Category Archives: Faith

Nevertheless

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The following encouraging article is by Kim Potter, www.anewthingministries.com

Last week, while I was walking through my kitchen one morning, I felt the Lord speak to me about a situation I had been praying about. My initial reaction wasn’t positive. I found myself murmuring to the Lord, saying, “God, I have done that, and I have done this; I have done all I know to do.” At that moment, a scripture came to my mind.

And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. (Luke 5:5)

Let’s look at this conversation between Peter and Jesus in the Amplified version of the Bible.

When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon (Peter), Put out into the deep water, and lower your nets for a haul. And Simon (Peter) answered, Master, we toiled all night, exhaustingly and caught nothing in our nets. But on the ground of Your word, I will lower the nets again.(v.5-6)

Peter had been fishing all night long and was completely exhausted. Despite his hard work, he caught no fish. As the sun began to rise, the last thing he wanted to do was try again. He longed to go home and sleep off his discouragement and disappointment. However, at Jesus’ request, he chose to obey.

The word, nevertheless, means…in spite of.

Peter said, “Even though I have worked hard all night and I’m completely exhausted, all I want to do is go home and sleep. Despite the fact that the fish aren’t biting, I will do it because you said so.”

Oh, if we could all have that attitude. It was the exact attitude I needed that morning as the Lord spoke to me.

Hebrews 3:14 says, For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end.

The New Living translation says it like this; For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ.

Do you remember when you first learned that you could walk in healing and wholeness? Or when you heard that you could live in debt freedom and abundance? Can you recall when you first discovered all the promises the Bible offers through the cross of Christ?

Do you remember the hope that once blossomed within you? Recall that feeling of expectation! That is the confidence you must maintain until the very end. And that, my friend, can prove to be quite challenging.

The Bible states that unrelenting disappointment makes the heart sick, and I can personally relate to that scripture. When we encounter one disappointment after another, it impacts us and weighs heavily on our hearts. We become discouraged and start to feel like Peter—despite our hard work and efforts, we still do not see any victory.

However, just like Peter, we must declare, “Nevertheless, Lord, because of YOUR WORD, I will press on.” And we must choose to believe as firmly as when we first heard the promise—firmly to the very end.

If you feel in your heart that you have done all you can do today, stand firm. Trust in His Word and refuse to believe anything that contradicts the Word of the Living God. Keep your confidence strong until the end. Like Peter, declare, “Nevertheless, at Your Word, God, I still believe.” He who promised is faithful.

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See also today’s: http://www.givehim15.com

A Word of Encouragement

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“And He (Jesus) said to them, ‘What are these words that you are exchanging with one another as you are walking?’ And they stood still, looking sad. And one of them, named Cleopas, answered and said to Him, ‘Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem and unaware of the things which have happened here in these days?’” Luke 24:17-18 (NASB)

“And beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures.” Luke 24:27 (NASB) (from the account, after Jesus’ death and burial, of the walk to Emmaus by Cleopas and another, who met the risen Lord on their walk, verses 13-32)

There’s nothing like ENCOURAGEMENT when the way seems hard–

There’s nothing like its bolstering to keep a day (or life) from being scarred.

A word of praise can be depended upon to keep enthusiasm or creativity flowing,

causing a downcast countenance to be one that’s actually “glowing.”

There’s nothing like a caring friend who sends a note or gives a call.

There’s nothing like an encouraging word to keep us from a downfall.

There is an enemy in the world, who wants to ruin God-given potential,

which is why a word of praise from someone is often vital and essential.

Cleopas, while on the road to Emmaus, was talking with his friend

about the recent discouraging facts–on Christ’s life having come to an end.

Then later, when they were joined by Jesus, the Lord opened up their eyes

to the truth of His resurrection–likewise, we need the truth that God supplies.

Of course, the Lord is always there for us, speaking by His Spirit and His Word–

but through friends or even strangers, He can also often be “heard.”

So, as you look around to start your day, be attentive if God is showing to you

someone who needs encouragement–let His supportive words be flowing through you.

P. A. Oltrogge

Depiction of Jesus, with Cleopas and another disciple on the road to Emmaus…

“Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but a good (encouraging) word makes it glad.” Proverbs 12:25 AMP

“…lo, I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually—regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion], even to the end of the age.” from Matthew 28:20 AMP

“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

…praying for you, dear friend of this blog…


March for Life 2025

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“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward.” Psalm 127:3

Today, there are those who are marching, to yearly point the way…

that children are a great blessing, for God has something to say.

The fruit of the womb is a reward, the Bible has beautifully stated…

Yet since there are so many abortions, that truth is highly underrated.

Father, open people’s eyes to see in each child their beauty and their love…

Every good and perfect gift comes down from you, the Father of lights above.

P. A. Oltrogge

“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

“A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world.” words of Jesus in John 16:21

http://www.marchforlife.org

…you may be interested to read about those scheduled to speak at today’s event…(under “National March”)

It’s Snowing!

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“Have you entered the treasury of snow…?” Job 38:22

“He gives snow like wool…” Psalm 147:16

Like a fine diamond falling down from the sky…

is each unique snowflake that passes by.

God’s the divine artist behind their design…

Of His creativity, they’re a sure sign.

Children especially love it when He sends them down…

Usually they come softly, without a sound.

But then we hear the children out at play,

rejoicing and shouting that “It’s snowing today!”

It’s a picture of sparkling beauty in the moonlight’s glow…

when the ground has been covered with a blanket of snow.

Snowflakes have been captured with a camera lens…

the little fine diamonds that our Creator sends.

P. A. Oltrogge

Snowflake glowing on dark textured background. Macro photo of real snow crystal: big stellar dendrite with glossy, flat surface, thin, complex arms and tiny bubbles of frozen rime across the crystal.

“In the beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself. He was [continually existing] in the beginning [co-eternally] with God. All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him not even one thing was made that has come into being. In Him was life [and the power to bestow life], and the life was the Light of men.” John 1:1-4 AMP

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

“Come now, and let us reason together,” says the Lord, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18 NKJV

“Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he created the universe. The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven. This shows that the Son is far greater than the angels, just as the name God gave him is greater than their names.” Hebrews 1:1-4 NLT

...the poem, above, was written to showcase the beauty in a snowflake’s design, pointing to the Lord, and the joys many of us recall of the enjoyment of snow as children, or even for those who ski or simply love its beauty…

(photo attribution, top, unknown, but appreciated…Bottom photo by Alexey Kljatov-Pixels
Real Snowflake 2018-12-26)

Faith in the God of Miracles

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“Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?” Jeremiah 32:27

I believe in the God of miracles, is a good thing to frequently say, especially when we know the Lord wants us to have confidence after we pray.

I believe in His miracles, though things can seem contrary or dark. I believe in miracles, even when the “kindling” isn’t showing a spark.

I believe in God’s miracles…of provision, protection, and to see healings. I believe in His miracles, shows we’re not giving in simply to feelings.

I believe in miracles, as shown in the Bible through and through. I know that miracles still happen–that they’re meant for believers today, too.

I believe in God’s miracles, though afflictions can be harsh and persistent. I believe in miracles; therefore, my faith in Him can be equally insistent.

I believe in seeing miracles, even when patience is sometimes needed. Believing in God and His power and love…can keep us strong until adversity’s receded.

I believe in miracles, because I’ve had some God-given ones prior. I believe in the power of Jesus’ name–that name, of which there’s none that’s higher.

Yes, I believe in Jesus, the miracle worker, who was called a Nazarene. With our expectation in Him, and all that He’s already done, miracles are sure to come on the scene.

P. A. Oltrogge

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. ….And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:1-5, 14

“…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.” Acts 10:38

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8

“Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11

“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 

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.”  …words of Jesus in John 14:1 

“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 55:11

“For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.” 1 Thessalonians 2:13 

“Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16

“Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:38

“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:9-10

“Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart.” Luke 18:1

“You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4

“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 3:20-21 

“And Peter, remembering, said to Him, ‘Rabbi, look! The fig tree which You cursed has withered away.’  So Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.’” Mark 11:21-26

“Philip said to Him, ‘Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.’ 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’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works.’” John 14:8-10 (NKJV)

“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.” John 15:7-8

“And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” John 17:3 NKJV

“The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, oh Lord, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands.” Psalm 138:8 

“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

(Scriptures NKJV)

Be blessed by the messages and worship music at: http://www.rachelshafer.com

His Presence and Protection

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You’re cared for by My angels, who daily surround; and as you seek for Me daily, you know I’m easily found.

I appreciate what you do to help and encourage others, thereby building up the faith of your sisters and brothers.

And your prayers are so important to all people of the earth; they bear fruit in helping many to find the “new birth.”

I’ve given you the Holy Spirit to comfort and guide you. He is wonderfully present, living inside you.

I’m your shelter and shield…have faith and not fear. Emmanuel, God is with you…My love is steadfast and near.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” Matthew 1:23 KJV

“And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.” John 14:16-17 NKJV

“Jesus answered and said to him, ‘If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.'” John 14:23 NKJV

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2 Kings 6:14-16; Psalm 34:7-8; Psalm 73:28; Psalm 91; Proverbs 30:5

Matthew 9:38; John 3:3; Romans 5:5; Galatians 4:6; Galatians 6:10; Ephesians 1:13-14; James 4:8

“Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart…” Luke 18:1

Food and Fellowship Foster Faith for the Future

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…just a few thoughts about helping in this simple, basic way...

Jesus dined with close friends, tax collectors, and others during His ministry years. He, Himself, fed thousands of people with a few loaves and fish, which likely brought about the recipients’ cheers.

He desires that people be fed, in good times, but even more so, if hard times have hit. When we join with others in providing meals to victims of disaster, we give them the motivation that they need so that they won’t quit.

They’ll sense that God is encouraging them, healing their hearts when they are broken-hearted.  Christ is “visible” through His servants. Through them, they know that He hasn’t departed.

And those, who serve in such a manner, as chefs, food suppliers, or ones who financially donate…are blessed to be agents of God’s love, extended simply through the comfort of good food on a welcome dinner plate.

P. A. Oltrogge

http://www.mercychefs.com

“Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’” Matthew 25:34-36

“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.” 2 Corinthians 2:14 

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18

The Good Shepherd

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…by Anne Cook, 
Guest Contributor

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” John 10:11

My Jesus, shepherd me, I can’t see why

You would lay down your life to save lost sheep

My Jesus, shepherd me, I wonder when

This lost lamb will trust you, my dreams to keep

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My Jesus, shepherd me, I don’t know how

To hear your voice in a sea of strangers

My Jesus, shepherd me, I can’t tell where 

To place my steps to avoid life’s dangers

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My Jesus, shepherd me, please show me what 

I must do, so in your arms I will stay

My Jesus, shepherd me, without you who

Would own and know me and keep wolves away?

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My Jesus, shepherd me, by rod and staff

Bring beauty and union on my behalf.

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“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.” Psalm 23 KJV

Other references: John 10; Zechariah 11

Our Righteousness Through Jesus Christ

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…not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.” Philippians 3:9

…by Kenneth Copeland

I don’t care how badly you may have messed things up yesterday or how many mistakes you have made, I want you to begin this day knowing you are righteous! Not because of anything you’ve done but because you’ve received, by faith in Jesus, the very righteousness of God.

Just look at the kinds of benefits the Word of God says that righteousness will bring:

“The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree” (Psalm 92:12).

“When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth” (Proverbs 11:10).

“The seed of the righteous shall be delivered” (Proverbs 11:21).

“For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers” (1 Peter 3:12).

“For thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield” (Psalms 5:12).

“The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles” (Psalms 34:17).

“I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread” (Psalms 37:25).

“The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever” (Psalms 37:29).

“The Lord loveth the righteous” (Psalms 146:8).

Don’t let the devil rob you of even one of these blessings by telling you you’re unworthy of them. Run him off. Shout out loud, “I am the righteousness of God!” Then step out in faith and enjoy the privileges God has prepared for you!

The above is reprinted with permission from Kenneth Copeland Ministries

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“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18 KJV

“For as the heavens are high above the earth,
So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;
As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:11-12 (and all of Psalm 103)

“Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”  2 Corinthians 5:20-21

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned….” John 3:16-18

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” 1 Peter 1:3-5

Jesus’ Loving Touch Heals a Leper

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…from Matthew 8

After Jesus had come down from the mountain, He was followed by crowds–a great throng.

Wanting to hear the Lord’s teaching and be healed, a leper, at a certain point, had also come along. 

He fell down before Christ and worshiped Him, asking for cleansing, if Jesus would be willing. 

He had faith that his request could be one of those, that day, which the Lord would be fulfilling. 

Jesus stretched out His hand and touched the afflicted man, thereby blessing…

He destroyed what the devil had worked, which, to the leper, had been so distressing.

“I am willing,” Jesus said–what a compassionate touch for the man’s body and soul!

Jesus told him to tell no one, but to go to the priest to reveal that he’d been made whole.

There, bringing a gift in accordance with Moses’ command, the state of his health would be reviewed.

And then, he would be given right of passage to return to society–his life renewed.

Jesus’ loving touch is going forth to those who worship and call on Him still today.

There’s no one who can’t be touched by the Master, who is always willing to heal whenever we pray.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise.” Jeremiah 17:14 KJV

“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.” 1 John 5:14-15 (Throughout His ministry, Jesus demonstrated God’s will to heal.)

“Giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.  He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.”  Colossians 1:12-14

“Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them and you will have them.”  Mark 11:24

“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17

“And the power of the Lord was present to heal them.” Luke 5:17

“…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

“Bless the Lord, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:
Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” Psalm 103:1-5

That God offers forgiveness of sins and eternal life through His Son has rightly been emphasized much. But let’s also trust in God’s offer of health and healing, believing in the Master’s touch.

“Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart…”  Luke 18:1 NASB

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

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23 RSV

Put “101” into the search bar for a list of healing scriptures…

Scriptures NKJV or as noted.

Held tonight at 7 p.m. ET is another online Healing Summit at: http://www.oasiswired.org