Category Archives: Faith

More reflection on healing

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“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 filed with all the fulness of God.” Ephesians 3:14-19 NKJV

“As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.” Colossians 2:6-7 NASV

FIRMLY ROOTED
by J. Vetter

The other day I spent time in my back yard digging up oak trees. These oak “trees” were only three inches tall, but I was amazed to find about five inches of root below the ground. I chuckled to see the little acorn holding on to the root for dear life. Those little acorns didn’t waste time. They dug in their heels and got established. How incredible to think the two huge oak trees in our front yard actually began their lives from something as tiny as my thumb nail. Of course, there would be no way that I could even begin to dig those grown trees out.

For weeks now the Lord has been speaking to me about roots. It started with the word, “stronghold.” “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds….” 2 Corinthians 10:4-6; then the words, “firmly rooted,” from Colossians, above, and “rooted and grounded” from Ephesians, also quoted above; followed by the scripture, “Every plant which my Heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted,” Matthew 15:13. Consequently, I have followed these clues on God’s treasure hunt with great anticipation to see how it will all come together.

I began to think of how long-standing problems or diseases seemingly don’t budge very easily at times despite prayer. So we are often left with wrong thinking choices–“God is sovereign, so this situation is the will of God,” “God doesn’t care or doesn’t hear me,” or “God is not able to do this.” Just like the ground didn’t release those little oak trees without my work and effort, our minds refuse to release long-standing erroneous beliefs. And the longer they have held their ground, the harder it is to pull them out. That’s why the Word of God says we’re to renew our minds (Romans 12:2).

Perhaps there is something huge in our lives that needs to go–an addiction or a disease that seems too big or impossible to be free of. As we look to scripture, we see a beautiful example of the power Jesus had when he walked on this earth (and we are told, “As He is, so are we in this world.” 1 John 4:17). He spoke to a fig tree. The next morning, as the disciples passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots in Mark 11:20. Peter said, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree which You cursed has withered away”–verse 21. Later Jesus declares, “Whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them”–verse 24.

So we need to get out our spiritual gardening tools and get to work–we have some planting to do, but also some uprooting. Most importantly, let’s plant love. God says we are to be rooted and grounded in His love (Ephesians 3:14-19). Of course, the seed of love is the Word of God. As we meditate on scriptures such as Romans 5:8, we learn “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Let’s plant that seed a little deeper. Then we meditate on Jeremiah 31:3, and learn, “The Lord has appeared of old to me saying, ‘Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.’” Again, these seeds are getting more established. Subsequently we learn that “faith works by love,” Galatians 5:6, so suddenly faith to uproot an illness begins to spring forth. If we know we’re loved by God (and we love ourselves), it is easier to believe that God wants the best for us, and He wants to see us receive the harvest as much as we do.

Perhaps when we try to plant the good seeds, we just run into stones, hard ground. or roots. For instance. some friends of mine kept trying to landscape their yard, to no avail. Finally they called in an expert. He discovered a network of roots all over the yard. This reminded me of the warning in scripture about any root of bitterness–Hebrews 12:15. We must make certain to remove any of that out of our lives. And doubt must be resisted and uprooted, as well, so as not to cancel out our prayer of faith. “Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it shall be granted him,” Mark 11:23. And, going along with our thoughts on love, we need to have forgiven everyone. “And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone….” Mark 11:25. So if we fail to prepare the ground, we won’t have much success getting the seeds to grow.

Having planted a crop of love, faith, and forgiveness, we prepare for the harvest. I like to remember the time when we lived in a rural area on two acres of land. After experiencing a year of failure due to the ground not being prepared, the following year we finally had our crop of eight-foot tall corn stalks. They were almost ready for harvest when a furious storm blew in, knocking them all down. When it blew over, I was in the garden on my hands and knees lifting up the stalks and patting the mud around each one to make them stand erect. (I believe God’s grace factored in as well over those propped-up stalks.) It was so worth it at harvest time. We enjoyed dozens and dozens of sweet, golden ears of corn.

Therefore, spiritually, we may have to get on our knees and protect the harvest even after persistently believing for a breakthrough, (“rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer,” Romans 12:12); but let’s not give up–the end result is so sweet and so worth the effort!

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“Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness: by whose stripes you were healed.” 1 Peter 2:24

Consider these scriptures on the strongest root of all…Jesus, whom we look to, the Root of Jesse:

“(The Reign of Jesse’s Offspring) There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots.” Isaiah 11:1 NKJV

“And in that day there shall be a Root of Jesse, Who shall stand as a banner to the people; for the Gentiles shall seek Him, and His resting place shall be glorious.” Isaiah 11:10 NKJV

“And again, Isaiah says: ‘There shall be a root of Jesse; and He who shall rise to reign over the Gentiles, in Him the Gentiles shall hope.” Romans 15:12 NKJV

Joshua and the Walls of Jericho

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“By faith, the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been encircled for seven days. By faith, Rahab the harlot, did not perish along with those who were disobedient, after she had welcomed the spies in peace.” Hebrews 11:30-31

Joshua, the son of Nun, Moses’ servant, was the one chosen after Moses’ death
to lead the Israelites into the promised land, by direction of God’s own breath.

“Only be strong and very courageous…and meditate on the law day and night.”
These instructions were given by God to Joshua, so that events would turn out right.

Joshua told the officers to tell the people–that they should begin to prepare,
to move on out in three days time, knowing God’s faithfulness would surely be there.

A “mountain” that needed to be overcome was the turbulent Jordan River for one–
then the great walls of the city of Jericho needed to be conquered before their work would be done.

Joshua sent two men there as spies, and they came to a house built on the city wall.
Rahab hid them in the house, from the King’s spies, who wanted to search it all.

Later, letting Joshua’s men down from a window, she had them swear that her favor would be returned. They promised her that a scarlet cord in her window would be a sign of the protection she’d earned.

They arrived back at the Israelite camp, with confidence that the country would be theirs. But how the people and animals would cross the rushing river became the next item of their cares.

Joshua, however, trusted in God, and gave the order for the priests to lead the way.
They carried the ark of the covenant in and, thus, the waters were miraculously
kept at bay.

Safety was afforded for all to cross over–then Joshua said a stone should be gathered for each one…of the twelve tribes of Israel. The stones were needed to build a memorial to what God had done.

Then came a time of consecration, and they remembered the Passover, another instance of God’s delivering hand. The day after that, just before God’s manna ceased, they began to partake of some of the produce of the land.

As Joshua contemplated the attack on Jericho, he suddenly beheld a man with a sword…drawn in his hand; and he proclaimed to Joshua that he was captain of the host of the Lord.

He told him to remove the sandals from his feet, for he was standing on holy ground.
Joshua did so immediately, knowing it was a heavenly visitation; and he already had bowed down.

Joshua was obedient to follow the Lord’s instructions and, therefore, said there should be seven…priests to march with trumpets of rams’ horns, followed by the ark of the covenant–the presence of the God of heaven.

Armed soldiers were part of the procession as well, as had been originally planned out.
They all made the journey around the Jericho city walls, once for six days throughout.

On the seventh day, they marched around seven times–then the priests made their trumpets blow. Next came the much anticipated “Shout!”–after which, those great walls were laid low.

The Israelites marched in, captured and burned the city–but Rahab was remembered and spared; And, in Joshua, the Lord had provided a strong new leader–his fame only with Moses was shared.

To be strong and courageous and depend on God’s anointing is vital to remember still today. “Shout! For the Lord has given you the city!” reminds of “walls” that will come down after we pray.

…which, of course, includes worship and praise!

(Quote by Kenneth E. Hagin: “Praise gets the job done!”)

P. A. Oltrogge

(from the book of Joshua)

https://answersingenesis.org/archaeology/the-walls-of-jericho/

The Benefit of Blinders

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Photo by Paul Kehrer

Photo by Paul Kehrer

I’m hoping that this poem makes a little bit of sense–
I’m reminded today that it’s not good to be tense.
But it’s best to look to Jesus in situations big or small,
for He’s the problem solver, we know, after all.

I’m thinking of those who race horses and know a lot about
keeping a horse calm, despite the crowds that shout,
and from distraction by other horses that are running in a race–
they use blinders to keep the horse focused to better win first place.

I want to look to Jesus only and keep thanking the Lord,
for faith pleases Him; and those who seek Him find reward.
“The battle is the Lord’s” was David’s decree against the giant–
faith in the Almighty made a “Goliath” problem be compliant.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”  Hebrews 12:1-2

“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 4:5-6

“And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6

(Blinders, also known as blinkers, have been shown to help some horses stay focused in a race.)

 

The Light of the Gospel of the Glory of Christ

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From an account in Matthew 9:27-31

When someone’s not qualified to lead another, we say it’s “the blind leading the blind.”
The Bible gives an account of such an occurrence, but of a very positive kind.

One day two blind men were following Jesus, knowing that the vision which they sought…could surely be realized through His miracles, which they had heard
He’d wrought.

“Have mercy on us, Son of David!” was their heartfelt, earnest cry for His touch.
When He entered into the house, they may have wondered if He’d even heard
them much.

But they were bold to enter the house then, where at the time, Jesus was staying–
They were ready to receive the healing, for which they’d both been praying.

“Do you believe that I’m able to do this?” Jesus questioned the pair;
They answered Him, “Yes, Lord,” for they knew–that He’d done great miracles everywhere.

So Jesus touched their eyes, saying that according to their faith it was done;
Then their eyes were opened to see perfectly—a new life for each had begun.

Though they’d been blind, they’d helped each other, on a pathway of which they felt sure. Their faith in Jesus and readiness to receive brought about their miraculous cure.

Though Jesus charged them to let no one know, they couldn’t help sharing their story–
Of how Jesus Christ had given them sight, and they gave to Him all of the glory.

There have been testimonies in these days, too, of people receiving their sight–
I praise God to hear of it and for His heart to heal those who face any health fight.

There’s darkness of an even greater kind, that seeks to keep people from following Christ’s way; In such cases, they need someone who’s spiritually-sighted, to lead them to the Light of day.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.”  John 8:12

“While I am in the world, I am the Light of the world.”  John 9:5

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.” Matthew 5:14-15

“In whose case, the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”  2 Corinthians 4:4

“Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.” Matthew 9:38

“But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines brighter and brighter until the full day.” Proverbs 4:18

For miracle testimonies of today, just to name a few ministries, refer to:
http://www.cbn.com
http://www.awmi.net
http://www.oralroberts.com

Out of the Ashes

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A pause from the poetic for some prose…
by J. Vetter

Only a year ago, a tornado swept through our town, and trees became missiles of destruction. They slammed against houses, fences and vehicles with an angry vengeance.

This morning I took the time to investigate the new walking trail that was built in our area. Joy crowded into my heart and it overflowed with gratitude as I recognized that the pathway had been created with the remains of those fallen trees. Then, at the end of the trail, the joy that I felt gave birth to overwhelming revelation of new life!  There, amidst the trees, an outdoor chapel had been built. There was a simple wooden cross, a pulpit, and there were six wooden benches.

Even though no one was standing behind the pulpit, I heard a message spoken loudly and clearly into my spirit.  It was “Never give up! Never give up!”  In spite of what may look like devastation, God declares, “There will be new life – trust Me!  Learn to expect the good, for I know how to bring it about.  Take your eyes off the distraction of loss and begin to expect the beauty of renewal.”

The Lord has much to say about being one who overcomes.  I personally believe it thrills God’s heart when we choose to allow Him to rebuild what has been devastated or broken.  It may not look the same; but in fact, often it can be even better.  I’m thinking, for example, of the times people have had a water pipe break or some other kind of flooding.  At first, it’s just a mess, and not very many people start out being thankful. However, after the insurance company pays for new flooring and restoration, it’s easy to forget the sense of frustration about the incident.

If only we could always see a snapshot of the finished project!  But wait–God has something to say about that–how about, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)

I remember reading about a woman whose son was severely injured. She was praying for his healing and happened to look up and out of her kitchen window and saw a vision of him riding his bike over the lawn. Time went by, and he was healed.  One day, she actually saw that exact picture of him on his bike, just as she had seen in the earlier vision.

Many a person, when keeping faith in the Lord, has found that the loss of a job has yielded an even better one or a new situation that is more satisfying for them.

Sometimes, as in a personal experience of my own, a loss can be very hard–the loss of a precious loved one. Yet, I can give thanks for having had the joy of having known and loved that one, knowing the comfort that he is with Jesus; and I have found peace through Him, which passes all understanding.

If difficulties strike, I believe we can keep our hearts from being overwhelmed. In Psalms we read, “From the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” (Psalm 61:2)  From the vantage point of that “Rock,” our Lord Jesus Christ, we are able to rise above any negative circumstance.

Our Christian Walk is Really a Marathon

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Stepping away from the poetic for a moment, I’d like to share an encouraging article, written by a friend….
P. A. Oltrogge

Our Christian Walk is Really a Marathon
by J. Vetter

Perhaps that’s where I first went wrong–believing walking with the Lord was just that–only a walk. Lately, it seems like the speed has increased, and I have to run to keep up! There have been a few times I’ve “hit the wall” too. So I searched out what it means to run a marathon.

First, you need to train–not just any way you want to, but by listening to experts and following a schedule. Then, you need to eat the correct foods, drink appropriately, and learn to pace yourself.

But the most important thing is realizing you will “hit the wall” sometime during your race; and that doesn’t mean it’s over. It means if you keep on going, you will make it! Others go through this and still finish the race.

Legend has it that marathons got their beginning when a Greek messenger was sent from the town of Marathon to Athens, announcing that the Persians had been defeated in the Battle of Marathon. He ran the entire distance without stopping, and then burst into the assembly exclaiming, “We have won!” before collapsing and dying.

We, too, have a message–that we have won–and to proclaim it fully, we have to die to only focusing on ourselves or the problem or, better put, the magnitude of our race.

One of the walls we hit in our Christian race is discouragement. There are times when we feel nothing is changing and our prayers are not being answered. Perhaps an affliction increases its grip with a fury that cries “unfair.”

Another wall is believing the lie that we really can’t make it. I listened carefully to the interview with Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger as he described what he felt when he realized his plane was about to crash land in the Hudson River (January, 2009). His initial reaction was that he couldn’t believe this was happening to him. However, on the heels of that thought, he also proclaimed, “I was sure I could do it.” He was a man confident of his training and his experience. Because he was at the helm, 155 people survived that day. Incidentally, he also gave credit to the crew, passengers, and the first responders by sharing his belief that the miraculous outcome was a team effort.

We may think our race is just our own, but the Christian race is also a team effort. We’ve got to take a drink from that brother or sister on the sidelines. We’ve got to cheer and encourage others in their race and be able to accept words of encouragement from others along the road. One of the interesting aspects of participating in a marathon is that few people enter expecting to win. Their goal is to finish.

Another stumbling stone is fear. Perhaps the fear of making a mistake. A friend shared a quote with me. “A person who never makes any mistakes seldom makes anything else (new).” I believe a person who is afraid of making another mistake won’t make any significant steps further in his race. That’s why we are told in scripture to forget the past.

Sometimes during our struggles, we forget the message of Hebrews 12:2-4, “Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how He did it. Because he never lost sight of where He was headed–that exhilarating finish in and with God–He could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now He’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourself flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility He plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!” (Message Bible)

Race on!

Good Samaritans, through prayer

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Supporting financially or serving in various Christian outreaches in our world are important ways of acting as good Samaritans of today. Some things are occurring in hard to reach areas or situations, and we may not all be able to physically go to areas where aid is needed, so may this serve to remind that earnest prayer is a powerful and vital way of being a good Samaritan, too.

Jesus told the story of a man left half dead,
Having fallen among thieves, who stripped and beat him, Jesus said.
There was no one to help the man until a priest came by;
But he saw him and continued on, not caring if the man would die.
After that, another, called a Levite, came upon the site,
But he, too, hurried on, with no regard to this man’s plight.
Then came a certain Samaritan, who, despite his journey’s goal,
Forgot his own plans and took steps to see that this man would be made whole.
He bandaged up the man’s wounds, applying oil and wine–
“Every life is important,” he must have thought, “What if it were mine?”
He took the man to an inn and cared for him the rest of the day;
The next morning he paid the innkeeper to do so, in order to be on his way.
“If more than that is needed,” he said, “I’ll repay you when I come back;”
His compassion was deep, and he needed to see that he’d recovered from the attack.
Jesus finished the story and asked who’d been the man’s neighbor of the three.
A lawyer answered, “The one who showed mercy to him”–and, likewise, so should we…
Not pass up opportunities to help any who need our care;
But instead, on a daily basis, of such times, may we be quickly aware.

(postscript to the above…)

Before Jesus told of this story, the same lawyer had put Him to a test–
“What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He thought that he knew this best.
Jesus pointed him to the Law—to love God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind;
And then to love your neighbor as yourself—these two, really, are intertwined.
If someone says they love God, whom they’ve not actually seen with their eyes,
Yet is merciless or hates his brother whom he’s seen, the Bible says that he lies.
Jesus emphasized that loving God was the great and foremost command;
But, again, He said that these two laws always go hand in hand.
By this, Jesus taught of God’s perfect plan–
Love God and love your fellow man.
But there’s only been one who has ever fulfilled God’s laws in a perfect way–
Jesus Christ, Himself, who has been our example, Teacher, Savior and Lord,
From then until this present day.

P. A. Oltrogge

1 John 4:20, 21 “If someone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should love his brother also.”

Matthew 22:37-40 “And He said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and foremost commandment. And a second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.’”

Matthew 5:17 “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill.”

From Luke 10:29-37 and Luke 10:25-28
From John 13:13-15

Why it all came down to David against Goliath…

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“And the Philistines stood on the mountain on one side while Israel stood on the mountain on the other side, with the valley between them. Then a champion came out from the armies of the Philistines named Goliath, from Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span. And he had a bronze helmet on his head, and he was clothed with scale-armor which weighed five thousand shekels of bronze. He also had bronze greaves on his legs and a bronze javelin slung between his shoulders. And the shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and the head of his spear weighed six hundred shekels of iron; his shield-carrier also walked before him. And he stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel….” (from 1 Samuel 17:1-58)


Was it the giant’s stature–his great height that was key
In keeping the army of Israel from their hope of victory?

Was it his bronze javelin, his shield, and his spear?
Was it simply because they were battling fear?

Was it his demeanor, his scoffing, and loud voice;
Or was it something else that made David the choice?

No, it wasn’t those things that caused that battle plight–
It was the fact that David was the only one willing to fight!

P. A. Oltrogge

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” 1 Peter 5:8-10 NIV

“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. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

“Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Ephesians 6:10-17 NKJV

This poem could apply to any “battle” of life… Be bold, be willing – then remember:
“…for the battle is the Lord’s…” 1 Samuel 17:47

postscript:
In light of the conflicts in today’s world, we persevere in prayer for the souls of all for whom Christ died: “And that He died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto Him which died for them, and rose again.”
2 Corinthians 5:15 KJV

“

In God’s Vineyard

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Photo by Lori Branham

Photo by Lori Branham

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” John 15:1-5

Jesus, You are the True Vine, to which I’m blessed to have a strong connection;
It’s through Your truths and the Holy Spirit You sent, that I find wisdom and direction.

Before learning to trust Your guidance, I attempted some plans of my own;
But they only showed me my need to draw close–to You at Your heavenly throne.

There, You’d waited patiently for me, to learn more about You and abide
In the peace of Your presence in order to bear fruit, by which Your Father is glorified.

It’s written in Your Word, that I’m seated with You, together in the heavenly places;
I’m an heir of God and a joint heir with Christ, so I receive of divine daily graces.

“Much fruit” are actually the words that this portion of scripture has detailed;
You will perfect a good work in me, so I won’t be a branch that has failed.

Without You, I can do nothing; but, by drawing from the Vine, I become able
To tell of the One who changed water into wine–the best at the wedding table.

Many other miracles can come to mind as I think back on all that I’ve read;
Parables shared and words that were prophetic are among the things that You said.

In and through You, I’m the kind of branch that remains and continues to thrive,
sharing through kind deeds and words about Jesus, our God, who is very much alive!

P. A. Oltrogge

“If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it shall be done for you. By this is My Father glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples. Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments, and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.” John 15:6-11

“You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in Me.” John 15:3-4
(New Living Translation)

“Therefore, if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature, the old things passed away; behold new things have come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

“He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, in order that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2:4-7

“The spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him.” Romans 8:16-17

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

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 NKJV

“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13 KJV

“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

Put on the Whole Armor of God

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In order to be strong in the Lord Jesus, and in the power of His might,
we’re told to use the equipment that He’s provided us for the fight.

So we put on the good armor of God, not just in part but in whole,
for the purposes which make up the elements in the armor’s vital role.
It provides us with daily protection, and we’ll be able to confidently stand
against adverse things that could happen which Satan might have planned.
We realize that we’re not wrestling against mere flesh and blood,
but against the principalities and the powers that always seek to flood…
the lives of anyone on the earth with the darkness of this age,
and with the influence of hosts of wickedness, evidenced on any news page.

Therefore we take our stand, girding our waists with the truth we know well,
and we put on the breastplate of righteousness, which guards against lies from hell.
Our readiness with the Gospel of peace, as good shoes, keeps us firmly on our feet;
And above all, we take the shield of faith, which will enforce the enemy’s defeat.
Then, when any demonic forces send out their attempted fiery darts–
We’ll be able to quench them all, by the faith that’s alive in our hearts.
The helmet of our salvation protects the mind, soul, and entire being,
And we’ll use the sword of the Spirit to firmly send the devil’s hosts fleeing.

P. A. Oltrogge

“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. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

“Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Ephesians 6:10-17 (NKJV)

Salvation, its benefits, and righteousness through faith in the blood of Jesus Christ:

“…even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed; for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.”
Romans 3:22-26

“For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:17

“And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony….” Revelation 12:11