The first Passover was held in Egypt as the death angel stalked the land. This year’s Passover was held in Israel as deadly missiles rained down from the skies in yet another demonstration of the demonic hatred directed toward God’s Chosen People. We are helping widows and orphans, those who are still homeless from both the north and south, wounded IDF soldiers, families of the hostages, terrified and impoverished Holocaust survivors, and so much more. We must raise $130,000 for these urgently needed outreaches. So far 377 friends have given $37,028, so we still need $92,972. Please send your most generous gift today and share this with everyone you know.
Your Friends of Zion Center in Jerusalem is a bright light of Christian love in action. Together we are having a powerful impact on the Jewish people at a time when they are suffering and isolated. Together we are telling them—and more importantly, showing them—that they are not alone in this hour of crisis. Together we are answering the command of God, “Comfort ye My people.”
Everything we are seeing in the news is part of prophecy. And God is calling us to take a stand like Esther of old to deliver His Chosen People. The Jerusalem Prayer Team is doing everything we can to speak out on behalf of Israel, to pray for God to turn the hearts of our nation back toward Israel, and to meet the most urgent needs of the suffering Jewish people. We must not fail to answer God’s call. We must act now.
“And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” Matthew 25:40
“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, theyshall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18
Every morning, decree over your day a positive forecast. Don’t cloud it by thoughts of sins or mistakes from the past.
Let it be a day of experiencing happiness of heart. Ask the Lord for His joy, to give your day the best start.
Whether it’s thoughts about foolishness from the days of your youth…or simply not having realized, in a matter, how to apply God’s truth…
His grace and peace be with you…for you’re a child of the King. You’re the righteousness of God in Christ despite any regretful past thing.
P. A. Oltrogge
“And when He (Jesus) 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.” Matthew 26:27-28, also Mark 14:24; and Luke 22:20
“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.
“For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.” Romans 5:1-11
“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.
“Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.
“Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 5:17-21
“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” Romans 8:1
“You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.” Colossians 2:13-15 NLT
“Not that I have already obtained it (this goal of being Christlike) or have already been made perfect, but I actively press on so that I may take hold of that (perfection) for which Christ Jesus took hold of me and made me His own. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider that I have made it my own yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the (heavenly) prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:12-14 AMP
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” Philippians 4:4
Be sure to read the very special narrative by Dutch Sheets regarding Peter today: http://www.givehim15.com
…This is being posted since Passover begins this evening…
“Then they set out from Succoth and camped in Etham on the edge of the wilderness. And the Lord was going before them in a pillar of cloud by day to lead them on the way, and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.” Exodus 13:20-22
“And with a pillar of cloud Thou didst lead them by day and with a pillar of fire by night to light for them the way in which they were to go.” Nehemiah 9:12
Moses, a Hebrew by birth, was called by God to lead His Hebrew people out–from the ancient land of Egypt to a prayed-for promised land route. Through his obedience and God’s powerful hand, their burdened lives as slaves…came to be changed forever because the good Lord hears and saves.
God had heard their desperate cries–and had seen the severe oppression. After many God-sent plagues, Pharaoh finally made his concession. So hardhearted had he been, that it had taken a very mighty blow, to his own and all Egyptian families, before he would let God’s people go.
Many pestilences had been tried–including frogs and boils on man and beast–hail, insects, darkness, and finally, death of firstborns of the greatest man’s home to the least. That was the deciding plague, which caused the barrier to the Hebrews’ freedom to be broken–while they, in Goshen, were spared, for blood on their doorposts had “spoken.”
Yes, blood from an unblemished lamb on each lintel and doorpost was spread. This proclaimed that their lives should be preserved because of a lamb that had bled. They had shared the first Passover meal–a feast remembered to this day, which points to God’s sacrificial lamb in Christ–now the Good Shepherd who leads our way.
After the Passover, God guided His people with a pillar of cloud in their sight. And for gains through night-time travel, He led by a pillar of fire for needed light. Quick to regret, Pharaoh pursued the former captives to the brink of the great Red Sea; but the angel of God and God’s pillar of cloud kept the Hebrews secure and free.
This protection and time were needed, for Moses to stretch forth his hand. The Lord swept back the sea with a wind all night, creating, for the Hebrews, dry land. God’s people then made their way safely, with walls of water on each side. They followed the leadership of Moses, casting any fears they might have had aside.
God brought Pharaoh’s army into confusion. Then the Lord gave Moses the instruction–to stretch forth his hand again, which made way for the pursuers’ destruction. From out of the pillar of cloud, God caused the Egyptian’s chariot wheels to sway. The waters turned back and drowned them all, giving the Hebrews victory that day.
Protection and guidance were provided back then through God’s pillar of cloud and fire. Therefore, let’s seek the same Lord of those ancient days, who calls us to a life that’s higher. Today a “promised land” is yours through the leading of the Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ, God’s Son. Abundant life now and an eternal home with God are freely offered to everyone.
P. A. Oltrogge
(Based on the Old Testament account in the book of Exodus)
New Testament references:
“…For, indeed, Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.” 1 Corinthians 5:7 NKJV
“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!’” John 1:29 NKJV
“And Peter said to them ‘Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’” Acts 2:38
Words of Jesus:
“The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy; I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly.” John 10:10
“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.’” Matthew 26:26-28
“These things Jesus spoke; and lifting up His eyes to heaven, He saiid, ‘Father, the hour has come; glorify Thy Son, that the Son may glorify Thee, even as Thou gavest Him authority over all mankind, that to all whom Thou hast given Him, He may give eternal life. And this is eternal life, that they may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent.'” John 17: 1-3
“’Let not your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way where I am going.’ Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him.’” John 14:1-7
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Completeness, or Shalom, means nothing missing–nothing broken; and Shalom will always prevail where the Word of God is spoken. As the Word dwells richly within us, and we trust the God who’s good, any strife will be extinguished as we love as He says we should.
By the Holy Spirit’s direction, we go beyond our homes to share…Christ’s love with many others, since we have love to spare. We’re confident in living life as we trust the Lord to guide– blessed going out and coming in at any place where we reside.
Our homes will be an oasis of contentment all our days, for we know that the Father is faithful to keep us in all of our ways. And, surrounded by His Love, we’re “at home” when we’re away. We’re sheltered under His wings, with His protection every day.
Even if circumstances would cause some outward things to shatter, with Jesus reigning in our hearts, those things won’t ultimately matter. For He, truly, is our life; and He’s our guaranteed peace. With our eyes kept fixed upon Him, our Shalom will never cease.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16 KJV
“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; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer, distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.” Romans 12:10-13 NKJV
“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 5:35-36 NKJV
“And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” Romans 5:5 KJV
“The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore.” Psalm 121:8 NKJV
“But godliness with contentment is great gain.” 1 Timothy 6:6 KJV
“Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2 NASB
“He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge: His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.” Psalm 91:4 NASB
“For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.” Psalm 91:11 NKJV
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee.” Isaiah 26:3 KJV
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake at its swelling pride.” Psalm 46:1-3 NASB
“For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee.” Isaiah 54:10 KJV
When a devilish adversity has been pressing…keep declaring, “I’m living under the good Lord’s blessing!”
“I have the victory, and, by faith, I have it now; so to any thoughts of defeat, I refuse to bow…”
Resist the devil–he has lost, which is a fact that should be repeated. Jesus came to destroy the devil’s works, which He did, and the devil is defeated!
We enforce Jesus’ triumph over him. We’ve been deputized. The devil is defeated–through the life, death, and resurrection–the name and the blood of Jesus. This is truth that the Bible has emphasized.
P. A. Oltrogge
“…For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.” 1 John 3:8
“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 1:13-14
“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. And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled…” Colossians 1:19-21
“In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.” Colossians 2:11-15
“Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4:7
“Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, ‘Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.’ 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 10:17-20
“He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” Mark 16:16-18
“If you love Me, keep My commandments. 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 14:15-17
“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
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Of “The Believer’s Authority,” (find his message on this in the “Store” at http://www.markhankins.org) Mark Hankins writes:
“It is time for us as believers to take our place In Christ and exercise the authority that God has delegated to us. We must take steps to possess all that God has promised. We have been made for mastery. You’ve been deputized.”
Search for faith-strengthening messages via You Tube on the blood of Jesus by Mark Hankins…
“And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 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 2:8-11
In case some of you have not yet heard, Dr. Jerry Savelle went home to heaven on Monday, April 15. He deserves much honor for his life and ministry. A description of those is given at his ministry website: http://www.jerrysavelle.org
Most likely, his ministry will continue there. His daily devotionals at the site are always encouraging and insightful, as also are the teaching programs posted there. He emphasized the Word in overcoming, by faith, the trials of life–and in trusting for the favor of God on the believer’s life, of which he shared many examples he’d experienced. He also related various accounts of the miraculous in his own life. (His telling of the restoration of his daughter’s fingertips after they were severed, can be found on an internet search. And the story of an angelic encounter of assistance one late, dark night on a road “in the middle of nowhere” was inspiring and amazing.)
I thank God for the life of Jerry Savelle and that many were richly blessed by his ministry. And I’m grateful for others, too, whom God has sent, to help build us up in the Word. He was among those whose programming was/is featured at: http://www.govictory.com
P. A. Oltrogge
“…Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” Revelation 2:10
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:
This gardenia, exquisite and white, with beauty so bright… is dotted with dew, and sent, with love, to you.
And the words of Jesus, on how well flowers are arrayed, increase our confidence in God on things about which we’ve prayed.
P. A. Oltrogge
“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 Jesus in Matthew 6:28-29
Beautiful Savior, King of creation, Son of God and Son of Man. Truly I’d love Thee, truly I’d serve Thee, Light of my soul, my joy, my crown.
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1
“…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.
“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.” Colossians 1:12-18
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Our God who formed the mountains also created the flowers. The magnificence of either one makes them displays of His mighty powers. Vibrant or pastel, colorful flowers bring us cheer. And they make the truth that there’s a Master Designer very clear.
Even greater evidence is when a human life comes into being. Then, at its birth, we know that it’s a work of God we’re seeing. Planets and the stars, animals, the rainfall and the snow–so many things are evidence that there’s a wonderful God to come to know.
P. A. Oltrogge
“And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” John 17:3
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
“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.
“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
“These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God. Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.” 1 John 5:13-15
“And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13
Jesus told His disciples to go ahead of Him to the other side of the sea.
He had sent the crowds away and, for a time of prayer, He needed to be free.
When Jesus came walking upon the water in the fourth watch of the night,
the disciples, in their boat, thought they were seeing a ghost and cried out in fright.
They had already been disturbed that night, having been battered by waves—
the wind was contrary. Here, we’ll see another instance where “Jesus saves!”
Jesus told them to take courage—that it was Him and that there was nothing to fear.
Some translations of this account say that He told them to be of good cheer!
Having witnessed the Lord’s miracles, Peter wanted to be a disciple of faith, as Jesus had taught,
and join the Lord on the water. Stepping out of the boat, he actually walked on the sea, but then became distraught.
Initially, his confidence had been high, so when the Lord told him to come, he boldly went ahead.
The Bible indicates, though, that he took his eyes off of Jesus by noticing the wind, instead.
It says that he “saw” the wind, meaning that it was whipping up the water to a greater degree.
Looking away from Jesus, the Fearless One, even for just that moment, caused Peter’s courage to flee.
Jesus reached out quickly and rescued Peter, but questioned him as to why he had succumbed to doubt.
As they entered the boat, the wind stopped; and the disciples, in awe, worshiped the Lord as they continued on their route.
We, too, today, must ever look to Jesus, remembering His great love for us and the mighty miracles that He can perform.
We have testimonies today—as well as those told in the Bible—of His ability to bring us out, in victory, through any kind of storm.
P. A. Oltrogge
(From Matthew 14:22-32)
Read or view an interesting message today on translation/meanings of words, and another instance when Jesus and the disciples were out on the water at: http://www.givehim15.com
Excellent service, and report from Israel, yesterday at: http://www.emic.org
The Porch of the Lord 