Category Archives: Faith

The Authority of the Believer

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“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.” Luke 10:19 NKJV

God’s ministers so often have wisdom that can point out essentials to our Christian walk. Recently, Mark Hankins noted something Jesus shared that wasn’t merely “talk.”

Jesus said that He was giving us AUTHORITY over “ALL the power of the enemy.” That’s a high degree! Jesus wasn’t just saying that this authority was “available” if you might be interested–NO, He was giving us a VITAL KEY.

When we experience a trial, we must take authority over the problem at hand. The devil and his demonic beings must flee, for God has put us in command.

If things don’t seem to budge, remember–the devil doesn’t want to be arrested. But we must stand confident in the authority Jesus won for us, and with which we’ve been invested.

P. A. Oltrogge

Jesus secured the devil’s defeat, which we must enforce, by taking authority over him…

“Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4:7 NKJV

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:10-12 NKJV

“Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:18-20 NKJV

“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

Visit: http://www.markhankins.org to find many fortifying materials, including “The Believer’s Authority.” Of that, 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.”

Other ministries which also offer teaching on the believer’s authority: http://www.rhema.org, http://www.kcm.org, http://www.awmi.net

…Jesus said there would be wars and rumors of wars, but He didn’t say we wouldn’t be able to use our authority in the midst of them and, certainly, we should pray. Making a declaration is something believers can do, in the spiritual realm, in addition to praying. So, I submit the following:

As Christians who have been given authority by God, we take our authority over all the power of the enemy and declare turnarounds and reversals of any gains of the enemy (the devil) in our own countries (not in a physical war, but a spiritual one) and that of Ukraine right now (in both a physical and spiritual war). We bind the devil and demons (from advancing evil goals in these countries) and we say they are defeated in the name of Jesus. We pray for and loose the miraculous power of God into these countries both day and night.

We declare that God is a refuge for the people (we declare the Lord’s mercies over the children, families, and the elderly, and protection over those in direct battle) and declare that God empowers His people to pray, contribute financially, and, for some who can, even physically to go to help. We thank God for those who are already doing this, and we claim Psalm 91 protection over them and their efforts. Thank God for their courage and resolve. Thank God for miracles already occurring. Thank God for, and we plead, the blood of Jesus over all situations.

Despite any setbacks, keep our eyes, Father God, on the victory shore as we attend to your Word and look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith,

See posts at http://www.dutchsheets.org
http://www.elijahlist.com

Those with us are more….

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“Therefore he sent horses and chariots and a great army there, and they came by night and surrounded the city. And when the servant of the man of God arose early and went out, there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots. And his servant said to him, ‘Alas, my master! What shall we do?’

“So he answered, ‘Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’ And Elisha prayed, and said, ‘Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.’ Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” 2 Kings 6:14-16 NKJV

The Sunflower, the National Flower of Ukraine

When troubles surround, look to the beauty of a flower.
Its magnificence reminds us of our creative God of power,
who stands with us against those who would seek to defeat us.
At the point of our need, God and angel armies meet us!

There are more who are with us than those who oppose–
and our deliverer is the King. From the grave, He arose!
There’s no other name under heaven higher on which to call.
Jesus Christ is our Redeemer, Mighty God, and Lord of all!

P. A. Oltrogge

“The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my strength, in whom I will trust, my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.” Psalm 18:2 KJV

“I sought the Lord and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears…
The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them.” Psalm 34:4, 7 NKJV

“Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.” Psalm 103:20 KJV

“Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord my God, You are very great: You are clothed with honor and majesty, Who cover yourself with light as with a garment, Who stretch out the heavens like a curtain. He lays the beams of His upper chambers in the waters, Who makes the clouds His chariot, Who walks on the wings of the wind, Who makes His angels spirits, His ministers a flame of fire.” Psalm 104:1-4 NKJV

“Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.

“And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.”
Ephesians 1:15-23 NKJV

“Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them…let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. Thus is the stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone. Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” from Acts 4:8-12 NKJV

“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 NKJV

“And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written:
KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS”
Revelation 19:16

From Aversion to Conversion

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“…’If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:20-21 NIV

Recently I was criticized by someone I know, for believing that Jesus is Lord.

That they would do this made me sad for a while, but then my peace was restored.

God brought to my mind a hopeful thought of the caterpillar to butterfly metamorphosis instead.

I then saw my critic as a “caterpillar,” whose spiritual blindness could eventually be “shed.”

For God can transform those who are opposed to Him; for instance, Saul became the Apostle Paul.

Though once a persecutor of Christians himself, he was changed and responded to God’s call.

As Saul, he consented to the stoning of Stephen, and it’s possible that Stephen’s prayer at his own death…

brought about Saul’s Damascus Road conversion. “Lord, don’t charge them with this sin,” were the last words from Stephen’s breath.

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

(Account of Stephen’s ministry and Saul’s conversion, Acts 6-9)

It can surely be said that the Apostle Paul went from denying Christ to fully relying on Him.

Photos/Pexels

As always, Dutch Sheets presses us today to persevere in prayer. Evil and heartless things have transpired, but we’ve also seen and heard of good things which have inspired, even the miraculous. As with Stephen’s prayer, our prayers for those who do evil, or for those who oppose our faith in Jesus as Savior and in Biblical values, are a way of “feeding” and “giving drink” to our enemies. Many have come to realize, or will come to realize, their hunger and thirst for the one true God….

http://www.dutchsheets.org (video)

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

The Plans of the Great “I Am”

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“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

“Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.'” John 8:58

The Angel of the Lord appeared to Moses from a bush of burning fire…
I thought about its glorious light, for things have been dark and dire.

At Horeb, Moses saw that the bush remained intact despite the blaze.
From it, came the voice of the One to whom men and angels give their praise.

Moses was informed that he was standing on a holy plot of ground.
Then God spoke about His people, who were oppressed and had been bound.

Deliverance, God said, was coming–He’d heard His people’s cries.
Likewise, for us today–it’s in His plans, that our future lies.

By Holy Spirit directive, we’re sent out (who have come to believe),
with the gospel message, which the world most certainly needs to receive.

Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, is the Lord of all–
It’s on His Name, that every person who desires to be saved must call.

While some are carrying out, upon the earth, their evil deeds,
we know it’s from the Father of lights that every good thing in life proceeds.

Working with Him, we persevere, as we look to His light and pray.
As happened long ago with Pharaoh, our God will have His way.

P. A. Oltrogge

“…preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all—” Acts 10:36

“Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?” (spoken by Jesus in John 14:9)

“Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian. And he led the flock to the back of the desert, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush. So he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, but the bush was not consumed. Then Moses said, ‘I will now turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush does not burn.’ So when the Lord saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, ‘Moses, Moses!’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’

“Then He said, ‘Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground. Moreover, He said, ‘I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look upon God.” Exodus 3:1-6

(God goes on to tell Moses of His plans for deliverance–that He’s heard the cries of His people.)

“And God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM.’ And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ ” Exodus 3:14

“The sight of the glory of the Lord was like a consuming fire on the top of the mountain in the eyes of the children of Israel.” Exodus 24:17

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” James 1:17

Reference to the name of Jesus Christ: “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

“For the upright will dwell in the land, And the blameless will remain in it; But the wicked will be cut off from the earth, And the unfaithful will be uprooted from it.” Proverbs 2:21-22

Scriptures: New King James Version

Encouragement at http://www.lohchurch.org

During These Times

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To pray for or donate to efforts to assist those fleeing Ukraine, see the very beginning of the service at Eagle Mountain International Church–(February 27th) at http://www.emic.org (bottom right, “Latest Service”). Pastors George and Terri Pearsons explain what EMIC is doing to assist those seeking refuge in Poland and Jewish Ukrainians wanting to get to Israel.

And for further updates/prayers, see:

http://www.dutchsheets.org (video)

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

To Know the Love of Christ Which Passes Knowledge

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Conservatory Photo/Porch of the Lord

This prayer from the book of Ephesians is…

…to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge–anything that man can learn or comprehend. Therefore, the Bible, which tells of God’s love, is the wisest Book to which to turn and to recommend….

Or “passes (or surpasses) knowledge” could be interpreted to mean that experiencing the love of Christ in a personal way is so much better than just having knowledge of Him.

“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 NKJV

“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. 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 8:31-39 NKJV

“There is no fear in love [dread does not exist]. But perfect (complete, full-grown) love drives out fear, because fear involves [the expectation of divine] punishment, so the one who is afraid [of God’s judgment] is not perfected in love [has not grown into a sufficient understanding of God’s love].” 1 John 4:18 AMP

“For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written:

“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
And the understanding of those who have understanding, I will confound.”

“Where is the wise person? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has God not made foolish the wisdom of the world?” 1 Corinthians 1:18-20 NASB

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10 NKJV

Blessings in, and Prayers from Chicago, the Windy City

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“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, 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 will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29 NIV)

The following, from Saturday, is told by Marian, a woman who has been serving, for many years, the homeless people in Chicago, which she began doing after the death of her young son, Timothy.

Good Morning!

Wonderful week at Tim’s House and we have continued to place people in hotel rooms during the bitter cold days. Yesterday, we paid for 6 rooms for the people who are completely outside and they will be there until Monday. I wish I could adequately share the joy and complete gratitude expressed by each person who has had this opportunity to sleep in a warm bed. Honestly, the gift of having a warm place and a bed to sleep in is something that I know that I take for granted! After staying at the motel, one man walked into Tim’s House with a huge smile on his face with both arms in the air, “It’s a whole new world! Thank you!” People are so grateful and continue to tell me that “I don’t know how I can ever thank this Ministry!” We have had a rough winter here in Chicago, and thank you to everyone who has helped to make this possible through your donations!

After our sweet volunteers cooked and served a hot breakfast all morning, beginning at 8 a.m. while baking brownies (and frosting them) for our birthday celebration, Mel stopped by with 60 bagged lunches and more treats! God is so good, and there was something about the aroma of chocolate brownies baking in the oven that added to the ‘feeling of being at home.’ People enjoy this breakfast so much and they love visiting and seeing people, resting, helping themselves to clothing, and as ‘Mike’ said yesterday as he was visiting with someone while eating, “I love this place!” It is so amazing to me because it does feel like home for everyone.

We sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to Eric and Felix, and everyone helped themselves to the homemade frosted brownies and also take-home cheese bread and bagged lunches that Mel and her 95-year old Dad put together! Thank you and God bless you Don!

A man came up to me yesterday and said, “I believe in Miracles!’ He said, “I got this coat last week, and today I just walked to the stage (where we keep clothing) and look at these shoes! They fit perfect and they are so nice and I didn’t even tell you that I needed shoes! And look, I got this backpack too, and it’s just what I needed!” Only God knows what we need, and this happens all the time! Thank you for your beautiful donations!!!

The above photo is from Wednesday night’s dinner. We gather on Wednesday from 3 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. and have a wonderful Bible Study and time of sharing after dinner.

PRAYING TOGETHER FOR UKRAINE AND THE WORLD
After breakfast and celebrating birthdays, we gathered yesterday (Friday) for our Bible Study. As we opened in prayer, a man to my left prayed for the people in Ukraine and then, one by one, many people prayed for the people there; and I was just in awe of the compassion I could hear from people who do not have much in this world, but they know what it is to experience hardship. And as one man said, “I can’t imagine!” We read from the Bible of how God, many times, allowed a small army to conquer a vast army (2 Chronicles 14). “Lord, there is no one like you to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, Lord our God, for we rely on you, and in your name we have come against this vast army. Lord, you are our God….” (from verse 11). We talked about whatever we face, when we are coming against something bigger than us; and even though it feels impossible, as with David and Goliath, that we can trust God because He is all powerful!

Love and Blessings,

Marian

For a video and to click on compelling “Stories,” and find more information, see http://www.timothysministry.org

The “Foolishness” of the Message of the Cross

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The symbol of the cross is seen throughout the world.
Yet, at its life-saving message, contempt is sometimes hurled.
Many say that it’s foolish and that, to them, it doesn’t make sense.
For if God is loving, they think they should be able to dispense
with its message of Christ being Savior as the one way to God’s heart.
But that is its true meaning which God, the Father, still seeks to impart.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son….”
It’s through Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection that our salvation was won.
Life blessed and “more abundant” can also be ours, Jesus said–
not only for eternity, but for “today” and every new day ahead.
We can do philanthropic deeds, but they won’t carry enough weight.
We must accept Christ’s sacrifice to secure entrance at heaven’s gate.

This isn’t always accepted by some who’ve earned higher learning,
but it’s through study of the scriptures, that one comes to be discerning.
Sometimes it takes a demonstration, by the Holy Spirit, of God’s power
to convince them of Christ’s Lordship; and it’s then, that faith will flower.
The message of the cross is that God loved us beyond measure–
May those who find it “foolish” find, instead, their greatest treasure.

P. A. Oltrogge

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us, who are being saved, it is the power of God. For it is written:

‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;
the intelligence of the intelligent, I will frustrate.’

“Where is the wise person? Where is the leader of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God, the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified; a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

“Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things–and the things that are not–to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God–that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: ‘Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.’”

1 Corinthians 1:18-31 NIV

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 KJV

“I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” John 10:9-11 NKJV

(Read or view testimonies of the Lord’s
power at the websites of Andrew Wommack, http://www.awmi.net,
Joseph Prince, http://www.josephprince.org/praisereports, and other sites previously mentioned on this blog.)

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

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