“But Jesus looked at them and said to them, ‘With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’” Matthew 19:26
“But Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.” Mark 10:27
“But He said, ‘The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.’” Luke 18:27
“Jesus said to him, ‘If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.’” Mark 9:23
“And He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith (your confidence and trust in Me) has made you well! Go (enter) into peace (untroubled, undisturbed well-being).’” Luke 8:48 AMPC
Turn your confidence around; Let it now in God be found. There are thoughts that seek to deceive, But just let God those fears relieve. Turn your confidence around; Jesus’ Words are sure and sound. Cast down any thought that things can’t change– With God, anything can rearrange. Turn your confidence around, For every victory in Him is found.
P. A. Oltrogge
“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57
“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world–our faith. And who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” 1 John 5:4,5
“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in His triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.” 2 Corinthians 2:14
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee.” Isaiah 26:3 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 comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
Scandals and exposures are happening all over the place, even in the church.
There is most definitely a shaking going on. It has many feeling there is no hope, as if things are spiraling out of control. However, it is the perfect time to remember, we dwell in an unshakable kingdom.
See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven, whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven.” Now this, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire (Hebrews 12:25–29).
The book of Hebrews tells us that God will shake everything that can be shaken. From this scripture, many perceive that it is God doing the shaking. If so, what hope do we have? I found the answer to this question in a story I was privileged to hear a couple years ago:
This man moved to the state of Florida. He had his garden professionally landscaped with gorgeous azalea bushes. What a beautiful sight they were.
Each had beautiful blooms that captured the attention of all that passed by.
They were stunning bushes — all except one. There was one bush that stubbornly refused to bloom. No matter what they tried, it would not bloom, it produced no flowers. Then, a massive hurricane came through his area.
Within two weeks, the stubborn azalea bush produced the most beautiful blooms he had ever seen. It was magnificent. He went to speak to the gardener, wondering what had happened. The gardener said he was about to dig that azalea bush up and shake it violently. The owner asked why he would do such a thing. The gardener explained that is what they sometimes do when a bush refuses to flower. He said sometimes the violent shaking causes it to awaken and bloom. The hurricane did that for them. It shook the azalea bush so hard, so violently that it woke up and began to bloom.
Could it be that the shaking the church is experiencing is meant to awaken the Body of Christ and cause us to bloom as originally intended? The Bible calls us a church that the gates of hell will not prevail against. We are still that. God has not forgotten or forsaken those faith-filled words spoken by Jesus, himself. God still has a good plan for His people.
For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome. (Jer 29:11 AMPC)
God has a good plan, a hope for our future — and this includes you and your family; it includes your city and state; it includes our country. I do not know anyone who hasn’t experienced some kind of shaking over the past few years.
None of us have been exempt. This being true, perhaps we can change our focus from the shaking as a negative thing to its actually being something that will awaken things in us, destinies God has for us. Perhaps it will shake off all the ungodly things in our personal lives, in our family and even in our country. Maybe this shaking will cause the Church to awaken to the divine destiny God has had for us from the very beginning.
No, these shakings are not pleasant. But His grace is enough — Scripture teaches us this truth:
But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness … (2 Cor 12:9 AMPC)
How then do we walk through this treacherous and chaotic season? The same way Jesus did when He faced the cruelty of the cross.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne (Heb 12:1–2 NLT).
We must follow the example of Jesus Christ:
Know that we are not alone. We are surrounded by a huge crowd of witnesses. God and His angels are fighting on our behalf, for us, our family, and our loved ones — even as you read this.
Let us lay aside every weight and distraction and get our eyes firmly placed on Jesus. Let’s not allow the shaking to rattle us, but keep trusting God, keep praying, keep interceding.
Let us focus on what’s ahead. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us (Rom 8:18).
Yes, things are surely shaking, but God will hold us steady, if we allow Him to.
The earth with all its people may shake, but I am the one who holds it steady (Psalm 75:3 NCV).
Some shakings are personal and affect only the family. Some involve a church or even an entire nation. Could it be that in every shaking there is a lesson or a message? Perhaps shaking is sometimes a way of forcing change — breaking down old unfruitful structures, shaking loose negative things so that something new and glorious can come to fruition. Could it be that this shaking is removing everything that needs to be disposed of and releasing an awakening that will cause the Body of Christ to bloom and thrive once again?
I believe so.
I have hope in God: Rejoice and exult in hope; be steadfast and patient in suffering and tribulation; be constant in prayer. (Rom 12:12 AMPC)
Such hope never disappoints or deludes or shames us, for God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit Who has been given to us. (Rom 5:5 AMPC)
My friend, we must not lose hope in God. We must be steadfast and persevere in faith, in trust, in hope, remembering that His hope will never disappoint.
This is a hope that comes from God alone. May that hope bubble over in you today, as we prayer this prayer over you:
May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope. (Rom 15:13AMPC)
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
Even when it seems as though the enemy has gotten farther ahead, realize that you’re more than a conqueror, as the compass of God’s Word has said.
For the “ship of faith” sails, on every journey, at a steady and determined pace; with the guidance of God and faith and patience, it will certainly win the race.
Just as Jesus spoke to the winds and waves in the midst of a furious storm, with the spirit of faith and God’s Word on your lips, your victory, too, will form.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.” 2 Corinthians 2:14
“For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:10-11
“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
“…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.” Ephesians 6:16-17
“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 6:11-12
“To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.” 1 Peter 1:1-2
“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:37-39
“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” 1 John 5:3-5
“We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak.” 2 Corinthians 4:13 KJV
I knew a man who loved to sail, and all his life, that love prevailed.
He rarely, if ever, felt fear of the deep, but navigated well if the waves became steep.
He had sure confidence through faith in the Lord, which was always apparent to those on board.
He grew up by a lake in a midwestern state; his early love of sailing didn’t dissipate.
He served in the Navy during a tough war…then, afterwards, sailed his own boat along peaceful shores.
He did some exploring, loving to roam…even making his sturdy sailboat, for a time, the family home.
He and his wife connected with churches on their way, which was a great time to recharge spiritually and take time to pray.
A while ago, he made it to heaven through that “final sea.” His nautical chart, then, was, as it always was, “Jesus, Savior, pilot me.”
P. A. Oltrogge
Jesus, Savior, pilot me, Over life’s tempestuous sea: Unknown waves before me roll, Hiding rocks and treach’rous shoal; Chart and compass come from Thee– Jesus, Savior, pilot me!
To whom will you compare me? Who is my equal? asks the Holy One.
Look up into the heavens. Who created all the stars? He brings them out like an army, one after another, calling each by its name. Because of his great power and incomparable strength, not a single one is missing.
O Jacob, how can you say the Lord does not see your troubles? O Israel, how can you say God ignores your rights? Have you never heard? Have you never understood?
The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth.
He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding.
He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:25-31 NLT
“The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.” Psalm 29:11 NIV
“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.” Ephesians 2:4-7 NKJV
Into Nebuchadnezzar’s furnace, three men were thrown into its fire. But a Fourth Man came to deliver them–an event that certainly inspires. This divine intervention for them left them without even the smell of fire. They’d refused to bow down to an idol–their trust in God was so much higher.
Jesus, the Fourth Man, is with you in the midst of your trouble or fire. Thank the Lord for His presence, lifting your praises higher. He knows your every need for help; He knows your every desire. Jesus, our Redeemer and Deliverer, is The Fourth Man in the fire…
P. A. Oltrogge
(Account in Daniel 3)
“Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished; and he rose in haste and spoke, saying to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?”
They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.”
“Look!” he answered, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.” Daniel 3:24-25 NKJV
“Many hardships and perplexing circumstances confront the righteous, but the Lord rescues him from them all.” Psalm 34:19 AMP
“Offer to God thanksgiving, And pay your vows to the Most High. Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.” Psalm 50:14-15 NKJV
Be blessed to search on you tube for Oral Roberts’ classic message, “The Fourth Man in the Fiery Furnace.”
God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah
There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn. The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved; He uttered His voice, the earth melted.
The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
Come, behold the works of the Lord, Who has made desolations in the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariot in the fire.
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!
The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 KJV
__________
Troubles come to all of us, trials are an unsolicited part of life;
but there is One who is a very present help in the midst of any kind of strife.
He’s not only present, but He’s VERY present amidst things which can be dire–
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, remember, weren’t burned though engulfed by fire. __________
The men had refused to worship the gold idol, as King Nebuchadnezzar had decreed–
Such a decree to these men of faith was something they simply wouldn’t heed.
Anyone who disobeyed would be cast into a fiery furnace that had been stoked very hot–
At the sound of the horn, flute, harp, or lyre, all were to bow down, but these three men would not. __________
Called before the king, he gave them another chance to obey, but they bravely made it clear…
that their God could deliver them; yet if not, they served Him only and had nothing to fear.
Then, thrown into the furnace, divine intervention left them without even the smell of fire–
Their hair wasn’t singed, nor their clothes affected, because no other “god” was higher. __________
In the midst of the fiery furnace, a fourth “Man” had appeared, among the other three.
His appearance was “like the Son of God;” and He’d loosed them and had set the men free.
Though they’d initially been bound together, Nebuchadnezzar saw them unhurt and walking separately around–
This miraculous event became proof to him that there was no God but theirs to be found. __________
God has promised to be our sure refuge, whom we can run to for shelter from any storm–
If the “winds” of life become threatening or cold, under His wings, we’ll be protected and warm.
He’s the strength upon which we’ve come to depend; and we’re blessed by the love He supplies.
Keep looking to Jesus, your very present help. In every circumstance, that will prove to be wise.
P. A. Oltrogge
(The poetic account is derived from Daniel 3)
…trials sometimes come, but confidence in God’s love and care for us (Psalm 91) and the presence of His Holy Spirit within strengthen those who believe….
Jesus said, “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not behold Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you, and will be in you.” John 14:16-17 (and through 26)
Acts 1:8 and Acts 2:1-4
“I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; Be strong, and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:13-14 (NASB, Ryrie Study Bible)
A few more thoughts on this same Bible account can be found in today’s devotional at: http://www.josephprince.org
“I will bless the Lord at all times, His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Psalm 34:1
When troubles disappoint, overwhelm, or sometimes shock, remember, then, what time it is–it’s always Praise o’clock!
As much-loved members of the Good Shepherd’s flock, His goodness makes us praise Him all around the clock.
After praise and a mighty shout, the walls of Jericho fell down flat. The people followed Joshua’s instructions, and that was that!
When Daniel faced the lions in their den ’til morning light, an angel at Praise o’clock came there to keep their jaws shut tight.
Paul and Silas were imprisoned–their feet were placed in stocks; but they just sang with all their hearts, and made that prison rock!
If your prayer is for a miracle, but it seems to be “out of stock,” don’t give up, don’t give in–look at the time, it’s still Praise o’clock.
Surely when the way seems hard, there’s an answer to any “block,” for continually and forever, the correct time is Praise o’clock!
P. A. Oltrogge
“O come, let us sing for joy to the Lord, let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving. Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods, in whose hand are the depths of the earth, the peaks of the mountains are His also. The sea is His, for it was He who made it, and His hands formed the dry land. Come let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture and the sheep of His hand.” Psalm 95:1-7 (NASB, Ryrie Study Bible)
“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 fulness 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 NKJV
“I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” Psalm 27:13 NKJV
“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
It’s in serious times or circumstances that it’s exactly right to praise God in expectation of His help. At the same time, we take our authority, through the blood and name of Jesus, over evil spirits that would hinder or harm in any circumstance, as we’re seated with Christ in the heavenly places, far above them. (Reference Ephesians 1:18-23 and 2:4-10)
“What time is it?” can also make us contemplate the time of Jesus’ return. We’re to occupy until He comes…
“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.’” Luke 19:11-13 KJV
The Porch of the Lord 