn’t last then, so he needed again to move. God told him to go to Zarephath, where His provision again He would prove.
Elijah saw there a woman gathering sticks, a widow, as God had said. He called to her, asking for water. Then, he also asked her for bread.
She replied she had only a little flour in a bowl and a little oil in a jar. The sticks were for a fire to cook a bread cake, which wouldn’t go very far.
She had thought she and her son would eat it and then prepare to die. To her surprise, Elijah said that was the reason that God had sent him by.
He told her God wanted to provide for her, and her flour and oil wouldn’t fail. Sharing with him first, as a prophet of God, was all that it would entail.
So she did as Elijah had told her, serving the food first to him and then her son. She believed and trusted in God, that their lives weren’t over and done.
Day followed day and they always had meals–her supply was not diminished. It’s a Biblical lesson of security through faith–we’re blessed before God is finished.
During Jesus’ ministry, a little boy’s lunch, of fishes and loaves that seemed few, became more than enough when blessed by Him; and He blesses giving the same today, too.
P. A. Oltrogge
(from 1 Kings 17)
“And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want….” Psalm 23:1
“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 NKJV
“But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass by justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone.” Luke 11:42 NKJV …and Matthew 23:23
“The generous man will be prosperous, and he who waters will himself be watered.” Proverbs 11:25
“While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.” Genesis 8:22
Lord, Make me an instrument of Your peace. Where there is hatred–let me sow love, where there is injury–pardon, where there is doubt–faith, where there is despair–hope, where there is darkness–light, and where there is sadness–joy.
Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console; to be understood, as to understand; to be loved, as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive– it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
“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
There’s protection in these days from plague, danger, storm and flood. It’s found through faith in Jesus Christ and the power of His blood. Remember to use the authority that God has given you. Resist the devil before, or even as, adverse things try to break through.
We’re to imitate our Lord who commanded the stormy sea, “Be still!” It’s not a time to doubt He’ll back you up–but to know He will! Psalm 91 and other covenant promises of God are yours to claim. You’ve got His power; you’ve got His authority; and you’ve got His mighty Name!
The gift of righteousness through Christ is yours, most importantly to know of all. The more we realize this, the more we’ll believe we receive answers when we call. Despite our failings, when God sees us, He sees the righteousness of His own Son. And the Bible says God will perfect the good work in us that He’s begun.
We gain in faith through hearing God’s Word, our sure foundational base, which helps us to grow strong in assurance–about His all-encompassing grace. Just trust Him now, as it’s being taught to a much greater extent. His blood, His Name, His Word, His authority–for our well-being these were meant!
P. A. Oltrogge
“And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.” Acts 4:33
“And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ (right up to the time of His return), developing (that good work) and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you.” Philippians 1:6 (AMP)
“For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:17
“Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.’” Luke 10:19-20 (KJV)
“Truly I say to you, whatever you shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 18:18
“So be subject to God. Resist the devil (stand firm against him), and he will flee from you.” James 4:7 (AMP)
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust!’” Psalm 91:1-2
“No evil will befall you, nor will any plague come near your tent.” Psalm 91:10 and all of Psalm 91
Hebrews 12:24; Hebrews 13:20-21 (the blood of Jesus)
Acts 3:6; Acts 3:16; Acts 4:7, 10, 12, 17, 18 (the name of Jesus)
Ephesians 6:10-17 (the armor of God)
“Only believe!” (from Mark 5:36 and Luke 8:50)
For a detailed message today on the authority of the believer, see: www.givehim15.com
Andrew Wommack is also sharing on the same topic this week: http://www.awmi.net
“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
(Anyone can become a new creation through a simple, heartfelt prayer–just confess that you have sinned and receive God’s gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, asking Him to be your Savior and Lord)
“But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn that shines brighter and brighter until the full day.” Proverbs 4:18 NASB
In the last days, perilous times will come—the New Testament has warned. Yet those words, by nonbelievers, have been ignored or scorned.
The increase of catastrophic news events and evil deeds inflicted should be convincing to men and women of what the Bible has predicted.
Then, there’s the focus on Israel, such a small piece of land; yet it’s dear to the heart of God and is sustained by His mighty hand.
As believers, we can “look up,” for our redemption draws nigh. The same resurrected Lord Jesus is coming back, who ascended into the sky.
P. A. Oltrogge
“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.” Titus 2:11-14 NKJV
“But know this, that in the last days, perilous times will come. For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people, turn away!” 2 Timothy 3:1-5 NKJV
“And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.” Matthew 24:6-8 NKJV
“Who has ever heard of such things? Who has ever seen things like this? Can a country be born in a day or a nation be brought forth in a moment? Yet no sooner is Zion in labor than she gives birth to her children.” Isaiah 66:8 NIV Israel recognized on May 14, 1948
“And I will provide a place for my people Israel and will plant them so that they can have a home of their own and no longer be disturbed.” 2 Samuel 7:10 NIV
“And I will bring my people Israel back from exile.” Amos 9:14 NIV
“As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people from this time forth and forever.” Psalm 125:2 NKJV
“And as they heard these things, he (Jesus) added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear. He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, ‘Occupy till I come.'” …from Luke 19:11-13 KJV
“And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” Luke 21:25-28 KJV
“And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven. And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God. Amen.” Luke 24:50-53 NKJV
“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven?This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.'” Acts 1:8-11 NKJV
Though we don’t know the exact timing of future events, we continue, in the meantime, to pray for the various situations in this world and share with others about Jesus and the assurance we have through Him….
Be blessed by the current message, (Say “Yes!” to all His Promises) regarding these things at the Joseph Prince website, http://www.josephprince.org
“Now from the sixth hour until the ninth hour there was darkness over all the land. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?’ that is, ‘My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?’
“Some of those who stood there, when they heard that, said, ‘This Man is calling for Elijah!’ Immediately one of them ran and took a sponge, filled it with sour wine and put it on a reed, and offered it to Him to drink.
“The rest said, ‘Let Him alone; let us see if Elijah will come to save Him.’
“And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit.
“Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many.
“So when the centurion and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they feared greatly, saying, ‘Truly this was the Son of God!’”
Matthew 27:45-54
“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
Jesus felt the severity of being forsaken by God, expressing that on the cross.
His suffering there, He endured for us, so we would never have to experience that loss.
The loss of closeness He’d always felt to His Father had, momentarily, left Him shaken.
Yet He said, “It is finished,” knowing it was the Father’s plan that He had surely undertaken.
From His birth, He was called Emmanuel, “God With Us,” which is what it has meant.
We, as believers, will never be forsaken because of the Son, whom God has sent.
Emmanuel, God with us… You see, we are not alone. Emmanuel, God with us… Through the birth of a Child, God’s presence was shown. He wouldn’t leave us without knowledge of His love, But made Himself known, coming down from above. Emmanuel, God with us… From God, the Father, came a Baby so mild. Emmanuel, God with us… God’s Son was embodied in a holy Child. Born of a virgin, the handmaiden of the Lord— From His life, the goodness of God would be poured. After humble beginnings in a manger stall, His name would become great—He would die for all, So that any individual living on this earth Could personally know their God of great worth. Emmanuel, God with us… It’s the greatest name known. Emmanuel, God with us in Jesus, And now we need never be alone!
P. A. Oltrogge
“Jesus shouted to the crowds, ‘If you trust me, you are trusting not only me, but also God who sent me. For when you see me, you are seeing the one who sent me. I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark.” John 12:44-46 NLT
“He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him.” Psalm 91:15
“…For He Himself has said, “Iwill neverleaveyou nor forsakeyou.“ Hebrews 13:5
“…casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7
In troubled moments or times, when things look bad, we may be tempted to lose faith in God’s nearness; (“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10) but we know that God is good and is always with us–being forsaken is never the case. He lives in us and is always here…and works through us to help those who are suffering and in need….
Thank you, Lord, that you will never leave us or forsake us and for your example of demonstrating God’s love….
“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
“To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory…” Colossians 1:27 KJV
“…He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and have our being” …from Acts 17:27-28
“…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
“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
To reinforce this message, with another on the same subject, you may want to visit Joseph Prince’s website for his devotional today.
On another note, Andrew Wommack is covering the important topic of the authority of the believer this week at his website.
I think that it could be said about Jesus that, even as their twelve-year old son, when Mary and Joseph found Him sharing in the temple, His ministering had already begun.
His first recorded, actual miracle was at the wedding where He turned water into wine. That’s when His connection to His heavenly Father really began to shine.
He called twelve men to be His disciples–to learn from Him and follow His ways. He taught them through parables and the scriptures, and made them mindful of thanksgiving and praise.
Jesus performed many miracles–from provision to healing, and raising some people from the dead. He said to forgive your enemies–not retaliating, but praying for and loving them instead.
On this day, we begin the Lenten season, remembering His sacrifice on behalf of our sins. He was the perfect Lamb of God on the cross; it’s through Him that new life begins.
If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, and old things have passed away. That’s a free gift of God for all to receive. If you haven’t yet received it, then let this be your day.
P. A. Oltrogge
“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
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8
Matthew 5:43-48 Luke 2:41-52 John 2:1-11 John 21:25
“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…..For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.” Colossians 1:13-14 and 19-20
The Porch of the Lord 