Category Archives: Christianity

Our Faithful Tour Guide

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By Joan Vetter
Guest Contributor

The thought just wouldn’t go away. 

When I saw that Andrew Wommack’s Ministry was coming to Phoenix, Arizona, for three days for their Gospel Truth Crusade, excitement began to rise up in my spirit to attend.

However, there were many logical reasons why maybe this wasn’t a great idea. It would be a two-day drive, and my husband, Ted, was having a surgery just two and a half weeks before this. Plus, he had spent six days in the hospital with a heart problem just the year before. However, he told me that he could “see” or “picture” us at the conference. He was visualizing in faith, which boosted my faith. It was in the beginning of January, though, so we wondered what the weather would be like. Also, covid was spreading rapidly at that time.

But my Mom came to mind, who had always loved adventure, which kept her healthy and her mind sharp right up to 103 years old! She had often encouraged us to be sure to see the Grand Canyon one day. Yes, we could combine our trip with an excursion to the Grand Canyon!

So this door to adventure was standing open, waiting for a “yes.” We knew there were preparations to make, beyond just securing hotel reservations and packing. We recognized how important faith was before we even started. Scripture states, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). So after determining that we were following the Lord’s leading, we knew it was to be a faith journey all the way; and each negative or fearful thought needed to be met with faith to counter it.

When we hear that God has plans to prosper us–plans for good–our spirits need to agree with that and not allow a picture of anything that would negate that in our minds. Thus, once we made the decision to go, every negative thought was to be defeated. Our part was to continually agree for the Lord’s blessings. (“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)

We felt a sense of “mission” before we left. We were to pray for the country and to bless the people along the way. The first night at our hotel, I was able to share the Lord’s love with a woman working there. When I asked if she could use some prayer, she was so thankful. She lived on the Navaho reservation and had a broken water pipe at home. She also was experiencing some conflict with her son. Then, a waitress I talked with shared a need for prayer, as well, regarding her children. With both of these ladies, I thought of what Jesus said in John 4:4–that He needed to go through Samaria. Even as it was a divine appointment for Him to speak to the woman at the well in Samaria, I felt we were directed to meet both of the women that we did. As we continued to drive through New Mexico, I found myself praying for all of the Navaho people.

The Andrew Wommack conference was wonderful–we basked in the teaching of the Word; and the hotel was beautiful.

Andrew taught on truth, and the Holy Spirit was present to bring understanding and hope for many personal situations. An explanation, so simple, has remained a constant since we’ve come home. He said that three different people will have an opinion as to the length of the stage, but then someone will measure it. That becomes the only truth! With the Word of God, we don’t need people’s opinions. We will “know” the truth and the truth will set us free (John 8:32).

Andrew teaches the truth of Galatians 5:6 – that faith works by love. He says, “Love is the driving force behind our faith. Many of us try harder to believe when we should be seeking a greater revelation of God’s love for us. Then faith would just naturally work.” The atmosphere in the meetings is such a powerful demonstration of both love and faith. An hour before and after each session, prayer counselors pray with those who desire prayer. (To explore his ministry, see http://www.awmi.net.)

I bought a T-shirt with the words WARRIOR NOT WORRIER on it. Yet, I have to confess that the subtle fear of contracting the virus was still trying to crowd out my confidence. As we traveled home again through New Mexico, they were strict about masks; and there were constant signs along the road about obtaining the vaccine. On top of that, Ted seemed to be developing a cough. Then, when we stopped for lunch, we were told that four waitresses had left work feeling sick that morning. However, we felt confident in God’s protection, so we stayed. When our waiter came to our table, he had on a mask with the words, “PROTECTED BY THE BLOOD OF JESUS.” Amen! Thank you, LORD!

When we arrived at that evening’s hotel, suddenly Ted began to run a fever. Faith rose up in us both like David going after Goliath, and we refused to be intimidated by fear of sickness. I laid my hand on his forehead and rebuked the fever in the name of Jesus. When Jesus prayed for Peter’s mother-in-law, her fever left immediately (Luke 4:38-39). That was what rose up in our hearts and, within minutes, his fever was gone. I had on my WARRIOR NOT WORRIER shirt, so that was a constant reminder to trust God. The amazing thing was that I was able to go to bed and fall right to sleep. The next thing I knew was that he was waking me up, saying, “Get ready–we need to get on the road!” He was already up and showered.

I savor the memories of our trip–the faith-boosting conference, the Grand Canyon, which we finally saw, other beautiful natural scenes, and the people we encountered. They’re now embedded in our hearts as the rewards of tackling a trip that looked intimidating. But we made it through to the other side. That reminds me of Jesus’ disciples–when He told them to get into their boat and to cross over to the other side–(Matthew 14:22). He knew there would be a storm, but He wanted them to go in faith.

I have an even greater appreciation for Jesus since the trip. He was with us all the way and always will be–He’s the Rock of Ages…

“…and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. Matthew 28:20

“No one is holy like the Lord, For there is none besides You, nor is there any rock like our God.” 1 Samuel 2:2

Photo by J. Vetter, at the Grand Canyon

Less than Perfect

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“The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy. I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly.” Words of Jesus in John 10:10

“Every good thing bestowed 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

Dear Lord,

When life’s been less than perfect, I’ve sometimes struggled to understand.
Your power could have prevented, and sent something far more grand.
But then, one day, You reminded me about diamonds in the rough–
How You can take and polish things that seem to be so tough.

Your love will always work to heal when things, at times, go wrong,
Yet You desire to see us look to Your Word, which makes us strong.
We live by faith and are more than conquerors through Jesus Christ, our Lord;
And it’s in believing in Your love for us that we reap a rich reward.

P. A. Oltrogge

“The Lord will perfect that which concerns me….” Psalm 138:8 (NKJV)

“Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14

“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

“He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.” Revelation 3:21

“And they overcame him (the thief/devil) because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even to death.” Revelation 12:11

In some instances, it’s good to remember how God worked uniquely in the life of Joseph, who was sold into slavery by his brothers, later to become a great ruler in Egypt:

“And as for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.” (words of Joseph in Genesis 50:20)

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: ‘For your sake, we are killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.’ 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 8:35-39 (NKJV)

And we’re learning of and growing in the believer’s authority over the enemy’s attacks/setbacks. Search for that topic in the “Bookstore” at http://www.rhema.org

Scriptures: New American Standard Translation, The Ryrie Study Bible, or as noted.

Diamond photo/Unsplash

A Look at Jesus’ Ministry through Mark, Chapter 1

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“The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in the Prophets:

“Behold, I send My messenger before Your face,
Who will prepare Your way before You.”
“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord;
Make His paths straight.’ ”

Mark 1:1-3 NKJV

John, whose message was repentance, was clothed with camel’s hair; and locusts and wild honey were, of necessity, his taste. People throughout Judea and those from Jerusalem came out to where he was based.

They sought to be baptized by John in the Jordan river, for the remission of their sins. But he spoke of One mightier coming, who would baptize with the Holy Spirit, which is where Mark’s story (account) of Jesus begins.

At that time, Jesus from Nazareth of Galilee came, and was baptized there, also, by John. When He came up out of the water, the heavens parted, and the Spirit descended upon…

this Son of Man and only begotten Son of God. Mark wrote that the Spirit came down “like a dove.” “You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” were His Father’s words from heaven above.

Immediately afterward, the Spirit drove Jesus into the wilderness, where, for forty days…He was tempted by Satan, but never failed–Jesus always fully adhered to His Father’s ways.

After John was wickedly put into prison, Jesus began preaching the gospel in Galilee. He told the people to repent of their sins, and that it was through Him that they could be set free.

As Jesus walked by Galilee’s sea, he saw Simon and Andrew casting out a fishing net there. He told them He would make them fishers of men–the gospel would be theirs, as well, to share.

They left their nets to follow Him–then Jesus called James and John, two more. Leaving their father, Zebedee, and others in the boat, they joined the Lord upon the shore.

Heading into Capernaum, Jesus entered into the synagogue on the Sabbath to teach. He taught as One having authority, not as the scribes, when they would “preach.”

There was a man there, possessed with an unclean spirit, who cried out, “Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did you come to destroy us? I know who You are–the Holy One of God!” he said in an evil tone.

Jesus rebuked him and commanded the unclean spirit to be quiet and that it was to come out. Then the unclean spirit convulsed the man and left him, after it had made a defeated shout.

Everyone was amazed that Jesus could cause evil spirits to obey His bold command. Immediately His fame spread in Galilee–throughout all of that region’s land.

After that incident, Jesus entered the house of Simon, where Simon’s mother-in-law was lying down ill. Jesus took her by the hand and lifted her up–the fever left her, for Jesus was carrying out His Father’s will.

To Jesus, that evening, after sunset, all who were sick or demon possessed were brought. The whole city was actually gathered there, for they’d heard of the miracles that He’d wrought.

The next morning, long before daylight, Jesus went out to a solitary place to pray. So Simon and others searched for Him. “Everyone is looking for You,” they told Him; but Jesus wasn’t led to stay.

“Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth,” He said. And He preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, casting out demons in more towns that were ahead.

At one point a leper came to Jesus, saying, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.” Jesus was moved with compassion and touched him, saying, “I am willing. Be cleansed.” Immediately, the leprosy was no longer seen.

Jesus warned him to say nothing to anyone but to go and show himself to the priest. But the man went out and shared his story freely–he was so happy at having been released.

Then, Jesus could no longer openly enter the city, but had to go out to a deserted place. But people kept coming to Him from every direction, having heard He was pouring out God’s goodness and wonderful grace.

Poetry by P. A. Oltrogge (after the beginning Scripture verses)

“Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness.” Psalm 107:8-9

…and the following are from the book of Acts:

“Then Peter opened his mouth and said: ‘In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all—that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they killed by hanging on a tree. Him God raised up on the third day, and showed Him openly, not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God, even to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.'” Acts 10:34-43

“And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples he said to them, ‘Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?’ So they said to him, ‘We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.’ And he said to them, ‘Into what then were you baptized?’ So they said, ‘Into John’s baptism.’

“Then Paul said, ‘John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.’ When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.” Acts 19:1-5

Scriptures: NKJV

The God of Another Chance

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…on following the leading of the Lord….

As believers, we’re aware of the importance…
of following “the inward witness,”
which is so vital to our well-being
and to our necessary spiritual fitness.

If we believe in the goodness of God
and that our Shepherd knows what’s best,
then it follows that by praying and following His lead,
we’ll be on the highest and most certain quest.

To put it in God’s words, you are His son,
when you’re someone who is Spirit led.
Make it your desire to do the will of the Father;
and, with the faith food of His Word, be fed.

Wait for His peace regarding decisions;
never go against what God has said in His Word.
It’s a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path,
whereby your success is established and assured.

If our lives, in some instances, seem to be off course,
and that things aren’t turning out right,
it could be that we’ve not been walking by faith,
but, instead, just by our own sight.

Wise men (and women and even children)
still seek the Lord today, it’s said.
Thankfully, He’s the God of another chance–
so seek Him strongly in the days ahead.

P. A. Oltrogge

Currently, at http://www.capps.tv, you can hear Annette Capps on this topic. Her message is “God’s Third Choice.”

“Seek the Lord while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near.”
Isaiah 55:6 NASB

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7 NKJV

“For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.”
Romans 8:14 NASB

“But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His Name.” John 1:12 KJV

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV

“Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
Psalm 119:105 KJV

“The entrance of Your words gives light…” Psalm 119:130 NKJV

“But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. Galatians 4:4-7 KJV

“Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:12-14 NKJV

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in him.’”
Lamentations 3:22-24 NRSV

More on the inward witness at http://www.rhema.org
Search Faith/Health Food Devotionals, under Study Center

Love Sonnet to Jesus

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“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3

How do I love Thee? Let me count the ways…
I love Thee for giving me breath to praise.
I love Thee for all that you’ve done for me…
In deepest love, you bore my sin penalty.
And through what you have done on a cruel cross,
I can pray in faith and you’ll still “come across”
with answers to prayer as I continue to trust.
Your power has a loving and faithful thrust.
You provide shelter, food, and clothing to wear,
and commission me to the challenge with others to share
of the things of this life and that which is enduring–
the Gospel of Christ, our eternal, strong mooring.
I love Thee for causing your goodness to reflect
through family, friends, and teachers I respect.
I love Thee for your Word, which teaches right and wrong;
and my soul is pointed to you through beautiful song.
I love Thee for showing me your artistic impression
as seen in what you’ve created with gifted expression.
I love Thee for giving me the Holy Spirit,
my Comforter–not an audible voice, yet I can hear it.
I love that I can trust that by you I’m being led,
so intimately I’m known, even the number of hairs on my head.
I love Thee for your compassion–the goodness of your ways…
I love Thee that you promise to be with me all of my days.

P. A. Oltrogge

“…He Himself has said, ‘I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you.’”
Hebrews 13:5 NASB

“Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” Luke 12:6-7

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:16-17

“Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! 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, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” Psalm 103:1-5

“Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree’), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. Brethren, I speak in the manner of men: Though it is only a man’s covenant, yet if it is confirmed, no one annuls or adds to it. Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, ‘And to seeds,’ as of many, but as of one, ‘And to your Seed,’ who is Christ.” Galatians 3:13-16

“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

“If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; Even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.” John 14:15-17 KJV

“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.

“Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

“Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.

“When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.

“And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13

Scriptures: NKJV or as noted.

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The Lord Always Comes Through

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If we look only to our own understanding to figure things out,
we really should know that’s a precarious route.
God has a plan–He tells us so…
There’s nothing regarding our lives, of which He doesn’t know.
God’s THE most able to “do” for you;
when we fully trust Him, the Lord always comes through!

P. A. Oltrogge

“He who heeds the word wisely will find good, And whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he.” Proverbs 16:20

“And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.” Words of Jesus in Matthew 6:7-8

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning; great is Thy faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in Him.’” Lamentations 3:22-24 RSV

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

“For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart…” Jeremiah 29:11-13 RSV

“And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Hebrews 6:11-22

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:6 NKJV and all of Psalm 23

“The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy; I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly.” Words of Jesus in John 10:10

“Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” Words of Jesus in Luke 12:6-7

Love and Marriage

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To say, “Good morning!” at every dawn’s new light,
and to end each day with a sweet, “Good night”…

is a gift from God, not to be taken for granted;
for, with each phrase, deeper love is being planted.

The gift of love in marriage and the gift of your spouse
are what make a true home of any dwelling or house.

Trust, kindness, and caring, prayer and worship of God together
are sturdy stepping stones through whatever you weather.

The day-to-day living of a husband and wife
can seem so routine, but it’s such a precious part of life.

Realize the treasure you have in just saying your spouse’s name.
Love starts with just a spark, but it grows to an unquenchable flame.

P. A. Oltrogge

“…the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” Romans 5:5 KJV

“And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13 NKJV

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Beauty is in the Eye of God, the Beholder

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The story of a “different” duckling was one that, as children, most of us had read…This duckling was ridiculed because of his appearance–so much so, that he finally fled.

He then went through various experiences, away from the home he originally knew; but all of those experiences were bitter and caused him to keep feeling “blue.”

As the story progressed, he came upon a flock of magnificent swans, while downcast, who welcomed him as a most beautiful swan; and there he found happiness at last.

We learn, in reading the Bible, that God doesn’t look at how you outwardly appear–You may feel you haven’t much value, yet you’re a distinctive “swan” in His mirror.

And if blessed with what man defines as great beauty, God still looks within to start…His search for a person who is devoted to Him, humble, but courageous of heart.

Remember, too, that when God sees you, He sees the righteousness of His own Son; and He has promised to perfect the good work in you that, through Christ, He has begun.

P. A. Oltrogge

“For Thou didst form my inward parts; Thou didst weave me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to Thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are Thy works, and my soul knows it very well.” Psalm 139:13-14 KJV

“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him, for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’” 1 Samuel 16:7

“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6

Decreeing Victory, Backed by God’s Word

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“Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways.” Job 22:28 KJV

Referring today to:

http://www.dutchsheets.org (video)

http://www.givehim15.com (written)

“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 NKJV

“He gives power to the weak,
And to those who have no might He increases strength.
Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
And the young men shall utterly fall,
But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:39-31 NKJV

“Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” 2 Peter 1:2-4 NKJV

“To console those who mourn in Zion,
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
That they may be called trees of righteousness,
The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.” Isaiah 61:3 NKJV

When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

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“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:16-17

“Then Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate said to them, ‘Behold the Man!’ Therefore, when the chief priests and officers saw Him, they cried out, saying, ‘Crucify Him, crucify Him!’ Pilate said to them, ‘You take Him and crucify Him, for I find no fault in Him.'” John 19:5-6

“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

When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.

See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.

by Isaac Watts, published 1707

“When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, ‘Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it.'” spoken by Jesus in Mark 8:34-35

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” by Jesus in Matthew 5:14-16

“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:4-10

“Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. 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 3:24-29

“These things that I once considered valuable, I now consider worthless for Christ. It’s far more than that! I consider everything else worthless because I’m much better off knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. It’s because of him that I think of everything as worthless. I threw it all away in order to gain Christ and to have a relationship with him. This means that I didn’t receive God’s approval by obeying his laws. The opposite is true! I have God’s approval through faith in Christ. This is the approval that comes from God and is based on faith that knows Christ. Faith knows the power that his coming back to life gives and what it means to share his suffering. In this way I’m becoming like him in his death, with the confidence that I’ll come back to life from the dead.” Philippians 3:7-11 (GW)

Scriptures NKJV or as noted

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